The Best Video Game Controllers for Every Platform

The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is a lot of gamepad for not a lot of money, and has remained one of my favorites for years. For just $49.99, it offers a full, comfortable, dual-analog layout and wireless compatibility with Android devices, iPhones, Macs, PCs, and the Switch. The 8Bitdo Ultimate Software also has programmable rear buttons, remappable controls, and adjustable sensitivity for the analog sticks and triggers—features typically found in controllers twice its price.

This is an excellent controller for mobile, PC, and Switch gamers due to its good feel, comfortable control layout, and full feature set. It’s simply a fantastic value. I haven’t tested it yet, but 8Bitdo has released a follow-up gamepad, the $69.99 Pro 3, which has improved analog sticks and Switch 2 compatibility.

The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro is as nostalgic as it is full-featured. 8Bitdo packed a full dual-analog, four-trigger control layout into an SNES-style dog-bone design, and it works well. The gamepad is compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, PC, and Switch.

If you loved the SNES and want a gamepad you can use with any modern game, the SN30 Pro is it. Be wary if you have larger hands, though; the classic dog-bone design is great, but it isn’t as ergonomic as more conventional controllers with larger grips.

The Switch 2 is better than the original Switch on almost every level. However, it doesn’t work with Switch accessories. That’s why Nintendo released the separate Switch 2 Pro Controller. Like the original Switch Pro Controller, it’s a great-feeling gamepad with large buttons, large analog sticks, two programmable rear buttons, and a proper directional pad.

This is for Switch 2 fans who primarily play with their system docked and want a full-size gamepad instead of the tiny Joy-Con. Own Amiibos? The Switch 2 Pro controller lets you scan figurines to add content to your favorite games.

Microsoft’s high-end controller is the be-all, end-all for Xbox gamepads (making it one of the best for PCs, too). It’s also one of the priciest at $199.99, so that’s a factor to consider. It’s a great package, though, featuring interchangeable d-pad and analog sticks, a carrying case, a charging cradle, removable rear paddles, and extensive software customization options through the Xbox Accessories app for Windows and Xbox.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is designed for Windows and Xbox gamers who are willing to splurge. It’s full-featured and feels great, and that justifies the price.

If you have an original Switch, you should have the Switch Pro Controller. It has all of the features you need for Switch gaming, including motion-sensing and Amiibo-scanning tech. The gamepad’s a bit pricey considering its relative inflexibility, but it works with PCs thanks to a Steam compatibility mode.

This is the official high-end Switch controller, and it’s the best gamepad to pair with the system. Switch-exclusive gamers should consider it, though there are better options if you also want a controller for PC or mobile games.

Razer’s Wolverine Pro controller is subtly contoured to fit nicely in the hand, with curved rear buttons that rest perfectly against the fingers. It also features satisfyingly clicky buttons and Hall-effect analog sticks and triggers for accuracy and to prevent drift. There are trade-offs, though. It lacks Bluetooth, so you must use the bundled USB receiver to play wirelessly. It’s also expensive (starting at $199.99), with a fairly modest battery life.

This is a fantastic gamepad, provided you can overlook its omissions and are willing to use a USB port whenever you want to play on your PC or Xbox. Its comfort and build quality make it stand out from the controller competition, though.

The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller is one of the most advanced gamepads available, featuring adaptive triggers that adjust their resistance in response to your in-game actions. It isn’t particularly customizable, though, and that’s why Sony released the DualSense Edge. It’s the PlayStation 5 answer to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, with the swappable parts and rear buttons you’d expect from a high-end gamepad. The Edge is expensive ($199.99), and its battery life is even shorter than the DualSense’s. However, it’s the only option for first-party, customizable gamepads on the PS5.

This is for PlayStation 5 fans who have fallen in love with the DualSense but want more. The adjustable sensitivity curves and remappable buttons are welcome additions to the base DualSense’s already impressive features. Plus, you can swap multiple custom profiles on the fly using the Fn buttons.

The Xbox Elite Core controller is literally the Xbox Elite Series 2 with all its accessories stripped away. Otherwise, it’s the same comfortable, premium-feeling gamepad with the same software customization options. It just lacks the removable paddles, interchangeable analog sticks and d-pad, carrying case, and charging cradle. The Elite Core is still pricey at $149.99, but it’s a nicer piece of kit than the standard Xbox controller.

If you want a high-end wireless gamepad without spending nearly $200, the Elite Core controller is an excellent choice. It feels a bit bare without the paddles, since the hookups are still on the back (you can add them with the $59.99 Complete Component Pack). Still, it has a better build than the Xbox Wireless Controller and offers more software tweaks. In the near future, you’ll be able to customize the Elite Core using Xbox Design Lab.