Growing up, I was predominantly a console gamer. Aside from sporadic bouts of “The Oregon Trail,” or “Math Blaster,” I didn’t play many video games. In fact, the first game console I ever owned was a PlayStation 2, a device that still retains a spot in my overly-cluttered media center. Now, I’ve grown to embrace PC gaming. I can justify the cost of a computer much more than a dedicated game console.
Whereas my PCs function for gaming, writing, video streaming, and more, a dedicated console like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch is largely useful for gaming alone. As such, I’ve grown to love, or at least appreciate, the keyboard and mouse. My Corsair K63 keyboard serves as the centerpiece of my command center (read: desk).
Nevertheless, I still prefer gamepads. Thankfully, loads of current PC games accommodate both controllers and the traditional keyboard and mouse. Check out the top game controllers, from the best wireless game controller hardware to wired gamepads!
Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Best Game Controller Overall
Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is an outstanding game controller. You’ll find support for gaming PCs, Android phones, iPhones, plus Xbox consoles (the Xbox Series X, Series S, and Xbox One). There’s Xbox wireless, Bluetooth, or wired USB-C connectivity for cross-platform compatibility. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 sports comfortable rubberized palm grips and adjustable tensioned thumbsticks which feel excellent. Serious gamers will appreciate the interchangeable components including analog thumbsticks and directional pad (D-pad) buttons.
The built-in battery lasts for around 40 hours which is plenty long, although some folks might be disappointed by the lack of a user-replaceable and hot-swappable battery. While Bluetooth works fine for most gaming desktops and laptops, PC users might need (or want) to pick up the Xbox Wireless Adapter dongle. Additionally, the price is a bit high. Nevertheless, the Xbox Elite Series 2 is the best game controller overall for PCs, Xbox consoles, plus mobile devices like Android or iOS devices. It even works great with Raspberry Pi single-board computers (SBCs). As a cheaper alternative, you might consider the Xbox Core wireless controller.
Pros:
- Long-lasting 40-hour battery life
- Cross-platform support for Xbox (Series X/S, One), PC (Windows 10/11), Android, iOS
- Wired and wireless connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C
- Comfortable design
- Interchangeable thumbsticks and buttons
Cons:
- Expensive
- Non user-replaceable and hot-swappable battery
- 2.4GHz wireless dongle for PCs sold separately (but Bluetooth works without dongle)
8bitdo Pro 2 – Best Game Controller for PC, Nintendo Switch, RetroPie, Android, iOS, and more
The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is an excellent game controller. It features multi-device support for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Nintendo Switch, and iOS/iPad OS. You’ll find X/Y/A/B buttons, Start/Select, a D-pad, and dual thumbsticks alongisde shoulder buttons (R1/R2/L1/L2).
We like that the 8Bitdo Pro 2 feels like a PlayStation DualShock controller, and comes with a retro design. There’s a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery, though you can also pop in a pair of AA batteries in a pinch. You’ll find plenty of accessories for the 8Bitdo Pro 2, like a protective travel case and phone clip.
You can use Bluetooth for all platforms, but on Switch you do lose Amiibo, console wake from sleep, and HD Rumble support. The 8Bitdo Ultimate Software for Windows provides plenty of customization, though programmability isn’t quite as robust as some gamepads like the Xbox Elite.
Pros:
- Works with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Nintendo Switch, retro gaming OSes (RetroPie, Recalbox, Batocera, Lakka)
- Great battery life
- Comfortable – DualShock style controller
- Lots of accessories like phone clips and travel cases
- Available in several colors (Gray, Black, Transparent Black, Transparent Purple)
- Programmable buttons
Cons:
- Lacks some Nintendo Switch features like HD Rumble, Amiibo support, console wake from sleep
- Not super customizable programmable buttons
Logitech F310 – Best Budget Gamepad
The Logitech F710 is a no-frills gamepad for PC. With a PlayStation 1 or PlayStation 2 style, dual vibration modes, and 2.4Ghz wireless connectivity, it’s a top choice for gaming on a budget. It’s essentially a DualShock controller, but at a fraction of the cost. If you’re not overly concerned with a wireless PC controller, check out the wired version, the Logitech F310. As to be expected, the low price tag comes with a few annoyances. Build quality is lacking when compared with premium offerings such as an Xbox One Elite controller, or DualShock 4 gamepad. Still, both controllers are lightweight, cheap, and enjoyable.
Razer Wolverine Ultimate – Best Wired Gamepad for PC
Razer is best-known for its slew of high-quality gaming peripherals. The Razer Wolverine Ultimate is a fantastic wired controller option for PCs and Xbox One consoles. Onboard, you’ll find Razer Chroma lighting, swappable D-pads and joysticks, plus ultra satisfying clicky feedback. If, like me, you’re a fan of the tactile feedback a mechanical keyboard affords, you’ll love the Wolverine Ultimate controller. Disappointingly, there’s no wireless mode, but an ample 10-foot braided cord allows for gaming from a distance.
Pros:
- Wired controller
- Chroma lighting, swappable D-pads and joysticks
- Tactile feel
- Wired headset controls
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not wireless
SteelSeries Stratus XL – Best Premium Controller for Multi-device Use
The SteelSeries Stratus XL is a fantastic controller that works well on PCs (Windows and macOS), iOS/iPadOS, and Android devices alike. It’s comfortable to hold, boasts great build quality, and includes the SteelSeries Engine for game compatibility. The buttons are a little mushier than we’d like, and there’s sadly no automatic sleep mode–you’ll have to manually power it off to avoid draining your battery. Still, if you’re looking for a responsive, multi-platform game controller, the SteelSeries Stratus XL is a solid choice.
Pros:
- Works with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Nice build quality
- SteelSeries Engine for game compatibility
- Comfortable to hold
Cons:
- Mushy face buttons
- Lacks automatic sleep function
Hyperkin Duke – Best Gamepad for Old School Xbox Fans
Ah, the Duke, the monolithic original Xbox gamepad. Simply put, if you’re a fan of the OG Xbox gamepad the Duke, you’ll love Hyperkin’s faithful wired USB recreation. There’s an LCD screen that displays an Xbox logo. Unfortunately, it’s not wireless, though the micro USB cable is detachable. For a delightful piece of retro history, snag a wired USB Duke controller.
Pros:
- Original Xbox Duke design
- Fun retro flair
- Available in multiple colors (Green, Purple, White, Red)
- Detachable USB cable
- Compatible with Windows and Xbox
Cons:
- Not wireless
Best Wireless and Wired Gamepad Options: Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for the best game controller for RetroPie, Android, PC, Nintendo Switch, or another gaming platform, there’s an option for you. I enjoy the versatility of my Xbox Elite wireless gamepad, though the previous Xbox 360 iteration is still a solid choice. The 8Bitdo Pro 2, SF30, or SN30 Pro are stellar wireless game controllers for macOS, PC, Android, and retro gaming with the likes of Recalbox, Lakka, or RetroPie. Ultimately, it comes down to what games you’d like to play, which determines what buttons and joysticks you need, as well as if you’d prefer wired or wireless connectivity.
Your turn: What controllers are you gaming with?
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