Controllers rankings

Every review we have published, highest score first. S tier is 9.0 and up, A is 8.0 to 8.9, B is 6.5 to 7.9, C is below 6.5.

[ 6 reviews ]

5 reviews

8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller Review: TMR Sticks and a Dock for $59.99

Best forPC and mobile players who want an upgrade over the Xbox pad

The smartest PC controller buy under $60. TMR sticks, Hall effect triggers, two rear paddles, a charging dock that is also the receiver and measured 2.4G latency near 4 ms for button presses make it feel like a pad that costs twice as much. It will not work on Xbox, PlayStation or Switch, and battery life is middling with the lights on.

8.3/10$59.99Controllers · Apr 16, 2026

GameSir G7 Pro Review: The Xbox-Licensed Pad That Out-Specs Microsoft's

Best forPC players who want pro features without Elite-level prices

On features the G7 Pro beats Microsoft's standard controller by a mile: drift-resistant TMR sticks, Hall effect triggers with a lockout, clicky face buttons, back paddles and a stand for $79.99. The catch is that on Xbox consoles it is wired only. PC and mobile players get the best deal in the category.

8.1/10From $79.99Controllers · Mar 20, 2026

Xbox Wireless Controller Review: The Default Pad That Still Wins by Being Boring

Best forXbox and PC players who want a pad that just works

Still the safest controller to buy for an Xbox or a Windows PC: it works with almost everything, fits most hands and costs $64.99, often less on sale. It uses ordinary potentiometer sticks and AA batteries, so it is not the pad for tournament players or anyone who hates swapping cells. For most people it is the right answer.

8.0/10$64.99Controllers · Sep 10, 2026

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Review: Are GL/GR Buttons Worth $89.99?

Best forSwitch 2 owners who play docked on a TV most nights

The best first-party pad on Switch 2 and the one to buy if you play docked. The shell is comfortable, the sticks feel smooth, the rear buttons are well placed and a rated 40 hour battery means it almost never needs charging. At $89.99 it is not cheap, it has no Hall effect sticks and PC support was missing at launch, so handheld players and PC users should look elsewhere.

8.0/10$89.99Controllers · Mar 5, 2026

Steam Controller (2nd Generation) Review: Trackpads and Gyro Make It the Best Pad for Steam, at $99

Best forPC and SteamOS players who want mouse-style control from the couch

The new Steam Controller is the best gamepad we know of for mouse-heavy PC games, and its gyro plus TMR sticks make it a strong shooter pad too. It has no adaptive triggers, plain plastic, a square shape that suits large hands, and it leans on the Steam client. At $99, buy it if you play on a PC or SteamOS. Otherwise a cheaper pad does the job.

8.0/10$99Controllers · Feb 17, 2026

1 review

Sony DualSense Edge Review: Back Buttons and Swappable Sticks, but a Short Battery

Best forCompetitive PS5 players who want back buttons and swappable sticks

The best PS5 pad for players who use back buttons and want drift to be a $20 repair instead of a replacement. It is also expensive, heavier than the standard DualSense and good for roughly 5 to 8 hours per charge. Buy it if you play competitive shooters on PS5. Everyone else should keep the standard pad and save about $150.

7.4/10$219.99Controllers · Aug 14, 2026