Good news! You don’t have to use the WASD keys on your keyboard to get past a few foes in Dota 2 or Fortnite. Instead, get one of the best PC controllers that 2020 has to offer, and you might find it to be one of the best accessories for PC gaming. While PC lovers might be against using these hot takes below, using the best gaming mouse or the best gaming keyboard you can find isn’t the only way to reign on top of the mountain against any other online player.
Honestly, the best PC controllers can make your gaming experience much more streamlined than a mouse and keyboard combo ever can. With the list below, we picked a wide variety of controllers that can be used for certain games on your PC. These controllers can also be used with some other game systems, so if you have an Xbox or PlayStation and your PC controller’s compatible, you have a bonus controller for your system, too.
With many AAA games now designed with support for console controls, it’s time for you to try it yourself and reap the benefits. Whether you want a budget-friendly controller with a more minimalist design or a premium one that’s feature-rich, here are the best controllers for the PC.
If you loved the first Razer Wolverine Ultimate and your 2020 model is on its last legs, let us introduce you to the Razer Wolverine v2. It has an improved ergonomic design, six additional interchangeable buttons, and a durable design with faster controls and more seamless handling.
Firstly, the appearance is sleek and thanks to the Chroma RGB, customizable with over 16 million colors and various lighting effects. Change the colors with the Razer Controller Setup for Xbox app. Apart from form, the function is also great for this controller. You can personalize your controller with 6 additional remappable buttons, including 4 extra triggers and 2 remappable bumpers. Thanks to hair-trigger mode, you can fire your weapons at lightning speed, giving you more of an edge than WASD ever could.
With or without hair-trigger mode, the action buttons and D-pad are lightning Plus, the thumb stick caps were built for comfort, as the buttons and thumb stick caps and D-pad are cushioned. Not so comfy for you? The thumbstick caps are interchangeable, so you can switch them for a better fit.
One of the very few downsides of this controller is the need for an Xbox app, both to change the colors and program the remappable buttons, but even if you want to use the controller as-is, this controller is still one of the best on the market now.
- Greater immersion with improved RGB and 16.8 million colors
- Six additional remappable buttons and hair trigger mode
- Mecha-tactile action buttons and D pad
- Interchangeable thumb stick caps
- Control Types: Gamepad
- Wireless?: No
- Compatible Systems: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
- Brand: Razer
- Improved ergonomics
- Highly responsive
- Durable
- Need Xbox software to change colors and settings
Microsoft Flight Simulator is still going strong, and Microsoft keeps adding new aircraft for you to pilot. With your ability to fly around various locations around the world, you can really learn a thing or two about flying different aircraft. However, when all you have is a keyboard and mouse, you can’t really get the near-real experience. That’s why Logitech has you covered with its Extreme 3D Pro Joystick, the way to go into some serious flight simulations.
The Extreme 3D Pro is a simple but sturdy USB joystick that requires no extra connections. It has all the necessary stuff: four control axis (stick fore-aft and left-right, a stick twist for the rudder, and a throttle lever), 11 buttons (one trigger, five extra buttons on the stick, and six on the base) and an eight-way hat switch on top of the stick. This versatile controller may be nearly a decade old, but the fact that it’s still available for purchase proves the fact that it’s a decent piece of hardware.
The build quality is excellent on the Extreme 3D Pro. It’s not too rough or too loose to move around. The buttons are all well-made, preventing any problems that may arise if not responding to commands. The same comes with the hat switch, with no sort of harm coming in contact with the piece, it does a great job of staying alive through your flight simulations.
Logitech’s Extreme 3D Pro Joystick is a controller that excels in ease of use, reliability, and durability, and has the perfect build quality. If you’re looking for a simple stick to use for those flying simulations, this is the one for you so you can be flying in no time (aircraft not included).
- Precision twist rudder control designed for one-handed control
- 12 programmable buttons can be configured to execute simple commands
- 8-way hat switch is designed to accurately capture input specific to flight sims
- Rapid-fire trigger to lock on & let loose
- Comfortable hand grip to enjoy the flight
- Stable, weighted base that will hold fast without tipping over
- Control Types: Joystick
- Wireless?: No
- Compatible Systems: Mac and PC
- Brand: Logitech
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Reliable
Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick
Time to go back in time with SAFFUN. Not often will you find vintage gems like their Classic N64 Controller, but we’re glad they revived the one-of-a-kind design of this vintage controller, now fit for your PC. Connected through USB, this old-fashioned accessory lets you play any sort of N64-emulated game that you may think of.
With so many AAA titles around, it can get tiresome trying to play the hottest games like Warzone and Fortnite. Luckily, technology evolves for you to devolve into older titles. If you’re a big fan of Nintendo games, then you won’t regret downloading an emulator and popping off 12 straight hours of Super Mario 64 or Star Fox 64 on your PC.
The controller works as well as the original, including simpler buttons than today’s generation of controller buttons, which are: the D-pad, joystick, START button, A/B buttons, and four camera angle keys to move your view around during gameplay. It also features two front buttons (Left key and Right key) for extra player usage.
Not only is the Classic N64 Controller from SAFFUN compatible with PC, but also with Mac devices. You can plug this into any Mac product, be it Macbook or iMac, boot up your N64 emulator and get playing. Of course, since you are getting the full classic experience, the controller has a 5.9-foot long cable that connects through USB. If that’s not your style, well, the term wireless wasn’t around back in the 1990s. Regardless, this controller is a fine piece of art, and if you want to get going at playing some retro classics, now is your time to shine.
- A replica of the original Nintendo 64 controller, this uses a standard USB port
- Super-sensitive buttons for precision control
- Works well with Nintendo 64 emulators to play absolute classics on PC or Mac
- Simple controls make this controller a must-have for veteran gamers
- Control Types: Gamepad
- Wireless?: No
- Compatible Systems: Nintendo, PC
- Brand: Nintendo
- Simple
- Authentic
- Versatile
SAFFUN Classic N64 Controller
Although it’s not the latest generation anymore, this controller still holds up well. The Wolverine Ultimate is Razer’s flagship controller, a combination PC and Xbox One gamepad with six programmable rear buttons, a swappable direction pad and analog sticks, and even Razer Chroma-colored lighting. It’s also sturdy, comfortable, and responsive.
The Wolverine Ultimate is easily one of the most overbuilt controllers on the market. It shares the same general profile as the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, but with even more extra components attached. The front holds the standard dual analog sticks, along with a direction pad, A/B/X/Y face buttons, menu and option buttons, and a light-up guide button. The top panel that holds the Guide button is bordered with a strip of programmable, multicolor LEDs.
The controller connects to your PC through the included 10-foot fabric-wrapped USB-to-micro-USB cable. It features a quick-breakaway connection similar to the Xbox 360s wired controllers, which disconnects the cable easily in case it gets caught on anything. You can customize the Wolverine Ultimate through the Razer Wolverine app for your PC or console. You can fine-tune the Focus and Agile functions to increase or decrease analog stick sensitivity to your tastes, and you can also individually tweak the strength of each of the controller’s four vibration motors.
If you have a gut feeling that you’ll have a shot at making it to the top of the ranks in CS: GO or Call of Duty: Warzone, best believe that you’ll be rocking Razer’s Wolverine Ultimate for your hardcore matchups. Get it today and start winning!
- Swap between optimized thumbstick heights & shapes with the interchangeable thumbsticks
- Comes loaded with a slew of extra buttons for advanced gaming
- Master next-level techniques like moving & aiming with both thumb sticks
- Show off your style with Razer Chroma’s wide selection of lighting effects
- Optimized ergonomics that stays comfortable after hours of practice
- Control Types: Gamepad
- Wireless?: No
- Compatible Systems: PC, Xbox
- Brand: Razer
- Solid build
- 6 programmable buttons
- Colored lighting
- Pricey for a wired controller
Another take on a classic system, the ipremium Wireless SNES Controller is a near-perfect replica of the classic SNES controller, with pre-paired wireless receivers for use with the NES and SNES Classic Edition consoles. The controller lets you play dozens of classic 8-bit and 16-bit games, including some of the best titles ever made on either an actual SNES console or your PC that has a game emulator set up.
The controller looks and feels just like a Super NES controller without a cord. Instead, a micro-USB port sits on the top edge for charging. Everything else is spot-on: a gray gamepad with four face buttons (A/B/X/Y), two shoulder buttons (L/R), a four-way D-pad, and START and SELECT buttons. The A and B buttons are purple and convex, while the X and Y buttons are periwinkle and concave, a dedicated detail from the original controller design. According to ipremium, the controller can last up to 25 hours of gameplay with its battery and can charge in 60 minutes.
While the controller from ipremium is designed for use with the wireless receiver connected to a SNES or NES Classic Edition, it can serve as a wired gamepad for a PC, Mac, or Android device. When connected over USB, you can hold the Star button and A, B, or X for three seconds to put the controller into X-Input mode for a PC, D-Input mode for an Android device, or a MacOS-friendly mode. It’s a nice extra to have!
The Wireless SNES Controller is a spot-on version of the original SNES accessory and feels just as good as the controllers included with the SNES Classic. If you’re in to go even further down the retro pipeline of gaming, we suggest you invest in this controller to make the most out of your old-school gaming.
- 2.4GHz wireless technology can reach 24ft
- Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery with 1 charge lasting over 25 hours
- USB adapter available for PC, Android devices & Mac
- Also works with SNES and NES consoles of the Classic Edition
- Control Types: Gamepad
- Wireless?: Yes
- Compatible Systems: Nintendo
- Brand: Nintendo
- Perfect feel
- Easy to use
- Remote reset button function
Controllers are becoming increasingly customizable with each new generation. The PDP Afterglow Wave LED Controller is no exception. Featuring Xbox controller’s classic design, the controller also comes with customizable options for colors and buttons. You can hand-pick lighting effects and choose from a plethora of color options, lighting, and brightness settings to enhance your gaming experience and make your controller your own.
Apart from aesthetics, you can also adjust dead zones, remap buttons, and sync audio all from your controller. You can even adjust game and chat audio while you play from the D pad. Want to share a screenshot or a captured image? Sharing is a breeze with a dedicated share button you can easily reach.
Plus, the texture and design of the control lends itself to all-day gaming. Get lost in a game day, either with friends or solo to unwind from a long week of work or school. The controller includes a detachable 8-foot USB cable for plenty of room to play and to extend gameplay when you need a charge. This console is officially licensed by Xbox and is compatible with Series X/S, but is also compatible with Windows 10 and 11. Also, if you’re not an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member yet, this console comes with 30 days of Xbox Game pass, no extra charge.
- Customize colors and buttons
- Adjust game and chat audio
- All-day ergonomic design
- Improved accuracy when making selections or moves
- Customizable
- Adjustable to your gameplay style
- Versatile
PDP Afterglow Wave LED Controller
It may not be the prettiest device on the planet, but the Logitech Gamepad F310 will always take care of you even in the direst situations on the battlefield. Once you get the feel of this controller, the F310 will settle back into your hands and its seams will creak out the comfortable feeling of home.
The F310 is a wired USB controller and has the same inputs you would find on Xbox and Playstation controllers, which can work as a replacement for any of those consoles as well. What’s great is that this controller is fully compatible with 99% of the games available on Steam, free or paid. It has what you need: an A/B/X/Y button set, two joysticks, a D-pad, and the main START and OPTIONS buttons. Taking only two minutes for your PC to install its drivers, you’re set to play games with this controller for the whole night. Fully customizable, yet simple to use.
If you can live without wireless functionality, the F310 is an excellent controller to use. If you’re in the market for a decent controller and your pockets aren’t stuffed with wads of cash, this is the controller for you. Provided you bear in mind that it’s cheap for a reason and you’re not prone to acts of violence when your gaming skills prove sub-par, then Logitech’s budget offering should adequately serve your needs.
- Simple plug & play USB connection
- Customizable with Profiler software
- Broad game support that works with popular new titles & old favorites
- 10 programmable buttons, 8-way programmable D-pad
- Customizable with the Profiler software
- Control Types: Gamepad
- Wireless?: No
- Compatible Systems: PC, Windows
- Brand: Logitech
- Simple
- Inexpensive
- Programmable
Game to your heart’s desire, the Forty4 packs a punch and even more with its gaming controller. Not only is it wireless, but it’s compatible with more than just the PC. It has a sturdy grip and feel, and offers customizable buttons for you to program.
Forty4’s Wireless Gaming Controller has fantastic, reliable wireless connections, having a long transmission distance that can have you game from across the room. It also has a directional transmission, allows system co-existence, and has substantial anti-interference. The controller is compatible with Windows, Android, Playstation 3, Nintendo Switch, and more. An absolute beast of a controller, Forty4 makes it worthwhile to have you gaming in no time.
With its customization features, the presence of M buttons makes you a master manipulator. You can edit any complex operation as an M button! The basic keys are available on the controller, but you can do more than just hit the B button constantly – there’s more than meets the eye. Also, to get the full experience, dual vibration is available for the user. Asymmetrical and linear vibrating motors deliver separate feedback during the game. It enhances the realism of game scenarios and gives you an excellent gaming experience to take your immersion to the next level.
We have mentioned that it’s wireless, but Forty4 also has the option to keep the classic wired experience going on. Once you’re out of battery after countless hours of play, plug in the USB cable to connect to the controller and PC and switch yourself to a wired option. It’s a great way to experience both gaming styles to understand what fits your zone.
Forty4’s Wireless Gaming Controller is a must-have, with the buttons featured on it and the different styles of gaming. Working well with your PC, you won’t regret investing in it, without a doubt.
- 2.4GHz wireless technology available
- Compatible with various systems, including PC
- The presence of M buttons make you a master manipulator with the controller
- Asymmetrical & linear vibrating motors deliver separate feedback during the game
- Choose whether wireless or wired gaming is fit for you
- Control Types: Gamepad
- Wireless?: Yes
- Compatible Systems: PC, Windows, PS3
- Brand: Forty4
- Compact
- Wireless
- Interactive
Forty4 Wireless Gaming Controller
You don’t always have to spend a lot of money just to get the product that you need, and ZD-V+ proves that. This is one controller that you will appreciate for its performance and price. It’s one of the most inexpensive controllers that you can invest in today. Some people might think that because it’s cheap, it’ll have glitchy buttons, major wear and tear, and other gimmicks. However, that option might change today once you learn a bit more about it.
ZD-V+’s Wired Gaming Controller will easily work with your PC, which is the reason why we’re here. There is no need to install drivers, as there are requirements for some on this list – simply plug and play. Not only that, but Android devices are compatible with the controller, and you can only imagine how fun that would be by using this versatile accessory.
Speaking of versatility, there are many controllers that would only work for games with a direct input mode. Things are better with ZD-V+ since it supports multi mode gaming. This should make it more versatile than other cheaper models that you can purchase today.
The vibration feedback function is incredible on such an accessory. It seems like anyone who wants a gaming controller just wants this feature on there. No extra buttons, no RGB lighting, just vibrations. Gaming just got better already with its to-the-millisecond response to action feedback. You’ll feel every punch and kick, but we guarantee you won’t be damaged by any of that.
In the end, this wired gaming controller from ZD-V+ is a handy tool to have if you’re looking for something that’s not costly. Trust the system because we’re sure you’ll love it.
- Supports PC & Playstation 3, along with any Steam game available
- Plug & Play function available
- Vibration feedback gives you a kick when getting into the zone
- All of the basic controls are available for you to rock with
- Control Types: Gamepad
- Wireless?: No
- Compatible Systems: PC, Windows
- Brand: ZD
- Affordable
- No driver installation
- Versatile
ZD-V+ Wired Gaming Controller
Affordable, quick, and versatile: that’s what IHK’s Wired Gaming Controller is. The IHK Controller for the PC is extremely affordable and features a plug-and-play design so that users can immediately begin using it without any setup procedures. No software drivers are required and the controller itself is extremely popular with customers due to its comfortability and ease.
In terms of its design, the controller is pretty basic. It includes two joysticks, a D-pad, the A/B/X/Y keys, L/R buttons, and START and SELECT buttons. The buttons are durable and the location of each joystick feels natural, making the controller firmly sit inside the palms of your hands. Of course, like many of the controllers on this list, it’s wired and comes attached to a 7-foot cord that can be plugged into supported USB ports.
It plays on PC, Playstation 3, Android devices, and is compatible with any game provided by Steam. Similar to Logitech’s F310 Controller, it acts as a basic but essential controller if you’re willing to move on from a mouse and keyboard and onto a vibrant controller like IHK’s. And for a low price for a third-party controller, it’s an excellent investment to go into if you’re prepared to master the art of gaming controllers. Get yourself an IHK Wired Gaming Controller today and get gaming on your PC!
- Easy installation with no software required
- Supports PC, Playstation 3 & Android devices
- 7ft wired cord included with a USB port at the end
- Control Types: Gamepad
- Wireless?: No
- Compatible Systems: PC, PlayStation 3
- Brand: IHK
- Vibration motor equipped
- Affordable price range
- Plug & play
IHK Wired Gaming Controller
You can’t play video games without a good control system. Maybe you want a keyboard and mouse for your shooter and strategy titles. Maybe you don’t mind using a touch screen for smartphone puzzles. Most games, though, play best with some form of dedicated controller. That’s why every major game console comes with a gaming controller or two, and why they all can be connected to your PC with some tinkering.
There are countless gaming controllers and other types of controller you can hook up to your PC, and with us at Screen Rant helping you out, here are some options to narrow down your perfect selection.
Third-Party PC & Custom Game Controllers
If you care about your budget and don’t want to spend over $70 on a new controller, third-party ones offer much more choice. There are wired and wireless options that range from $10 to $150, depending on design, features, and customization options. Of course, build quality is factored in. Less expensive gaming controllers from third-party manufacturers can be a hit or miss in terms of how sturdy they feel and how well they play, which is why we recommend looking at reviews from other uses and being very wary of inexpensive and unfamiliar game controllers that seem too good to be true.
For wireless controllers, ipremium offers several options, and none of them require a cord around them. One of the choices we have on our list is its SNES Wireless Controller, an accessory that looks and feels like a Super NES controller. The compact device keeps itself clean while looking like an authentic piece.
If you really want to splurge, you can get enthusiast-level controllers from companies like Razer. These controllers generally modify first-party controllers, overhauling them inside and out with custom designs, new buttons, and a variety of electronic tricks to get an edge in games like Warzone and Fortnite by providing specific inputs that take advantage of certain mechanics. These companies let you build your ideal controller from the ground up. Extended triggers and other buttons help you during dire situations in-game.
Flight Joysticks And Racing Wheels
If you’re a fan of flight simulators, you might want to invest in some simulator-worthy equipment. Flight joysticks, like the one on this list, let you fly planes with a realistic full-hand grip to control your pitch, roll, and yaw. Meanwhile, racing wheels are steering wheel controllers that let you drive cars in racing games by realistically turning a wheel instead of tilting a joystick. These seem like very different types of controllers, and they are, but they share three important common factors: they’re designed for specific games, they consist of multiple components, and they can be expensive.
At the end of the day, there’s always the mouse and keyboard combo to use. If you’re not a dedicated gamer, stick to that. If you are, then look into what fits you best for your next match, flight, or worldly expedition.