There are many reasons to buy a controller. If you purchase a gaming PC, a gamepad doesn’t ship with the computer. If you’re a console gamer, the single, included controller isn’t enough for local multiplayer games. If you’re a hard-core gamer, you might need to replace a worn one. Whatever your reason, there comes a time to shop for a game controller. We’ve reviewed video game accessories and peripherals for more than a decade, so you can trust us to help you find the right controller for your platform and budget. Start your search with the best video game controllers we’ve tested below.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Full-Featured, Multi-Purpose Gamepad
8Bitdo Pro 2
Pros & Cons
Feels good in hand
Lots of programmable options
Useful rear buttons
Multiple profiles
Works with Windows and Switch
Slightly limited programmable macros
Lacks a couple of Switch-specific features
Why We Picked It
The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is a lot of gamepad for not a lot of money. For just $50, it offers a full, comfortable, dual-analog layout and wireless compatibility with Android devices, iPhones, Macs, PCs, and the Nintendo Switch. The 8Bitdo Ultimate Software gives it PC customization like controllers twice its price, including programmable rear buttons, remappable controls, and even tweakable sensitivity for the analog sticks and triggers.
Who It’s For
This is an excellent controller for mobile, PC, and Switch gamers due to its good feel, comfortable control layout, and full feature set. It’s simply a fantastic value if you’re looking for an alternative to the Switch Pro Controller for your Switch or Xbox Wireless Controller for your PC.
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8Bitdo Pro 2 Review
Best Retro-Style Gamepad
8Bitdo SN30 Pro
Pros & Cons
Classic design with dual analog sticks.
Works with most computers, mobile devices, and the Nintendo Switch.
Smaller and less grippable than more modern-looking gamepads.
Why We Picked It
The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro doesn’t have quite as many features as its larger sibling, the Pro 2, but its design is much more nostalgic. 8Bitdo packed a full dual-analog, four-trigger control layout into an SNES-style dog-bone design, and it’s completely functional. It works with Android, iOS, Mac, PC, and Nintendo Switch, and feels like it’s designed for the 16-bit era.
Who It’s For
If you loved the SNES and want a gamepad you can use with any modern game, the SN30 Pro is it. Be wary if you have larger hands, though; the classic dog-bone design is great, but it’s less ergonomic than the Pro 2’s full grips and modern design.
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8Bitdo SN30 Pro Review
Best Xbox Controller
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Pros & Cons
Excellent build quality with modular design.
Extensive programmability.
Multiple profiles.
Useful paddles.
Previous model wore out quickly.
Why We Picked It
Microsoft’s high-end Xbox controller is more or less the be-all, end-all for gamepads for that console, and because of that it’s one of the best for PCs, too. It’s also one of the priciest at $180, so that’s definitely a factor to consider. For the money, though, it has a rock-solid build; plenty of accessories including interchangeable analog sticks and direction pad, carrying case, and charging cradle; removable rear paddles; and extensive software customization options through the Xbox Accessories app for Windows and Xbox. It’s a lot of controller, for a lot of money.
Who It’s For
This is for Windows and Xbox gamers who really want to splurge. It’s full-featured and feels great, and that justifies the price if you can afford it.
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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Review
Best for Portable Switch Gaming
Hori Split Pad Pro
Pros & Cons
Wide, comfortable grip
Larger buttons and analog sticks than a standard Joy-Con
Customizable back paddles
Accurate directional pad
Makes the Switch much larger
Can’t be used detached
No rumble, motion controls, or NFC reader
Why We Picked It
The Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are impressive devices that give the Switch its dock-and-go flexibility, but they aren’t the best controllers from an ergonomic perspective. They’re small, with similarly small analog sticks and face buttons, and the left Joy-Con’s D-pad is a button cluster that enables the controllers’ awkward sideways configuration. The Hori Split Pad Pro offers a fuller gamepad layout; bigger sticks and buttons; a proper direction pad; and a wider, more comfortable design. It only works in handheld mode because it’s not wireless, and lacks rumble or motion controls, but it’s an ideal Joy-Cons replacement if you simply want great buttons and sticks.
Who It’s For
The Hori Split Pad Pro is for Switch owners who want the comfort of a full-size gamepad when playing in portable mode. Just make sure you don’t need motion controls.
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Hori Split Pad Pro Review
Best Custom-Design Controller
Xbox Design Lab
Pros & Cons
Reasonably priced custom design options
Same build quality and features as the stock Xbox Wireless and Elite Wireless controllers
Optional accessories package
Adding the Elite accessory set costs more than buying the accessory pack separately
Limited pattern selection
Why We Picked ItMicrosoft’s Xbox Design Lab offers custom Xbox Wireless Gamepads, and they start at the same price as the stock controllers. You can mix and match your favorite colors for all the gamepad’s various elements, add rubberized grips, and even laser-engrave a message. If you want an even higher-end experience, you can get an Xbox Elite Core Controller customized instead, with different color choices for the optional, swappable metal parts.
Who It’s ForThis is for PC or Xbox gamers who want a gamepad they can really call their own, with their favorite color schemes and even their name or tag on it. As an Xbox Wireless Gamepad or Elite Core Controller, it works perfectly with Windows and Xbox, and the latter offers easy control remapping and multiple profiles on top of your color choices.
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Xbox Design Lab Review
Best Official Nintendo Controller
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Pros & Cons
Comfortable, sturdy one-piece design.
$10 less than a pair of Joy-Cons.
Expensive compared with most other gamepads.
Why We Picked It
First-party controllers tend to feel and perform better than third-party ones, though the gap has almost completely closed at this point. Although we prefer the 8Bitdo Pro 2 for its value both as a Switch controller and a PC gamepad, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is still an excellent gamepad. It feels great, and has all of the features you need, including motion-sensing and even Amiibo scanning. It’s a bit pricey considering its relative inflexibility, though it can work with PCs thanks to a compatibility mode in Steam.
Who It’s For
This is the official high-end Switch controller, and easier to find in stores than 8Bitdo’s gamepads. And, as a Switch gamepad, it works very well. Switch-exclusive gamers should consider it, though there are better options if you also want a controller for PC or mobile games.
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Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Review
Best for Sega Fans
Retro-Bit Sega 8-Button USB Arcade Pad
Pros & Cons
Authentic look and feel.
Responsive controls.
Multiple input modes.
Ideal for the Sega Genesis Mini.
Menu navigation with certain games can be tricky.
Limited buttons for remapping.
Why We Picked It
If you grew up on the Sega side of the gaming fence in the 1990s, you probably have fond memories of the Genesis. Retro-Bit’s 8-button Arcade Pad looks and feels like the six-button Genesis controller, with the addition of shoulder buttons (and a mode button that’s easier to use). The controller’s wired, but it’s also only $20, and that makes it appealing for retro gaming.
Who It’s For
This one’s for Sega fans, and while this specific model is Genesis-themed and made for the PC, Retro-Bit offers other options. Another version is built similarly to the Sega Saturn control pad, and if you still have your original consoles, the Genesis and Saturn-style gamepads have “native” versions that can plug into their respective systems (separate from the USB gamepads).
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Retro-Bit Sega 8-Button USB Arcade Pad Review
Best for the PlayStation 5
Sony PlayStation DualSense Edge
Pros & Cons
All the features you’d expect from a DualSense controller
Many customization options
Lots of accessories and swappable parts
Excellent feel
Expensive
Short battery life
Only two rear buttons
Why We Picked It
The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller is one of the most advanced gamepads available, with unique features like adaptive triggers that can adjust resistance based on what you’re doing in a game. It isn’t particularly customizable, though, and that’s why Sony released the DualSense Edge. It’s the PlayStation 5 answer to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, with the swappable parts and rear buttons you’d expect from a high-end gamepad. It’s expensive, and its battery life is even shorter than the DualSense’s, but it’s the only pick for first-party customizable gaming on the PS5.
Who It’s For
This is for PlayStation 5 owners who have fallen in love with the DualSense but want something more out of it. The adjustable sensitivity curves and remappable buttons are welcome additions to the fancy features the DualSense already has, and you can swap between multiple custom profiles on the fly with the Fn buttons.
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Sony PlayStation DualSense Edge Review
Best Lower-Cost, Premium Gamepad
Xbox Elite Core Controller
Pros & Cons
Feels similar to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
Xbox Accessories app enables many customization options
Can be upgraded with an accessories kit
Feels incomplete without rear paddles
Somewhat slippery direction pad
Controller and upgrade kit together cost $10 more than the Elite Controller
Why We Picked It
The Xbox Elite Core controller is literally the Xbox Elite Series 2 with all of the accessories stripped away. Otherwise, it’s the same comfortable, premium-feeling gamepad with the same software customization options in the Xbox Accessories app for Windows and Xbox. It just doesn’t have the removable paddles, interchangeable analog sticks and direction pad, carrying case, or charging cradle. Without those items, the gamepad is a solid $50 cheaper. It’s still a pricey $130, but it’s a nicer bit of kit than the standard Xbox controller.
Who It’s For
If you want a high-end wireless gamepad without spending close to $200 for it, the Elite Core controller is an excellent pick. It feels a bit naked without the paddles, since the hookups are still on the back (and you can add them with the $60 Complete Component Pack, which has all of the other Elite accessories that were left out). Still, it has a better build than the Xbox Wireless Controller, and offers more software tweaks. In the near future, you’ll be able to customize the Elite Core using Xbox Design Lab.
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Xbox Elite Core Controller Review
Best Snap-On Phone Controller
Razer Kishi Ultra
Pros & Cons
Large and satisfying to hold
Full-size controls
Lots of features
Works as a wired PC controller
Expensive
Lacks a virtual gamepad on iOS
Analog triggers are a bit twitchy
Cumbersome Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming support on iOS
Why We Picked It
The Razer Kishi Ultra is the best controller for playing mobile games. It does pretty much everything, with full-size physical controls, RGB lighting, and even the ability to use it with your PC as a wired gamepad.
Who It’s For
This controller is for dedicated phone gamers who want to upgrade their experience. It’s the biggest and best-feeling clip-on controller you can use with a phone. It’s the most expensive mobile gamepad we’ve seen, but mobile gaming die-hards may find it worth the money.
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Razer Kishi Ultra Review
Buying Guide: The Best Video Game Controllers for Every Platform
What Type of Video Game Controller Do You Need?The most important factor to consider is your game platform. PlayStation, Switch, and PC/Xbox have different controller standards, so you can’t just mix and match gamepads. Some controllers are compatible with multiple systems, but even then, you must ensure that your preferred game system will work with it.PC and Xbox can be grouped together as one platform, because Microsoft has essentially merged Windows and Xbox. In fact, if you want to buy a Microsoft game on PC (or play a game via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate), you must use the Xbox app. If a controller works with an Xbox One or Xbox Series S/X, it will work with Windows. That applies to Steam games, too. Even outside of Microsoft’s specific game ecosystem, most PC games that work with controllers use the same XInput protocol as Microsoft-sold games.The Nintendo Switch and PlayStation have different controller protocols from each other and PC/Xbox, so that means different gamepad selections. Numerous controllers are available for the Switch in wireless (via Bluetooth and USB dongle) and wired USB forms. Some even have alternate XInput modes for Windows compatibility. A handful of third-party gamepads are available for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, too.
How to Connect a Game Controller to a PC
What Should You Look for in a Game Controller?You can expect dual analog sticks, four face buttons, four shoulder buttons, and a direction pad from nearly any controller on this list (the Retro-Bit Sega gamepad is the one exception, as it’s designed to mimic Genesis or Saturn controllers). Those are the basics that are required for playing modern games, no matter the system. Some controllers may also have motion controls and/or vibration, as well. Gamepads don’t have to stop there, though.Programmable rear buttons are common among third-party gamepads (and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller). They’re extra controls that you can map any standard, non-analog control to, giving you many customization options. Depending on the game, they prove extremely handy.
Recommended by Our Editors
8Bitdo Ultimate Software (Credit: 8Bitdo)
Some gamepads go even further, with Windows and Xbox apps that provide total control remapping and other customization options. Depending on the controller, you can remap every button, tweak the sensitivity of the analog sticks or triggers, program macro commands, or even create multiple profiles of these settings to switch between for individual games.How to Pick the Right Video Game ControllerIf you specifically want to game on your PC, our guide to choosing the right controller can provide additional information you need, including tips on using Nintendo or Sony gamepads with PC games. If your tastes are a bit more eclectic, and you want a nice controller for fighting, flying, or racing games, our guide to alternative console controllers can also help you on that front.
