There are several reasons why you’d want to change up your video game controller. Perhaps you’re not too happy with the shape of the one your console came with, or maybe you want a few extra buttons. Perhaps you’re one of the unlucky few who has suffered from stick drift. Whether you’re looking for an upgrade or a similarly-priced replacement, we’ve got options.
Below is a variety of controllers and there will almost certainly be something that suits you, regardless of the platforms you play on and the design you’re looking for. Whether you play every day or you’re looking for a novelty controller that stands out, there are options out there, and we’ve got some of the very best right here.
Fortnite Peely Nintendo Switch Controller
Go Bananas
PowerA’s enhanced wireless controller for Nintendo Switch is officially licensed by Epic Games and a part of the peripheral maker’s Fortnite collection. Like this controller, all three of the Switch accessories are Peely-themed.
Blended up and turned into a controller, poor Peely is putting on a brave face for the sake of whoever is picking up him to jump off the Battle Bus and start racking up eliminations. PowerA’s officially licensedFortnitecontroller is pretty appealing, and not only because it’s a neat piece of Fortnite merch. The high-qualityNintendo Switchcontroller is wireless with a long battery life, and it comes with a long USB-C cable so you can charge while you play. If you want to complete the set, you’ll find matching Peely earbuds and a Switch case inour Nintendo Switch Lite accessories guide.
Xbox Wireless Controller - Fallout
Fresh From The Vault
Xbox’s Design Lab lets you create your very own controller, and to celebrate the release of Fallout’s TV adaptation on Amazon Prime, Fallout customization options were added to the store.
Fallout 5 is still a long way off, but fans of the series have been shown that lies beyondFallout 4thanks toAmazon’s TV show. Set after the events of all the games, Fallout’s adaptation was met with critical acclaim, and whether you’re an old fan of the series or a new one, you’re able to now rep your fandom with anXboxcontroller. Even better, you can tweak how your controller looks. The only element you have to have if you want it to be Fallout-themed is the faceplate. Everything else, including the triggers and even the D-pad, is fully customizable. Pairs perfectly with some ofour recommended Fallout Funko Pops.
8Bitdo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox Series X
For The Ultimate Xbox Experience
The 8Bitdo Ultimate Wired Controller is the dream controller for someone who likes custom button-mapping. It features custom software to ensure that the buttons are mapped easily and exactly how you want them. It also features two back paddle buttons, along with the capability of hosting three custom profiles.
The 8Bitdo Ultimate Wired Controller really ramps things up in the customization department, but in a very different way to the Fallout option above. While it doesn’t offer too much in terms of physical customization like something from Xbox’s Design Lab, it’s button mapping features and software ensure that you get the exact setup that you want, and can quickly change it if you want to experiment. Perfect for pro gamers who know exactly what they want from their gaming set up.
GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller For Xbox
Who Needs Things To Be Wireless Anyway?
The biggest selling point of the GameSir G7 SE is its Hall Effect thumbsticks that prevent stick drift. Aside from that, the thumbsticks are built into anti-friction glide rings that allow for smoother movement.
Besides the thumbsticks, the GameSir G7 SE Gamepad Wired Game Controller features triggers that not only feel great to pull, but can also vibrate. This adds to the immersion factor of the game you’re playing, especially if it’s a shooter which is rarer than you might think when playing on Xbox. The PlayStation rival has admitted it’s a little jealous of the PS5’s DualSense tech, and eventually, Xbox will catch up and introduce haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to its own controllers. Until then, this is the closest thing you’ll find to an Xbox DualSense.
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
Now We’re Making Sense
PlayStation’s proprietary current-gen pro controller. Instead of opting for a third party alternative, PlayStation’s own DualSense Edge features all the bells and whistles of the base controller, but with a few additional features like changeable stick caps, replaceable stick modules, mappable back buttons, adjustable trigger lengths, and on-controller profile selection. This is as customizable as a DualSense can get.
If you are a PS5 owner and you want an upgrade on your regular DualSense, look no further than the DualSense Edge which comes with all of the features mentioned in the previous entry plus so much more. Besides the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it offers two programmable buttons on the back and an option to replace the entire stick module. While it would be better if Sony worked towards fixing stick drift instead of earning money off it, at least you won’t have to replace your entire controller.
Xbox Elite Controller Series 2
Be Elite
The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is the current-gen version of Xbox’s popular Elite controller. It is one of the most customisable controllers you’ll ever come across; allowing you to adjust the tension in the thumbstick and triggers, app integration for voice commands, swappable d-pad designs, and upto four programmable back buttons.
Just like the DualSense Edge, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is Microsoft’s current-gen premium controller. While it doesn’t include the innate features like its PlayStation counterpart does, because as we’ve already covered, nothing on Xbox currently does it makes up for it by being one of the most customizable controllers on the market. There are also four mappable buttons you can use to mirror whichever commands you like. Another option for the more hardcore gamers among you.
The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Hyrule Awaits
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller isn’t like the rest of the controllers on this list. But, then again, the Nintendo Switch is unlike any other console. If you don’t like the feel of the JoyCons, or you’re just too used to the shape of modern controllers, the Pro Controller is just what you need. The Tears of the Kingdom edition is, by far, the best looking one too.
The Nintendo Switch has been a roaring success and is a modern marvel on the current gaming landscape. Let’s be honest though, its Jpy-Con are uncomfortable to use. While innovative, they’re simply not that comfortable. That’s why Nintendo launched the Pro Controller. While it adds a level of comfort, it also acts as a great option to play while the console is docked. TheTears of the Kingdomedition is a bit more expensive, but it looks really good and is the only thing you should be using when wielding the Master Sword and fighting Ganondorf.
Razer Wolverine V2 Wired Gaming Controller for Xbox
Clickyness isn’t just for keyboards anymore
Moving onto the third-party controllers, Razer’s take on the Xbox Series X|S controller comes with way more features than the base controller. The Wolverine V2 features Mecha-Tactile buttons and d-pad to give you that satisfying clicky feel that you get in mechanical keyboards. It also features an extra shoulder button, and a Hair Trigger mode for precision commands.
When it comes to third-party controllers, Razer is quite a bit ahead of the curve. Specifically tailored for the Xbox Series X|S, the Wolverine V2 offers a number of features that Microsoft’s controllers don’t normally come with; the most prominent being the tactile buttons and d-pad. However, it also comes with a Hair-Trigger mode that offers immediate and precise commands for when you need it. The last thing you need when playing a first-person shooter online is any kind of delay, and this Razer option reduces the risk of that significantly.
Razer Wolverine V2 Pro
Over The Edge
The V2 Pro is Razer’s take on the PlayStation DualSense. While the base version is for the Xbox, the V2 Pro is targeted at the PlayStation 5, and offers a whole lot more. Besides the Mecha-Tactile buttons, customization options, and Hair-Trigger mode, the V2 Pro is wireless and features four back buttons. It also comes with the trackpad that the PlayStation controllers come with.
Razer’s naming convention is a bit weird, making the Pro version exclusively for PlayStation; but that doesn’t take away from how good the Wolverine V2 Pro is. Besides all the cool features it comes with, it’s one of the very few third-party controllers to feature a trackpad like Sony’s proprietary controllers. Odd that the feature isn’t included in more third party PlayStation controllers considering the work that goes into keeping it around and the amount of games that utilize it. Unlike it’s Xbox counterpart, it’s wireless and features RGB lighting.
Nintendo 64 Switch Controller
The Best Worst Controller Ever Made
The Nintendo N64 controller is considered one of the best controllers ever made. So, it only makes sense that Nintendo launched a wireless version when the Switch’s Online offerings started including N64 games. It looks exactly like how you remember it, give or take a few material changes. And, of course, it’s wireless.
Controllers have only become more comfortable and feature-filled as the years have passed. Not too many of them are missed once you’re used to holding a current-gen controller that gives you all the comfort and customizability that you’re able to hope for. And yet, very few of them look and feel as cool as the N64 controller. Its revolutionary build allows you to swap your holding stance based on the game and the situation. This controller was truly next-gen for its time and still manages to hold up.
FAQ
Are PS5 Controllers Compatible With PC
The PS5’s DualSense controller is compatible with PC and comes in handy when playing some of the current-gen titles that have been ported to the platform.
Do Most PC Gamers Use A Controller?
It’s unclear exactly how many PC gamers opt to use a controller instead of keyboard and mouse. However, it’s estimated when given the option, as much as 30 percent of players prefer to use a controller.
