The Best Controller for Mac Users. The SteelSeries Nimbus is a wireless Bluetooth gamepad that’s compatible with a huge array of Apple products, including Mac computers. If you’re an Apple user in search of a wireless gaming controller with an LED display, you might consider the affordable SteelSeries Nimbus.
Picking the best controller for PC gaming isn’t always obvious. You could argue you’ve already got the best combo plumbed into your machine with your trusty keyboard and mouse, but sometimes having a specific gaming controller to hand can be vitally useful and actually change the way you approach a given game.
It is an incredibly close-fought battle, but we think the best PC controller is the Xbox One wireless pad. It’s incredibly well-built, with smart ergonomics, excellent triggers, and is always. Logitech F710 Wireless Gamepad. Few will see Logitech’s F710 as a good alternative to the Xbox 360 gaming PC controller, which costs only slightly more, weighs less, and performs better. Aug 13, 2019 Microsoft's Xbox One controller is the gold standard for PC gaming, thanks to its ergonomic design and intuitive button layout. It's plug-and-play with nearly all modern PC games. Connection: Wireless. In regards to the specifications for gaming, the controller has a standard console gamepad layout with 10 programmable buttons, two analog joysticks and a directional pad. The controller is powered by three AAA batteries which provide up to 40 hours of continuous use.
Whether it’s a great wired or wireless pad, an official or third-party device, having a well-built, comfortable controller can really make the difference to your game. So it’s important you make the right choice.
We’ve checked out the official Microsoft Xbox One and Elite pads, as well as the excellent Sony DualShock controller. But the likes of Scuf and Razer are all making decent alternatives if you’re looking to peacock with a funky design or just want a host of different buttons at your thumbs’ disposal. But the biggest gamepad decision is about whether you favour the Xbox’s offset thumbstick design or the symmetrical PlayStation layout. There are die-hard fans in either camp, but for our money the offset design gives you the best balance between control and easy access to the buttons.
But there are specific controllers for other game genres too. A flight or space-based sim really demands a quality flightstick, especially one with a separate throttle for those BSG Viper-esque, non-Newtonian dogfights. And if you’re a dedicated racer then a steering wheel, with good force-feedback, can shave valuable seconds off your in-game lap times. And may even save your life, as I found out…
What is the best controller for pc in 2019?
It is an incredibly close-fought battle, but we think the best PC controller is the Xbox One wireless pad. It’s incredibly well-built, with smart ergonomics, excellent triggers, and is always reliable. The offset D-pad/thumbstick layout might erk the PlayStation faithful, but for our money we think it the best choice.
But the DualShock 4 is an incredible pad in its own right, with hands-down the best, most accurate thumbsticks in the business. But if you’re not bothered about the cost, the Xbox One Elite is a the ultimate gamepad. There are some concerns about durability, but both Jacob and I have had ours for years with no problems.
Microsoft announced an updated Elite controller during its E3 2019 conference: the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. The biggest change with the new model is the inclusion of a rechargeable battery, a saving grace for all of you out there who, like me, refuse to buy single-use batteries in 2019. The Series 2 is set for a November 4 launch.
Best controller for pcMicrosoft Xbox One Wireless controller
Approx. $40 | £40
Xbox One pad specs
A close race between this and the Sony DS4, but Microsoft's pad just about edges ahead for solid PC compatibility.
$50.78
$47.99
View
Pros
3.5mm jack Great offset layout Bluetooth support
Cons
AA batteries
The latest wireless Xbox One pad is sublime. For my money it’s the best PC controller you can buy right now. There may be a growing rank of PC gamers lining up behind Sony’s DualShock 4 as the go-to gamepad, but the ever-so-slightly redesigned Xbox One pad’s got it all.
The overall layout has barely changed from the very first Xbox One controllers, but considering how well conceived and solidly-built they were that’s no bad thing. The balance of the pad in the paw is excellent and curved grip’s comfortable and well machined. The Xbox One wireless controller is a beautifully, ergonomically designed piece of peripheral hardware and it’s tough to see how it’s going to be bettered. For now it’s absolutely the best PC controller out there.
Runner-upSony DualShock 4 controller
Approx. $43 | £45
Sony DS4 specs
The DS4 is a fantastic pad, with hands-down the best analogue sticks in the market. If only those triggers weren't quite so lame..
$46.96
$50.00
View
Pros
Analogue stick supremacy 3.5mm jack Bluetooth support
Cons
Pricier than Xbox
PC support for the PlayStation’s DualShock 4 pad is growing, both from gamers and from a technological point of view. Valve has updated Steam to allow full configuration of the DS4 in the same way you can mess with the (frankly rubbish, yes it is… yes it is) Steam controller. That doesn’t, however, mean all Steam games will support it equally though.
I still prefer the Xbox pad’s offset layout, and those trigger buttons are horrible, but the actual analogue sticks themselves are hands down the best around. If only we could get an Xbox pad with the DS4’s sticks. Time to get modding…
Runner-upNintendo Switch Pro controller
Approx.$57 | £55
You may want all of the most popular programs in a MicrosoftOffice software package, including Word®, Excel®, PowerPoint® andOneNote®. Xforce keygen 32bits or 64bits version. Versatile Software PackagesIt's easy to select just the right programs for your needs andbudget.
Switch Pro specs
With its own Steam profile Nintendo's Pro controller will happily hook up with the PC. But beware the lack of analogue triggers.. Open source pdf form creator.
$29.95
View
View
Pros
Fantastic battery life Incredibly well-built USB-C and Bluetooth
Cons
Lacks analogue triggers
The Nintendo Switch Pro has been made specifically for the diminutive console, but has been given its own Steam profile and can be connected to your gaming PC with either a wireless Bluetooth connection or, if you want to get configured in Steam, via a USB-C cable.
And it’s a quality pad too, feeling solid and reassuringly robust in the hand. The thumbsticks feel good and the buttons satisfying. It’s also got an unprecedented 40-hour battery life via Bluetooth too. Unfortunately it does suffer for being designed for the Switch because it lacks proper analogue triggers, something that’s important for a growing number of games, and is absolutely vital in any arcade racer that isn’t Mario Kart.
Best high-end controller for pcMicrosoft Xbox One Elite
Approx. $150 | £110
Xbox One Elite specs
The money-no-object PC controller of our dreams. It's reassuringly weighty, robust, configurable, and oh-so pleasing to hold.
View
$179.99
Pros
All the paddles Adjustable High quality
Cons
Expensive
I mean, yeah, spending this much on a joypad might seem pretty crazy, but the Elite is one seriously beautiful controller. Almost everything about it has been designed to just scream ‘QUALITY!’ in your face.
It’s beautifully built, impressively responsive, and ultra versatile too. But I’m still not 100% sure that it’s worth that hefty a price premium over the standard Xbox One controller, which is why the Elite isn’t down as our absolute, must-have, best PC controller in this test. And while you’re here, it’s worth noting that the new and improved Elite controller, the Series 2, is set to launch November 4, which could be worth the wait.
Gamepad For Pc DownloadRunner-upNacon Revolution Unlimited
Approx. $179 | £165
Revolution specs
A solid wired/wireless controller that's a worthy runner-up to the excellent Xbox Elite pad.
View
Pros
Great build quality Asymmetrical layout Excellent thumbsticks
Cons
Terrible software
Many companies have tried to match the quality of Microsoft’s Xbox One Elite controller, but very few have managed to nail its mix of serious build quality and ultra customisation. But Nacon’s pad succeeds in both and also manages to mix both the excellent PlayStation thumbsticks and touchpad with the Xbox asymmetrical layout.
The only issue is the software. It refuses to connect unless you’re wired in and some of it’s wordless iconry is borderline impenetrable. But there are a whole host of customisation options buried in there if you really want to go deep.
Read our full Nacon Revolution Unlimited review.
Runner-upScuf Gaming Impact
Approx. £130
Scuf Impact specs
A decent alternative to the DS4, using the same connectivity, trackpad, and layout, but adding in paddle buttons to the mix.
View
Pros
Paddle-palooza Customisable Best of Xbox and PlayStation
Cons
Not quite on par with the Elite
Scuf Gaming does a whole host of serious gaming controllers, in both Xbox One and Playstation 4 trim. That means it will connect either via the Microsoft wireless dongle or Bluetooth. But you do also get a whole bunch of paddle switches on both the Impact and the Infinity 1 controllers. They’re solid, and require quite a bit of force to actuate, but that means you won’t end up hitting them by accident. And they also come in designer threads too. Shiny.
But they’re also the most expensive pads we’ve checked out so far. The Golden Dragon version especially – and you really are paying over $200 for the privilege of sweating over some fake dragon scales. The fancy colours and the paddles switches are the only things which mark these controllers out from the competition. But if you want to peacock with your pad, then Scuf will have you covered.
Runner-upRazer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma
Approx. $116 | £126
Wolverine TE specs
Desperately trying to be Razer's Elite-beater the Wolverine just doesn't quite have the same impact as the exceptional Microsoft pad.
$99.99
View
Pros
Clicky as heck RGB! Plenty of added functionality
Cons
Not quite on par with the Elite
The Cult of Razer… from its Texas compound… has obviously taken one look at the Xbox One Elite controller and said, we can do better than that.
It can’t. It’s added in some extra microswitched buttons to the Wolverine, some adjustable hair-triggers, dropped in a pair of pseudo paddle switches on the underside of the pad and kept it otherwise very clean. It’s a fantastic pad, but can’t quite hold a candle to the Elite.
Best cheap controller for pcEasySMX Wireless
Approx. $26 | £16
Easy SMX specs
Based more around the classic Xbox 360 pad than the Xbox One, the Easy SMX is nevertheless an excellent budget choice for a wireless pad.
$26.68
Pros
Cheap Wireless Solid layout Best Wireless Gamepad Controller For Pc
Cons
Triggers feel cheap Best Wireless Gamepad For Pc Games
The EasySMX Wireless is proof positive you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a well-built PC gaming controller. Sure, it’s losing some of the finesse of the other, more expensive pads, and is more aping the original Xbox 360 controller than the modern Xbox One version, but it’s got a decent battery life and the wireless connection is solid.
It’s also an absolute bargain, even if the triggers maybe don’t feel quite as accomplised as you might want them to be. But it’s still a solid, reliable controller that doesn’t cost the earth, and you can’t really ask a lot more than that.
Best PC flightstickThrustmaster Warthog
Approx. $457 | £349
Warthog specs
There has been no better flightstick created before or since the Warthog. Modeled on the actual A10's throttle and stick it's the ultimate Elite Dangerous and Star Citizen companion.
$249.99
View
View
Pros
Satisfying clicky switches Chunky (it’s a good thing) Fantastic throttle action
Cons
Expensive
Thrustmaster’s Warthog flightstick is a replica of the controllers in the classic A-10 Tankbuster, seemingly hewn from the same military-grade materials, and probably only slightly cheaper than a second-hand plane. Yes, the Warthog is frighteningly expensive, but if you’re already looking to pick up a dedicated flight-sim joystick then you’ve probably got pretty niche tastes – and this is the best way to satisfy them.
The Warthog has been around for a while now, but I’ve still seen no other flightstick come close to the feeling I get when using it. It’s a lot of money, but still manages to feel worth it when you’re hurtling through an asteroid belt, flipping on a pirate, and reducing their ship to tiny bits of melty scrap. That said, I’m still keen to see what Logitech does with the Saitek brand in the future, then we could see some real flightstick-y competition.
Best PC steering wheelFanatec Clubsport
Approx. $1,300 | £1,374
In any case, regardless of hardware settings (currently set to NOT install drivers from windows update), the wrong driver isbeing installed, and when I attempt to update the USB composite device driver manually, it wants to use an.inf file, and when I point it at Acer's.inf file, it says there is no information in that file about the HID Composite Device. It appears I have received a Christmas present - the Acer touchscreen has mysteriously started working again. I do note that the current touchscreen features are quite different from the originals, suggesting either Microsoft or Acer have rationalizedthe driver set, corrected the problem and that the drivers are now only supporting standard Microsoft features. Is this.hclx file responsible for installing the USB drivers? I'm confused. Acer touch screen monitor driver.
Clubsport specs
The pinnacle of PC racing perfection. Fanatec's expensive setup delivers incredible feedback fidelity both through the steering wheel and even the pedals.
View
Pros
Incredible force feedback Modular Precision engineered
Cons
That price…
Sooo, yeah… the Fanatec Clubsport setup is the price of a powerful gaming PC, but it is also the stuff of gaming peripheral dreams. NSFW dreams. I mean, this is serious tech pr0n stuff right here, and it’s all down to just how beautifully designed, created, and finished the Clubsport kit is. If you don’t go for one of the pre-configured bundles you’ll have to create your own, picking and choosing from a very long list of goodies.
The main wheel base is the same across the board, but then you can fit different steering wheels, gearshifts, and pedals to the mix. And they’re all built out of solid lumps of metal and precision engineered components. The Fanatec system has hands-down the best force feedback system I’ve ever used, even down to feedback from the pedals, too. I would question why anyone at all would even consider plugging this stunning bit of hyper-expensive kit into an Xbox One, but for the well-off racing nut the Fanatec Clubsport system has me running out of superlatives.
Runner-upThrustmaster T300 RS
Approx. $240 | £289
T300 RS specs
A quality second-tier option after the Fanatec, and one that is still able to offer an excellent level of force feedback to aid your racing.
$360.00
View
View
Pros
Less than the cost of a car Solid force feedback Fantastic wheel
Cons
Logitech offer great alternatives
When it comes to the more realistically-priced racing wheels it’s a toss-up between Thrustmaster and Logitech. The T300RS isn’t Thrustmaster’s most expensive option, but it is still a fantastic wheel nonetheless.
It might not have the faux-luxury, faux-leather of the G920 or G29 Logitech setups, but in terms of its force feedback Thrustmaster has just about got them pegged. I do prefer the pedals of Logitech, but it’s the racing feel you want from a good wheel and that’s why the T300RS crosses the finish line just ahead of them.
So there you have it. Microsoft’s Elite Controller is the very pinnacle of PC controller goodness. But, if you have a little cash to spend the standard Microsoft Xbox One Wireless controller can’t be otherwise beat. With sublime design and well-machined construction raring to go, Microsoft has the best PC controller top two on lock down.
But that doesn’t completely disqualify some of the tough competition. Personal preference can’t be cast aside, and no doubt some of you out there prefer the parallel thumbstick design of the Dualshock 4. We’re also well-aware of a vocal dozen or so gamers who even pick the Steam controller as their weapon of choice.
Immersive setup: Grab the best gaming monitor
“It just takes some time to get used to,” or so they say – with misplaced confidence, might I add. They’re obviously wrong and are mostly trying to justify their purchase, and the hours they’ve put into ‘perfecting’ their profiles. Those people are often best avoided…
More Hardware Guides:
And for the budget-conscious of you on the lookout for the best cheap PC controller, it doesn’t get much better than the Easy SMX wireless. While it may not have the flashy lights of the Razer peripherals or the functionality of the Elite, you just can’t beat the solid construction and simple plug and play functionality that the Easy SMX offers up for just a little dosh.
Before you start to compare specific features, consider these three questions.
Do you want a wireless controller or a wired controller? This question is probably the most important to consider before you start shopping. Wireless controllers cost more, although in some cases, they suffer from lag over a wireless connection. If you play competitively (or in any game where split-second reflexes matter), you may want to play it safe with a wired controller. If you prefer a clutter-free setup, however, a wireless controller may be the better choice.
Do you plan to use your controller with other systems aside from your PC? Some gaming controllers work with multiple systems, which can be perfect for gamers who own different consoles or even mobile devices. Controllers that boast compatibility with different systems are usually good for most gameplay, but switching between systems can sometimes be a clunky process. Therefore, they’re only a good value if you’re certain they’ll see a lot of use across different platforms.
Do you want any advanced features, such as turbo buttons? Some gaming controllers include optional features that help in certain games. For example, many controllers have “rumble” support, which means they vibrate at specific points in the game, like during an explosion or in response to taking damage. This can be a fun effect. Other controllers have a “turbo” function which repeatedly presses a button for you — a big advantage in shooting or fighting games that rely on repetitive button-pushing.
Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |