PC gaming has a lot to offer. While this won't surprise anyone who has spent any time in the community, what may come as a minor surprise to them is the rising prevalence of gamepad and console controller support.
Times are changing - the support for controllers on PC titles is no longer an assault on the puritanic ways of the PC gaming world. Stepping away from the gaming keyboard and gaming mouse is a growing trend and can be a very liberating process, allowing a new aspect or playstyle of a game to be unlocked.
Many players will prefer the minimalism of a controller, appreciating its ergonomic layout and simplicity. But it would be wrong to see this minimalism as meaning the controllers are featureless. Many controllers offer custom button mapping, tension and sensitivity government, and even modular triggers and levers.
Gamers raised on a steady diet of console gaming but made the jump to gaming PC or gaming laptop may also feel more at home with a controller in their hands. Sometimes a specific genre, like fighters or racers, lends itself to the controller layout. Thanks to the efforts of some manufacturers, there are now accessible controllers suitable for gamers with disabilities, which can adapt to individual needs.
To help you find the right option for you, we’ve rounded up the best PC controller below. Read on to find your new gaming companion.
The best PC gaming controller
The best affordable PC controller
The Xbox controller is a design that has stood the test of time. It's comfortable, robust, and most importantly of all, affordable. The D-pad, triggers and button layout are familiar to swathes of gamers, and the offset analogue sticks are well-placed for comfort. The controller can be connected to the PC via a wired or wireless connection and will also accept a stereo headset via the onboard 3.5mm audio jack.
Note: AA Batteries, rechargeable battery pack available separately
| Connection: | Wired and Bluetooth |
The best premium PC controller
Building on the Xbox Wireless Controller, the Elite introduces several impressive features. Physically, the controller benefits from customisable rear paddle triggers, trigger locks, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, and the choice between traditional and faceted D-pad controls. Fine-tuning and two customised profiles are available via the companion software, allowing controls to map and suit personal preference. If price is no object, the Elite is the very best PC gaming controller available.
Note: Built-in rechargeable battery
| Connection: | Wired with USB-C and Bluetooth |
The best motion control with parallel sticks
With the Sony DualShock 4 controller, gamers can control their catalogue in comfort and style. The motion control features work on many PC games, including with shooters like Doom, Sniper Elite, and Destiny 2 - ideal for those looking to access the functionality of a controller layout without scarifying all of the fine-tuned precision and fluidity of a gaming mouse.
Note: Built-in rechargeable battery, motion controls
| Connection: | Wired and Bluetooth |
The best motion control with offset sticks
Rrp: $89.99
The Switch Pro Controller is an impressive thing for both Switch and PC users. The controller is very comfortable and well-sized, and it carries gyroscopic controls for fluid refinement of in-game controls. If a gamer is looking for motion controls, comfort, and offset analogue sticks, the Switch Pro is the answer.
Note: Built-in rechargeable battery, motion controls
| Connection: | Wired and Bluetooth |
The best retro controller for emulators
This offering from 8BitDo is ideal for those who like nothing more than booting up a ROM for a little retro nostalgia. Based on the classic SNES Nintendo controller, the SN30 has an iconic in-hand feel and layout. A few nice mod-cons are thrown in, including Bluetooth connectivity to both Xinput and DirectInput, rechargeable battery, 6-axis controls, rumble, and compatibility with Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS, as well as PC.
Note: Built-in rechargeable battery, motion controls
| Connection: | Wired and Bluetooth |
The best controller for flight sims
The joy of flight sims is in the name - it's a simulation, immersing gamers in a digital facsimile of the real thing. For anyone spending their free hours flying LA to Tokyo in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or dogfighting Eurofighters in Ace Combat 7, this Thrustmaster flight stick is the dream ticket. The joystick has interchangeable heads, throttle and rudder controls, and a throttle quadrant featuring 16 buttons and two navigational axes. It's also compatible with a range of other Thrustmaster flying sim peripherals for future expansions.
| Connection: | Wired |
The best PC-specific controller
www.logitechg.com
It isn't pretty, but the Logitech F710 controller is host to an array of features. It has a pleasant grip, dual-vibration motors and a D-pad with individual switches under each button for improved responsiveness. It works particularly well with the Steam Big Picture interface and supports both Xinput and DirectInput. Wireless connection comes via the provided 2.4GHz nano-receiver, which plugs straight into a free USB port.
Note: Built-in rechargeable battery
| Connection: | Wired and Bluetooth |
The best PC fight stick
While we would argue that button-mashing is always a valid tactic, fighting games are also a bastion for walking move-set databases with excellent muscle memory. Whether jumping into the classics like Street Fighter or with the newer titles like Mortal Kombat 11, an arcade fight stick is the best weapon in the peripheral arsenal. The Mayflash F300 is a fine example of such a controller, offering up the traditional eight-button layout (with a few turbo functions - which is definitely not cheating).
| Connection: | Wired |
The best PC controller for accessibility
www.microsoft.com
The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a considered and well-executed device, helping those with disabilities access the very best that gaming has to offer on both Xbox and PC. The controller allows users to arrange external triggers and controllers (sold separately) to best suit their individual preferences and requirements. The controller is remappable to create multiple controller profiles.
Notes: Requires adaptive kit
| Connection: | Wired and Bluetooth |
An essential kit for accessible gaming
www.logitechg.com
The Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit provides the external triggers and buttons for Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller. Logitech's kit is comprehensive, offering 12 buttons and triggers, including light touch buttons, variable triggers, and small and large buttons. The kit also comes with two hook-and-loop gaming boards to keep peripherals locked in place once arranged.
Notes: Requires Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controller
READ MORE: The Best Gaming Chairs
READ MORE: The Best PC Games
READ MORE: The Best Gaming Setup: Essentials for PC, PS5 & Xbox