Get your hands on one of the best PC controllers 2020 has to offer, and you might find it to be one of the best PC gaming accessories around. While PC purists may take issue with it, using the best gaming mouse or keyboard you can find isn't the only way to immerse yourself in the best PC games. In fact, the best PC controllers make your gaming experience much simpler than a mouse and keyboard combo. They give you a bit more dexterity for demanding genres like action RPGs and fighting games, and offer simpler controls since you mostly use just your thumb, middle, and index finger. There are plenty of controllers, too, so you'll find a perfect match for you and your style of play. With many AAA games now designed with console controller support, it's time you tried it out for yourself and experienced the many benefits of using a PC game controller. . Since we've spent many hours playing PC games to test them (someone has to), we know which PC game controllers are worth your time and money. Whether you want a budget model with a more minimalist design or a feature-rich premium model, these are the best controllers for PC right now. The Xbox Wireless Controller is about as universal as it gets. (Image credit: Microsoft)
1. Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
Connectivity: wired, Bluetooth | Features: Textured grip, 3.5mm stereo headset, Replaceable battery Comfortable Affordable Not a lot of features Microsoft's Xbox Controller has been the yardstick by which other PC gaming controllers are measured since the days of the Xbox 360, and for good reason. reason. It's comfortable and heavy with a button-down design that feels natural. The newest version, designed for the Xbox One console, takes everything that made the last generation model so great by adding more clickable bumpers and a dramatically improved directional pad. The built-in Bluetooth wireless connection makes it easy to pair with your desktop computer, and the price is very attractive for consumers on a budget. It's also available in a variety of colors and patterns, which means you'll likely find something to suit your rig. And, even if there's no color scheme you're in, Microsoft will let you customize it through the Xbox Design Lab. This controller is as universal as it gets, making it a fantastic choice for almost any setup and one of the best PC drivers of 2020.
If you're looking for the most feature-rich controller available for your PC, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is your best bet (Image credit: Microsoft)2. Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
Connectivity: wired, wireless (via adapter) | Features: Interchangeable Components, Haptic Noise, 3.5mm Headphones, Extensive Customization Tons of features and customization. Fantastic software Very expensive A premium version of the Xbox One controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller certainly deserves its moniker. It features a lot of updates from the standard Xbox controller, like a swappable component layout and paddle buttons on the back. There is also a trigger slider that you can toggle for more sensitive trigger pulls. It's more than double the price though, making it a product that's aimed squarely at those of us who really want to take advantage of levels of keyboard customization. The Elite controller packs some seriously impressive software features, allowing you to tweak and refine almost every aspect of the game. Here you can customize many different profiles, of which the controller can contain two at any time, allowing you to switch between them with the flick of a switch. If you're looking for the most feature-rich controller available for your PC, this is your best bet, as long as you're ready to shell out the money. Read the full review: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
The Logitech F310 is a good choice for a budget alternative to a mouse and keyboard. (Image credit: Logitech)3. Logitech F310
The best budget solutionConnectivity: wired | Features: programmable buttons, direct input switch for use with old and modern games
Very cheap Functionally simple A bit small If you're looking for the best PC controller that won't break the bank, it's hard to beat the Logitech F310. It may be basic in execution and functionality, but there's something to be said for the straightforward nature of this cheap option. Just plug it in via USB and you're good to go. Considering the overabundance of customization options and features of all high-end controllers, the F310 is strangely refreshing. It also has an admirable directional pad and an excellent button layout. Unsurprisingly, the price level comes with a number of trade-offs. First of all, the controller is quite light, which unfortunately lends a fragile quality to the gaming experience. Also, without wireless functionality, the wired interface may be less than ideal for some. These are also somewhat smaller and larger hands that will likely have a bit of trouble. Still, given these caveats, the F310 is a good option for a budget alternative to a mouse and keyboard. The Sony DualShock 4 has analog touch sticks with enough resistance. (Image credit: Sony)4.Sony DualShock 4
Connectivity: wireless | Features: 3.5mm headphone, touch panel, motion control capabilities
Great comfortable D-pad Motion controls Visible shoulder buttons The DualShock 4 is Sony's best controller to date, and luckily for us, it's compatible with the entire library of Steam games. Very comfortable in the hands, the DualShock 4 has analog touch sticks with enough resistance, and perhaps the best directional pad ever designed. It also has motion technology that is compatible with a surprising number of games, allowing you to lead racing games or target shooters by flicking the joystick. However, there are some problems. In particular, the exposed shoulder buttons make it possible to accidentally bump them on the desktop. The rubber on analog sticks also tends to fade after long use. Still, Sony's controller is among the best options for controller-based PC gaming. Read the full review: Dualshock 4 Controller The craftsmanship of the 8BitDo SN30 Pro is surprisingly robust, especially considering its budget price. (Image credit: 8BitDo)