Even if you play games on PC, sometimes you just want to use gaming controllers instead of the trusty old keyboard and mouse combo, as they can provide the best experience. Sure, it might depend on the type of game you’re playing, or the game specifically.
But, chances are many players out there will have at least one game on PC that is simply better suited for gaming controllers. And if you’re playing on console, well then that’s almost always your best option. For mobile, it’s either a controller or touch controls. We’ve put together this list of some of the best gaming controllers out there. So you can do less digging and get to playing your favorite games. With that new controller no less.
There are a lot of options out there for this type of peripheral. So by narrowing things down to what we think are the best gaming controllers, it should save you some time.
Top 10 Best Gaming Controllers
Below you’ll find a summary of all the controllers on this list. Along with the cost of each one and links that take you to the retailer.
| Controller | Cost | Where To Buy |
| Sony PS5 DualSense | $69 | Amazon, PlayStation Direct, B&H, Newegg, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Adorama, ABT Electronics |
| Xbox Series X| S Wireless | $69 | Amazon, Microsoft, Target, Best Buy |
| Razer Raiju Tournament Edition | $99 | Amazon |
| Xbox Elite Series 2 | $157 | Amazon, Microsoft, Best Buy, Target, Adorama, ABT Electronics |
| Xbox Adaptive Controller | From $99 | Amazon, Best Buy, Microsoft, Newegg |
| Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro V3 | $189 | Amazon |
| Razer Kishi | $44.99 | Amazon, Newegg, Walmart, Target, Best Buy |
| HexGaming Rival | $269.99 | Amazon |
| SCUF Instinct Pro | From $199 | SCUF Gaming |
| SCUF Reflex | From $229.99 | SCUF Gaming |
Sony PS5 DualSense
Sony really knocked it out of the park with the DualSense controller. You’ll naturally get most of the benefits when using this with the PS5 itself. But it is also compatible with PC and mobile. So you can use it there too.
At the moment, there aren’t really any official third-party DualSense options like there are with the DualShock 4 for the PS4. So for PS5 purposes, this is really your only controller if you want the DualSense features.
As a controller for PC and mobile, it just feels great in the hands. And should have longer battery life than that of the DualShock 4. Even if only by a little bit. For use with PS5, it has the adaptive triggers, and the improved haptics. You just can’t beat it.
Xbox Series X|S Wireless
The new wireless controller for Xbox from Microsoft is essentially the same controller as before. But with a few minor upgrades. First, it feels lighter than the older ones. But it also comes with textured surfaces on the backs of the controller grips. So it should help prevent slipping from sweaty hands.
It also now has a share button for easy screenshot captures. It’s compatible with Windows 10 PCs, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and mobile devices. And it comes in tons of colors. So you can more or less personalize it.
Razer Raiju Tournament Edition
You can’t buy this any more from most retailers, but it can still be found on Amazon. The Razer Raiju Tournament Edition is Razer’s answer to the competitive DualShock 4 controller for the PS4 console. It also works with PC.
In fact there’s even a companion app that lets you configure and remap the buttons. It comes with sticks you can swap out and the buttons use Razer’s Mecha-Tactile switches. There’s also a feature called Hair-Trigger Mode which reduces the travel time for pressing the buttons. So you can activate your in-game actions quicker.
This is a wired controller. So you can’t sit too far away from your console or PC. And unfortunately since it’s wired it can’t be used with mobile devices.
Xbox Elite Series 2
One of the big boys of the controller world is the Elite Series 2. Which gives you, the player, nearly full customization of the controller. Right down to the height of the thumbsticks and the weight of the controller itself. You can also swap the thumbsticks out, adjust trigger height, and it comes with textured grips for less slippage, as well as paddle buttons on the back for extra controls in your favorite high-stakes games.
There’s a lot of features on this one. So it’s naturally a little more expensive. But most people that have used it will tell you it’s worth it for the advantage you’ll have in games.
Xbox Adaptive Controller
If you can’t comfortably use a traditional gamepad, then look to Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller to help you continue to play the games you love. The coolest thing about this controller is that it allows you to configure your game controls in a way that might work better for you layout-wise.
Basically you can use this controller to set something up that works for you. As it takes every single input and deconstructs them and gives them their own port on the back. So you can plug things and get a setup that’s more accessible.
Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro V3
- Cost: $189
- Where To Buy: Amazon
This is another tournament-grade competitive controller that comes with a lot of extras. It comes from Nacon, who specializes in making these kinds of controllers that are focused on Esports. In fact we reviewed Nacon’s RIG Compact Pro for Xbox and PC, which we found to be a great option.
With the Revolution Unlimited Pro V3, you get extra buttons on both controller grips, as well as customizable thumbsticks, wireless and wired connection options, and more. The D-Pad can even be used as a 4-way or 8-way D-Pad depending on what you like.
Razer Kishi
The Razer Kishi is one of many, many, many mobile controllers out there. And while Android doesn’t have a Backbone controller, which many people seem to like for their iOS devices, we think the Kishi would beat it if it did.
The great thing about the Razer Kishi is that it’s nice and portable while also still being comfortable to hold. Since it plugs directly into your phone’s USB-C port, it doesn’t need batteries. And if you need to charge your phone, not to worry. As there’s an open port on the bottom where you can plug in a USB-C cable for charging your phone.
While it might feel a little small for extremely extended gaming sessions, it’s great for most instances. And because it packs down to a small size you can take it with you just about anywhere.
HexGaming Rival
- Cost: $269.99
- Where To Buy: Amazon
When it comes to custom controller for the PS5, there are not that many options out there. But out of the ones that are, the HexGaming Rival is one worth checking out. It has a range of customizations you can make that will personalize the controller to your liking.
This includes mappable paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and my favorite part, the option for FastShot digital buttons on the L1/R1 and L2/R2 triggers. With these in place, the trigger press on the controller will feel more like a mouse click thanks to there being less travel time. Which is ideal for first-person and third-person shooters.
This option isn’t ideal for those that want the full press with the triggers. Especially if you want the adaptive trigger features that the DualSense was designed with. The HexGaming Rival is also quite spendy. That being said, we’ve used it in games like Call Of Duty: Vanguard, Battlefield 2042, and Outriders and have loved it. So if you’re ok with the price, there’s lots of customization to be done here. From functional adjustments to a personalized design. Making this one of the best game controllers.
SCUF Instinct Pro
Continuing with SCUF, if you also play on PC and Xbox, then you probably want to at least consider the Instinct Pro. It offers a lot of what you’ll get from other SCUF controllers, but with quite a few improvements. For example, it can store up to three different profiles on the onboard memory for a customized control setup for different games. And you can swap between them on the fly with a button right on the front.
It also has the customizable, adjustable triggers, back paddle buttons, a wide array of customization options for the design, wireless and wired connectivity options, plus instant triggers. The instant triggers are a real game changer as they can go from feeling like a regular trigger press to the quick and precise click of a mouse.
There’s also a high-performance grip on the back. SCUF isn’t playing around when it comes to its controllers. And you shouldn’t be either. Unless it’s when you’re actually playing games.
SCUF Reflex
The SCUF Reflex is SCUF’s version of a customized DualSense controller. Like the HexGaming Rival, and like SCUF’s Instinct Pro for the Xbox and Windows, the SCUF Reflex has multiple paddle buttons on the back. The advantage you get with the Reflex over something like the Rival from HexGaming, is that the paddle buttons can be removed. So you can have them there when you want them. Or take them off when you don’t.
The Reflex also comes in three models. The Reflex, Reflex Pro, and Reflex FPS. The Reflex and Reflex Pro are mostly the same. They have the removable and mappable paddles, the adaptive triggers are still intact as is the advanced haptics. The difference is that the Pro model comes with the high performance grip.
The Reflex FPS on the other hand comes with SCUF’s famous instant triggers. The downside there is that they replace the adaptive triggers. So you don’t get that feature or the haptics as those have been completely removed as well.
While these are also fairly expensive controllers, they really do wonders for your gaming if you like having a more customized set of controls. The only issue right now is that they’re kind of hard to get as SCUF has to replenish stock.
This is definitely one of the best gaming controllers out there. If you can get a hold of one.
2021-12-29 15:07:15