The best PC controller for gaming in 2023

PC gaming controller FAQs

How a lot ought to I anticipate to spend on a PC gaming controller?

PC controllers are likely to retail at three totally different worth factors.

Finances controllers price between $25 and $40. These controllers normally require a wired connection and haven’t got further options like paddle buttons or enter customization. Relying on the model, they may even be made with cheaper plastic.

Customary PC gaming controllers retail at round $70. They will have grippy handles and joysticks, tactile buttons, and normally embrace a number of particular options, like customizable controls and further buttons. Most might be performed wirelessly.

Excessive-end controllers price round $180. Controllers that costly can have all the good options of an ordinary controller, however normally embrace interchangeable elements and extremely smooth designs. They’re additionally constructed with sturdy plastic, rubber, or steel.

However which form of controller do you have to purchase? In my expertise, an ordinary PC gaming controller — round $70 — is ideal for many avid gamers. Premium controllers are good, however they arrive with an enormous soar in worth that the additional options not often make up for.

Do all wi-fi controllers use Bluetooth? What’s 2.4GHz?

Nowadays, Bluetooth is the most typical manner that wi-fi units join to one another. However though lots of the finest PC controllers for gaming do supply a Bluetooth possibility, most join utilizing a distinct form of wi-fi sign referred to as 2.4GHz.

2.4GHz alerts are stronger than Bluetooth, and switch your button inputs sooner. This makes 2.4GHz nice for sure genres, like preventing video games, that demand fast inputs. You additionally need not fiddle with complicated Bluetooth menus — you possibly can simply plug the included USB dongle into your laptop, activate the controller, and begin enjoying.

Due to these advantages, 2.4GHz connections are additionally used on the perfect wi-fi gaming headsets and finest wi-fi gaming mouse fashions. 

Earlier than shopping for a controller, examine whether or not it makes use of Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, or each.

What are set off locks or set off switches?

Many more moderen PC gaming controllers have particular switches on the again referred to as set off locks. Flipping these switches permits you to change how far it is advisable press the set off buttons earlier than they register an enter.

By default, the triggers will likely be unlocked, or set to “analog” mode. Which means the triggers have a full vary of movement, and might monitor precisely how a lot stress you are placing on them. The commonest use for this function is in racing video games — the more durable you press the set off, the more durable you jam your foot down on the fuel pedal.

If you flip the switches to lock the triggers, you are setting them to “digital” mode. Digital triggers do not transfer very far, and solely monitor whether or not you are urgent them in any respect. They are not pressure-sensitive. That is nice in taking pictures video games, the place it is advisable press the triggers as quick as doable.

Can I exploit a console controller on my PC?

If you happen to already personal a gaming console, you possibly can positively use the controller that comes with it.

Almost all wi-fi controllers can connect with your PC utilizing Bluetooth. Simply put them into pairing mode and open your PC’s Bluetooth menu to seek for connections. And if that does not work, simply join the controller to your laptop utilizing a USB cable. It ought to join instantly.

Though we do not suggest them as the perfect PC controller for gaming, each the official Nintendo Change Professional Controller and PlayStation DualSense/DualShock are additionally strong PC gamepads. And the usual Xbox controller is particularly designed to work with each Xbox and PC.

Relying on the way you play your video games, you would possibly have to configure the gamepad’s controls to work along with your PC. Steam ought to mechanically sense what sort of controller you’ve, however different platforms like Xbox Recreation Cross may not.

The one console controllers which you can’t use are previous ones. In case your console controller was made earlier than the seventh console era (in different phrases, earlier than the Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360), you may want to purchase a particular adapter to make use of it along with your PC. And when you’re attempting to attach your Nintendo Change’s Pleasure-Cons, you may probably have to make use of every Pleasure-Con as a separate controller.