Looking to take your gaming experience to the next stratum ? Well , having the estimable plot accountant to become your need is going to be integral so you be comfortable and perform well .
The problem is , there are a lot of restrainer out there , and find which one will be good for you is a little fiddly . Well , to help you out , our squad of experts has prove a vast image of controllers from across unlike program and cost ranges and assemble this lean of the very best .
We ’ve taken into account their key feature – the elbow room they look , feel and perform are vital , as well as compatibility if they can be used with more than one political program , and used them as our main controllers for at least a hebdomad to get some real - world result .
If you ca n’t find a controller you wish at the moment , then it ’s deserving bookmarking this varlet as we ’ll be update it oft as more excellent candidate make their way into the Trusted Labs . While these controllers can be used with either a console or PC , if you want a more traditional experience with the latter , then opting for thebest gaming mouseandbest gaming keyboardmay be a better wager .
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Learn more about how we test game controllers
We use every controller we test for at least a week . During that time , we ’ll check it for relaxation of use and put it through its paces by act a form of unlike genres and on whichever platforms the controllers are express to work on .
If there ’s any additional software package , we ’ll also be certain to test its subprogram and relief of use . We”ll also test out the controller ’s electric battery lifetime if it ’s a wireless option .
Xbox Elite Controller 2
Pros
Cons
DualSense Edge
Nacon Pro Compact Controller
Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Scuf Instinct Pro Controller
Backbone One (2023)
Trusted Score
For the Xbox and PC rooter in the audience , theXbox Elite Controller 2is a great alternative .
Its design picks up where the original Elite Controller left off , with a handful of modification involving diminished alterations to the accountant ’s colour dodging , attachment , and clitoris layout . For instance , the flight strip of credit card nearest the place button is now systematically black as counterbalance to being a portmanteau word of black and atomic number 47 , while the button layout has been transfer ever so slightly so there ’s just one profile electrical switch to let you to flick between unlike selection . As for the attachment , the Elite Controller 2 offer six thumbsticks which now miss the distich of tall option and instead provide just one . What ’s more , there ’s only a pair of D - Pads to pick from , and the paddles on offer bestow even more functionality and inputs if you postulate them .
The elect Controller 2 also comes with triggers that feature adjustable actuation points , like some in good order premium play keyboards , to allow you to adjust the point at which an stimulus is recognised and therefore decrease / increase the distance needed before it ’s inputted . For FPS games where speed is everything , you ’ll be able to fire faster with a shorter travel distance . We also found charge the controller to be a breeze , mainly thanks to the option to use the bundled charging dock the Elite 2 come with , which also enables you to leave it in the case while it convalesce . The fact there ’s also 40 hours of battery life is also simply sensational .
During testing , the Elite Controller 2 essay excellent in nigh every scenario , whether we were playingForza Horizon 4or Halo : The Master Chief Collection . Especially in the former , the restrainer ’s vamp palpitation motors shined with a grade of feedback we had n’t antecedently experience in a comptroller . Every input feel sharp and precise , while the rubberize adhesive friction on the back of the comptroller also meant it was specially comfortable during elongated play session . Its Bluetooth connectivity also give up for more tractableness , given that it meant we could use the Elite 2 with not only Xbox and PC , but also phone and pad , too – handy if you require to use this accountant with Xbox Cloud Gaming on the go .
TheDualSense Edgeis a marvelous accountant developed for thePS5that also works with PC , and is the most customisable controller Sony has ever released .
It look almost identical to the vanillaDualSense , only a tad heavier and with a slightly edgier artistic ( paronomasia intended ) . Our commentator really wish the PS branding on the touchpad and the flowing plastic used around the analogue sticks , as it contribute the controller a more premium looking compared to its lustrelessness sibling . The trigger buttons are rubberised for a more exact grip and occur with three options in terms of sensitiveness , with the unretentive - range option being secure for FPS gameplay and the long - range option being better accommodate for gradual movements , like braking inGran Turismo 7 .
The DualSense Edge is exceedingly customisable ; user have the chance to remap every single button on the controller , aside from the marrow - phase PS release . This amount of personalisation means that the possibilities are almost endless , since you may also make four specific visibility that can be accessed by simply clicking the new function button at the bottom of the controller . We thought that these profile were best used for specific gaming genres , such as FPS , open - world and racing game . Sony let in an superfluous profiles pageboy too , meaning that you may make as many of these specify - ups as you want and hive away them until you need them most .
The Edge features the same haptic feedback as the standard DualSense , and we found that it was equally as responsive . We could feel the Leviathan Axe bequeath Kratos ’ hand inGod of War Ragnarökand the purr of our CT admirer in Stray , with our reader claiming that this lineament help to add a whole new level of submersion to every supported game . The two novel back clitoris can be equipped with either a dome or lever - vogue button and admit for precise and accurate control , idealistic for games likeCall of obligation : Modern Warfare 2 .
The primary downside of the DualSense Edge is that its battery is not as heroic as the DualSense , with Sony claiming that all the novel features drain its baron much quicker . We manage to game for five hours on the PS5 and PC before it drop dead . Thankfully , this issue is somewhat alleviated with the new braidedUSB - Ccharging cable , which was more than long enough to accommodate our setup . The new charging curl adaptor also means that there is no possibility of the charger disconnecting during more intensive gaming sessions , which we feel massively handy .
While the Mary Leontyne Price of the DualSense Edge may be too high for some , at £ 209.99/$199.99 , it is a must - have for any professional gamers out there . The stratum of customisation are unmatchable and the new back buttons mean that you’re able to create any routine of set - ups that puzzle out for you .
TheNacon Pro Compact Controlleris our top pick for the good budget games control .
At 203 g , it is noticeably lighter than the standard Xbox Series X controller and this results in a controller that feels quite narrow-minded in hand , at least in our scene . It come dressed with a black hard charge card construction , like other more low-cost controllers , but with a textured back , this help in making the Pro Compact a decently well-fixed option . As this is a smaller controller , some of comment feel a lilliputian more compact compared to the stock Xbox Series controller from Microsoft , such as the dinky D - Pad , as well as smaller triggers and shoulder button .
Even if they were small , we feel their button crush felt fulfil with decent tactility . This is a wired controller , and its super - long 3 - metre USB - A - ended cablegram will be particularly handy if you ’re a fair distance aside from your Xbox .
In examination , the Pro Compact felt good to use , with responsive buttons and triggers that , once you get used to them , do n’t finger small . Its vibration is plentiful and responsive , although in our experience proffer a load of volume to go with it , which matte a minuscule jarring at first . To go with the responsive and cheering inputs , the Pro Compact is also programmable with Nacon ’s own computer software . Here you could remap push button and change the trajectory and sensitivity of analogue sticks to suit which genre or biz you ’re play . In testing , this particular function show to be more than a merchandising gimmick , offering a markedly different experience whether you ’re indulging in a racing game or FPS title . The initiation inputs can also be adjusted so there can be a short degree of traveling before stimulus is file – this is a feature usually present on more premium controllers , which just spotlight how much bang for the buck the Pro Compact bring home the bacon .
step on it fans will want to take note of theThrustmaster eSwap XRPro controller , which comes with a dedicated wheel affixation for racing game . The cycle mental faculty is designed for more exact railroad car movement , potentially offering the benefit of quicker lap times for those who perfect it . We felt that it did precisely what it said on the can , put up our reader with more precise steering inForza Horizon 5 , allowing them to tackle needlelike corners without care .
Much like other pro controllers on this list , the eSwap XR Pro follow with swappable thumbsticks and D - Pad selection . Thrustmaster opted for a hot - swappable system where can you switch out and drop in new modules at will . These modules are hold up together with strong attractive feature , so you wo n’t have to worry about them survive anywhere unless you intentionally assay to remove them .
Beyond the swappable mechanics , the eSwap XR Pro comes with lockable triggers , a selection of remappable rear buttons as well as some tactile main ABXY buttons . These replacement are all mechanically skillful , with a interchangeable feeling to the rightfulness and left buttons on a shiner , giving them a spanking and glib actuation .
The eSwap XR Pro is wired , issue forth bundled with a three - meter - recollective braided cable television service . It can be hooked up to an Xbox or microcomputer thanks to the USB - A connective , give way the accountant a lot of versatility .
Overall , this pro - grade controller may not be for everyone , but it ’s the sodding pick for any racing game fancier . If you ’re a part of the wide-eyed thespian theme , then theXbox Elite Series 2andScuf Instinct Promay be the skilful option for you , but there is no mistaking the Thrustmaster eSwap XR as anything other than one of the best racing game controllers out there .
Do n’t worry Nintendo Switch fans , we have n’t forget about you – theNintendo Switch Pro Controlleris just for you .
It offer a more established accountant as opposed to the orthogonal Joy Cons that come in with the Switch itself , and borrows some facet of its excogitation from the comfortable Xbox One Controller . There ’s the same stick locating , which provides a degree of familiarity . However , when you peck the Pro Controller up , there are some renowned difference . For instance , the induction are the same size of it as the normal Joy Cons , and do n’t offer much in the way of tactility . On a more incontrovertible preeminence , the analogue sticks offered smooth rotation while the legal action buttons have a satisfying smell to them , and the return of a proper D - Pad on a Nintendo restrainer brought with it mint of nostalgia .
During testing , the Pro Controller offered a substance abuser experience that pack thing up a power train compared to the received Joy Cons . Our input matte up a lot more precise and penetrative , whether that be for drift in Mario Kart or for better aiming in Splatoon . It ’s deserving noting at this juncture though the gain were less apparent in games that were designed to work especially well with Joy Cons such as ARMS . The palpitation provide decent feedback that sits between the HD rumble of the Joy Cons and the now antediluvian feel of previous controllers . With all this in psyche though , our exploiter experience was marred by persistent connectivity progeny that come and went as they please , causing functions such as the controller ’s vibrate routine to not work as they should . A simple-minded restart of the Switch solved the progeny , but it ’s just a pain that such issues were present anyway .
If it ’s extensive customisation you need from a controller , theScuf Instinct Pro Controllershould be right up your bowling alley .
We found it to offer the complete package when it comes to plan , providing a generally prosperous experience , especially thanks to the rubberised back that felt great to hold . The real entreaty of the Instinct Pro centre around how customisable it is , and it would n’t be much of a stretchability to suggest that you’re able to make it totally unparalleled . Our sampling was customise in a get regal and orange combination with a customised faceplate and orangish release to rival . You get a myriad of different features to customise , with heed to the faceplate , button , trigger , and thumbsticks . Having such a immense curing of customisation aid in making the comptroller finger personable and unequaled , which not only make it look good , but also make it feel like it ’s your own .
During testing , the Instinct Pro offered a grotesque experience overall , with a familiar release layout , responsive triggers and paddles and some peculiarly strong vibrations with the rumbles at bottom .
The paddles unlock all manner of customisation and can be mark to have up to 16 subroutine at the same sentence . In racing games for case , they can be remapped to work as a paddle shift , which proved peculiarly responsive . It ’s with extra functionality like this where the Instinct Pro win against a standard controller .
To go with its extensive button functionality , the Instinct Pro also offer two means of connectivity – Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth . Both of these felt reactive with no noticeable latency between my Xbox and the Instinct Pro . In increase , we also found the battery spirit here to be moderately good . While it is n’t able to match the 40 hours outputted by the Xbox Elite 2 , the Instinct Pro still provides great endurance – it ’s 30 hour in total – which should be enough to last for a few days ’ Charles Frederick Worth of gaming .
When it add up to replicate the console experience on your smartphone , the conversation starts and ends with theBackbone One ( 2023 ) . While there are other options that made their way into our round - up for thebest peregrine controllers , the latest Backbone still comes out on top .
The brilliance of the Backbone One is in just how easy it makes the conversion to mobile gaming for those who are used to consoles . The controller itself feels bully in the hand as the facial expression buttons and joysticks offer inst and satisfying feedback , and one you stop up it into your headphone , you ’re pretty much ready to go .
Whether you ’re face to recreate an on - machine deed of conveyance like Call of Duty Mobile , watercourse Xbox hits via Game Pass or even use your PS5 ’s Remote Play feature , the Backbone One can do it all . There ’s even a consecrate 3.5 mm earphone diddly-squat for those who favour to have lossless wired audio recording whilst play , alongside a USB - C in interface to keep your phone topped up during your session .
Previous iterations of the Backbone One have sustain either Android or iPhone but this new mannequin supports all USB - coke compatible phones include theiPhone 15range , so if you have multiple people in your household who also enjoy a smear of mobile gaming , you’re able to easily trade the controller from one earphone to another .
As a final cherry on top , the orange ‘ Backbone ’ button on the stamp pad assume you direct into the Backbone app which , much like a swarm UI like Fire TV , collate all of your compatible services into one place which is ready to hand for getting straight back into the action .
As easy as it is to urge the Backbone One , there ’s no denying that for some budgets , the controller is priced a minuscule too high . With an RRP of £ 99.99/$99.99 , it ’s no small investment , and with cheaper options available , the Backbone One is best relieve for those who be intimate they ’ll get flock of use out of it .
Test Data
Full Specs
