Best Game Controllers for PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox

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Games Are Only as good as the controller you use to play them. As anyone who's ever struggled with stick drift or connectivity issues knows, a bad controller can make the best games feel awful. Fortunately, we're living in a golden age of controller designs. Comfort is a priority even for first-party controllers, and third parties are bringing new features like magnetic sensors and fancy lighting to the party. We've tried a bunch over the years, and these are the best game controllers we've come across, official and unofficial, for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Almost all of our picks have PC support, but because the console makers don't always play nice with each other, you'll need to choose compatibility with one or the other based on what system you have under your TV. We also have picks that are specifically compatible with Android and Nintendo Switch, as well as a few oddities like racing wheels and mobile-specific controllers.

Check out our other gaming guides, including Best Gaming Headsets, Best Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, Best Mobile Game Controllers, Best Gaming Laptops, and Best Handheld Gaming Consoles.

Updated April 2026: We've added the GameSir G7 SE and G7 Pro, Raizer Raiju V3 Pro, PowerA Fusion Pro, Switch Pro Controller 2, updated additional information about choosing a controller, and removed some picks that are no longer available.

Connectivity and Platform Limitations

While most modern controllers operate wirelessly, there are some caveats to ditching the cables. The most common connection type found on devices is Bluetooth, but that can cause latency issues, so systems like Xbox Series X|S get around this by leveraging a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless connection. Controllers wanting to use that same connection either need to get permission from Xbox and pay for licensing, or have you plug a USB dongle into your console to connect directly to the controller.

Similarly, Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft don't usually allow companies to officially license controllers that are also licensed for other consoles, and will usually require button layouts specific to the console. While this historically meant multiple versions of the same controller with slightly different buttons and connections, now manufacturers make individual models with different shapes and feature sets that are more recognizable to that console's users.

The exception to this rule is the humble gaming computer. Most modern controllers have some way to work with Windows 10 and 11, even if it requires being plugged in via USB. I have some dedicated picks that work best with gaming PCs, but if you have a console in addition to a desktop, you should pick the controller that works with the console you have as well.

Some controllers support Android and iOS via Bluetooth as well, but we have a roundup for mobile controllers specifically that will give you more options.

Joystick Drift

In recent years you may have heard about something called “stick drift” effecting controllers. Traditional analog joysticks use a physical connection between the joystick and the potentiometer to measure its location. Over time that connection can wear down, which causes the system to think the joystick is being tilted when it's in the center. Once stick drift has started, there's no turning back without replacing the sensor, or the whole controller.

Newer controllers have begun switch to two new sensor types, Hall Effect and TMR, which use magnets instead of a physical connection, preventing stick drift in the first place. It's a feature that you're actually more likely to find on third-party controllers at this point, and while they do sometimes carry a premium, there are budget-friendly controllers with magnetic joysticks. If you're spending more and want a product that lasts, it's worth looking for these upgraded options.

Other Game Controllers to Consider

There are so many game controllers out there, but not all of them are good enough to make the list above. These are the other controllers we have tested recently.

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro: This highly customizable PS5 controller boasts Hall Effect sticks and triggers, programmable back paddles, and a great D-pad. You can tweak the weight, stick length and grips, and even the trigger actuation. It boasts a 10-hour battery life, and you can connect your headset via Bluetooth or plug-in. Unfortunately, it's expensive, and you don't get the haptic feedback or adaptive triggers that you'll find in Sony's excellent DualSense controllers.

Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: WIRED editor Parker Hall raved about Logitech’s racing wheel accessory, and racing game fans with deep pockets will love it. It adds a layer of reality to your in-game driving with force feedback and vibrations that help you feel every surface. The gear shift paddles have Hall Effect sensors. There is also an OLED display that enables you to tweak settings without opening the app.

Nacon Revolution X Pro: This wired Xbox and PC controller comes with a long (around 10 feet), detachable, braided USB-C cable. Nacon offers an impressive level of customization, including interchangeable thumbsticks, programmable back buttons, and weights to help you get the feel you want. The Profile button lets you cycle through four presets, a switch toggles configurations, and it has a 3.5-mm headphone jack. You can tweak everything in the flaky Revolution X app for Xbox or PC. While it works well, I don’t love the cheap feel (even with adjusted weight), and the rear triggers are awkward. At full price, the Revolution X Pro is too expensive for a wired controller, but discounts are frequent.

GameSir Cyclone 2: The GameSir Cyclone 2 is super impressive for its price. Its layout is styled like an Xbox controller but with a few extra bells and whistles. It has two rear paddle buttons that can be customized, and hair triggers with a physical switch inside each to swap between short and long actuation points. It also comes programmed with a ton of shortcuts to tweak things like vibration intensity, button layout, and control stick dead zones on the fly. For most gamers, the newer, upgraded G7 Pro will be worth the $25 price difference.

8BitDo Ultimate: This feature-packed controller from 8BitDo has lots to offer at a reasonable price. At first glance, it looks like an Xbox controller, but it has five central buttons on the front and a pair of rear paddles. It boasts a host of customization options to suit your play style. Using 8BitDo’s software, you can remap buttons, tweak the stick and trigger sensitivity, assign macros, and tune the vibration intensity. There's an updated version of this controller available and we'll update here when we get a chance to test it.

Charging Accessories

Wireless controllers are great, but you do have to remember to charge them. If you don’t want to mess with cables, a charging dock is the way. After testing several, we have some recommendations.

The official Sony charging station is the best for DualSense controllers. It is compact, charges two controllers, and frees up your PS5's ports. Slotting your controllers into place is a breeze, with successful docking marked by a click.

This stylish charging station is for wireless Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One controllers and comes with battery packs and replacement doors. The molded plastic makes it easy to slide your controllers into, and you can tap the top to change the lighting. The only drawback is that it is bulky.

This charging base can charge a Switch Pro controller and two Joy-Cons. It is simple to use, although you must insert a USB dongle into the Pro controller. I actually slightly prefer Power-A’s charging dock, which is more compact than the base, but it is out of stock at the moment. If you only need Joy-Con charging, try the HyperX Chargeplay Quad ($15).