The Best Controllers for Playing PC Games in 2026

1. Xbox Core Controller

Our Top Pick

Xbox Core Controller

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Enjoy the familiar Xbox layout on an ergonomic controller with remappable buttonsa tactile D-padand ample connectivity options.

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Although the Xbox Core Controller doesn’t necessarily revolutionize the standard Xbox controller we once knew and lovedit does offer some necessary updates that PC gamers will appreciatewhich we’ve highlighted in our Xbox Core Controller review. The new cosmetics are a nice touch; the all-black Xbox buttonfor instancematte bumpers and triggersand an overall more comfortable design. There are also a ton of Xbox controller colors to choose from.

The controller's hybrid D-pad is extra responsive and allows for an easier distinction between the cardinal and diagonal inputswhich is ideal for those who love fighting games. Of coursethe rest of the buttons and sticks remain reliable and consistentand the textured grip on the triggersbumpersand back case keep the controller in hand even during heated moments. All of these improvements mean a new level of precision and control. There’s also now a dedicated Share button that makes capturing screenshots and video clips a breeze.

Many of the Xbox Core Controller’s buttonstriggersand sticks can be customized via the Xbox Accessories app when downloaded from the Microsoft Store on PCand you can save profiles to avoid the hassle every time you switch games. Remapping can also be done using Steam; howeverthere will be more limitations than when using an Xbox Series X|S. Connecting to a PC is simpleas USB-C support provides a plug-and-play solution. For wireless connectivityBluetooth is available or Xbox Wireless via a dongle with supported devices. The Core Controller's biggest flaw is that it uses AA batteries; you can shell out some extra dough for a rechargeable battery pack.

2. PowerA Advantage Wired Controller

PowerA Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S

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Grab this wired gamepad to save money while still getting all the inputs you needplus vibration motorstrigger locksand two small buttons on its underside for shortcuts.

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During our hands-on testing of the PowerA Enhanced wired controllerwe found it to be an excellent and affordable PC controller option. PowerA’s updated modelthe Advantagemakes some meaningful improvements without increasing the price tag. It comes with a removable 10-foot USB-C cablea significant upgrade from the MicroUSB on the Enhanced modelfor seamless PC connection. Unfortunatelywireless and Bluetooth connectivity are still excluded from this budget gamepadbut you do get a 3.5mm jack to plug in a great gaming headset.

The PowerA Advantage sticks to the familiar shape and feel of the Xbox Core Controllerfeaturing all the typical Xbox controlseven taking a page out of the Xbox Elite Controller’s book with two smalleasy-to-reach buttons on the underside for shortcuts; it’s slightly less robustbut still punches far above its price class. The backside of the grips feature a slight texturealthough it’s not enough to add significantly more control like rubberized grips can. Dual rumble motors and impulse triggers are even available for better immersion. And don’t worrythey’re accurate and subtle.

What makes this controller a true standout is the three-level trigger stop switcheswhich are not available on the PowerA Enhanced model and are a rarity in controllers of this price range. It's a boon for fans of FPS games who want to step away from the mouse and keyboard occasionally without shelling out tons of dough for a pro-level controller. The thumbsticks are shorter and feature a good amount of tension. While those sticks are great for precisionthe extra force required can be a hindrance in certain games. The rest of the buttons are responsive and reliableputting it on the level of a first-party controller.

Hyperkin Competitor Review - Photos

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3. Hyperkin Competitor

Hyperkin Competitor

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If you prefer a PlayStation layoutthis wired controller offers long-lasting Hall Effect sticksImpulse triggers and pro- rear buttons.

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In our hands-on review of the Hyperkin Competitorwe found it offered a convincing simulcrum of the Sony DualSense controller for PC and Xboxwith PlayStation- symmetrical sticksa similar black-and-white color scheme and upgraded internals. That includes Hall Effect sensors under each thumbstick and triggerwhich boost durability and aid precision with smaller deadzones. The sticks themselves are particularly worthy of praisewith anti-friction rings and metal stems that produce a fluidlinear feelthough it is a touch light in comparison to the console controller it emulates.

In terms of pro-level featuresthe stand-out is the inclusion of two rear buttonsmapped to A and B by default. These are placed directly where your middle fingers can actuate themwith locks nearby to prevent accidental presses if you're not using them and a mapping button to reassign them.

The Competitor feels quite light and is made of plasticbut it's still reasonably well-constructed given its middling price. The rear grips have a fine texture to thempreventing them from sliding out of slightly sweaty handsthe D-pad feels bouncier than the DualSense'sand the face buttons are a bit small but responsive. Neither too wide nor too narrowmost hand sizes are accommodated here (something you couldn't say about the Xbox Duke remake Hyperkin is also responsible for).

The Competitor sits at an interesting place in the marketcoming in around the same price as a first-party controller from Xbox or PlayStationwhile offering some advantages (HE sticksrear buttons) and some disadvantages (wired connectivity and a slightly toy-like feel). Overall thoughit does enough right to earn the nod.

Asus ROG Raikiri II – Photos

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4. Asus ROG Raikiri II

Asus ROG Raikiri II

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The sequel to the original Raikiri controller from Asus brings TMR sensors and heavy inspiration from the ROG Xbox Ally X. It's pretty neat.

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The Asus ROG Raikiri II might have '2' in its namebut it's such a far departure from the original that it feels like it exists on its own. Rather than taking the design language from the first iterationthe Raikiri is instead more inspired by the ROG Xbox Ally X – Asus's latest handheld gaming PC – to an almost ridiculous degree.

The controller has the same button layout with the Library and Armoury Crate buttons located on top of the menu buttons in the middle of the gamepad. When connected to the Xbox Ally Xthese serve to give you the same exact experience on your TV as you're used to in handheld mode. For some reasonthey don't do anything when they're connected to a regular old gaming PC. I even tried downloading Asus' software to see if that would make them magically start working to no avail.

But even with a couple of pointless buttons in the middlethe Raikiri II is an amazing controller. When we reviewed itJackie Thomas praised the analog sticks, which use TMR (tunneling magneto-resistance) sensorsto be more accurate for a longer period of time. This kind of sensor is basically the same concept as Hall Effectusing magnets to more accurately track movementbut because there are fewer moving partsa TMR sensor will wear down much more slowly over time.

These sensors are also in the triggerswhich makes them feel incredibly accurateespecially in games where having pressure-sensitive triggers actually matters – think games like Forza Horizon 5.

The only other real downside is the high pricebut Asus has put a lot of work into making sure this controller will last a long timeso it's worth the extra investment.

Sony DualSense Controller Review

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5. Sony DualSense Controller

Sony DualSense Controller

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The DualSense is comfortable to grip and offers impressive haptics and adaptive triggers for more immersion in the action.

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We spent a lot of time reviewing the Sony DualSense Controllerand it's another great first-party option for PCwhether you connect it with a cable or via Bluetooth. It's particular niche is playing PS5 ports that support its Adaptive Triggerswhich add surprisingly amounts of granularity to the experience. If you're a fan of the output of Sony's game studiosthen this might be what sways you to choosing the DualSense over the Xbox Core controller. And unlike the Xbox Corethere’s a rechargeable battery for wireless usethough it's relatively limited at around 10-13 hours during our testing.

As you might be awarethe DualSense was made for the PS5 and continues the company's tradition of opting for symmetrical analog stickslike the Hyperkin Competitor above. Unlike the Competitor thoughthis gamepad feels a bit better heavier and better builtwhile remaining balancedeasy to gripand ultimately more ergonomic. There are also plenty of DualSense color options available if you don't like the standard look.

With handy support from Steam as well as fan-made software packagesplus increasing numbers of PlayStation-exclusive games ending up not so exclusive thanks to PC portsfull DualSense functionality on PC makes for the best way to play those games.

Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 Controller Review

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6. Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller

Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller

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Get ample customizability on this high-end controller with a swappable controlstunable triggersextra rear paddlesand fully remappable buttons.

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If you're after a controller that offers the familiar Xbox design but amps up its capabilityour review of the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller shows you why it's perfect for your needs. This model features four rear paddles that can have their own actions or can change the function of the face buttons. Plusall of the buttons on the gamepad are remappable. The D-padback paddlesand analog sticks are magnetically swappable for added customizationensuring the controller feels exactly how you want. Xbox also kept the tunable triggers from the original Elite.

While all of these features sound great on paperthey deliver in real lifetoo — for the most part. Swapping out sticks and D-pads is easy and helped improve the feel for our reviewer in certain genreslike platformers or fighting games. Setting up hair triggers kept reaction times on point in shooters. The rear paddles may take a minute to masterbut are poppy and responsive. Howeverthey don’t make up for the mushy ABXY buttonswhich are a major disappointment for such a premium controller.

At least the Elite Series 2 controller adds the rechargeable battery that the Xbox Core controller lacksand lasts an impressive 40 hours on each charge. In addition to Xbox Wireless when using an adapter with PCBluetooth is available for easy pairing with your PC or smartphone. A low-latency wired connection via USB-C is also supported.

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra – Photos

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7. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra

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A display for setting adjustments and notificationsalongside Hall Effect stickstactile switchesand extra mappable buttonsmakes this controller a stand-out.

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One of the most enticing things we found in our review of the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is its unique “Connected Command Display.” It’s a compactfull-color screen directly on the controller that displays phone notifications and allows on-the-fly setting adjustmentslike swapping between 10 different profilesfine-tuning the vibration intensityand modifying RGB lightingwhich can even change colors to indicate phone notification alerts or a low battery.

The Stealth Ultra features some slightly buggy software that works with a PC to provide a full suite of options for tuning the controller and creating profiles for specific games or desired feels. Everything from joystick and trigger deadzones to joystick response curves and rear paddle button mapping can be done with this software.

Turtle Beach’s offering is wirelessso there’s a 2.4GHz dongle for a lag-free connection to your PC or Xbox. Bluetooth support is handy for your gaming phone. Howeverwhen you start experimenting with the display and RGB lightingthe advertised 30-hour battery life quickly drops to around 10 hours.

While all the customizability is great (and honestly overkill)real-world performance is what mattersand the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is one beast of a gamepad. It features an Xbox layout with tactile micro switches that are sharp and precisewhich proved helpful in Dead Cells during testingwhere the button timing was flawless. While drifting has plagued other Turtle Beach controllersthe Hall Effect sensors on the sticks prevent drifting and provide nuanced control. The trigger toggle even helped cut milliseconds of crucial time in FPS.

Razer Kitsune – Photos

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8. Razer Kitsune

Razer Kitsune

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Go for a leverless design with this fight stick that has everything you need to KO opponents at tournaments.

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If you play a good deal of arcade or fighting gamesdo yourself a favor and pick up a great fight stickand for PCthe Razer Kitsune we've reviewed is a standout option. Rather than including a typical stick on the controllerit has a leverless design offering buttons that move in a full range of directions. Admittedlythere’s a bit of a learning curve to master the Kitsunebut the quicker input speed (milliseconds matter in fighting games)improved accuracyand easier execution of certain moves are worth the effort to KO opponents.

The Kitsune is a PlayStation-licensed deviceso beyond directional controls are the essential PlayStation buttons. Razer opted to use optical switches on this fight stickand in testing inputs were fast and reliable while remaining surprisingly quietbut still delivering a keyboard-like feel. While those buttons offer a distinct feelthe controls are hot-swappable to easily customize the board to your liking.

Like any good fight stickthe Razer Kitsune is sturdydurableand large enough to let both hands rest comfortably on it with the buttons perfectly spaced. On top is a removable aluminum plate to add your own flair to the controllerand the bottom features a nice gripensuring it stays in place during heated moments. It does all of this while remaining light enough to carry around to tournamentsweighing under 2lbs. Razer also includes a flashy light strip around the edge of the controller and a tournament lock to prevent you from accidentally getting disqualified. Even if it’s designed for the PS5this controller works flawlessly with PC and seamlessly connects via a USB.

Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel

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9. Logitech G Pro Wheel and Pedals

Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel and Pedals

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Logitech's Pro Racing Wheel and Pedals offer powerful and accurate feedbackwith good support amongst major racing titlesand a growing ecosystem of rimsshifters and other accessories.

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Anyone into sim racing on PC needs a great racing wheel for a deeper level of immersionand Logitech's Pro Racing Wheel and Pedals are an awesome option – even if they do cost a little over $1,000. As the name suggeststhis direct drive motor connects directly to the steering wheelproviding much better control and force feedback than gear or belt-driven alternatives. The system delivers up to 11Nm of torquewhich is plenty to feel acccurate feedback about the road surface and how well your tires are gripping it.

You also get additional colour through the wheel in games that support Logitech's TrueForce featurewhich adds an extra dimension of telemetry-based feedback beyond what's possible through standard DirectInput. It's also easy to reduce the strength of the force feedback via the Logitech G app or the wheel itselfwhich has an integrated display and controls to adjust this and many other settings.

The Pro Racing Wheel is available in PC-onlyPC/Xbox and PC/PlayStation varietieswith the PC option costing $100 less than the two consoles models. The button layout doesn't change between each modeljust the labelsand I found the buttons well-placed and satisfying to pusheven while wearing gloves. The 300mm rim is also well-sizedwith a slight D-shape that's fine to use for all genres of racingthough rally and drift enthusiasts might prefer to fit the RS Wheel Hub and the RS Round Wheelwhile Formula racers have the option of the RS Track Wheel. On the default wheelthe magnetic shifters provide suitably clunky feedbackwith dual analogue paddles that are ideal for clutches or handbrakes.

The Racing Pro Pedals are built to the same high quality standardwith the three-item set including a clutchbrake and throttle. The highlight is the brakewhich uses a load cell to measure how hard you're hitting itrather than how far down it's been pressed. This feels more similar to a real race carand can help you brake more consistently to ultimately improve your lap times. All three pedals are adjustablethough the dialling in the feel of the brake is the most important.

If you're investing this much into a wheel and pedalsthen hard-mounting to a rig like the Logitech x Playseat Trophy makes a lot of senseand I really enjoyed the stability and portability this provided. Howeverit's also possible to mount the wheel to a deskwhich works well enough if you can prevent the pedals for slipping backwards and may be preferable to a fixed setup for some use cases.

Overallthe Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel and Pro Racing Pedals are tremendously powerful pieces of kit that continue to improve as new accessories are released and more games are supported.

10. Xbox Adaptive Controller

Xbox Adaptive Controller

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Inclusive input device with two large buttonsa D-padand more.

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The Xbox Adaptive Controller was an innovative controller when it was released back in 2018and it’s still great today. Unfortunatelythe accessible controller market is relatively smallwith most top options coming at a premium; that doesn't even include all the necessary peripherals required to make the controller work for your specific needs. While the Xbox Adaptive Controller isn’t cheap by any meansits inclusivesimple-to-use design and compatibility with PC continue to push it above others.

Rather than a typical gamepadthe Adaptive Controller is more of an input hub with a body similar to a fightstick. Its extreme modularity and customizability allow the controller to be adapted for specific abilities. The built-in controls are limitedbut it still features two massive remappable buttons on its facealong with a D-padview buttonand home button.

Howeverthe reason you’ll want the Adaptive Controllers is for the excess of inputs. 19 3.5mm jacks correspond with all the typical controller inputsincluding bumpers and triggersallowing foot pedalsswitchesjoysticksand other adaptability aids to be added. I’d recommend picking up the Xbox Adaptive Joystickwhich includes the stickfour buttonsand a mounting thread. While it adds $30 to the price tagthe buttons can be remappedergonomics are solidand 3D-printable thumbstick toppers are supported. The joystick can also plug into a standard Xbox controller.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is an invaluable tool for accessibilitybut that doesn’t mean it’s flawless. The learning curve is steep when mastering all the different controlsand sometimes simultaneous inputs aren’t supportedleading to limitations in games. The biggest downfall is the cost of all the extra peripherals required to make this functional controllerbut it does support third-party options. Stillgamers have reported thatfor the most partthis controller works greatallowing them to play games that weren’t always feasible.

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