14 Best Game Controllers (2024) for PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox

Other Game Controllers to Consider

Photograph: Simon Hill

There are so many game controllers out there, but not all of them are good enough to make the list above. These are the other controllers we have tested recently.

Hori Split Pad Pro for $50: The Joy-Con’s split style of controller is great, but the platform’s Pro controllers are more comfortable for bigger hands. The Hori Split Pad Pro splits (ha) the difference by making a more Pro-sized controller, but cut in half. You can still attach these to the sides of the Switch, or you can grab the controller with its attachment set to turn it into a wired controller as well. It’s quite a bit cheaper than regular Joy-Cons, too, which is nice.

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro for $150: This highly customizable PS5 controller boasts Hall Effect sticks and triggers, programmable back paddles, and a great D-pad. You can tweak the weight, stick length and grips, and even the trigger actuation. It boasts a 10-hour battery life, and you can connect your headset via Bluetooth or plug-in. Unfortunately, it’s expensive, and you don’t get the haptic feedback or adaptive triggers that you’ll find in Sony’s excellent DualSense controllers.

Photograph: Logitech

Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel for $800: WIRED editor Parker Hall raved about Logitech’s racing wheel accessory, and racing game fans with deep pockets will love it. It adds a layer of reality to your in-game driving with force feedback and vibrations that help you feel every surface. The gear shift paddles have Hall Effect sensors. There is also an OLED display that enables you to tweak settings without opening the app.

Power-A Fusion Pro 3 for $75: With a detachable faceplate, nicely textured grips, trigger locks for different depths, swappable thumbsticks, and a long detachable cable, this controller has a lot going for it. The shoulder buttons and relatively high price are why it misses out on a place above (the GameSir G7 edges it on value). But this is my daughter’s favorite wired controller because she plays with a headset and loves that there is a 3.5-mm audio jack with volume and mute controls. She also likes the four mappable back buttons.

Nacon Revolution X Pro for $80: This wired Xbox and PC controller comes with a long (around 10 feet), detachable, braided USB-C cable. Nacon offers an impressive level of customization, including interchangeable thumbsticks, programmable back buttons, and weights to help you get the feel you want. The Profile button lets you cycle through four presets, a switch toggles configurations, and it has a 3.5-mm headphone jack. You can tweak everything in the flaky Revolution X app for Xbox or PC. While it works well, I don’t love the cheap feel (even with adjusted weight), and the rear triggers are awkward. At full price, the Revolution X Pro is too expensive for a wired controller, but discounts are frequent.

Charging Accessories

Photograph: Sony

Wireless controllers are great, but you do have to remember to charge them. If you don’t want to mess with cables, a charging dock is the way. After testing several, we have some recommendations.

The official Sony charging station is the best for DualSense controllers. It is compact, charges two controllers, and frees up your PS5’s ports. Slotting your controllers into place is a breeze, with successful docking marked by a click.

This stylish charging station is for wireless Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One controllers and comes with battery packs and replacement doors. The molded plastic makes it easy to slide your controllers into, and you can tap the top to change the lighting. The only drawback is that it is bulky.

This charging base can charge a Switch Pro controller and two Joy-Cons. It is simple to use, although you must insert a USB dongle into the Pro controller. I actually slightly prefer Power-A’s charging dock, which is more compact than the base, but it is out of stock at the moment. If you only need Joy-Con charging, try the HyperX Chargeplay Quad ($15).