The Best Video Game Controllers for Every Platform

Lucky for you, we’ve gathered the best controllers we’ve tested here. Read on for our top picks, followed by what you should know in order to find the right controller for you.

If you want to game on your PC, you probably need a controller . Unfortunately, your computer doesn’t come with one in the box. If you’re a console gamer, the single, included gamepad isn’t enough for local multiplayer games, and the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons aren’t exactly the most comfortable, conventional control scheme. If you’re a hard-core gamer, you might need to replace a gamepad that’s been worn down over many gaming sessions (or was broken in a fit of frustration). Whatever your reason, it’s time to shop for a game controller.

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

8Bitdo Pro 2

Best Full-Featured, Multi-Purpose Gamepad

4.5 Outstanding

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.

PROS

• Feels good in hand
• Lots of programmable options
• Useful rear buttons
• Multiple profiles
• Works with Windows and Switch

CONS

• Slightly limited programmable macros
• Lacks a couple of Switch-specific features

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Price

Amazon

$49.99

$49.99

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8Bitdo SN30 Pro

Best Retro-Style Gamepad

4.5 Outstanding

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.

PROS

• Classic design with dual analog sticks.
• Works with most computers, mobile devices, and the Nintendo Switch.

CONS

• Smaller and less grippable than more modern-looking gamepads.

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Price

Amazon

$59.99

$59.99

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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Best Xbox Controller

4.5 Outstanding

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.

PROS

• Excellent build quality with modular design.
• Extensive programmability.
• Multiple profiles.
• Useful paddles.

CONS

• Previous model wore out quickly.

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Price

Amazon

$149.00

$149.00

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Read Our Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Review

PowerA Moga XP5-X Plus

Best for Xbox Game Pass Streaming

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Ultimately, this is an Xbox controller with a phone clip and a focus on mobile connectivity. For game streaming, though, that’s pretty much all you need. It works perfectly with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s cloud gaming feature, and includes programmable rear buttons for extra control options. It also has a built-in 3,000mAh battery, so you can charge your phone while you use it. It’s specifically for Android phones, though, and it only works as an XInput gamepad (the most commonly supported controller) through a USB connection.

Who It’s For

This is a gamepad for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate users with Android phones. If you stand at that intersection, it’s a great controller for playing Xbox games on your phone. Otherwise, it’s not a very flexible controller.

PROS

• Comfortable, responsive design
• Works via wired or wireless connections
• Can work with PCs
• Built-in battery can charge other devices

CONS

• Beholden to Android game controller support for mobile gaming
• XInput for PC gaming only supports a wired connection

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Price

Amazon

$69.99

$37.00

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Best Buy

$69.99

$69.99

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Read Our PowerA Moga XP5-X Plus Review

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Best Official Nintendo Controller

4.0 Excellent

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.

PROS

• Comfortable, sturdy one-piece design.
• $10 less than a pair of Joy-Cons.

CONS

• Expensive compared with most other gamepads.

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Price

Amazon

$69.99

$69.99

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Best Buy

$69.99

$69.99

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Read Our Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Review

Retro-Bit Sega 8-Button USB Arcade Pad

Best for Sega Fans

4.0 Excellent

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).

PROS

• Authentic look and feel.
• Responsive controls.
• Multiple input modes.
• Ideal for the Sega Genesis Mini.

CONS

• Menu navigation with certain games can be tricky.
• Limited buttons for remapping.

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Price

Amazon

$19.99

$19.99

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Xbox Design Lab

Best Custom-Design Controller

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Microsoft’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, Microsoft will add the Xbox Elite Core gamepad to Xbox Design Lab in the near future.

Who It’s For

This 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, it works perfectly with Windows and Xbox, and the customization options are still far less than third-party controllers with custom designs.

PROS

• Reasonably priced custom design options
• Same build quality and features as the stock Xbox Wireless and Elite Wireless controllers
• Optional accessories package

CONS

• Adding the Elite accessory set costs more than buying the accessory pack separately
• Limited pattern selection

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Price

Amazon

$74.87

$74.87

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Xbox Elite Core Controller

Best Lower-Cost, Premium Gamepad

4.0 Excellent

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.

PROS

• Feels similar to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
• Xbox Accessories app enables many customization options
• Can be upgraded with an accessories kit

CONS

• Feels incomplete without rear paddles
• Somewhat slippery direction pad
• Controller and upgrade kit together cost $10 more than the Elite Controller

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Price

Amazon

$129.00

$129.00

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Walmart

$129.99

$129.00

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Best Buy

$129.99

$129.99

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Read Our Xbox Elite Core Controller Review

Buying Guide: The Best Video Game Controllers for Every Platform

What Type of Video Game Controllers Are There?

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 make sure 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 from a gaming perspective. In fact, if you want to buy a Microsoft game on PC (or play a game via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate), you need to do it through 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, the vast majority of 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 working easily on Windows PCs, too. A handful of third-party gamepads are available for the PlayStation 4, but far fewer than PC/Xbox or Switch, and none currently available that we’ve tested. As for the PlayStation 5, the first-party DualSense is the only gamepad available.

How to Connect a Game Controller to a PC

How to Connect a Game Controller to a PC

Gamepad Features

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, designed to almost perfectly 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.

8Bitdo Ultimate Software
(Credit: PCMag)

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 Controller

If 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 help you on that front, too.