There’s no denying the benefits of the best gaming keyboard and mouse setups, but playing Dark Souls with keys and clicks will prompt you to look for another PC controller. Sure, gamepads aren’t necessary when playing the best FPS games, but RPGs like Elden Ring necessitate quick fingers and thumbs. Fortunately, connecting your gaming PC to a palm companion has never been simpler, and the majority of options are inherently compatible with Windows 11.
Of course, the term PC controller does not refer solely to Xbox-style gamepads; if you enjoy the best racing games, professional wheels and pedals are also available. If you’d rather take to the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2021, you can use a flight stick to turn your gaming desk into a cockpit, and your graphics card fans may make it sound like you’re about to take off as well.
It’s worth noting that most console controllers are now PC-compatible, which makes sense given the popularity of Xbox Game Pass and new ventures like PlayStation PC. This naturally means that we’re spoiled for choice, as Sony’s DualSense is also a contender. So, in order to assist you in selecting the best gamepad for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the best PC controllers to help you wield control over your Steam library.
Table of Contents
Top 6 PC controllers in 2022
- PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller
- Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
- Nacon Revolution Unlimited
- Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma
- EasysMX Wireless
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
1. PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller
The PlayStation 5 Dualsense is the best PC controller for immersion. Sony’s successor to the Dualshock 4 is a relative newcomer to the gamepad scene, but it’s already showing promising signs in terms of controller immersion. PC games with adaptive trigger support include Call of Duty: Cold War, Far Cry 6, Metro Exodus, and Deathloop, with more on the way as Sony expands its PlayStation PC presence.
Aside from immersion, the Dualsense is an excellent gamepad that improves on everything that made its predecessor great. Its thumbsticks are still extremely comfortable, and it’s easy to use even after hours of use. While the PlayStation 5 console is still largely out of stock, perhaps picking up its controller to use instead.
2. Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
The Xbox One Elite Series 2 is the best high-end PC controller. Yeah, spending this much money on a joypad may seem insane, but the Elite Series 2 is one seriously beautiful controller. Almost everything about it is meant to scream ‘QUALITY!’ in your face. It’s an evolution rather than a revolution over the previous version, but it has everything we loved about the original Elite, as well as everything the competition has added to their high-end pads to compete.
It’s beautifully crafted, impressively responsive, and extremely versatile. However, I’m not convinced it’s worth the significant price premium over the standard Xbox One controller, which is why the Elite Series 2 isn’t our absolute, must-have, best PC gamepad in this test. It’s the type of pad you might aspire to, especially if you’ve ever held one in your hands, but it’s a luxury rather than a necessity.
3. Nacon Revolution Unlimited
The Nacon Revolution Unlimited is the best hybrid PC controller. Many companies have attempted to match the quality of Microsoft’s Xbox One Elite controller, but only a few have succeeded in capturing its unique blend of serious build quality and extreme customization. However, Nacon’s pad succeeds in both areas, and it also manages to combine the excellent PlayStation thumbsticks and touchpad with the Xbox asymmetrical layout.
The only problem is with the software. It won’t connect unless you’re wired in, and some of its wordless iconographies are nearly impenetrable. However, if you really want to go deep into customization, there are a plethora of options buried in there.
4. Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma
The most effective RGB Pc controller, the Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma, is now offered.
The Razer Cult clearly saw the Xbox One Elite controller and thought, ‘We can do better than that.’
It can’t be. It’s added some extra microswitch buttons to the Wolverine, some adjustable hair-triggers, a pair of pseudo paddle switches on the underside of the pad, perfect for FPS games, and kept it otherwise very clean. It’s a fantastic pad, but it can’t compete with the Elite. However, if you’re looking for RGB, the Wolverine is the way to go.
5. EasySMX Wireless PC Controller
The EasySMX Wireless is the best low-cost PC controller. The EasySMX Wireless demonstrates that a well-made PC gaming controller does not have to cost a fortune. Sure, it lacks some of the finesse of more expensive pads and is more akin to the original Xbox 360 controller than the modern Xbox One version, but it has a good battery life and a reliable wireless connection.
It’s also a steal, even if the triggers aren’t quite as effective as you’d like them to be. But it’s still a solid, dependable controller at a reasonable price, and you can’t really ask for much more than that. A truly excellent low-cost controller for playing the best PC games.
6. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The best choice Pc controller might be the Nintendo Switch Pro.
The Nintendo Switch Pro has been designed specifically for the small console, but it has its own Steam profile and can be connected to your gaming PC via wireless Bluetooth or, In case you wish to be set up in Steam, through a USB-C cable.
Nintendo invented the d-pad in 1985, so it’s no surprise that the Switch Pro controller continues the company’s gamepad legacy. While it lacks fancy features like analog triggers, the pad’s tactile buttons and comfortable feel make it a winner for precision-based platformers. It also has a whopping 40-hour Bluetooth battery life, making it one of the best wireless options on the market.
That’s all folks. These were some of the best PC controllers that you can buy to enhance your overall gaming experience in 2022. If you know any others, then do share them in the comment box below.
See More: Best Controllers for Xbox One in 2022