While many PC gamers may swear by the keyboard-and-mouse setup, some games just feel better with a gamepad in your hands. With that in mind, here are the best PC controllers to bring a little of. Top free Games with Gamepad (any) support (2,427 results) A local multiplayer auto-runner party game with a twist on team cooperation set in an ugly-cute alien universe. Solve puzzles in dimly lit corridors and uncover the story of an ancient king gone mad. It's the season for penny buns, Grandma forced you to come along a bit. The Best PC Game Controllers Make It Easier to Level Up. Become an even better gamer with one of these top controllers! By Stefan Vazharov and Brandon Carte. Updated: Jul 13, 2018 Trust us: A dedicated controller makes a number of PC video games considerably more enjoyable. We've rounded up the best offerings available on the market today.
Purists will tell you that a gaming mouse and keyboard is the only way to play PC games, and, until recently, they were mostly right. Customizability options in strategy games and more precise aiming in shooters make them a perfect solution to playing the best PC games.
Now, though, many AAA games are designed with console controls in mind, and PC gamers often find themselves turning to controllers for some of the more dexterity-demanding generes out there. Sports, action-RPGs like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and fighting games are among the best reasons to invest in a decent controller for your PC for when a keyboard simply won’t cut it.
It is an incredibly close-fought battle, but we think the best PC controller is the Xbox One wireless pad. It’s incredibly well-built, with smart ergonomics, excellent triggers, and is always.
The hard part, though, is settling on one controller. There are hundreds of viable options to fit every budget, and many sport a host of features that may or may not be appropriate for your situation. We’ve collected five of our favorite PC game controllers below, ranging from budget-friendly options to expensive, premium devices.
And, while we haven’t done a full review of every controller on this list, we’re PC gaming experts, so you can trust that each PC game controller on this list will be worth your time and money. We’ve also included our exclusive price comparison tool to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
1. Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
Connectivity: Wired, Bluetooth | Features: Textured grip, 3.5mm stereo headset, replaceable battery
Comfortable
Not very many features
![Best Pc Games With Controller Best Pc Games With Controller](https://heavyeditorial.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/controller5.jpg?quality=65&strip=all&w=780&h=624)
Microsoft’s Xbox controller has been the ruler by which other PC game controllers are measured since the Xbox 360 days, and for good reason. It’s comfortable and weighty with a button layout that feels natural. The most recent version – designed for the Xbox One console – iterates on everything that made last generation’s model so great by adding clickier shoulder bumpers and a vastly improved directional pad.
The built in bluetooth wireless makes pairing it with your desktop a breeze, and the price point is very attractive for consumers on a budget. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, meaning you’re likely find something that matches your rig. And, even if there isn’t a color scheme you’re into, Microsoft will let you customize it through the Xbox Design Lab. This controller is as universal as they come, making it a fantastic choice for just about any setup.
2. Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
Connectivity: Wired, Wireless (via adapter) | Features: Interchangeable components, haptic rumble, 3.5mm headset, extensive customization
Tons of features and customizability
Very expensive
A premium version of the Xbox One controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller certainly earns its moniker. It features an enormous number of upgrades over the standard Xbox controller, such as an interchangeable component layout and paddle buttons on the reverse side. There’s also a trigger governor that you can toggle for more sensitive trigger pulls. It’s more than double the price, though, so this is a product aimed squarely at those among us who truly want to take advantage of keyboard levels of customizability.
The Elite controller includes some truly impressive software functionality, which lets you tweak and fine-tune nearly every aspect of play. Here, you can customize many different profiles, of which the controller can hold two at any time, letting you change between them with the flick of a switch. If you’re looking for the most feature-packed controller available for your PC, this is your best bet, provided you’re willing to shell out the cash.
Read the full review: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
3. Logitech F310
Connectivity: Wired | Features: Programmable buttons, DirectInput switch for use with older and modern games
Very inexpensive
A bit small
If you’re in the market for a truly budget controller, it’s tough to beat Logitech’s F310. It may be basic in its execution and functionality, but there’s something to be said about the no-frills nature of this cheap option. Just plug it in via USB and you’re ready to go. Considering the glut of customization options and features of all the premium controllers out there, the F310 is oddly refreshing. It also boasts an admirable directional pad and a great button layout.
As might be expected, the price point comes with a number of tradeoffs. First, the controller is rather lightweight, which lends an unfortunately flimsy quality to the experience of gaming with it. Also, with no wireless functionality, the cord interface may be less than ideal for some. It’s also a tad small and larger hands are likely to struggle a bit. Still, given these caveats, the F310 is a fine choice for an inexpensive alternative to a mouse and keyboard.
4. Sony DualShock 4
Connectivity: Wireless | Features: 3.5mm headset, touchpad, motion control capabilities
Comfortable, fantastic d-pad
Exposed shoulder buttons
The PlayStation 4 is Sony’s best controller to date, and lucky for us it’s compatible with Steam’s entire library of games. Very comfortable in the hands, the DualShock 4 boasts tactile analog sticks with just enough resistance, and perhaps the best directional pad ever. It also features motion technology that’s compatible with with a surprising number of games, allowing you to steer in racing games or aim in shooters by moving the controller around.
There are a couple issues, though. Most notably, the exposed shoulder buttons make it easy to accidentally bump them on the desk. The rubber on the analog sticks also tends to rub off after extended use. Still, Sony’s controller ranks up there among the best options for controller-based PC gaming.
Read the full review: Dualshock 4 Controller
Free Online Games Controller Compatible
5. 8BitDo SN30 Pro
Connectivity: Wired, Bluetooth | Features: Rumble, screenshot button, turbo button
Sturdy
Small and slightly uncomfortable
Peripheral manufacturer 8BitDo has made its name on retro designs that lean heavily on nostalgia, and the SN30 Pro wears its inspiration on its sleeve. Modeled after old-school Super Nintendo controllers, it’s ideal for the PC’s ever-growing library of retro-inspired games, even if it doesn’t necessarily appeal to everyone. The button layout will be instantly familiar to anyone who grew up with 2D platformers and JRPGs.
![Best Pc Games With Controller Best Pc Games With Controller](https://assets.pcmag.com/media/images/561290-time-to-boost.jpg)
Best Pc Games With Controller Support
The craftsmanship on the SN30 Pro is surprisingly sturdy, especially considering its budget pricing. It also sports a pair of analog sticks should you want to use it for modern shooters or action games, though we wouldn’t recommend that. Its small form factor makes it uncomfortable in the hand during extended sessions and more twitch-based games. Regardless, there are a number of games that would benefit from the authentically retro touch that the SN30 brings to the desk.
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