The Best Game Controller for Every Kind of Player
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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.
Best for PC and Xbox Owners
As someone who mostly plays on PC, but also owns an Xbox Series X, this is the controller I reach for 90% of the time. It has a lightweight but sturdy feel, with satisfying buttons and adjustable triggers. Like an increasing number of controllers on our list, it sports drift-resistant Hall Effect joysticks that have a stiff snap and excellent smoothness. With an included carrying case, USB dongle, and magnetic charging cradle, this feels like a much more premium product than the cost would imply.
Most controllers either opt for totally subdued looks, or try to be as gamer-coded as possible, but PowerA found a way to appeal to both crowds. With the lights on, the Fusion Pro Wireless is covered in sinewy, bone-ridden RGB gamer bait, but when you turn them off, the patterns are completely invisible, and it just looks like a plain black controller.
Specs Supported Systems Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows Connectivity 2.4GHz Joysticks Hall Effect Best Dedicated PS5 Controller
It might be tempting to look for a third-party controller for your PS5, but there just isn’t one that beats Sony’s own DualSense. On top of its slick design that matches the eye-catching console, its packed with some of the most innovative features of any controller on the market.
The three-dimensional rumble gives you haptic feedback in different places on the controller based on what’s going on in your game. The adaptive triggers have adjustable tension, which developers can use to make it a little tougher to pull the triggers for moments that require more effort from your characters. This is an immersion-maker at moments like when Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West pries open ancient, rusted chests, or when Spider-Man rips rocks apart with his bare hands. –Simon Hill
Specs Supported Systems PlayStation 5, Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS Connectivity Bluetooth Joysticks Analog
Best Dedicated PC Controller
GameSir may not be a household name, but the brand has been slowly claiming more spots on this list, thanks to feature-packed and high-quality controllers at excellent price points. The G7 Pro is no different, with an attractive white and semitranslucent look, sky-high polling rate, and magnetic TMR joysticks. It feels a little heavy in hand, but makes up for it with every feature you could imagine, from adjustable trigger locks to customizable rear buttons.
The G7 Pro includes a charging dock, USB dongle, swappable D-pads, and a cable guard at the top in case you need to plug in. While the USB wireless connection for Windows work excellently, you'll have to use the wired connection for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, and Bluetooth for Android. That makes this a particularly good choice for desktop PC gamers who want a wireless option without sacrificing on performance.
Specs Supported Systems Wired (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One), Wireless (Windows, Android) Connectivity Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth Joysticks Hall Effect Best PS5 Controller Upgrade
The standard PS5 controller is already a beast, but the DualSense Edge takes it up several notches. It comes with a set of alternate control sticks of varying heights, which allow you to get more precision when accuracy is important. The L2 and R2 triggers have physical switches that adjust their actuation point so you can activate the button with less pressure.
On the rear, there's space for two additional paddles, which you can customize with any button you prefer. I find this particularly useful for playing games like Overwatch 2, where minimizing how much I have to move my fingers between buttons matters more. You can even set up custom profiles for different games. A pair of Function buttons just below the control sticks are used for shortcuts to swap profiles without digging through settings. The only thing to dislike is its price tag, but you get a lot for your money. –Simon Hill
Specs Supported Systems PlayStation 5, Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS Connectivity Bluetooth Joysticks Analog
Upgrade Pick for PS5 and PC Owners
For the most serious PlayStation 5 owners who also play on their computer, I recommend checking out the Razer Raiju V3 Pro. It has a super premium feel in hand, with the latest in magnetic TMR joysticks. It has everything you'd want for tuning into a competitive mindset, like adjustable triggers, back buttons with the same switches as Razer mice, and a low latency 2.4GHz connection.
The big miss here is that you don't get the haptic feedback or vibration of any kind, which is great for both weight and serious performance, but means casual gamers miss out on the very cool integration only found on the DualSense controllers. –Simon Hill
Specs Supported Systems PlayStation 5, Windows Connectivity 2.4GHz Joysticks TMR Best Xbox Controller Upgrade
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Photograph: Eric RavenscraftXbox/Microsoft
Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
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