Controllers for computer: Best PC controllers in 2023

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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review

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(Image: © Microsoft)

Our Verdict

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2’s level of customization and incredible design make it one of the best premium gamepads out there… if you can afford it.

For
  • Lots of customization options
  • Detachable Charging Dock via USB-C
  • Bluetooth-enabled (finally)
Against
  • Expensive
  • Heavy compared to most controllers

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Our experienced team dedicates many hours to every review, to really get to the heart of what matters most to you. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.

I’m pretty sure that Microsoft Elite Series 2 controller has ruined all other controllers for me. The Series 2 takes everything players loved about the Series 1 and improves in the ways most wanted, which is the reason why it tops our list as the best PC controller (that isn’t a mouse and keyboard).  

The Elite Series 2 is not only a premium controller, but it’s also an expensive one too, coming in at $180. Its design and performance give you all the indication that this is a piece of luxury gaming tech, meant for those who want the very best or just have some serious disposal income to spend on gaming. The highlight here is the incredible level of customization, which allows you to fine-tune most aspects of the controller to the point of obsession.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

So, what are the big improvements over the original Elite controller? For starters, the nice storage case that houses all the neat little customs doodads; 6 thumbsticks, 2 d-pads (cross-shaped and faceted) 4 rear pedals and one tool for adjustable thumbstick tension, now has a portable USB-C powered charging station. That’s right, the Series now has a rechargeable battery that runs for about 30-40 hours. 

The Series 1’s surprising lack of Bluetooth is something that drew major criticism, given that normal Xbox One controllers have long been the standard in PC gaming. Thanks to the Series 2 adopting Bluetooth, you now have a market-leading PC controller and something that’ll pair with a phone to play the Apple Arcade offerings or mess around Project xCloud beta. It makes the controller that much more versatile, which is essential given the high price of admission. 

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The returning hair-trigger locks are still among one of my favorite things about the Elite. For those who haven’t used them, they control how far you need to pull the trigger, so there’s no wasted effort or time in competitive shooters, where milliseconds matter. When playing Crucible matches in Destiny 2, the shorter triggers allow for the quicker firing of scout rifles and hand cannons which works well for twitch-based shooters. The four additional back paddles are a neat feature too and can make for some interesting controller layouts. Never want to take your thumbs off of the thumbsticks? Simply assign the face buttons to the back paddles and you’re good to go. In fact, the extreme flexibility of the Series 2 has the additional benefit of making the controller highly accessible, meaning that more people can use it to play PC games.

While it’s mostly positive, there are a few small issues to consider. Some people might find the more hefty controller a bit jarring at first since it’s heavier than the standard Xbox One controller by a few ounces. And while it’s nice to swap out the standard d-pad, both the cross and faceted alternative d-pads take some getting used to especially in fighting games like Dragonball FighterZ or Mortal Kombat 11. Directional inputs on more complicated combos felt very hit or miss on the d-pads. One fix I found was adjusting the left stick to a higher tension to simulate a fight stick. It won’t replace a proper fight stick for a fighting game but it still works pretty well. 

(Image credit: MICROSOFT/FUTURE)

The more you use the Microsoft Elite Series 2 controller, the more you’ll understand why it’s the best, and you’ll quickly start to see where that $180 went. Everything about the Series 2 screams luxury. Changing things, like d-pads or paddles on the fly is a godsend and there’s a level of freedom to have your thumbstick tension levels set to the exact way you want them. The overall weight and feel of the build give you confidence that this is durable enough the handle to most intense sessions of Mortal Kombat 11, or your ninth hour outbursts in Apex Legends. It’s a well-rounded piece of kit.

Even with the price tag, the Microsoft Elite Series 2 controller may be the best controller you’ll ever use. The additional customization options, new rechargeable battery, and Bluetooth enabled connectivity make this a decent upgrade over the Series 1 and, while perhaps not enough to convince most to replace their original Elite, it all adds to the value. If you’re in the market for a premium controller and have the cash to spare, this is easily the best one to spend your money on.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: Price Comparison

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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2’s level of customization and incredible design make it one of the best premium gamepads out there… if you can afford it.

Jorge is a hardware writer from the enchanted lands of New Jersey. When he’s not filling the office with the smell of Pop-Tarts, he’s reviewing all sorts of gaming hardware, from laptops with the latest mobile GPUs to gaming chairs with built-in back massagers. He’s been covering games and tech for over ten years and has written for Dualshockers, WCCFtech, Tom’s Guide, and a bunch of other places on the world wide web. 

PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller review

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(Image: © POWERA)

Our Verdict

A great option for anyone looking for a good feeling third-party PC controller on a budget.

For
  • Great Button Feel
  • Nearly identical design to an Xbox One Controller
  • Good Price
  • Cool lighting
Against
  • No wireless support
  • Trigger locks are sub-par

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We’ve all been there, you threw your controller against the wall after facing off against the Guardian Ape in Sekrio: Shadows Die Twice. Thanks to your heated gamer moment, you now have to scramble for a replacement. Or maybe you want to play split-screen coop in Gears 5 with a buddy who’s over. Either way, you need a second a controller that feels good but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. 

At $40, PowerA’s Spectra is a comfy budget wired alternative to an Xbox One controller. While the lack of Bluetooth or any wireless capability might turn off some folks, this controller is responsive, has a good weight to it, and, more importantly, feels nearly identical to the Xbox One controller.

(Image credit: POWERa)

The button layout is nearly identical to an Xbox One controller, even down to the same texturized rubber on the joysticks. This is not too surprising since the Spectra is an official Xbox license product. This means at a glance it actually kind of looks like an Xbox One controller with the edge lighting being the dead give away. I compared the Spectra and an official Xbox One controller while playing all the usual suspects like Call of Duty: Warzone and Mortal Kombat 11, and found that the joysticks are almost the same amount of tension and even the face buttons had similar feel when you pressed down on them. I can’t express how hard it’s been to find a third-party controller where the buttons feel anywhere close to that of the Xbox One controller. It was one of my major issues with Razer’s Wolverine Ultimate who’s face buttons felt far too shallow to the point where you didn’t think you pressed the button.

One of the touches I ended up liking more than I thought was the seven color LED edge lighting. At the touch of a button, you can cycle through the different colors; I ended up settling on purple to match the rest of the ridiculous RGB-lit hardware at my desk. The two extra programmable buttons in the back of the controller are well placed right around the grip and are reachable via your ring-fingers. This means if you need to use them, you don’t have to change your grip when playing.

(Image credit: POWERa)

The fact it isn’t a wireless controller is a bit rough since the nearly 10ft snap-lock detachable micro-USB cable feels like overkill for someone who plays at the desk. The Spectra is more suited for gamers who need the length to play on the living room couch. To be fair, I know people who only play with wired controllers who’d rather not deal batteries or recharging a controller.

One feature I was surprised to see was the 3-way trigger locks, which were one of my favorite things about the Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers, a controller that costs more than four times the Spectra. It’s a nice feature, but the triggers didn’t feel all that different regardless of where you set the lock, unlike the Series 2. In Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone I only saw a marginal difference in how quickly it affected my shooting. 

The triggers were even less effective in games that require pressure-sensitive controls, such as accelerating in racing games like Forza or trying to control vehicles in Ghost Recon: Breakpoint. The d-pad felt a little too stiff, so playing fighting games didn’t feel great, especially if you play anything that requires quarter-circle movements like Street Fighter V. 

If you play on an Xbox One, the Spectra had no issues when plugged into the console. The Xbox Guide button brought up my dashboard and I was able to plug in a gaming headset through its 3. 5mm jack with no issues. PowerA’s budget controller makes a decent second controller option if you get into some split-screen action on Halo.

Spectra on the left/ Xbox One Wireless Controller on the right (Image credit: POWERA)

All in all, PowerA Spectra works well as a wired budget PC and Xbox controller. Nearly identical to design and feel to a first-party Xbox One controller. It’s a shame it isn’t wireless, but that sweet edge lighting and extra programmable buttons might be a decent compromise for $40, especially if you’d rather not deal with batteries but need a controller to give your little brother. 

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PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced

A great option for anyone looking for a good feeling third-party PC controller on a budget.

Jorge is a hardware writer from the enchanted lands of New Jersey. When he’s not filling the office with the smell of Pop-Tarts, he’s reviewing all sorts of gaming hardware, from laptops with the latest mobile GPUs to gaming chairs with built-in back massagers. He’s been covering games and tech for over ten years and has written for Dualshockers, WCCFtech, Tom’s Guide, and a bunch of other places on the world wide web. 

The best game controllers for console and PC gaming

The best game controllers can completely change your experience if you don’t get along with mouse and keyboard, be it certain genres or all of your playthroughs. However, there are more factors to consider than a pair of joysticks and a D-pad. Currently, game controllers include many customization options such as additional paddles, remappable buttons, and the ability to replace entire components.

Based on extensive research, here are the top five picks for the best game controllers for consoles and PCs.

Best gaming controllers on the market:

Turtle Beach React-R, PlayStation DualSense and more

1) PowerA Enhanced Wired ($18. 83) from Microsoft’s own Xbox controller. This is a good option for a controller that forgoes wireless connectivity to achieve a low price. Many of us would probably opt for a wired connection as using an Xbox controller wirelessly with a PC requires a special adapter. It has all the buttons you need for your game and even takes up a page from the Xbox Elite controllers book.

Pros

  • Good amount of weight thanks to two vibration motors.
  • The two small buttons on the underside of the reinforced controller can be used to quickly access the face buttons, allowing you to keep your thumbs firmly on the analog sticks, activating the abilities associated with the ABXY control.

Cons

  • Holding this controller when your hands are sweaty can be a little tricky due to the lack of rubberized grips.

2) Turtle Beach React-R Wired ($39.99)

The Turtle Beach React-R is the latest gaming controller from the budget brand as the $40 Xbox and PC controller beats it in its price range. Attention to detail, remappable blades, and a streamlined look make this product a lot more expensive than it is, despite being slightly lighter than more premium offerings.

Pros

  • Each face button is easy to press.
  • Reassignable manipulators right during the game.
  • Superhuman hearing.
  • Smooth and precise motion control in the game.

Cons

  • Not rubberized handles.
  • Slightly hollow shoulder buttons.

3) PlayStation DualSense Wireless ($57.49)

The PlayStation DualSense wireless controller has a unique feel that you should experience for yourself. For example, archery can feel like archery thanks to new tactile motors and adaptive triggers that can provide resistance under your finger.

Pros

    The Rumble is by far the best and most elaborate.

  • Excellent software integration.
  • Widely customizable.
  • Manipulators and modules can be replaced.

Cons

  • Most advanced features do not yet work in PC games.

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  • Battery life is not impressive.

    • 4) Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Wired ($149,99)

    If you’re not worried about wireless, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma wired controller is the best PC gaming controller on the market. Its joysticks and buttons are arguably better than any other controller on the market, and its ultra-fast response and great design make it comfortable for long gaming sessions.

    Pros

    • Six additional buttons with the ability to remap.
    • Two smooth RGB light bars run along the sides of the controller.
    • Replacement mini joysticks.
    • Excellent ergonomic design.

    Cons

    • Expensive for a wired controller.
    • Not included with Razer Synapse for PC.

    5) Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 ($151.99)

    The Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller exudes luxury in every way, and you have an unparalleled level of control over your gaming experience with endless customization options. The ability to customize every aspect of the game controller, including the Dpad paddles and joystick tension, is a real blessing.

    Pros

    • Premium build quality.
    • Fantastic battery life.
    • Rechargeable battery.
    • Built-in charging stand.
    • Comfortable rubberized handle.
    • Infinite number of settings.

    Cons

    • Expensive.

    Endnotes Whatever your budget, there are plenty of wired and wireless game controllers available on the market. In addition, some gamepads are equipped with mechanical controls, microswitches and esports feature sets to suit any preference and price range from all major brands.

    If you’re looking for a high quality, premium game controller for your PC or console, here are the top five options available right now.

    Note. We may receive a small commission for links included in an article.

    Viewing controller files from a computer

    Making changes to the Wiren Board configuration sometimes requires changing files on the controller. This can be done in several ways.

    WARNING: be careful – damage to some files may disrupt the operation of the controller.

    Contents

    • 1 Windows
      • 1.1 Connection setup
      • 1.2 File operations
    • 2 Mac OS X
    • 3 Ubuntu
    • 4 Controller

    Windows

    Controller file system in WinSCP Explorer

    Connection setup

    We recommend using WinSCP, a free graphical SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) client for Windows.

    WinSCP can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website: winscp. net.

    Before using WinSCP, you need to install and configure:

    1. Go to the program website, download the latest version and install it. During the installation process, we recommend that you select the “Explorer” mode.
    2. Restart your computer after installation.
    3. Start WinSCP and create a new connection:
      • Transfer Protocol – SFTP . Port – 22 .
      • Hostname — IP address of the controller. see How to find the controller’s IP address.
      • Username and password – default: root and wire board .
      • Press Save and Enter .

    If the connection parameters are correct, WinSCP will connect to the controller and display the directory tree.

    File operations

    With WinSCP you can:

    • move files between computer and controller,
    • edit files directly on the controller.

    To exchange files, just drag them into the window or from the program window to windows explorer.

    To edit a text file directly on the controller, double-click on the file image in the program window. The file will open in the built-in editor.

    ATTENTION: Files on the controller are stored in UTF-8 encoding. When opening the file in the built-in editor, check the encoding: menu Encoding → UTF-8 .

    Mac OS X

    Configuring an SFTP connection for Mac OS X using Cyberduck

    Install and run Cyberduck – http://cyberduck.ch/.

    1. Push button New connection
    2. Fill in the fields:
      1. Drop-down menu: SFTP (Secure Connection over SSH)
      2. Server – enter the IP address (see How to find the IP address of the controller)
      3. Port – leave 22
      4. User – enter root
      5. Password – enter your password (default is “wirenboard”)
    3. Press Connect
    4. Add an SSH key to the list of keys
    5. In the folder selection menu, go to the root

    To reconnect to a server with which a connection has already been established:

    1. Click on the book icon
    2. Go to section Journal
    3. Select the desired address and click on it 2 times
    4. In the folder selection menu, go to the root

    To change the file without downloading to the local computer and re-downloading, right-click on the file you want to change and select item Open at .