Best controllers for the PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch
18.7.2025
Translation: Katherine Martin
A decent controller is a key part of any gamer’s inventory, be it for the PC or a console. The thing is, official controllers aren’t always your best bet. Here are my recommendations.
From the Dualsense to the Elite Series to the Joy-Con, gaming controllers are a dime a dozen. Not only does every console have its own, but the days of PC gamers using just a mouse and keyboard are well and truly over. There are also drastic differences between the official controllers sold by console manufacturers and ones you can buy separately. This article is a roundup of my recommended controllers for the PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch. And I didn’t forget Mac and Linux either.
The article will be updated on a regular basis. You’ll find the previous version from 2023 here.
For the PS5: Dualsense Edge
Sony’s pro controller’s called the Dualsense Edge, costs a small fortune and boasts numerous configuration options. Three different sets of analogue sticks are included, depending on whether you prefer an inward or outward curve. Even the length varies. There are two paddles on the back, which, as with the rest of the buttons, can be assigned freely. If they’re in your way, you can take them off.
Two buttons below the analogue sticks let you switch between profiles and adjust audio settings. You can change the button assignments in the PlayStation menu, along with the dead zone or the intensity of the triggers. Trigger depth can be adjusted to three levels via two sliders. This allows you to tailor it to the game you’re playing, be it a racer or shooter.
Sony’s controllers are pretty much the only ones to support both adaptive triggers and the PS5’s complex haptic feedback.
Compatible with: PS5, PC
Pros:
- Configurable
- Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback
- Assignable paddles on the back
Cons:
- Expensive
- Battery weaker than that of the standard Dualsense controller
- Doesn’t have Hall effect or TMR analogue sticks
Alternative
The PDP Victrix Pro BFG gives you an enormous number of customisation options, both in terms of software and hardware. You’ll have to do without complex haptic feedback though.
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For the PS4: PDP Victrix Pro BFG
In contrast to the PS5, there’s no official Sony pro controller for the PS4. With this in mind, I’ve focused on alternative consoles in this section. The PDP Victrix Pro BFG from Turtle Beach boasts an almost absurd number of configuration options. Just about everything on the controller can be swapped out. It comes with three joysticks, four analogue sticks, two analogue stick gates and a six-button keypad for fighting games. The left module, consisting of the D-pad and analogue stick, can be rotated 180 degrees. If you fancy making any adjustments, you just have to loosen two screws.
There are also four freely assignable buttons on the back, which are easy to reach with your middle and ring fingers. You can also increase the triggers’ stroke distance – ideal if you’re into racing games. Alternatively, if you’re looking to gain an advantage in shoot-‘em-up games, you can adjust them to trigger quickly.
The PDP Victrix Pro BFG works via cable or with the wireless dongle supplied.
Compatible with: PS4, PS5, PC
Pros:
- Hard to beat on hardware configuration options
- Contains a button module for fighting games
Cons:
- Slightly rickety triggers
- Hall effect analogue sticks cost extra
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Alternative
It may be considerably cheaper, but Sony’s Dualshock 4 is still reliable. Although you can’t customise it, it does come in a wide range of colours.
For the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One: Xbox Elite Series 2
I’d recommend the Elite Series 2 for both the previous and the current Xbox generation. The first version of the high-end Xbox controller was released back in 2015. The Elite Series 2 has various analogue stick sets, which, thanks to magnets, are easy to take off. This also applies to the control pad, which you can replace with a circle if you prefer. It’s easy to remove the four paddles on the back. You can also adjust the triggers to three levels, depending on how far down you’d like to press them. There’s no other controller out there that’s easier to configure than this one.
You can do some more fine-tuning or make button adjustments on the PC or Xbox using the software that goes with it.
The Elite has rubber handles, so it’s really comfortable to hold. It’s weighty enough to give you the sense you’ve got a premium product in your hands.
Compatible with: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Pros:
- Very grippy
- Numerous hardware and software customisation options
- Removable paddles
Cons:
- Doesn’t have Hall effect or TMR analogue sticks
Game controllers
CHF148.–
Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Xbox One X, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One S, Xbox Series S
Alternative
The PDP Victrix Pro BFG, which I’ve already recommended for the PS4, boasts even more configuration options. It’s just that this one’s for the Xbox. In addition to three D-pads, four analogue sticks, four analogue stick gates, you get a six-button module for fighting games. Plus, you can rotate the left controller layout by 180 degrees. Despite being almost the same price as the Elite Series 2, it doesn’t feel as high-quality.
Game controllers
CHF145.–
PDP Victrix Pro BFG
PC, Xbox One X, Xbox One S, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Android, iOS, Mac
For the Switch 2: Nintendo Pro Controller 2
If you primarily play the Switch on the TV, you’ll need an additional controller. The Joy-Cons that come included with the second Switch are mostly designed for kids. You deserve better. For example, the Nintendo Pro Controller 2. Compared to the first version of the controller, this one has a genuinely premium feel to it. The analogue sticks in particular move extremely smoothly. Unfortunately, they’re neither TMR nor Hall effect sticks. Aside from the accuracy issues this poses, it also calls the sticks’ durability into question.
Nintendo’s considerably improved the D-pad; it doesn’t trigger incorrect inputs anymore. There are also two additional buttons on the back that you can freely assign. It’s just a pity the triggers aren’t analogue, a feature that’s actually a necessity in racing games.
HD Rumble is another major plus point. This allows you to feel the slightest vibrations when you pick up or fire a power-up in Mario Kart World, for example. It’s currently only available on Nintendo’s own controllers.
Compatible with: Switch 1, Switch 2, PC
Pros:
- Feels extremely good
- Additional buttons on the back
- HD Rumble 2
Cons:
- No TMR or Hall effect analogue sticks
- Triggers aren’t analogue
Alternative
The 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 is a sensational alternative. Although it’s significantly cheaper, it even comes with a charging dock. On top of this, it has four buttons on the back, analogue Hall effect triggers and TMR analogue sticks.
For the Switch: 8Bitdo Ultimate
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 tech, but offers the same advantages. The magnetic tunnel contacts inside don’t wear out as much as the ones used in standard analogue sticks. Tried-and-tested Hall effect technology is still used in the triggers. Plus, the digital D-pad is much more precise than the almost unusable one on Nintendo’s first Pro Controller.
The 8BitDo app allows you to customise the button layout, vibration strength or the behaviour of the analogue sticks and save them in profiles. You can switch between them using the dedicated button on the front. There are a total of four additional buttons on the back of the controller and next to the triggers.
The 8BitDo comes with a charging dock that also serves as a wireless receiver. And it has Bluetooth.
Compatible with: Switch 1, Switch 2, PC
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Charging dock
- TMR analogue sticks
- Motion controls
Cons:
- No HD rumble
Alternative
The Nintendo Pro Controller has a pathetic D-pad, but features the more sophisticated HD Rumble technology, Amiibo support and an infrared sensor.
For Windows PC: Dualsense Edge
Technically, PC gamers could use any controller listed here. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Still, I’d personally recommend the Dualsense Edge. Since most people are likely to connect it via cable, its poor battery performance is no big deal. If you’re going to use it, you’ll have to like the button layout. However, since an increasing number of PlayStation games have started ending up available for PC, it’s worth using the right controller. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy ingenious haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that’d otherwise be exclusive to the PlayStation.
It’s worth noting that PlayStation controllers used with a PC occasionally cause problems when used wirelessly. Sometimes they aren’t recognised or the Xbox button layout is used. Having said that, things have improved in the last few years.
Compatible with: PS5, PC
Pros:
- Configurable
- Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback
- Assignable paddles on the back
Cons:
- Expensive
- Battery only lasts a few hours
- No TMR or Hall effect
Alternative
There are no compatibility problems with the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Wireless. It’s registered as an Xbox controller. It also has higher-quality TMR analogue sticks and Hall effect triggers. Plus, you could buy four of them for the price of one Dualsense Edge. The PC version is even slightly cheaper than the Switch version.
Mac and Linux
Linux is becoming increasingly popular as a gaming platform, not least thanks to SteamOS. The number of native games on Macs is also steadily increasing. However, Linux is doing slightly better on the controller compatibility front. Every controller on this list should work for you, but my recommendation would be the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2. With its competitive price, great features and configuration options, it’s one of the best controllers for Mac and Linux devices.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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