Today, Top10GoHere‘re gonna dig deep into the tech gear cave to bring out the best controller for PC gaming in 2023.
Whether you’re a casual button masher, a competitive esports champion, or a gaming marathoner looking to break new records, we’ve got something for everyone.
Top 10 best PC gaming controllers
We’ve dived into the sea of thousands of gaming controllers, battled the beasts of ‘lag’ and ‘unresponsiveness’, just to bring you the slickest, smoothest, and the most beastly controllers out there.
Our picks are sure to level up your game, bringing comfort, precision, and that much-needed competitive edge right to your fingertips.
So, if you’re still juggling with that old worn-out keyboard, or if your current controller is more rage-quit than game-champion, this post is just what you need.
Xbox Core Wireless Controller
Starting at number 10, we have the Xbox Core Wireless Controller.
Remember the good ol’ Xbox One Wireless Controller? Well, this is its successor.
The same comfortable design, textured rubber grips, and vastly superior d-pad we all know and love are still here, making this a beast for fighting games and platformers.
Now with an added Share button, you can capture those epic gaming moments with ease. The Xbox Wireless protocol gives you the convenience of wireless gaming and Bluetooth compatibility.
But hey, if you want that speedier connection, you may need to grab a Microsoft Wireless dongle.
On the downside, it’s not ideal for PC gaming without that dongle. But still, for its price, it’s hard to beat Microsoft’s controller in terms of quality and performance.
PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced
In the ninth spot, we have the PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced wired controller.
Packed with fancy lights and mimicking the Xbox Series X|S controller design, this controller boasts similar joystick tension and button feel to the original Xbox One controller.
The bonus? Two extra programmable buttons, perfectly positioned for your ring fingers, and 3-way trigger locks for that competitive edge.
But it’s not all roses. The lack of wireless connectivity can be a letdown.
The upside? You get a long 10ft snap-lock detachable micro-USB cable, which is perfect for gaming in the living room.
The colorful edge lighting and extra buttons, coupled with its $40 price tag, make this a decent option if you’re not keen on batteries.
Turtle Beach Recon Controller
At number 8, we have the Turtle Beach Recon Controller, perfect for those in search of a plug-and-play wired controller.
Its detachable USB-A cord and headset port help reduce cable clutter, while the Super Human Hearing feature enhances subtle audio cues.
The Xbox-style layout, two back paddles, on-the-fly button remapping, and textured rubberized grips all add to your gaming convenience.
The controller even includes audio controls for volume, game, and chat mix, and mic monitoring, straight on the gamepad itself. That’s a lot of perks in one package!
Scuf Instinct Pro
Coming in at lucky number 7, we have the Scuf Instinct Pro.
If you crave customization, this is the controller for you.
Scuf offers a plethora of cosmetic and physical customizations, like different thumbstick lengths and toppers, changeable D-pad, button facades, and even the option to remove rumble motors.
The design? Think Xbox Series X/S controller with a touch of personal flair.
The solid thumbsticks and accurate triggers ensure seamless gameplay, although the hair-trigger mode might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The downside? It runs on AA batteries, unlike the Elite with its lithium-ion battery. But, if you’re up for some creativity and don’t mind the price tag, this controller is a gem.
SteelSeries Stratus+
At number 6, we have the SteelSeries Stratus+. If you’re a Chromebook gamer, listen up.
Designed specifically for Android and Chromebook devices, this controller provides fuss-free support with a Bluetooth LE connection for 90 hours of wireless play or a USB-C wired option.
Its layout, similar to Xbox controllers and Sony’s DualShock, gives it an intuitive feel.
The Hall effect magnetic sensors and ALPS thumbsticks promise precision and control, making it a steal at just $60. And sometimes, you can find it for even less
8Bitdo Pro 2
Alright, guys, at number five, we have the 8Bitdo Pro 2.
This bad boy blends the old and the new, bringing you a nostalgic retro aesthetic coupled with the functionality of a modern controller.
You get the feeling of a classic SNES controller but with way better user experience, all thanks to its ergonomic design, quality buttons, and vibration features.
It’s compatible with a bunch of platforms and can be connected to your PC via USB-C or Bluetooth for an impressive 20-hour run.
Now, if you’re a customization freak, you’re gonna love this; you can remap buttons, swap stick behavior, adjust trigger actuation depth, and more!
But every good thing has a downside, so let’s talk about its symmetrical analog sticks, which might take some getting used to. And there’s no wireless charging, folks.
Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
Coming up next at number four, we’ve got the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma.
This beast not only looks slick, but it also performs exceptionally well. It’s a wired controller that takes full advantage of its steady power supply.
And let’s not forget the cool RGB lighting around its edge to add some pizzazz to your gameplay. But what’s a controller without great functionality, right?
This one features Razer’s mecha-tactile switches, responsive sticks with swappable caps, and extra buttons for more flexibility.
Its familiar layout is a definite plus, but remember, it’s a wired controller, so mobility could be a tad limited.
Razer Wolverine Ultimate
Grabbing the number three spot is the Razer Wolverine Ultimate.
This one is like the king of the controller jungle, except for its lack of wireless connectivity.
Still, it’s got some sweet perks, like a swappable d-pad and customizable back paddles, similar to the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller.
What’s unique about this beast is its mouse-like clicking face buttons, giving you a solid tactile feel.
Also, it comes with Razer’s trademark Chroma RGB lighting. A bit of a downside here: you’ll need a separate app to configure it for PC use. Oh, and the price tag might be a bit much for some.
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller
Just missing the top spot at number two, we have the Sony DualSense Wireless Controller.
It’s like the future of gaming in your hands, folks. It has new haptic motors and ‘Adaptive’ triggers that really take gaming to another level.
While its advanced features might not be fully compatible with PC games yet, you can still use it easily with Steam.
It’s a touch less comfy than the Xbox Series X controller and slightly complicated to use in non-Steam games.
Still, if you’re a fan of Sony’s analog stick layout or love gyro aiming, this is your best bet. Plus, firmware updates have made it much easier to connect to your PC.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Finally, at our number one spot, we have the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.
Guys, this is the Rolls-Royce of controllers. Its premium feel and near-endless customization options make it the top choice for serious gamers.
It has all sorts of perks like d-pads, shift paddles, joystick tension adjustments, and more. Plus, it comes with Bluetooth connectivity, a big step up from its predecessor.
It’s a bit heavier and the alternative d-pads can take some getting used to.
The price is a bit steep, but if you’re a serious gamer who values performance and customization, this controller is worth every penny!
Conclusion
Alright, guys, that’s a wrap on our top 10 PC gaming controllers for 2023.
Hope you found this useful, and don’t forget to drop a comment below and let us know what your favorite controller is. Until next time, happy gaming!
