Wireless controls
The PowerA OPS v1 feels cheaper in quality than the controllers we recommend, and we’ve found many owners reporting issues with trigger locks, and joystick drift on the similar (but more expensive) PowerA OPS v3 Pro controller launched in August 2024.
The D-pad and middle buttons on the GameSir Nova Lite are toxic, the rear triggers travel too far, and the L1/R1 bumpers oscillate between feeling sticky and clicking for no reason.
While my PC recognizes both the GameSir Cyclone 2 and GameSir Super Nova when paired via Bluetooth, neither controller has activated or registered any input in Bluetooth mode. We also found a number regarding the number of users reporting issues with connectivity, longevity, and reliability for both controllers.
The wireless connection on the Asus ROG Raikiri Pro disconnects every few seconds in our tests, the rear paddles are not easy to reach, and they are inaudible in small hands.
The GameSir G8+ is a mobile game controller that pairs to your device via Bluetooth. But the layout feels more designed for people with smaller hands, and in our testing, it switched randomly between the Xbox and PlayStation control systems mid-game on iOS — and other users reported similar problems.
Sony’s DualSense wireless controller feels good, but it can be hit or miss in its compatibility with Windows and non-Steam games. It’s a great PC controller if you already own a PS5, but there’s no reason to spend this much money if you’re buying a PC controller.
Sony DualSense Edge, the pro version of the standard PS5 controller, is a great option for PlayStation owners. But the symbols on the PlayStation buttons deviate from the standard ABXY layout used in many PC games, which can be difficult to interpret when learning new games. We’ve also seen limited but consistent reports of other people experiencing problems or failures with the paddles on the back of the controller.
We’ve seen many reports of reliability issues with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and the staff at Wirecutter have seen these issues firsthand. If you’re willing to spend a lot of money on a controller like the DualSense Edge or the Xbox Elite Series 2, you should probably get additional warranty coverage.
The Nintendo Switch Pro and Switch 2 Pro controllers can connect to a PC via Bluetooth or USB-C, but the ABXY buttons aren’t laid out in the same way as an Xbox controller – A and B are reversed, as are X and Y – which can cause some confusion for games that expect an Xbox-style button layout. Steam offers a setting to easily transfer content from Nintendo to Xbox, but if you play games on other platforms, you’ll need to use software like x360ce to set it up. It also lacks an earphone jack.
We have discontinued the PowerA OPS v3 Pro because many owners have reported problems with joystick drift since its launch in August 2024.
8Bitdo’s SF30/SN30 Pro is a retro SNES-style gamepad updated with joysticks, triggers, and vibration motors including modern controllers. But there’s a reason modern controllers have handles, as the SF30/SN30 Pro isn’t comfortable to use for long periods of time. The buttons and sticks are all very close together, which increases the risk of jamming, and people with sweaty hands may have trouble getting a grip.
We spent several days testing two samples of the PowerA Moga XP-Ultra, and both were frustrating to connect and use. When we were able to successfully pair one controller, we only saw two buttons very well. And one sample refused to stay on for more than a second, even though we charged it overnight, and the LED showed a full battery.
Wired controls
The SCUF Valor Pro costs about the same as our upgrade pick at the time of this writing, but its buttons are mushier, and the rear paddles feel harder to reach than on the other pro controller we recommend.
We couldn’t power the GameSir G7 HE, and none of our other cables would fit into the recessed USB port on the top of the controller, preventing us from confirming whether the problem was with the cable or the controller itself.
The Razer Kishi Ultra is perfect if you’re looking for a portable game controller that can be used for PC gaming. It’s great for mobile gaming, but it’s expensive, doesn’t work if your phone has a case, and only works with a wired connection to PCs.
The HyperX Clutch Tanto is too small even for adults with small hands, and we didn’t like the stiff resistance of the triggers.
The build quality of the HyperX Clutch Gladiate is not good. Some buttons and triggers felt flawless in our testing, while others were clicky and intuitive. The joysticks also have curved edges that some people might like to grip, but we found it scratchy on our skin.
Some of the triggers and buttons on the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller with Lumectra felt sticky and imprecise.
The ZD-V+ has a DualShock-style build, but its glossy finish and light weight make it feel cheap in the hand, it doesn’t have a headphone jack, and its vibration motor is weak. It is also not compatible with original game consoles.
Britt H. Young contributed additional reporting. This article was edited by Arthur Gies and Caitlin McGarry.