PC gaming has a lot to offer gamers. While that’s no surprise to anyone who has spent more than five minutes in the community, what may surprise them is the popularity and prevalence of gamepad and console controller support.
The support for controllers on PC titles can feel like some sort of unspeakable dirty secret, a shameful side to the puritanical air that the PC gaming world can often affect. However, stepping away from the gaming keyboard and gaming mouse can be a very liberating process, allowing a new aspect or playstyle of a game to be unlocked.
Many players will prefer the minimalism of a controller, appreciating its ergonomic layout and simplicity. However, as the industry progresses, this minimalism doesn’t have to mean featureless. Many controllers offer custom button mapping, tension and sensitivity government, and even modular triggers and levers. Also, thanks to its inclusion on console gaming, there are many controller options available with gyroscopic control, allowing precise and “twitchy” gameplay that's akin to gaming with a mouse.
It’s also that case that many players who have been raised on a healthy diet of console gaming may find even the most cutting keyboard and mouse setup disorientating and unnatural. Or it may even be the case that a specific genre, like fighters or racers, lends itself to the controller layout. There are those, too, with disabilities that prevent them from being able to use a keyboard and mouse – thanks to the efforts of many companies, adaptive controllers are also readily available and configurable to an individual’s needs.
Whatever your reason for wanting to pick up a PC gaming controller, have no fear. We’ve rounded up the very best options around, including PC-compatible console controllers from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, to more unusual solutions from the innovators at 8BitDo and Logitech.
The best at a glance
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series Two
Sony DualShock 4 Controller
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
8Bitdo SF30 PRO Bluetooth Game Controller
Logitech F710 Wireless Gamepad
Venom Multi Format 8-Button Arcade Fight Stick
Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controller
Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit
The best in detail
The best PC gaming controller
1 of 9Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
The best affordable PC controllerThe Xbox controller has stood the test of time. It's comfortable, robust, and most importantly of all, affordable. The d-pad, triggers and button layout is familiar to almost all gamers, and the offset analogue sticks are well-placed for comfort. The controller can be connected to the PC via a wired or wireless connection, and will also accept a stereo headset via the onboard 3.5mm audio jack. For those looking to maximise the controller's potential, you'll be glad to hear that it will also work with Microsoft's xCloud service on smartphones.Connection: Wired and BluetoothNote: AA Batteries, rechargeable battery pack available separately
£89.90
2 of 9Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series Two
The best premium PC controllerBuilding on the strong foundation laid by the Xbox Wireless Controller, the Xbox Elite introduces several exciting and impressive features. Physically, the controller benefits from additional and customisable rear paddle triggers, trigger locks, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, and the choice between traditional and faceted D-pad controls. In terms of software, fine-tuning and two onboard customised profiles are available, allowing controls to be mapped to suit personal preference. If money is of no consideration, the Elite is certainly the very best PC gaming controller available.Connection: Wired with USB-C and BluetoothNote: Built-in rechargeable
£148.99
3 of 9Sony DualShock 4 Controller
The best motion control with parallel sticksWith Sony's DualShock 4 controller, gamers can control their catalogue of Steam games in comfort and style. While it may seem like this controller's main competition sits with Microsoft's Xbox controller, the PS4's controller offers a lot more than just a parallel analogue stick layout. The motion controlling features can be brought into effect on many PC games, working best with shooters like Doom, Sniper Elite, and Destiny 2. This is ideal for those looking to access the functionality of a control layout without scarifying all of the precision and fluidity of a gaming mouse. Connection: Wired and BluetoothNote: Built-in rechargeable, motion controls
4 of 9Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The best motion control with offset sticksWhen we reviewed the Switch Pro Controller, we were very impressed, noting how it managed to elevate the console's gameplay to "a new level of control and comfort." Well, as it turns out, this excellence can be brought over to our Steam catalogue, too. Not only is this controller comfortable and well-thought-out, but its gyroscopic controls allow for fluid refinement of in-game controls. If a gamer is looking for motion controls, comfort, and offset analogue sticks, the Switch Pro is the answer.Connection: Wired and BluetoothNote: Built-in rechargeable, motion controls
£49.95
5 of 98Bitdo SF30 PRO Bluetooth Game Controller
The best retro emulator controllerThis offering from 8BitDo is ideal for those who like nothing more than booting up an emulator for some nostalgic retro fun. Based on the 1991 SNES controller, the SF30 has the iconic in-hand feel and layout, with a few nice mod-cons thrown in, including Bluetooth connectivity to both Xinput and DirectInput, rechargeable battery, gyroscopic controls, and compatibility with the Nintendo Switch system.Connection: Wired and BluetoothNote: Built-in rechargeable, motion controls
6 of 9Logitech F710 Wireless Gamepad
The best PC-specific controllerWhile it won't be winning any awards for style, Logitech's F710 controller is packed with features. The form of the controller is very comfortable, and the analogue sticks are well gripped. The dual vibration motors provide good feedback, and the d-pad is one of the best we've seen, featuring four individual switches under each button for great responsiveness. Wireless connection is accomplished via the provided 2.4GHz nano-receiver, which plugs straight into a free USB port. It works particularly well with Steam's Big Picture interface, and supports both Xinput and DirectInput. For a lower price, a similar configuration can be found on the Logitech F310 wired gamepad.Connection: Wired and BluetoothNote: Built-in rechargeable
7 of 9Venom Multi Format 8-Button Arcade Fight Stick
The best PC fight stickWhile button-mashing is always an option, arcade-style fighting games are hugely complex, offering so-minded gamers the chance to master vast combo and move set databases. Whether a player is diving into some of the elite new-releases, like Dragon Ball FigtherZ, Mortal Kombat 11 and Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, or kicking it old-school with the Street Fighter Collection, a true arcade fight stick is the best weapon in the peripheral arsenal. The Venom Fight Stick is a shining example of such a controller, offering up the traditional eight-button layout (with a few turbo functions thrown in for the tactile edge).Connection: Wired
8 of 9Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controller
The best PC controller for accessibilityThe Xbox Adaptive Controller is a fantastically considered and well-executed device, helping those with disabilities access the very best that gaming has to offer on both Xbox and PC. The controller allows the user to arrange external triggers and controllers, which are sold separately, to best suit their individual preferences and requirements. The controller can also be remapped to create multiple controller profiles.Connection: Wired and BluetoothNotes: Requires adaptive kit
9 of 9Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit
An essential kit for accessible gamingThe Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit provides the external triggers and controller buttons needed to fully access the capability of Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller. Logitech's kit is comprehensive, offering 12 buttons and triggers, including light touch buttons, variable triggers, and small and large buttons. The kit also comes with two hook-and-loop gaming boards to keep peripherals locked in place once arranged.Notes: Requires Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controller
So, what’s the best PC gaming controller?
If you’re looking for simplicity and versatility, then any one of the three console controllers offer excellent value for money (plus, there’s a chance you’ve already got one knocking around). Our favourite is the Nintendo Switch Pro, due to the offset sticks and gyro controls, however, we wouldn’t turn down the DualShock and Xbox Wireless.
If money was no object, then we’d jump straight for the Xbox Elite – it’s got the excellent comfort profile of the standard Xbox Wireless controller, but with valuable extra features.