Play on PC, yes, but not without a controller. Some genres are still much more comfortable with our lifelong companions. But which controllers are the best for the PC in 2022? We will help you find your happiness.
Our selection of the best PC controllers in 2022
The PC is no longer this gaming platform on which the keyboard/mouse combo is king. Now that developers are careful to offer optimized versions of their titles, controller compatibility is excellent on gaming PCs and many players are abandoning the consoles of yesteryear for the freedom and power that the platform offers. But which controller to choose for your PC?, now that the manufacturer itself no longer forces its own devices? Here is our selection for all types of players.
Xbox Series S/X Controller
Xbox Series controller at the best price
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Baker
59.99€
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Fnac
83.85€
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Rakuten
93.7€
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Amazon
95€
Why change a winning team? The arrival of extended controller compatibility on PC was made possible thanks to compatibility with the Xbox 360 pad. And since then, most games have always expected to find an Xbox or similar controller. This can be seen from the interface of most games, as well as that of the various platforms. So don’t worry: choose your favorite Xbox Series S/X or even Xbox One controller and play with it.
The acclaimed ergonomics of the controller have changed very little over time, and remain excellent. But there is always a problem for the wireless version: you will still have to plan to buy batteries, or add a charging block in addition to your purchase. It’s a little restrictive, but it’s not a big problem. You can connect the controller wired, Bluetooth or via a dongle for previous generations. The connection is always excellent.
| The + | The – |
|---|---|
| Excellent ergonomics | Provide rechargeable batteries |
| Absolute compatibility |
Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
Xbox Elite Series 2 controller at the best price
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Amazon
159.15€
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Shopping street
165.4€
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Rakuten
165.91€
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Fnac
166.7€
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Cdiscount
169€
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Baker
179.99€
More offers
If you are the pro gamer type in all circumstances, you can opt for the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. This is naturally fully compatible with the PC, and will allow you to find all the very fine adjustments available with this range: adjustment of the stroke of the triggers, the dead zone of the sticks, the type of directional cross… Everything is there. With the added bonus of course the customizable shortcut keys on the back, which are a delight for FPS players.
The construction of the controller is close to perfection, but all this comes at a cost of course. Only the most demanding gamers should break the bank; the others will already be very happy with a classic pad.
| The + | The – |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing quality | Very expensive |
| Ultra efficient | |
| Customizable at will |
8BitDo SN30 Pro 2
8bitdo SN30 Pro 2 at the best price
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Amazon
99€
Xbox controllers are fine. But what about those who prefer parallel sticks, PlayStation-style? If it is of course possible to use the DualSense of the PS5 or even a PS4 controller on your PC, we will especially recommend that you turn to the side of the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro 2.
The retro-style pad has all the keys you need, and is unmatched in comfort. The quality of construction and the know-how of 8bitdo in the matter have been proven over several years, and it is today a must-have. As for the price-performance ratio, it is simply incomparable. If you’re hesitant to use a controller on your PC and don’t want to pay as much as an Xbox controller for it, this is simply the best choice available. Especially since it is considered an Xbox controller by the PC: you will never have any compatibility issues with it.
| The + | The – |
|---|---|
| More accessible than others | More difficult to update |
| original design | |
| Wide compatibility |
8bitdo SN30 Pro
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Classic Edition at the best price
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Amazon
24.98€
Before the Pro Plus and Pro 2, there was the simple “Pro”. Here, the 8bitdo controller is very clearly inspired by that of the Super Nintendo. Which means one thing: it’s perfect for all those retro or retro-inspired games that abound on PC.
This controller has a big advantage: it is incredibly compact. If you are looking for a PC controller that you can easily carry with you, for your ultrabook for example, this is the best on the market.
As with the SN30 Pro 2, it is also compatible with your PC as well as for Android games as well as your Nintendo Switch. It is therefore not doomed to remain attached to a single platform.
| The + | The – |
|---|---|
| Easily transportable | Not very suitable for FPS |
| Compatible with multiple platforms | Complicated to update |
| Great autonomy | |
| Cheap |
Nacon Revolution X Pro
Nacron Revolution X Pro at the best price
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Amazon
88.98€
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E.Leclerc
88.99€
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Rakuten
95€
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Fnac
99€
If you’re looking for a customizable controller that doesn’t break your budget too much, you can also turn to the Nacon Revolution X Pro. It also has some modifications, such as the possibility of choosing its type of stick or making it more or less heavy for your comfort.
Its customizable buttons work more or less the same as on the Xbox Elite pad. But, controlled price obliges, it is only wired. At least you won’t have to worry about your battery life!
| The + | The – |
|---|---|
| Classic Xbox Format | Wired only |
| Customizable at will | |
| Cheaper than the Elite |
Is the PS5 controller PC compatible?
The PlayStation 5 DualSense is well compatible with a PC. However, its support is partial, and only Steam manages it properly these days. What’s more, special controller features only work with very few titles today.
Which controllers are compatible with the PC?
In absolute terms, all controllers can be compatible with the PC. But for full support, it is better to turn to controllers that use the XInput protocol, the driver managed by Microsoft and used in all of its controllers. The DInput also works pretty well, although its support isn’t as advanced. Better to avoid controllers that do not use one of these two protocols.
On Windows 10 and Windows 11, controllers are now very well recognized by PCs and do not require any configuration. This is particularly true on the Steam platform, where Valve has stepped up efforts in this direction.
