The best controllers for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and mobile
27/10/2026
Translation: Megan Cornish
Pictures: Philipp Rüegg
A decent controller’s essential for every PC and console. The official controllers from Sony, Nintendo and more are far from the best available. Here are my current recommendations.
There are so many controllers out there. DualSense, Elite Series, Joy-Con – every console has its own version. PC gamers don’t just rely on a mouse and keyboard either. There are huge differences between the official console manufacturers’ controllers and those made by third parties. This guide takes you through my recommendations for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, mobile devices, Mac and Linux.
For me, the ideal controller has to be solidly built and comfortable to hold. The buttons need to have a satisfying click – ideally with microswitches. Hall effect analogue sticks are practically a must. And it has to feel good to hold.
The guide’s updated regularly. You can find the latest version from 2025 here.
For PS5: Rocket Games Force
Looking for a controller that doesn’t lose out to DualSense in functionality and form and actually surpasses it in every aspect? Rocket Games’ products are the best place to look.
The controllers are available pre-assembled, or even better: you can decide which components you want. From more precise and durable TMR analogue sticks to digital triggers and grippier materials, the possibilities are virtually endless. You can even customise the design down to the smallest detail.
However, all this comes at a price. Depending on the configuration, it can be quite a steep one. The Zurich-based company assembles the controllers by hand in Rümlang, as I saw for myself. And the result is impressive.
Compatible with: PS5, PC
Pros:
- TMR analogue sticks
- Customisable down to the smallest detail
- Can do everything the DualSense can and more
Cons:
- Expensive
Alternative: DualSense Edge
Want more than the equally solid standard DualSense controller, but don’t want to spend a small fortune? Sony’s DualSense Edge is for you. While it doesn’t offer TMR analogue sticks, it has plenty of customisation options and additional buttons on the back.
For Xbox Series: 8bitdo Ultimate 3E
The price is higher than usual for 8bitdo, but the Ultimate 3E’s the Chinese manufacturer’s highest-quality controller. You’ll get TMR joysticks, hall effect triggers and trigger stop settings, depending on whether you’re playing shooters or racing games. Also included are two different directional pads, three sets of analogue sticks for different preferences, optional microswitches for the ABXY buttons and a charging station. The latter also houses the wireless adapter. If you’re using the controller with an Xbox, you don’t even need the charging station. The Ultimate 3E communicates directly with the console.
The controller weighs a comfortable 152 grammes and feels great and grippy. It features several freely programmable buttons. On PC, the Ultimate 3E also supports a 1000 Hz sampling rate and motion control thanks to gyro sensors.
Compatible with: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac
Pros:
- Interchangeable joysticks, directional pad and ABXY buttons
- TMR joysticks and hall effect triggers
- Removable pedals
- Charging station
- 1000 Hz sampling rate on the PC
Cons:
- The feel’s nothing special
Game controllers
−11%
EUR139,99 was EUR156,44
8bitdo Ultimate 3E Xbox Controller, gray
Android, iOS, PC, Xbox One S, Xbox Series X
Alternative: PDP Victrix Pro BFG
The PDP Victrix Pro BFG also offers a lot of configuration options. Besides three directional pads, four analogue sticks, and four analogue stick gates, there’s even a six-button module for fighting games. And you can rotate the left controller layout 180 degrees. It doesn’t feel quite as premium as the 8bitdo, though.
Game controllers
EUR189,–
PDP Victrix Pro BFG
Android, iOS, Mac, PC, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
For Switch 2
The classic: Nintendo Pro Controller 2
If you primarily play your Switch on your TV, you’ll need an extra controller. Even in the second version, the included Joy-Cons are primarily designed for children’s hands. You deserve something better. For example, the Nintendo Pro Controller 2. Compared to the first version, this one feels much more premium. The analogue sticks in particular move extremely smoothly. Unfortunately, they are neither TMR nor hall effect sticks, which – aside from accuracy – raises serious concerns about their durability.
The directional pad’s a significant improvement on the first version and no longer triggers incorrect inputs. There are two additional buttons on the back that you can allocate freely. It’s a shame the triggers aren’t analogue, which is essential for racing games.
Another big plus is the HD 2 Rumble. This allows you to feel the subtlest vibrations when, for example, you pick up or fire a power-up in «Mario Kart World».
Compatible with: Switch 1, Switch 2, PC
Pros:
- Feels great
- Additional buttons on the back
- HD 2 Rumble
Cons:
- No TMR or hall effect analogue sticks
- No analogue trigger
Joy-Con: NYXI Hyperion 3
My colleague Kevin swears by the Joy-Con alternative by NYXI. It fits much more comfortably in adult hands. It also has TMR sticks – no need to worry about stick drift – and microswitches for the ABXY buttons for faster and more satisfying input. Once you’ve gamed with it, you won’t want to go back. The click feel’s just better.
These controllers have two disadvantages compared to the original Nintendo controllers: if you use them with the provided centrepiece as a classic controller, they fit quite loosely. They also lack the sensitive HD 2 Rumble which is available with the Ultra version, we just don’t currently stock it.
Compatible with: Switch 1, Switch 2, PC
Pros:
- Significantly more comfortable than the original Joy-Con
- Drift-free TMR sticks
- Crisp microswitches
- Programmable GL/GR buttons
Cons:
- The controllers fit noticeably looser on the grip than on the Switch 2
- Expensive
- No HD 2 Rumble
Alternative: 8bitdo Ultimate 2
The 8bitdo Ultimate 2 is a sensational alternative that’s significantly cheaper and even includes a charging dock. It also features four buttons on the back, analogue hall effect triggers and TMR analogue sticks.
For Switch 1: 8bitdo Ultimate 2
TMR sensors in the analogue sticks mean you don’t have to worry about Joy-Con drift. This technology’s considered more precise than hall effect, but offers the same benefits. The magnetic tunnel contacts are less prone to wear than standard analogue sticks. The triggers still use proven hall effect technology. The digital directional pad’s much more precise than the almost unusable one on Nintendo’s first Pro Controller.
Using the 8bitdo app, you can customise button mapping, vibration intensity and analogue stick behaviour and save these settings as profiles. You can switch between profiles with a dedicated button on the front. There are also four additional buttons on the back of the controller next to the triggers.
The package includes a charging dock that also houses the wireless receiver, along with Bluetooth.
Compatible with: Switch 1, Switch 2, PC
Pros:
- Affordable
- Charging station
- TMR analogue sticks
- Motion control
Cons:
- No HD Rumble
Alternative: Nintendo Pro Controller
Although the Nintendo Pro Controller has a terrible directional pad, it offers the more sophisticated HD Rumble, Amiibo support and an infrared sensor.
For Windows PC: Steam Controller
Valve, the company behind Steam – the largest PC gaming platform – knows what PC gamers want. With the Steam Controller, they’ve developed their own gamepad that clearly stands out from the competition. It’s the only option that gives you two precise trackpads that are a solid mouse replacement. Those who game on the sofa in particular are fans.
There are also grip sensors and capacitive analogue sticks, which can be used very creatively thanks to the excellent Steam Input software. TMR analogue sticks are also included, as is the best haptic feedback besides the DualSense. The directional pad could be more precise, though.
Compatible with: PC
Pros:
- Extremely versatile
- Precise trackpads
- Grip sensors and capacitive analogue sticks are more than just a gimmick
- Fits well in the hand
- Great haptics
Cons:
- Not the most precise directional pad
- No headphone jack
Alternative: 8bitdo Ultimate 3E
Don’t care about trackpads but want more hardware flexibility? I give you the 8bitdo Ultimate 3E. Just like for the Xbox, it’s also a great option for PC.
Game controllers
−11%
EUR139,99 was EUR156,44
8bitdo Ultimate 3E Xbox Controller, gray
Android, iOS, PC, Xbox One S, Xbox Series X
Mac and Linux: Gamesir G7 Pro
Thanks in no small part to SteamOS, Linux is enjoying growing popularity as a gaming platform. The number of native games is also steadily increasing on Macs. Controller compatibility’s somewhat better on Linux. Most devices from this list should work.
My recommendation’s the Gamesir G7 Pro. It’s guaranteed to work. You get TMR sticks, a charging station, microswitches, adjustable trigger stops, two directional pads and four additional buttons.
Compatible with: PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox, Android
Pros:
- TMR sticks
- Charging station
- Microswitches
Cons:
- The directional pad and analogue sticks are replaceable, but they look a bit cheap.
Game controllers
EUR97,19
Gamesir G7 Pro
Android, PC, Steam Machine, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Alternative: 8bitdo Ultimate 3E
If you prefer something higher quality, I also recommend the 8bitdo Ultimate 3E. Although it was designed for Xbox, it’s compatible with Apple devices too.
Game controllers
−11%
EUR139,99 was EUR156,44
8bitdo Ultimate 3E Xbox Controller, gray
Android, iOS, PC, Xbox One S, Xbox Series X
Mobile: Gamesir G8+
Do you hate touchscreen control with a pseudo-controller? Just plug your smartphone into a mobile controller. They’re more ergonomic and elevate your experience to true handheld gaming levels. The Gamesir G8+ even comes with TMR sticks and hall effect triggers. You can leave them set to analogue or switch to digital triggers for faster input – ideal for shooters including PUBG Mobile.
The G8+ also features gyro sensors for motion control. You can use the corresponding app to adjust the stick dead zone, remap buttons and plenty more. For games without official controller support, you’ll need to configure the button mapping manually.
Compatible with: PC, Android, iOS, Switch
Pros:
- TMR sticks and analogue hall effect triggers
- Contains its own battery
- Compatible with Android, iOS, Switch and PC
Cons:
- Poor haptics
- Games that don’t support controllers have to be configured manually
- iOS doesn’t support button remapping
Game controllers
EUR83,48
Gamesir G8+ Bluetooth mobile controller with phone holder
Android, iOS, PC, Switch
Alternative: Backbone Pro
More expensive, but thanks to its many customisation options, the Backbone Pro’s also an exciting option. The downside’s that you need a subscription to play games that don’t support controllers, including PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact. The benefit is that you don’t have to manually configure the controls like you do with the Gamesir G8+.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
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