The best PC controller 2022
The perfect PC controller is a crucial a part of any PC gamer’s toolkit. And whereas one of the best gaming mouse (opens in new tab), when mixed with one of the best gaming keyboard (opens in new tab) will see you thru most conditions, there are a number of genres that basically profit from among the best recreation controllers for PC.
Video games with sure management schemes are simply higher suited to a controller. And Elden Ring’s half-assed mouse and keyboard controls (opens in new tab) might actually tempt you towards a controller. It is also true that some video games which have been ported from console to PC find yourself with a monumentally complicated management system when utilizing a mouse and keyboard. And whereas we hate to be compelled to make use of a controller, generally it is merely one of the best software for the job.
That is true even for video games held to be PC classics. The Witcher 3 (opens in new tab), for instance, really has a much more easy management system when performed with one of the best PC controller.
And simply assume, with one of the best PC controller in hand, you possibly can sit again, loosen up, and get into a relaxing gaming session, relatively than staying hunched over the keyboard. We have examined immediately’s prime console controllers and PC controllers to search out out which of them are value dishonest in your trusty keyboard and mouse with.
Finest PC controller
For those who use the Microsoft Elite Collection 2 controller for greater than ten minutes, you may perceive why we have now it on the primary spot. All the things concerning the Collection 2 screams luxurious. The near-endless customization choices offer you an unparalleled degree of management (pun meant) over your gameplay. Having the ability to tweak all elements of the controller, like d-pads, shift paddles, and joystick pressure, is an absolute godsend.
Probably the most vital modifications within the Collection 2 over the Collection 1 (which we additionally cherished) embrace a neat little carrying case that doubles as a charging station for the controller’s new rechargeable battery with 40 hours of juice. Lastly, with challenge Xcloud and Apple Arcade bringing some nice video games to cellular units, you possibly can simply pair the Collection 2 controller by way of Bluetooth.
Spending $160 for a controller is a tricky promote for most individuals, that is close to 4 occasions the value of an Xbox One controller, however for those who’re a severe gamer who values efficiency and excessive ranges of customization, the Collection 2 is a no brainer and value each penny.
Learn the total Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Collection 2 assessment (opens in new tab).
PowerA’s Spectra Infinity Enhanced wired controller is a step up over the Spectra Enhanced we used to charge on this information. The newest model has extra similarities to the Xbox Collection X|S controller, with notably extra brilliant lights. It is a fairly swanky controller these days, contemplating its finances value.
The sting lighting offers the Spectra some persona, and the 3-way set off locks are nice for aggressive shooters, too. The Spectra would have scored increased, however the lack of any wi-fi connectivity is an enormous let down within the days of untethered gaming.
A worthy sacrifice for a less expensive value, although. Little question about that.
Learn the total PowerA Spectra Enhanced (non-Infinity) assessment (opens in new tab).
The unique Xbox One Wi-fi Controller was a staple for PC gaming. With the Xbox Collection S/X (opens in new tab) launch, we have been all curious to see how Xbox improved on an already killer gamepad.
This controller retains quite a lot of what we cherished concerning the unique. Protecting it very comfy total design with texturized rubber grips makes you’re feeling extraordinarily nice in your arms. Very similar to the unique, it boasts a vastly superior d-pad that you simply will not dread utilizing in preventing video games and platformers, taking cues from the Xbox One Elite Collection controllers. You might need seen a brand new button within the heart of the controller; a much-requested Share button now enables you to seize screenshots and gameplay footage with out diving an excessive amount of into the menus.
We capitalize Wi-fi for a purpose, not as a result of the phrase is a correct noun per sé, however as a result of the Xbox Wi-fi controller of late leverages Microsoft’s wi-fi protocol it calls “Xbox Wi-fi.” Although the title may benefit from some artistic workshopping, you possibly can take solace in the truth that, after 2016, the Xbox Wi-fi controller graces us with a much-needed serving to of Bluetooth compatibility. And now it is virtually commonplace fare for console transplants deterred by the training curve mouse and keyboard gaming presents.
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The PlayStation 5 (opens in new tab) DualSense has a “it’s important to contact it to consider it” high quality due to its new haptic motors and “Adaptive” triggers, which might provide resistance beneath your finger. Firing a bow can really really feel like firing a bow, for instance. The rumble can also be simply one of the best and most nuanced we have ever felt in a controller. It truly is nearly as good as individuals say.
The unhealthy information: the DualSense’s most superior options do not work in PC video games but, since video games will have to be programmed to reap the benefits of them. However Steam already gives full assist for the controller, so it is a minimum of a breeze to plug in and use like another pad. It is a hair much less comfy than the Xbox Collection X controller, and never as easy to make use of in non-Steam video games, however for those who choose Sony’s analog stick structure or love gyro aiming, that is the one to get.
And perhaps sometime we’ll see PC video games reap the benefits of these new triggers and haptics, too.
Scuf would not fiddle with its controllers, providing a few of the finest premium pads exterior of Sony and Microsoft. And the Intuition Professional is the best possible controller must you want to eschew the 2 large bois of the console world.
There are extra customisation choices on provide with the Intuition Professional than with just about another pad you can title. Although that may positively impression the value—with my very own decisions I managed to bump the fee as much as simply shy of $250. However did create a gloriously pink pad with out the distraction of rumble packs.
The robust factor is that each Sony and Microsoft’s controllers are simply so good, and if you’d like one thing premium the Elite Collection 2 completely ticks that field. The actual fact the Intuition Professional makes that appear to be good worth makes it an actual robust promote. It’s, although, a unbelievable controller that feels nice within the hand and is as responsive as you can want for. It is simply painfully dear.
Learn our full Scuf Intuition Professional assessment (opens in new tab).
Razer’s Wolverine Final might very properly be one of the best gamepad obtainable immediately, save for one important disqualifying issue: it could possibly’t hook up with a PC wirelessly. The Xbox-style gamepad gives most of the similar luxurious options because the Xbox One Elite Wi-fi Controller, like a swappable d-pad and customizable again paddles. It is also practically the identical value, which begs the query: why not simply purchase a kind of as an alternative?
Nicely, it isn’t for everybody, however the Wolverine Final does have its justifiable share of distinctive, downright engaging options. For starters, the face buttons—those labeled A, B, X, and Y—click on like mouse buttons. This seemingly minuscule element makes a world of distinction. It is like utilizing nothing however membrane keyboards your entire life after which making a transfer to mechanical switches. So whereas the enclosed 10-foot braided micro USB cable takes some getting used to, tactile button presses are a worthy trade-off.
After all, no Razer product can be full with no wholesome dose of Chroma, the three-headed inexperienced snake firm’s signature model of RGB lighting. Nonetheless, relatively than integrating it into the prevailing Synapse 3 app for Home windows, Razer determined to develop an app particularly for Xbox One. So for those who do plan on utilizing this controller on your PC, keep in mind you may want a separate app to configure it.
Finest controller for PC FAQ
Can you employ a console controller on PC?
The quick reply is sure. The marginally longer reply is that you simply would possibly must carry out somewhat fiddling the primary time you set it up—though after that it’s going to simply be a case of plugging it in.
The best way to arrange your controller on PC:
Is PC gaming higher with a controller?
This would possibly look like an completely offensive query to ask within the annals of PC Gamer, however it stays true that sure PC video games are much better performed with a controller than with the traditional keyboard and mouse combo.
Sports activities video games are the obvious, as anybody who has tried to play FIFA utilizing the unusual keyboard/mouse management scheme can attest to. However there are different titles, particularly these which have been primarily designed for consoles whose management schemes are so unwieldy away from a pad that taking part in them another approach is a ache.
You could possibly play Witcher 2 with no controller, for instance, however it really felt much better utilizing a pad on PC.
How will we check controllers?
Ignore those that appear to assume each recreation is finest with a mouse and keyboard. Assassins Creed Valhalla is just not finest performed with a keyboard. Avenue Fighter 5 is just not finest performed with a keyboard. True, we play most video games with a mouse and keyboard, however for PC avid gamers with ranging tastes, a great controller is a should.
Although I’ve achieved some testing with first-person shooters, I’ve largely ignored the style. Whereas it could be needed for console avid gamers, we’re nearly all the time going to make use of WASD for any form of shooter. With that in thoughts, the video games I used primarily for testing are those talked about under:
Katana Zero: A recreation that requires glorious d-pad management and responsive face buttons.
Avenue Fighter V: I’ve put quite a lot of hours into Avenue Fighter V with each controllers and battle sticks, so I understand how it must really feel. If I can not crush an AI opponent as Ken, one thing is not proper.
Forza Motorsport: I selected Forza primarily to check the analog sticks, which in response to my preferences, want three qualities: springy sufficient to rapidly snap again to heart, delicate and resistant enough to make slight steering changes, and comfortably contoured. Therefore, my thumbs aren’t bloody stumps on the finish of some hours.
