What's the Best Gaming Controller for PCs and Consoles?

When it's time to settle in and play your favorite game, you won't get far if your equipment isn't comfortable and correct. That's where your handheld remote comes in. And whether you're racing down drag ways or playing third-person shooters, you will want to have the best gaming controller for your setup. Remember that your controller must be compatible with whatever machine you intend to use, and consider some of the factors below.

Some playing sessions (at least the good ones) can go on for hours. The best gaming controller will be comfortable enough to hold in both hands for long periods of time, and more importantly, comfortable enough for heavy use. Before you buy, see if you can take it out of the box and give it a try. Pull on triggers, press bumpers, spam buttons and rotate sticks around to get an idea of how comfortable it is. Feel how it fits in the palm of your hand, too: you'll generally want a rounded body that fits ergonomically into the cradle of your palm and fingers. Otherwise, you'll be cramping up before too long.

Choosing between models can be tough, but one factor that can help you pick the video game controller for you is the button layout. Too many or too few of these clickers can truly make a difference when your eyes are locked on the TV screen or monitor. You'll want to know exactly where everything is, from the "kick" button to the "talk" button—and don't get those two confused. There's no time to look down as you play, so the layout should feel natural.

As you examine what might be your choice, feel it in your hands and imagine hitting all the triggers, bumpers, sticks and buttons in quick succession. If you feel like you'd be able to keep track of where things live, you're ready to move on. Keep in mind that many models have similar "layouts" these days, so when it comes to button choices, your best gaming controller may look similar to others.

This factor is something that will matter more to those looking for the best gaming controller for PC. For PC accesories, it's all about customizability, and that means assigning certain actions to different buttons and facets. Where these would normally be relegated to a classic keyboard and mouse, users can assign individual actions to different buttons on the best gaming controller. That way, players create the system they want, the exact way they want it. They don't have to stay hunched over a keyboard: instead, they're enveloped in a world that feels natural.

How should the best gaming controller connect to your console or PC? That's all up to you—some love a classic wired connection that connects via USB. With that wired connection, you never have to worry about charging a wireless model, or running out of physical batteries (and those aren't very good for the planet, either). But the main reason so many serious players love these wired models is the lack of latency, ensuring no interruptions between when you press a button and when that action occurs onscreen.

Meanwhile, wireless models allow users to move about the room freely, unrestricted by cords. Lean back, move from one spot on the sectional to another to fit more people on the couch or play on the floor. These are the best gaming controllers for those who play physical multiplayer games often: when you invite your friends over and pass these out, no one has to be restricted by a cord.

Here's why: this simple, comfortable version is a common pick among players for a few different factors that remain the same year after year. When it comes to the comfort factor, Microsoft nailed the shape and feel of the Xbox controller with their second-generation console, the Xbox 360. That's when online gaming was starting to really see a cross-platform surge, and many 360 controllers could plug into both gaming PCs and the console itself. Ever since they hooked two audiences at once, Microsoft has stuck with that outline of shape, style and connection throughout two more console generations.

The newest, wireless generation recommended here is back compatible with the Xbox One and can also connect to Windows gaming PCs, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android devices. Players often have games in more than one place, like on a computer, console, phone or tablet. Users can play any way they want in comfort with the Xbox Series X/S Wireless model. And for users who want to crush any latency incurred by wireless play, connect to devices via a micro USB port on both console and computer. A long-lasting battery and great control sticks place it beyond the reach of competitors.

The newest, wireless generation recommended here is back compatible with the Xbox One and can also connect to Windows gaming PCs, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android devices. Players often have games in more than one place, like on a computer, console, phone or tablet. Users can play any way they want in comfort with the Xbox Series X/S Wireless model. And for users who want to crush any latency incurred by wireless play, connect to devices via a micro USB port on both console and computer. A long-lasting battery and great control sticks place it beyond the reach of competitors.

The only downside to our best gaming controller for both PC and consoles is that it won't work for Sony consoles or Nintendo ones either. That being said, the Xbox model can connect to more devices than any competitor (including gaming PCs) making it the clear winner. In the battle of first-person shooters vs. battle royales vs. RPGs, everyone wins when they use one of these. Pick out the classic model, or choose a special edition skin that matches a new release. If you have questions about a particular controller, call our gaming experts at 800-860-3577.