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If you’re wondering which pc gaming controllers are worth your money, stick around! After we run through each product, I’ll give you my personal take—Would I buy it, or would I skip it? No fluff, just my honest opinion. Let’s get into it!
Watch the video version: Ranking Best PC Gaming Controllers: Some Are Great, Some Are Trash!
DualSense Edge
The controller feels incredibly well-balanced despite being 46 grams heavier than the standard DualSense, with added grip on the rear triggers and grips that really enhance the premium feel. The customization options are impressive, letting you switch thumbsticks and adjust trigger sensitivity to your exact preferences. The black face buttons and glossy faceplate give it a more premium look compared to the standard model, though you’ll have to deal with significantly shorter battery life. The controller maintains the same ergonomic design as the original DualSense while packing in many more features, making it comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
Would I buy it?
Maybe – While it offers excellent customization and premium features, the shortened battery life and high price point make it hard to fully recommend.
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
The controller features incredibly responsive micro-switches under nearly every button, providing a crisp, consistent click that never misses a beat during intense gaming sessions. The mechanical buttons are wonderfully tactile and responsive, making it perfect for a wide range of games, while the Hall effect thumbsticks provide smooth, precise control. The innovative color display makes tweaking settings incredibly convenient, and the RGB lighting adds a nice aesthetic touch. The controller’s companion software is disappointing, and it lacks swappable thumbsticks which is surprising at this price point.
Would I buy it?
Maybe – Despite the excellent mechanical buttons and innovative display, the poor software support and lack of customization options hold it back from being a must-buy.
Razer Kitsune
The controller suffers from excessive button travel distance at 2.8mm, making it physically slower than other controllers and potentially causing dropped combos. The surface is extremely prone to showing fingerprints and skin oils, looking messy after just one use. While it’s compatible with PS5 and PC, the limited platform support makes it one of the least broadly compatible devices out of the box. The button feel is less tactile compared to other options, and many users report issues with button sensitivity and functionality.
Would I buy it?
No – The combination of technical issues, limited compatibility, and ergonomic problems make it difficult to recommend, especially considering its premium price point.
GameSir G7 SE
The controller features incredible Hall Effect sensors in both triggers and thumbsticks, making it the only Xbox-style controller with this technology for superior accuracy and durability. The companion app allows extensive customization, including trigger sensitivity adjustment and profile switching on the fly. The build quality is superb with mechanical parts that feel and sound great, while maintaining a comfortable, ergonomic design that fits naturally in your hands. The Hall Effect joysticks provide stiff resistance with snappy bounce back, offering a new level of control while promising to avoid stick drift for up to 5 million cycles.
Would I buy it?
Yes – With its innovative Hall Effect sensors, extensive customization options, and premium build quality at an affordable price point, it’s currently the best value in PC gaming controllers.
GameSir T4 Kaleid
The Hall Effect joysticks and mechanical face buttons deliver incredible precision and responsiveness that you rarely find at this price point. The transparent case with RGB lighting not only looks stunning but also shows off the gold-accented PCB, giving it a premium feel while maintaining a budget-friendly price of just $42. The controller works flawlessly across PC, Nintendo Switch, and Android devices, with easy button remapping and customization options available through both on-controller controls and PC software. The built-in trigger locks and programmable back buttons make this feel like a pro-level controller despite its affordable price tag.
Would I buy it?
Yes – The combination of premium features at a budget price makes this an absolute no-brainer, especially considering the Hall Effect sensors that prevent stick drift.
Gran Turismo DD Pro
The direct drive technology delivers incredibly detailed force feedback that helps you feel every aspect of the track, though the base 5Nm of torque might feel a bit weak for hardcore sim racers. The wheel is incredibly quiet during operation with no internal fan, and it barely gets warm even during extended racing sessions. While the performance is impressive for the price point, you’ll need to spend extra on the Boost Kit 180 to unlock the full 8Nm of torque potential. The wheelbase works great with PC and offers excellent customization options, though the included GT-style wheel feels a bit cheap compared to other Fanatec offerings.
Would I buy it?
Maybe – While the direct drive technology is impressive, the need for additional purchases to unlock its full potential makes it a harder sell.
Victrix Pro BFG
The controller offers modular design with swappable components, but the Hall Sensor thumbstick modules aren’t included in the base package. While it features wireless connectivity and customizable RGB lighting, the $179.99 price tag feels steep compared to other Xbox controllers. The battery life reportedly lasts up to 24 hours, but the added weight from rumble motors might not appeal to everyone. The controller includes programmable back buttons and various customization options, yet it doesn’t bring enough unique features to justify its premium price.
Would I buy it?
No – Despite its modularity and wireless features, there are better options available at this price point.
Nacon Daija
This arcade stick comes with premium Sanwa components and extensive customization options, but it’s primarily designed for fighting games which limits its versatility as a general PC controller. The stick features a removable faceplate for custom artwork and includes two different stick types, yet the price is extremely high at £299.99. While the build quality is excellent with a sturdy construction and comfortable design, the lack of compatibility with modern consoles limits its appeal. The included tool kit for modifications is nice, but the overall package feels overpriced for what you get.
Would I buy it?
No – The high price and limited use case make it hard to recommend for general PC gaming.
8BitDo Pro 2
The ergonomics on this controller are fantastic, feeling just as comfortable as a DualShock 4 while maintaining that nostalgic SNES-inspired design. The D-pad is nearly perfect, and the face buttons have this satisfying click when pressed, making them slightly taller than modern controllers but still maintaining that perfect actuation point. What really sets this controller apart is the incredible customization through the Ultimate Software tool, which lets you tweak every aspect of the controller through your phone – though oddly enough, while you can customize on iOS, you can’t actually use it to play games there. The controller seamlessly works with Nintendo Switch, Windows PCs, macOS, Android, and Raspberry Pi, featuring both Bluetooth 4.0 and wired connectivity.
Would I buy it?
Yes – this controller offers premium features at a reasonable price point, and the versatility of platform support makes it an absolute no-brainer for PC gaming.
Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro
The controller features an innovative hot-swappable system with strong magnets, allowing you to instantly swap modules without any disassembly, including a unique wheel attachment that provides precise steering control for racing games. The mechanical switches in the ABXY buttons feel incredibly snappy, similar to mouse clicks, and the controller includes lockable triggers and remappable rear buttons for maximum customization. The build quality is solid, and the 3-meter braided cable ensures you won’t have any latency issues or battery concerns. The wheel attachment truly shines in racing games like Forza Horizon 5, offering 91 degrees of steering rotation and more precise control in corners.
Would I buy it?
Yes – despite being wired and a bit pricey, the unique wheel attachment and premium build quality make it an exceptional choice for racing game enthusiasts.
Logitech F310
The controller offers a full range of controls at a budget-friendly price point of just $25, featuring a familiar DualShock-style layout and both DirectInput and XInput compatibility for maximum game support. Unfortunately, the analog sticks are stiffer than most controllers and require more force to move, making precise movements particularly challenging in the crucial center area. The build quality is surprisingly robust with no creaking or bending under pressure, though the lack of rumble motors and wireless functionality definitely shows its budget nature. The analog triggers have a short throw and feel stiff, which isn’t ideal for racing games or situations requiring fine control.
Would I buy it?
Maybe – while it’s a decent budget option for casual gaming, the stiff controls and lack of features make it hard to recommend unless you’re really trying to save money.
Asus ROG Raikiri Pro
The controller features a sleek, lightweight 300g design with textured grips and a unique OLED screen, though the screen ends up being more of a gimmick than a useful feature. The mechanical face buttons have a nice tactile click with a very short throw for quick actuation, and the controller offers multiple connectivity options including 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 48 hours even with the OLED screen and RGB enabled. However, the d-pad design is problematic, often resulting in incorrect inputs or no registration at all, which is disappointing for a controller in this price range.
Would I buy it?
Maybe – while the build quality and features are impressive, the high price tag and questionable d-pad performance make it hard to justify over other premium options.
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
The loose stick tension makes precise aiming in FPS games frustratingly inconsistent, and the back button placement feels awkward during extended gaming sessions. The headphone jack issues from previous models persist, making this a poor choice for players who rely on audio communication. While it does feature hall sensor technology and impressive battery life, the high price point doesn’t justify these basic features when compared to other options. The extensive list of customization features feels overwhelming and unnecessary, especially considering the controller’s fundamental design flaws.
Would I buy it?
No – The persistent issues with core functionalities and better alternatives at this price point make it hard to recommend.
Xbox Wireless Controller
The controller feels incredibly comfortable with textured grips and an ergonomic design that’s perfect for long gaming sessions. The wireless connectivity works seamlessly across both Xbox and Windows devices, though the lack of a built-in rechargeable battery is disappointing. The buttons are highly responsive and the hybrid D-pad offers precise control, making it versatile for various game genres. The build quality is solid and durable, although some users report occasional stick drift issues.
Would I buy it?
Maybe – While it’s a reliable and comfortable option for PC gaming, the lack of premium features and rechargeable battery holds it back from being a must-buy.
GameSir Nova Lite
The inclusion of Hall-effect thumbsticks at this price point is incredible, completely eliminating any concerns about stick drift. The controller offers impressive compatibility across PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, with both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity options. The build quality is surprisingly sturdy with comfortable textured grips, making it feel more premium than its budget price suggests. The battery life delivers a solid 10-11 hours on 2.4GHz connection, extending to 15 hours on Bluetooth.
Would I buy it?
Yes – The combination of premium features like Hall-effect sticks and multi-platform compatibility at a budget price point makes this an exceptional value.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
The mecha-tactile buttons provide satisfying clicks and excellent responsiveness, though they might be too noisy for late-night gaming sessions. The 1000Hz polling rate and rock-solid HyperSpeed wireless connection make it incredibly responsive for competitive gaming, but the lack of Bluetooth connectivity is limiting. The rubber-coated hand grips are among the best in the industry, offering exceptional comfort during extended gaming sessions. The controller delivers about 20 hours of battery life and works perfectly in wired mode, though the $200 price tag is steep compared to competitors.
Would I buy it?
Maybe – While it offers premium features and excellent build quality, the high price and lack of Bluetooth make it harder to justify over more affordable alternatives.
Turtle Beach React-R
The React-R is surprisingly premium for its budget price point, with grippy textures across the shoulder buttons and satisfying paddle buttons that are larger than competitors like PowerA. The thumbsticks have solid tension and track accurately, though the shoulder buttons do feel a bit hollow which reveals its budget nature. I love that you can remap the back paddles on-the-fly without any software, and the Superhuman Hearing feature actually helps detect footsteps and reloads in competitive games. The controller is lightweight at 271g which helps reduce fatigue during long sessions, and it connects via a generous 8ft detachable USB cable.
Would I buy it?
Yes – At around $40 this controller punches way above its weight class with premium features like mappable paddles and audio controls, making it an incredible value for PC gaming.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2
The eSwap X2’s standout feature is its Hot-Swap technology that lets you magnetically swap modules like joysticks and D-pad on the fly without tools. The S5 NXG mini-sticks provide surgical precision that’s tournament-tested, and the mechanical buttons have an incredibly short 0.3mm actuation distance. You get four customizable back buttons that are positioned naturally where your hands rest, plus two-stage trigger stops for faster firing. While it’s expensive at $170 and lacks wireless capability, the build quality is exceptional with a solid 300g weight that feels premium.
Would I buy it?
Yes – The modular design and pro-grade components make this perfect for serious PC gamers who want maximum customization and precision, despite the premium price.
Turtle Beach Recon Controller
The Recon impresses with its tactile buttons and sticks that have minimal input delay, reminding me of premium controllers. The cooling grips with micro-channels actually help keep your hands dry during intense sessions, and the Pro-Aim Focus Mode lets you adjust stick sensitivity for better long-range accuracy. You get four audio EQ presets and comprehensive chat controls right on the controller, though the audio button layout can feel a bit crowded. The controller feels robust with great build quality and responsive controls across the board.
Would I buy it?
Yes – While slightly more expensive than the React-R, the cooling grips and Pro-Aim feature make this a fantastic choice for competitive PC gaming.
Xbox Elite Series 2
The Elite Series 2 is the king of customization with adjustable stick tension, three-stage trigger locks, and interchangeable components. The built-in rechargeable battery lasts an impressive 40 hours, and you can save three custom profiles with system-level button mapping. The premium build quality is evident in its 345g weight, though some might find it too heavy. Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging add convenience, while the rubberized grip ensures comfort during marathon sessions.
Would I buy it?
Yes – Despite being the most expensive option, the Elite Series 2’s unmatched build quality and feature set make it the ultimate premium PC controller.
Thanks for watching, I hope this video helped you pick the pc gaming controllers for you. If you have any questions, drop a comment below. Links to all of these products mentioned in this video will be in the description.
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