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Best for PC and Xbox OwnersPowerA Fusion Pro Wireless for Xbox Series X|S

$170 $139 (18% off) Amazon

Best Dedicated PS5 ControllerSony DualSense Controller

$74 Amazon

Best Dedicated PC ControllerGameSir G7 Pro

$80 Amazon

Best PS5 Controller UpgradeSony PS5 DualSense Edge Wireless Controller

$195 Walmart

Games Are Only as good as the controller you use to play them. As anyone who's ever struggled with stick drift or connectivity issues knows, a bad controller can make the best games feel awful. Fortunately, we're living in a golden age of controller designs. Comfort is a priority even for first-party controllers, and third parties are bringing new features like magnetic sensors and fancy lighting to the party. We've tried a bunch over the years, and these are the best game controllers we've come across, official and unofficial, for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Almost all of our picks have PC support, but because the console makers don't always play nice with each other, you'll need to choose compatibility with one or the other based on what system you have under your TV. We also have picks that are specifically compatible with Android and Nintendo Switch, as well as a few oddities like racing wheels and mobile-specific controllers.

Check out our other gaming guides, including Best Gaming Headsets, Best Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, Best Mobile Game Controllers, Best Gaming Laptops, and Best Handheld Gaming Consoles.

Updated April 2026: We've added the GameSir G7 SE and G7 Pro, Raizer Raiju V3 Pro, PowerA Fusion Pro, Switch Pro Controller 2, updated additional information about choosing a controller, and removed some picks that are no longer available.

Connectivity and Platform Limitations

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While most modern controllers operate wirelessly, there are some caveats to ditching the cables. The most common connection type found on devices is Bluetooth, but that can cause latency issues, so systems like Xbox Series X|S get around this by leveraging a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless connection. Controllers wanting to use that same connection either need to get permission from Xbox and pay for licensing, or have you plug a USB dongle into your console to connect directly to the controller.

Similarly, Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft don't usually allow companies to officially license controllers that are also licensed for other consoles, and will usually require button layouts specific to the console. While this historically meant multiple versions of the same controller with slightly different buttons and connections, now manufacturers make individual models with different shapes and feature sets that are more recognizable to that console's users.

The exception to this rule is the humble gaming computer. Most modern controllers have some way to work with Windows 10 and 11, even if it requires being plugged in via USB. I have some dedicated picks that work best with gaming PCs, but if you have a console in addition to a desktop, you should pick the controller that works with the console you have as well.

Some controllers support Android and iOS via Bluetooth as well, but we have a roundup for mobile controllers specifically that will give you more options.

Joystick Drift

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In recent years you may have heard about something called “stick drift” effecting controllers. Traditional analog joysticks use a physical connection between the joystick and the potentiometer to measure its location. Over time that connection can wear down, which causes the system to think the joystick is being tilted when it's in the center. Once stick drift has started, there's no turning back without replacing the sensor, or the whole controller.

Newer controllers have begun switch to two new sensor types, Hall Effect and TMR, which use magnets instead of a physical connection, preventing stick drift in the first place. It's a feature that you're actually more likely to find on third-party controllers at this point, and while they do sometimes carry a premium, there are budget-friendly controllers with magnetic joysticks. If you're spending more and want a product that lasts, it's worth looking for these upgraded options.

- Best for PC and Xbox Owners

Courtesy of PowerA

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PowerA

Fusion Pro Wireless for Xbox Series X|S

$170 $139 (18% off) Amazon

As someone who mostly plays on PC, but also owns an Xbox Series X, this is the controller I reach for 90% of the time. It has a lightweight but sturdy feel, with satisfying buttons and adjustable triggers. Like an increasing number of controllers on our list, it sports drift-resistant Hall Effect joysticks that have

Best Game Controllers for PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox | WIRED