The 8 Best Controllers for PC Gaming in 2022
If you’re a console gamer, your choice of controller is limited. Still, one of the best parts of PC gaming is your ability to personalize your gaming experience.
Your build quality is limited only by your budget and imagination with the ability to freely upgrade as time goes on. PC gamers have freedom through countless online stores to choose from, but Steam is the most prominent.
PC gamers also find freedom in their controller choices. Not everyone loves a mouse and keyboard. When playing your favorite games, having a controller that feels and looks perfect to you matters.
Console retailers and third-party designers alike vie in this field to create the best PC controller, so we’ve gathered eight contenders for the best PC gaming controller available.
Below, WTFast is gladly going to go through the high points of each.
Xbox Wireless Controller
The current standard of Xbox controllers is also an impressive one. Microsoft’s offering is compatible with modern Xbox consoles as well as PC. Rubber grips provide a smoother experience overall, while a newly-added share button makes taking screenshots and videos easier than before.
The wireless in its name isn’t simply to distinguish it from wired controllers. For those who don’t use Xbox, Microsoft uses an in-house alternative to Bluetooth. This is known as Xbox Wireless. Despite this, many of their controllers are still compatible with Bluetooth.
The downside of the Xbox Wireless Controller is its reliance on AA batteries. Using discrete batteries may be a deterrent to some, given the proliferation of wireless controllers with onboard, rechargeable batteries.
Xbox Elite Controller Series 2
Compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X, the Elite Series 2 is a luxury among controllers. At $179, it needs to do everything other controllers do better. Its shoulder buttons are reduced in-depth, allowing for a hair-trigger and better responsiveness. It is also compatible with all Xbox peripherals and has a dedicated headset jack.
This elite wireless controller now supports USB-C, making it great for both PC and mobile gaming. Paddles on the back of the controller can be mapped to specific functions, which can be essential for high-speed multiplayer.
The functionality of this controller is also impeccable. Shoulder triggers and joysticks alike can be customized so you have just the right amount of depth and resistance, respectively.
Being able to map sensitivity in your controller may actually have health implications. Poor posture and repetitive motions while gaming, especially in tense positions, can negatively impact your health. Adjusting your controls for the ideal amount of force can possibly help reduce joint strain and ultimately benefit you.
It also has a gargantuan 40-hour battery life. Thanks to onboard batteries, you’ll never have to worry about going through them again. The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 comes with a hefty price — and incredible rewards.
Playstation Dualshock 4
The Playstation 4 is the fourth best-selling game system of all time, at just over 117.1 million units sold. It is the second-highest home console by sales, just behind the PS2. Sony Dualshock 4 gets bonus points for the sales of the console itself and the 8th-year anniversary of the PS4.
Many will have a Dualshock 4 around, and those who don’t have numerous colors and styles to choose from when buying a new one.
The classic Dualshock shape is smoothed out in this edition to create a smoother, ergonomic fit. The thumbsticks and number of face and shoulder buttons make it perfect for shooters. The controller — unlike many others on this list — uses easily-available micro USBs to charge.
On the negative side, the Dualshock 4 does not natively work with PCs. Pairing is more complicated than other controllers, but an official Bluetooth dongle helps to streamline the process.
Sony Dualsense
Our follow-up is the successor to the Dualshock, known as the Sony Dualsense. The controller takes everything about the previous model and simply makes it better. Even the grips are smoother than in the previous model.
A wider frame makes returning to the wider Dualshock feel markedly different if you’re used to this PS5 controller.
The subtly curved face buttons feel physically better than the Dualshock 4, yet take marginally more force to press. This gives it a comfortable heft best embodied by what makes it truly special: haptics.
This high-end controller uses adaptive triggers in response to actions you take in-game. Haptics use internal mechanisms to simulate sensation while playing games. Difficult actions in games that utilize the full haptics of the Dualsense feel difficult in the best of ways.
Sony has also clearly learned a lesson, as the Dualsense supports iOS, Android, and PC devices. Even if you don’t have a Playstation 5, there’s a lot to adore about this controller.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller features distinctive analog stick placement and face button orientation. When introduced, it answered a cry for a more normal controller compared to the joy-con grips. Nintendo’s response was a controller that was anything but normal.
The controller features both USB and Bluetooth connectivity for wired and wireless play alike. A wired connection can be a great way to solve latency issues for devices, and similarly tackle input delay. This can give you just the edge you need when playing online.
There is one major caveat: In regards to major online digital distribution sites, the Nintendo Switch Pro only supports Steam natively. However, it is compatible with Windows in general. Because of this, you will need to use workarounds to use it with some PC games.
8BitDo SN30 Pro+
Our next option is a familiar sight to any retro gaming fan. The d-pad and button layout of the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ is clearly inspired by the SNES. 8BitDo is a wonderful controller manufacturer, with all their offerings meriting attention. Still, the vintage appeal of this gamepad gives it a special place in our hearts.
The customization options allow you to map your controls and make for multiple control profiles. This easy remappable is an essential feature for multi-gamer households. You may also simply want different control setups for shooters compared to fighting games.
Speaking of fighting games, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ allows you to enter macros into your control layout. Macros allow you to execute long button press sequences with a single button. This makes both online play and offline labbing easy to accomplish.
Logitech F310
The Logitech F310 is the reason why you should never judge a book by its cover. Its knobby, Dualshock-like design isn’t especially appealing based on visuals. However, it features a highly responsive d-pad and a familiar button layout that makes it easily accessible. At $19.99, it also can’t be beaten when it comes to price.
It also features compatibility options for both modern and older PC games. It was fundamentally designed as a PC controller, to serve a job and complete it with ease. It’s not as glamorous or as luxurious as some other controllers on this list, but it does the job. The Logitech F310 is, at the end of the day, the ideal budget controller.
Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro Controller
The Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro Controller takes the notion of “remapping” controls to an entirely new level. When you first look at the controller, a few details spring out. The first is the size: This controller is great for gamers with larger hands without being too daunting for average and small-handed users.
The second is the face: At the far right on the controller are ABXY face buttons. On the right, left, and far left of the controller are two joysticks and a d-pad.
These three components can be popped out and interchanged for a swappable controller. This allows you to tweak the piece to create your perfect remappable design.
The downside is that, while the controller comes with everything needed, the small parts do create a risk of loss. Still, when you play, the controller simply feels satisfyingly responsive and enjoyably clicky. It’s a great option for Xbox consoles, laptops, and desktops alike.
Choosing the Right Controller for You
No two gamers have exactly the same style when it comes to how they like to play. For the best gaming experience, you need to choose the controller that matches your own desires. Your options in that regard are nearly limitless.
Do you want a controller that offers the most in remappable designs and let you assign complex inputs with ease? Would you rather have a controller that can go from PC to console with ease? Or do you just want something affordable that looks and feels good?
WTFast understands that everyone’s needs are different, but many times our fundamental desires are the same. We all want to improve the way we play video games, and to do so without undue stress and hassle.
To that end, we’ll continue to offer ways to improve your gaming experience, through essential guides and route-optimizing software.
Sources:
Video Gaming Without Pain | The Hand Society
PS5 Sales Figures: PS5 Hits 17.3 Million Shipments, PS4 At 117.1m | TweakTown
