The best controllers for PC gaming

The search for the perfect controller to play PC games can be more difficult than you think. It’s got to be comfortable to use, with every button, stick, and trigger easily in reach. It’s also important that you’re getting the features you want. These features might include an easy installation on a PC, long battery life, compatibility across multiple platforms, accessibility options like the ability of remap buttons or adjust trigger and stick sensitivity.

At Polygon, we play games on a lot of consoles and platforms — both new and old. There are many preferences and requirements among our employees. We’ve come together to share our favorite PC-ready controllers.

Polygon photo by Henry Hargreaves

Microsoft Xbox Controller

According to the Polygon group, the Xbox controller was the controller that received the most endorsements. Its comfort and value speak for themselves, as well as the fact that Microsoft offers enough color options to suit different tastes. It also helps that it’s usually around $50 (depending on the color), and that it Only worksWith most PC games. It doesn’t matter what Windows game client it is, you don’t need to do anything extra.

Xbox wireless controller

Price at publishing time.

Compatible with PCs Steam Deck, Xbox (Android/iOS), and Mobile (Android/iOS). 

This controller is a refined version of Microsoft’s Xbox One wireless model, with added texture around its grips, plus a capture button in the middle. This controller connects to Xbox consoles as well as to Bluetooth-enabled PCs. It has a universally beneficial change over the old version. The connector port allows you to wire the controller via cable instead of Micro USB. The 3.5mm headphone port can be used for private listening. It is not compatible with wireless controllers.

The Xbox controller is compatible with iOS and Android versions up to the latest. This controller is compatible with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth. It is supported by a growing number mobile games, as well, and works flawlessly with the Xbox Game Pass app.

It can work on even more platforms if you purchase 8BitDo’s clever $19.99 USB Adapter 2. You can connect your Nintendo Switch controller to the adapter. This USB adapter allows you to connect your Xbox controller with other devices such as Macs, Raspberry Pis, etc.

Although the Xbox controller’s biggest drawback might be minor, it requires two AAA batteries. However, the Xbox controller has a 40-hour battery life, which is dependent on how much you use it. If you don’t want to change out batteries, we recommend this $44.99 8BitDo dual controller charging dock, which includes two rechargeable battery packs, enough for two controllers.

Microsoft. Image

Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 builds on the excellent foundation of Microsoft’s Xbox controller with features that enthusiast gamers may appreciate. The controller features swappable stick caps, directional pads, tension adjustment for the analog sticks and custom-made back paddles. You will also receive a zip-up bag. It might be worth $178.99 if you are looking for more buttons and customizable settings. Compatible with Xbox One and PC.

Polygon photo by Henry Hargreaves

Sony DualSense controller

There’s another slice of our staff who swear by Sony’s DualSense, a modern controller that retains the symmetrical analog stick arrangement that PlayStation controllers are known for. The DualSense is comparable to the Xbox controller in terms of compatibility. Both are compatible with Android, iOS and have Bluetooth built-in for PC support. DualSense is more expensive at $69.99, but it does offer key features and some perks.

In terms of using the DualSense on a PC, it’s possible to do, but it’s a little complicated. It can connect via Bluetooth for a wireless connection, but games that don’t support the DirectInput controller API likely won’t recognize it as a controller. This issue can be solved by plugging the controller in to your computer, however there are many other options if wireless gaming is something you want.

Another option is to depend on Steam. SteamInput API supports DualSense controllers. That makes Sony’s controller a first-class citizen in the eyes of Steam, right next to the Xbox controller, and plenty of games should offer no-fuss DualSense support.

DualSense might not be compatible with certain PC games. However, adding them as a “non-Steam game” within Steam can solve for this. To do this, click the “Add a Game” option in the bottom left corner of the Steam client, then find the executable file (.exe) in your storage.

An app called DS4Windows can be downloaded along with drivers to get Steam working. It emulates the DualSense’s controller and ensures PC game compatibility. The app gives you a host of settings to customize the DualSense’s button mapping, if you wish. And, in case you want to go down the rabbit hole of figuring out which PC games support the DualSense’s haptics and adaptive trigger features (and the steps to getting them to work), the site PCGamingWiki has you covered.

DualSense controls the PS5. It can support realistic-feeling, haptic feedback, and gyroscopic movement controls. Additionally, its triggers may provide tension for certain actions to feel more real. There’s no better controller for the PS5 than this one. It’s a good controller for using PS Remote Play, too. When it’s connected to an Android device for a PS Remote Play session, the DualSense supports adaptive triggers in games that take advantage of the feature.

8BitDo’s $19.99 USB Adapter 2 also works perfectly with the DualSense, letting you play games on your Switch with it once it’s paired. It was more fun to just play Splatoon 3. with my PS5 controller’s analog stick arrangement. You can even use it to support gyroscopic movement of your camera, like the Switch controllers.

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Sony has its pro-grade controller, just like Microsoft. It’s the $199.99 DualSense Edge, which is compatible with the PS5. It’s tempting to call out its similarities to the Xbox Elite Series 2, of which there are plenty, but it’s more helpful to speak about how it differs. For one, its stick modules can be replaced entirely — a move that makes the DualSense Edge a little more user-repairable. Also, the PS5’s interface for the Edge is intuitive, and it makes remapping controls and setting schemes the breeze that it should be.

While the Edge is compatible on PC, Sony and Steam haven’t developed drivers that let gamers take full advantage of its back paddles and swappable control schemes.

Nintendo Switch Pro controller

Another staff favourite is the Switch Pro controller. If it’s a great Nintendo Switch and PC controller you’re after, this is the pinnacle in terms of comfort, durability, battery life, and other Switch-specific extras, but we’ll get to those a little later.

You can use the Switch Pro controller to play PC-based games. But like the DualSense, it’s not a plug-and-play affair unless you literally plug it in via USB. You can use the device wirelessly by running Steam, which officially supports Switch Pro controllers. It is possible to add non-Steam titles to your Steam library to make sure that they are compatible with controllers. Again, you can do that by clicking the “Add a Game” option on the bottom left corner in the Steam client.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to use Steam to play your games, relying on DS4Windows and its bevy of drivers is a free yet slightly advanced way to make Windows recognize your Switch Pro wireless controller. The $19.99 8BitDo USB Adapter 2 I mentioned earlier can also be useful. After plugging it into your PC and tethering wirelessly to it, you’re good to go — no fussing with apps required.

It is, without a doubt, an excellent Switch controller. The Joy-Cons and the Switch Pro are compatible with motion controls. It also supports HD rumble, which provides more subtle, precise jolts in game games. You can redeem in-game perks, such as the new Nintendo Switch. Tears of the Kingdom: Zelda’s Legend.

It might be small but this is one of the few Switch controllers that allows you to wake up your console from anywhere by simply pressing its home button. Some consoles require that you manually turn it on, which is sometimes a small inconvenience.

Image: 8BitDo

8BitDo Ultimate 2.0g Controller

8BitDo released many controllers over the years. But, its Ultimate controller’s name is appropriate. This controller includes many features found in its top gamepads and some additional options that will help to reduce sticker shock due to its price of $49.99.

Its asymmetrical stick layout, overall shape and labeling of face buttons should make the Xbox controller feel at home to those who already love it’s unique shape. Every button, trigger, and stick feels just as great to use than any console maker’s modern controller.

The Ultimate software can be used on both smartphones and computers to customize this controller, just like other 8BitDo devices. You can then remap the controls and assign buttons to its rear paddle buttons. Adjust trigger sensitivity, adjust stick settings, as well as remap buttons. The controller allows up to three custom control schemes, which you can switch between with its middle “star” button.

An Ultimate controller comes with a dock that can charge your device. A 2.4GHz transmitter is nestled inside the dock. This makes it quick and simple to connect to your computer. You can charge your controller with the dock, or switch between DirectInput/XInput using a switch at the back depending on what each game requires.

8BitDo offers a more expensive version with Nintendo-style buttons, the Ultimate Bluetooth. They’re virtually identical, and it can work via 2.4 GHz with PC, too. Its greatest benefit, however, is the Gulikit Hall Effect analog sticks. These stick are designed to resist drift and can withstand time. The Ultimate 2.4g’s potentiometer-based sticks (and the rest of these controllers) do not offer such a guarantee. There’s a possibility you may never experience the issue firsthand, but the anti-drifting sticks alone might be a reason for some to consider buying the Ultimate Bluetooth.

The Ultimate Bluetooth is similar in a lot of ways to Nintendo’s Switch Pro controller, with its motion control support, rechargeable battery, and Nintendo-style face button layout. However, it doesn’t have All Many of these features are also available. For instance, it doesn’t support NFC, so you can’t tap an amiibo on it, and its haptics aren’t up to par with Nintendo’s. However, it’s one of a few third-party Switch controllers that can wake your console from sleep. If it’s paired, press the home button, then shake the controller to awaken the Switch.