June 6, 2026: With this update, we added the 8BitDo Pro 3, the Razer Raiju V3 Pro, the Valve Steam Controller, and three fight sticks: the Qanba Drone 2, the Victrix Pro FS, and the Victrix Pro KO. We removed the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, the PlayStation DualSense Edge, and the Xbox Elite Core Controller. The remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability.
There are many reasons to buy a controller. If you purchase a gaming PC, a gamepad isn't included. If you buy a console, the single controller included isn't enough for local multiplayer. If you're a hard-core gamer, you might need to replace a worn one. And if you're a fighting game player? You probably want a fight stick or even a leverless model. Whatever your game of choice, there comes a time to shop for a new controller. We've reviewed video game accessories and peripherals for more than a decade, so you can trust us to help you find the right controller for your platform and budget. Start your search with the best video game controllers we've tested below.
Best PC and Switch Controller
8BitDo Pro 3
Why We Picked It
The 8BitDo Pro 3 is a lot of gamepad for the price, with features you usually would only find on controllers in the three-digit range. For $69.99, it includes a charging cradle, TMR joysticks, Hall Effect triggers, programmable rear buttons, motion sensing, vibration, and swappable analog stick caps and ABXY buttons (for Nintendo or Xbox face button layouts). It has a 2.4GHz USB transmitter and Bluetooth, and it works with macOS and Windows PCs, plus the Steam Deck, the Switch, and the Switch 2. We haven't fully reviewed the Pro 3 yet, but after using it for a while, we can easily say that it's better than the Editors' Choice-winning 8BitDo Pro 2, our longtime favorite.
Who It's For
PC, Switch, and Switch 2 gamers: It doesn't matter whether you game on PC, Switch, or Switch 2; the 8BitDo Pro 3 is one of the best all-around gamepads you can pick up for less than $100. It has a terrific build and is loaded with features.
Absent-minded gamers: The bundled charging cradle is great because it means your gamepad is where you left it—and juiced up. Few controllers have them, even among "pro" models that cost two, three, or four times as much money.
Best Retro-Style Controller
8Bitdo SN30 Pro
Why We Picked It
The 8BitDo SN30 Pro is as nostalgic as it is functional, packing a full dual-analog, four-trigger control layout into an SNES-style dog-bone design. This controller has been around almost as long as 8BitDo itself, but a few years ago, it was upgraded with longer-lasting Hall-effect analog sticks, making it even better. It works over Bluetooth with macOS, Windows, SteamOS, iOS, iPadOS, and the Switch (but not the Switch 2).
Who It's For
Retro gamers: If you loved the SNES and want a gamepad you can use with any modern game, the SN30 Pro is the way to go. Be wary if you have larger hands, though; the classic dog-bone design is great, but it isn't as ergonomic as more conventional controllers with larger grips.
On-the-go gamers: Without the chunky grips or tall profiles of modern gamepads, the SN30 Pro is one of the more petite controllers you can buy, making it great for mobile use.
Best Nintendo Switch 2 Controller
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Why We Picked It
The Switch 2 is better than the original Switch on almost every level. However, it doesn't work with Switch accessories. That's why Nintendo released the separate Switch 2 Pro Controller. Like the original Switch Pro Controller, it's a great-feeling gamepad with large buttons, large analog sticks, two programmable rear buttons, and a proper directional pad.
Who It's For
Amiibo collectors: Own Amiibos? The Switch 2 Pro controller lets you scan figurines to add content to your favorite games. That's a feature you won't find on third-party gamepads.
Best Budget Fight Stick
Qanba Drone 2
Why We Picked It
The Qanba Drone 2 is a "premium" entry-level fight stick. Compatible with the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC, the stick costs more than the budget-friendly Hori Fighting Stick Mini 4 but includes anti-slip, textured strips on its bottom, a full PlayStation control panel, a Share button, a touchpad, a compartment for stashing the USB cord, and a headphone jack.
Who It's For
Fight stick novices: If you're curious about fight sticks, the Qanba Drone 2 is a great place to start. Priced at $99.99, the stick won't break the bank, and it has a build that recalls higher-end controllers.
Best PlayStation 5 Controller
Razer Raiju V3 Pro
Why We Picked It
We haven't formally reviewed Razer's take on a competitive PlayStation 5 controller, but we've played with the Raiju V3 Pro a fair bit and can attest to its excellent performance. It's basically the PlayStation version of the PC/Xbox Wolverine V3 Pro, which means it feels fantastic in hand and features contoured bumpers that let you play with a claw grip painlessly. Like the Wolverine, the Raiju is expensive and doesn't have many extra features like vibration or adaptive triggers, but it has a trackpad, TMR thumbsticks, and a polling rate of up to 2,000Hz when used with a PC.
Who It's For
Competitive PlayStation players: There aren't a ton of PS5-compatible controllers, but the pricey Raiju V3 Pro is one of the best available thanks to its great feel, swappable sticks, programmable rear buttons, and carrying case.
Marathon gamers: That's marathon (time), not Marathon (game). The PS5's DualSense gamepad lasts about six to eight hours on a charge, and the DualSense Edge is even shorter-lived. The Raiju V3 Pro, on the other hand, lasts up to 36 hours before needing to be plugged in.
Best Valve SteamOS Controller
Valve Steam Controller (2026)
Why We Picked It
The new Steam Controller is a completely different beast from its flimsy, awkward-feeling predecessor, with a much more solid build and superior layout that mimics the Steam Deck's controls. The touchpads work surprisingly well, and if you don't want to use them, the gamepad has dual TMR analog sticks and gyro controls. It also has a clever little charging puck that doubles as a transmitter, so it's always ready to use.
Who It's For
Steam gamers: Whether you play games on PC or the Steam Deck, the Steam Controller is one of the best gamepads available for playing titles purchased from Valve's storefront. It's extensively customizable, with plenty of room for personal tweaks and community-made control schemes. Your games must be on Steam, though; for non-Steam games, the gamepad's compatibility is inconsistent (GOG) to nonexistent (Xbox Game Pass).
Best Fight Stick for Modding Enthusiasts
Victrix Pro FS
Why We Picked It
Sometimes, you just gotta floss. The Victrix Pro FS doesn't come cheap, but you should drop some coin on this bad boy if you're looking for a high-end fight stick with a durable build, lock button, Sanwa Denshi's arcade-quality parts, and LED lighting that lets you stunt on rival tournament entrants. It is available in purple or white for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or PC.
Who It's For
Clumsy fighting game fans: Fear that you'll drop your stick and shatter it? The Victrix Pro FS greatly reduces that worry. It's made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum that can take some lumps and bumps.
Modders: The Victrix Pro FS comes with a detachable Sanwa Denshi ball-top joystick, an Allen wrench for tightening or loosening the stick, and an easy-access panel for getting inside.
Best Leverless Controller for Ergonomics
Victrix Pro KO
Why We Picked It
If you want a leverless controller that won't bog you down while traveling to a tourney or a buddy's place, check out the Victrix Pro KO. The controller weighs just 2.7 pounds but feels incredibly sturdy thanks to its aluminum top plate and rubber bottom (which keeps it in place while you're fiercely battling opponents). It also features an ergonomic, 6.2-degree wrist slope that tapers to a relatively thin 0.8 inches. It's compatible with PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X/S.
Who It's For
Gamers who value ergonomics: The spacious KO Pro (13.3 inches wide, 9.2 inches deep) is great for lap or tabletop play. Its well-placed buttons are within reach but not cramped together, making for comfortable gameplay sessions.
Modding enthusiasts: The KO Pro features hot-swappable MX Speed Silver RGB switches, a removable aluminum top plate, customizable RGB lighting via the Victrix Control Hub app, and up to 16 moveable and mappable buttons (12 are installed; 4 extra are stashed inside).
Tournament players: Are you concerned about tournament-eliminating disconnects? The Pro KO has two solutions. A tournament lock switch deactivates the buttons to prevent undesirable disqualifications, and the braided, 9.8-foot USB cable features a locking mechanism to prevent accidental unplugs.
Best Custom-Design Controller
Xbox Design Lab
Why We Picked It
Microsoft's Xbox Design Lab offers custom Xbox gamepads at the same price as standard controllers. You can mix and match your favorite colors for all the gamepad's various elements, add rubberized grips, and even laser-engrave a message. If you want an even higher-end experience, you can pay more for a customized Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, which offers different color choices for the optional, swappable metal parts.
Who It's For
Xbox and PC players who want to personalize their pads: This is for PC or Xbox gamers who want a gamepad they can really call their own. As a first-party Xbox gamepad, it works seamlessly with Windows and Xbox, and the Elite option offers easy control remapping and multiple layout profiles.
Best Xbox Controller
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Why We Picked It
Microsoft's high-end controller is the be-all, end-all of Xbox gamepads (and one of the best for PCs, too). It's also one of the priciest at $199.99, so that's a factor to consider. It's a great package, though, featuring interchangeable d-pad and analog sticks, a carrying case, a charging cradle, removable rear paddles, and extensive software customization options through the Xbox Accessories app for Windows and Xbox.
Who It's For
Hard-core Xbox and PC gamers: The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is designed for Windows and Xbox gamers who are willing to splurge. It's full-featured, feels great, and justifies the price. The case and cradle help make sure you're fully prepared to play, whether you're at home or traveling.
