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Finding a good controller for your gaming needs can be hard. There are tons of amazing controllers out there, but not everyone is worth your time and money. With the right investment, you can buy a controller that can last you for a considerable amount of time and through a ton of games in your library. A good controller makes the gaming experience all worth it.
When buying an all-around controller for gaming, there are quite a few things that you need to look into. First off, the most important feature is the ability to remap the buttons. Another feature to consider is the number of buttons, as well as its compatibility with other consoles. If you’re looking for the best all-around controller for gaming, here are some you should consider getting.
If you’re looking for the best all-around controller, the best that your money can buy right now is the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. Just a few minutes with this controller and you’ll see why it’s one of the best controllers. Everything about the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller just screams luxury. True enough, its price might not be as affordable as other controllers but at the end of the day, you’re getting your money’s worth with this controller.
As expected from Microsoft, the developers of the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller were able to use the momentum they had with the first controller to create something that’s truly unique and exciting. The new iteration doesn’t just improve upon the shortcomings of the original controller, it also adds new features that are hard to overlook. Out of the box, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller comes with a lot of additions. First is a carrying case that doubles as a charging station for the controller. There are also custom bits including 6 thumbsticks, 4 rear pedals, a tool for thumbstick adjustment, and 2 d-pads.
It’s a complete package that allows you fully customize your gaming experience through the controller. Aside from that, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller also comes with excellent software that lets you easily customize and remap the buttons on the controller for a better gaming experience. Unlike the first controller, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller now comes with Bluetooth support. This makes it easier to connect the controller to other devices. So long as the other device has Bluetooth support, you can connect the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller with it. While a bit pricey, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller does come with everything that you might want in a controller. It’s certainly one of the best investments you can make as a gamer.
Best controller overallBrings out the best from XboxCompatible with PC
A bit heavy
Sony has been behind the pro controller scene for a while. By comparison, Xbox launched the Elite controller back in 2016. Still, it’s good that Sony has finally caught up and this time, they’re bringing out the DualSense Edge. The DualSense Edge is Sony’s official pro-level controller. With a price of $199.00, you’re getting a lot out of this controller for the PlayStation 5. For many, it might seem like an excessive price to pay for a controller, but once you get a full run-down of the features, you’ll understand why it’s worth it.
As premium controllers go, the DualSense Edge features a variety of features including remappable buttons, two extra back buttons, the ability to customize dead zones and analog sensitivity, and much more. Most importantly, however, the controller packs one feature you can’t find elsewhere. What’s great about the DualSense Edge is that its analogs are easily detachable. You simply need to toggle a switch at the back of the controller and a front plate will pop off. From there, you can easily take out your analogs.
This is great if you’re prone to having your controllers suffer from drifting. Sony sells stick modules for $10.00 each, so instead of getting a new controller or having it repaired, you’ll only need to buy a new module. This is something entirely unique to the DualSense Edge, and it’s exciting to see how this will affect other premium controllers moving forward. The entire package includes a tough and durable case for the controller, four extra stick caps, 2 pairs of back paddles, and a braided USB-C cable. Unfortunately, the DualSense Edge features a mediocre battery life. The controller can last for around 6-8 hours at full charge. Aside from this, the main problem we have with the DualSense Edge is that it’s expensive. Still, it’s an amazing controller through and through.
Highly-customizableEasy to remove and replace analogComes in a great package
Very expensive
One of the biggest concerns with the Nintendo Switch, when it launched years back, was that the joy-cons were poor controllers to bundle in with the console. A few weeks later though, Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and it has been one of the best controllers since then. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is Nintendo’s own premium controller. Despite lacking the necessary features found in a typical pro controller, players definitely love the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller because it’s the best controller for the Switch right now.
The joy-cons feel stiff especially when playing shooters and other action-heavy games. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller feels great regardless of what game you’re playing. The analogs feel smooth, the buttons are crisp and responsive, and the overall design is simple but familiar as well. With the right dongle, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller can be played on just about any gaming console out there. While Nintendo doesn’t sell these adapters on its own, you can easily find other third-party manufacturers selling high-quality adapters at a great price.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is just about the best controller for the Nintendo Switch. In fact, we’d go as far as saying that it’s the best accessory you can get for the Switch right now. It comes in a variety of styles and colors too so you can style your gaming experience very well. The only downside of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is that it doesn’t have a ton of great features. The good news is that the controller itself isn’t expensive. It’s not as expensive as the DualSense Edge or other pro controllers, but you’re still getting the best alternative to the joy-cons possible. If you’re mostly playing on the Nintendo Switch, this is one of the best controllers you can get. There may even be limited edition designs based on the games that you love, so make sure to check those out too.
Best for Nintendo SwitchComes in various designs and colorsCompatible with many devices given the right dongle
Still feels low class compared to other controllers
When it comes to creating amazing controllers and gaming peripherals, one name that you can and should trust is Razer. They’ve come up with amazing controllers over the last couple of years. The best they’ve made is the Wolverine Ultimate. Many consider the Razer Wolverine Ultimate as the best gamepad in the market right now. The only complaint that people have with the controller is that it cannot connect to PCs wirelessly, which isn’t exactly a big deal.
For many gamers, wireless gaming is often the choice as it doesn’t limit the way they play. Other than that, the Razer Wolverine Ultimate is essentially everything that you’d want in an amazing controller in one package. To put it simply, it features many of the features you’d expect from the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller and a few other essentials. One of the best features of the Razer Wolverine Ultimate is that it has amazing clicky buttons. Many gamers compare the feel of the buttons to that of a mouse so PC gamers should feel very familiar with the Razer Wolverine Ultimate.
There might not be a lot in terms of unique features, but the feel of the buttons is good enough for most gamers. It makes games feel more responsive and it makes playing those titles feel a lot better as well. Hopefully, Razer is able to provide the same feeling for their future controllers as well as we really want more from them. It wouldn’t be a good Razer product if it didn’t have the company’s trademark chroma features of course. The controller is made all the more fancy thanks to the addition of the company’s signature brand of RGB lighting which is nice. It’s also worth noting that Razer developed software that makes it easy to customize the controller for Xbox.
Amazing clicky buttonsComes with RGBStylish and amazing design
Doesn't have any Bluetooth
Another trusted name when it comes to controllers is PowerA. The company doesn’t have a lot of controllers under its name, but the one that needs your attention is the amazing PowerA Enhanced. From the get-go, one of the best things about the PowerA Enhanced is its price point. There aren’t a lot of all-around controllers that you can buy for as low as $40. Despite the price difference that it has with other controllers on this list, the PowerA Enhanced doesn’t lack the necessary features to make it worthy of being on this list.
The only real downside we see from the controller is that it doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity which lowers its compatibility with other consoles and devices. Still, the price is very alluring – to the point that the compromise is worth it. The PowerA Enhanced follows the shape and feel of Microsoft’s Xbox controller. That said, you should feel right at home with the controller if you’ve been using Xbox controllers for a while. The main difference is that the PowerA Enhanced controller feels lighter and easier on the hands.
Even when playing for extended periods, you’ll feel very comfortable with the PowerA Enhanced controller. Unfortunately, the controller lacks the grips that those other controllers have, so you might want to buy a silicone cover or some rubber grips for the PowerA Enhanced at least. Despite being relatively cheaper compared to other controllers on this list, the PowerA Enhanced controller brings with it a ton of amazing benefits that make it worth the purchase. It’s such an amazing controller at its price point. If you’re on a tight budget, then this is the controller for you.
Very affordableGreat feel and build quality
No rubber grips
If the PowerA Enhanced controller is still a bit out of your budget range, you’re not yet out of options. Another amazing option to get is the Logitech F310, which is as simple but as amazing as it can get for a controller. The Logitech F310 can set you back a measly $15. For that price, you’re getting an amazing all-around controller that’s simple plug-and-play. Unfortunately, the controller is only compatible with PCs which is okay. The controller is still an amazing choice if you’re playing games like GTA V or even Call of Duty.
Due to its plug-and-play nature, it’s the perfect third-party controller for kids who aren’t too careful when it comes to their controllers. The Logitech F310 is compatible with nearly every game on the PC so you shouldn’t have any worries with compatibility. The Logitech F310 is also a simple controller in the sense that it has basic features and a look. Those include dual joysticks, bumpers, triggers, config buttons, and a D-pad. On the bright side, you can reprogram the 10 buttons to fit your needs as well so you can still enjoy a wealth of customization options.
The Logitech F310 is just another entry in a large family of controllers from Logitech but that’s not entirely bad. You’re getting the best out of all the previous controllers. If you want to go wireless, the controller does have a wireless version but in our opinion, the wired version is still better. The Logitech F310 might be cheap but don’t let that fool you. It’s still an amazing controller that deserves your attention. There are lots of other cheap controllers out there but it’s this one that really brings out amazing features at a comfortable price.
Very affordable
Limited features
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Copyright @2024 TechJunkie
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