There's a reason why not much has changed in eight years - when the Xbox One controller launched - and it's because it was already damn near perfect. There's also a share button - as was found on the DualShock 4 - which does exactly the same thing create and share photos and video clips to upload to social media something which offers limited functionality for use on PC. The new additions this time around, though distinctively minor, are the inclusions of USB-C charging - much faster than Micro-USB (if you use a rechargeable pack at least) - as well as the 'hybrid' D-pad which takes its cues from another much more expensive Xbox model that we'll get to later.
Couple that with the fact that it works natively on PC - just plug it in or link up via Bluetooth - and it's ready to go with no further messing around. It should be of little surprise to anyone that the latest revision of the Xbox gamepad tops our list for its performance and comfortable feel. Below you'll find our top picks for the best PC controllers available in 2022, though if you're after more options, we recommend checking out our best Xbox controller guide, too, for native compatibility. We're hopeful that we will be inundated with both wired and wireless options, with some gamepads featuring mechanical microswitches and Esports-centric feature sets to suit any preference and budget from all the established names.
It's the dawn of a new year, and we're expecting big things from many PC controller manufacturers, especially considering that third-party options made for PS5 are beginning to be rolled out.
At a time where Xbox Series X stock and PS5 stock are still incredibly challenging to find, a gaming PC build with a controller could offer a viable alternative for those looking for a big screen, or more familiar, experience. There's also the fact that the best PC controller for gaming is going to be preferred by some gamers, especially those who may be switching over from consoles or wanting to maximize the performance setup on one of the best gaming laptops when in transit.
Simply put, you're going to struggle pulling off full combos in fighting games (such as Street Fighter V or the upcoming The King of Fighters XV) or taking pole position in the latest racers (like Forza Horizon 5 or the soon to be released Grid Legends) when restricted to digital inputs just to name a few examples.
Few would argue that the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mouse are the ideal way to experience first-person shooters, RTS titles, and RPGs, but the same cannot be said for everything. For as much as we love the traditional deck and pointer setup, the best PC controller for gaming offers a much more viable way of enjoying certain genres of games available on the platform.