Buying a game controller for your PC is a task fraught with uncertainty and confusion. While gaming on a console typically locks you into whatever stock controller came with the system (or a few alternatives), gaming on a PC opens up a much wider range of options to explore.
Not sure where to begin? I’ll take you through it! Here’s the ultimate guide to buying a game controller for PC gaming. I’ll tell you all about the different types of controllers, their various pros and cons, the features you need to be aware of, and any caveats worth keeping in mind.
Xbox controllers work well out of the box
If you’re gaming on a Windows PC, Xbox controllers have some of the best out-of-the-box support available. Recent models made for the Xbox Series X and S work especially well with gaming PCs.
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Most major game libraries, including Steam and Microsoft Game Pass, will recognize Xbox controllers natively. Inputs and controller overlays in games will show up accurately, just as if you were playing on an Xbox.
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So, for many gamers, a basic no-frills Xbox controller will serve perfectly well for hours-long sessions. You’ll want to download the Xbox Accessories app, though, found in the Microsoft Store. This app allows you to make effortless customizations to your controller, adjust the LED lights, and update firmware.
Which Xbox controller is best?
The simplest choice is the standard Microsoft Xbox controller, which has an MSRP of $59.99 but can often be found for $50 or less. It’s widely available in over a dozen different color schemes.
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Microsoft also offers the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, which is a more expensive pro-level product. It comes with a carrying case and charging dock, along with the usual accessories needed for the controller.
The biggest difference between the stock Xbox controller and the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller? Four paddles on the back, which can be remapped to other buttons and actions. This can make action-heavy games easier and more enjoyable, letting you keep your thumbs on the thumbsticks while your other fingers do most of the work.
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The Xbox Elite Series 2 also offers trigger stops, which shorten the actuation distance of the left and right triggers so they’re quicker to respond. With a simple slide of the rear toggle, you can switch back and forth between standard and shortened trigger.
While the Xbox Elite Series 2 has an MSRP of $179.99, it can often be found closer to $140 on sale. Microsoft also offers the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core version without accessories for $129.99 MSRP. You’ll need to buy the paddles and carrying case separately, but it’s essentially the same controller as the more expensive version.
PlayStation controllers work, with caveats
With the Sony PlayStation 5 outselling Microsoft Xbox consoles, it’s no surprise to see a sea of DualSense controllers out there. The great news here is that DualSense controllers work quite well on gaming PCs, but with a few more caveats than Xbox controllers.
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For starters, the regular DualSense controller is priced a bit higher than the regular Xbox controller, with an MSRP of $74.99 that rarely goes on sale. Sony also offers a higher-end DualSense Edge controller for $199.99 MSRP, which offers more oomph for hardcore gamers. Sony DualShock controllers (for the PlayStation 4) also work on PC, and they’re priced more in line with regular Xbox controllers.
Caveats to keep in mind
Controller features may be spotty on PC, though. Some haptic feedback, like when you ride your horse, may only be felt when connected via USB cable. The controller’s speaker will also need to be cable-connected to work. Most other features work with Bluetooth, but note that DualSense controllers can only pair with one device at a time. That could be a pain point if you frequently switch between PS5 and PC.
If you’re going to use a DualSense controller on PC, Steam is your best bet, with many games offering native DualSense support — just make sure to disable PlayStation controller support in Steam settings. That may sound counterintuitive, but it’ll give you the best results when playing games that natively support DualSense controllers.
On other PC gaming platforms, such as Game Pass and Epic Games Store, your mileage may vary. You may need to use third-party tools, such as DualSenseX, to have it function properly.
Which PlayStation controller is best?
As with Xbox controllers, the basic no-frills Sony PS5 DualSense controller is more than enough for everyday gamers. The connection is easy to make, the ergonomics are comfortable, and the feel of it in your hand leads to an overall premium experience.
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But the Sony DualSense Edge controller is one of the best pro-level controllers on the market. It adds two paddles on the back, plus extra accessories like a carrying case and USB cable lock. Much like the Xbox Elite Series 2, it also has adjustable-length triggers.
One standout feature of the DualSense Edge is swappable thumbsticks, allowing you to change them out on demand, which comes in handy when they’re affected by stick drift. You can also customize your controller profiles using the PlayStation Accessories app.
What about third-party controllers?
As a PC gamer, you have access to an entire world of custom controllers that lean in both Xbox and DualSense directions.
Scuf
Scuf is one such brand. They have Instinct Pro controllers, which retail for $229.99 and are like the Xbox Elite Series 2. With ergonomic paddles on the back and mouse-click triggers, plus a familiar but tweaked Xbox feel and layout, it’s a satisfying controller to use.
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Scuf also offers Reflex Pro controllers, which retail for $219.99 and take after the PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge. You get paddles, mouse-click triggers, non-slip grip, and more. These custom controllers work just as well on PC as the PlayStation 5, so if you have both, it’s an easy buy.
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And then you have the Scuf Envision Pro controller, made exclusively for PC and usable via USB cable or wireless dongle. With rear paddles, mouse-click buttons, function keys, and customization via iCue software, it’s almost the perfect PC gaming controller. At $179.99, it’s right there alongside other pro controllers.
PDP
Some third-party controllers go even further, such as the PDP Victrix Pro Xbox controller. With interchangeable thumbsticks and a modular design, you can add a fight pad for fighting games while keeping the same ergonomic shape. It has multiple trigger stops, remappable back buttons, different D-pads, and connectivity via USB cable, Bluetooth, and wireless dongle. This one retails for $179.99 but has regular sales.
Switch
The Nintendo Switch Pro controller can connect to PCs via Bluetooth, but support may be spotty if you aren’t using Steam with Steam Input. With a retail price of $79.99, don’t expect it to be anywhere near as configurable as other pro-tier controllers. But if you have a Nintendo Switch, it’s nice to have one controller for both Switch and PC.
Others
You can use virtually any other gaming controller on your PC, especially ones that connect via Bluetooth, wireless dongle, or standard USB cables. While Xbox and PlayStation controllers are the most common, there are a few less common alternatives.
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I can’t cover every third-party brand and product, but I will mention the Flydigi Vardar 4 Pro controller, which retails at $79.99. Featuring Hall effect thumbsticks and clicky buttons, it’s becoming one of the most affordable favorites among PC gamers. The more expensive Flydigi Apex 4 controller has extra bling like a built-in screen.
Bluetooth vs. USB wireless vs. USB wired
A wired connection is always the most stable option, but wireless gaming is very capable now — and more convenient. When it comes to wireless, you have two options: Bluetooth and USB wireless (2.4GHz).
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is nice because it’s ubiquitous and easy, as long as your PC has Bluetooth capabilities. You just pair the controller to your PC and it appears as one of many connected Bluetooth devices. Gaming performance is mostly fine, with some minor latency (due to the way Bluetooth works) that you may or may not feel.
Even so, Bluetooth can be hit or miss. While gaming performance is good, connection issues are bound to occur. Bluetooth is prone to interference (which can cause lag or disconnections), and reconnecting a controller can be cumbersome. You might even have to re-pair it.
Most modern controllers — including the Xbox Core, Xbox Elite Series 2, Sony DualSense, and Sony DualSense Edge — have Bluetooth functionality. It’s what makes them so widely compatible.
USB wireless (2.4GHz)
On Xbox consoles, Microsoft uses a proprietary wireless connection to pair controllers with Xbox consoles. Fortunately, you can plug a Microsoft-made USB wireless adapter into your PC to get the same functionality, although finding it on sale has been harder with time.
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It’s my favorite way to connect Xbox controllers to a PC. You simply insert the USB adapter into a USB port, hold the pairing button on your Xbox controller, and then the button on the adapter itself. It pairs within seconds, and it can pair up to 8 different controllers at once. I’ve tested this with a variety of Xbox controllers and they all work perfectly.
What about non-Xbox controllers? Many third-party controllers come with their own USB wireless dongles, assuming they support the tech. These aren’t as universally useful as Microsoft’s because they only pair with their respective controllers, but if you only have one controller, it’s fine.
USB wired
For controllers that don’t come with wireless dongles, like Sony’s DualSense, you’re stuck with either Bluetooth or USB wired. Not ideal because if Bluetooth ever starts acting up, you’ll be stuck tethering.
Not that tethering is bad, mind you. With a wired connection, you’ll experience less input lag (i.e., less delay between pressing a button and seeing it happen on screen), and you’ll never randomly disconnect due to a spotty wireless signal or interference. That makes it a great — even preferred — option for esports and action-intense games. Plus, you never have to worry about pairing and re-pairing between devices.
But the downside is obvious: you’re tethered. You can only go as far from your PC as your controller’s cable length. And that might be fine if you have a 10-foot USB cable, but could be a deal-breaker if you’re stuck with a short cable that prevents you from lounging while playing.
What is controller stick drift?
Stick drift is when a thumbstick loses integrity, causing the game you’re playing to think you’re moving the stick even when you aren’t touching it. These phantom inputs may cause your character or camera to move on their own. It’s usually due to wear and tear over time, but it can also be caused by dust or debris lodged within the controller.
Stick drift is one of the biggest recurring issues in the modern world of gaming controllers. The Nintendo Switch (Joy-Cons and Pro), Xbox (Core and Elite), and PlayStation (DualShock and DualSense) have all seen user reports of stick drift to varying degrees.
Lucky gamers can go for years without any stick drift while others may experience it within months of getting a new controller.
What are Hall Effect thumbsticks?
Unlike traditional thumbsticks, which use potentiometers to detect input, Hall effect thumbsticks use magnets and semiconductors. In a traditional controller, the potentiometer wears out from physical contact, friction, and resistance. With magnets, that isn’t so much of an issue.
Thiago Trevisan / IDG
The very first Hall effect controller was the stock Sega Dreamcast controller from 1998, but the technique didn’t really catch on until the 2020s — and you can now get Hall effect controllers for pretty cheap, like the GameSir G7 SE and the 8Bitdo Ultimate.
Hall effect controllers are popular because they’re less susceptible to stick drift and have longer lifespans. Sadly, name-brand controllers by Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are all still based on potentiometers. If you want Hall effect, you have to go third-party.
What are adaptive vs. adjustable triggers?
Adaptive triggers are special trigger buttons that can change resistance on the fly, making them easier or harder to press for different things. For example, guns in Warframe feel different to shoot. Because adaptive triggers better simulate game interactions, they’re more immersive.
Not to be confused with adjustable triggers, which allow you to change how far you need to press the trigger for it to activate. On supporting controllers, you can switch between short and long throws, with shorter triggers useful in games that demand fast reaction times.
Many custom controllers have adjustable triggers, but DualSense adaptive triggers are rare because Sony owns the patent to them. You might see them as features in higher-end models like the Flydigi Apex 4 and Scuf Reflex, but these won’t feel exactly the same as what you get in official DualSense controllers.
You can mod your own controllers
If you like building PCs, you can build your own controllers, too. I’ve done it myself using readily available parts from eXtremeRate.
To be clear, I’m not talking about putting a controller together from scratch. But you can take an old or broken DualSense controller, for example, and switch out the thumbsticks for Hall effect sticks or add paddle buttons to the back of it. And you don’t need soldering skills for most modifications. (Changing out sticks does involve soldering.)
A full guide on how to do this and what you can potentially do is beyond the scope of this article. Just know that it’s possible!
You have many options, so explore them
With Steam, you can use almost any controller you want. It comes down to how comfortable it is and what features you need.
You can use stock Xbox or DualSense controllers, which are fine choices. You can go with third-party alternatives, especially if you want Hall effect sticks or non-DualSense adaptive triggers. Between Bluetooth, wireless dongles, and USB cables, you have options — but you’ll have the best out-of-the-box experience with Steam, so keep that in mind.
The takeaway is, gaming on a PC doesn’t mean you have to use a keyboard and mouse, and there are plenty of excellent controllers that can give you the console experience on your gaming rig. You should now know enough to buy a PC game controller that you’ll love.
Further reading: PCs vs. consoles? The future looks blurrier than ever