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The Best Controllers for Playing PC Games in 2026

You don't have to use a mouse and keyboard if you don't want to.

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The Best Controllers for Playing PC Games in 2026

Change up the mouse and keyboard routine.

[The Best Controllers for Playing PC Games in 2026 - IGN Image]

By Will Judd

Posted: Feb 28, 2026 2:00pm UTC

1090 comments

No matter how much you may prefer a mouse and keyboard for PC gaming, some games and genres are just built with gamepads in mind – and play much better with one as a result. That's why I've tested dozens of controllers during my PC-centric career, and why I feel confident in recommending the nine picks below. Whether you're looking for something simple and inexpensive for occasional use, or something more advanced for competitive or accessible play, you should find at least one great option here.

TL;DR – These Are the Best PC Controllers:

Our Top Pick

[[Elite Series 2 Controller]

7](https://zdcs.link/JyBbq?object_uuid=8135bb53-90ac-4674-9b25-131f59936441&t=article)

Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller

See it at Amazon See it at Target See it at Newegg

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra

See it at Amazon See it at Turtle Beach See it at Best Buy

Razer Kitsune

See it at Amazon See it at Razer

[[Pro Racing Wheel and Pedals]

7](https://zdcs.link/a5XgK8?object_uuid=8135bb53-90ac-4674-9b25-131f59936441&t=article)

Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel and Pedals

See it at Logitech

Xbox Adaptive Controller

See it at Best Buy See it at Microsoft

Xbox Series X Controller: 6 New Images

1. Xbox Core Controller

Best PC Controller

Our Top Pick

Xbox Core Controller

Enjoy the familiar Xbox layout on an ergonomic controller with remappable buttons, a tactile D-pad, and ample connectivity options.

See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy

Product Specifications

Connectivity

Wireless, Bluetooth

Weight

15.2 ounces

Features

D-pad, Share button, textured grip, custom button mapping

Battery

2x AA

PROS

Feels good in your hands with improved textured grips

Impulse triggers add more depth in supported games

Default target for developers implementing gamepad support

CONS

Battery powered and requires an add-on to use rechargeable batteries

Although the Xbox Core Controller doesn’t necessarily revolutionize the standard Xbox controller we once knew and loved, it does offer some necessary updates that PC gamers will appreciate, which we’ve highlighted in our Xbox Core Controller review. The new cosmetics are a nice touch; the all-black Xbox button, for instance, matte bumpers and triggers, and an overall more comfortable design. There are also a ton of Xbox controller colors to choose from.

The controller's hybrid D-pad is extra responsive and allows for an easier distinction between the cardinal and diagonal inputs, which is ideal for those who love fighting games. Of course, the rest of the buttons and sticks remain reliable and consistent, and the textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case keep the controller in hand even during heated moments. All of these improvements mean a new level of precision and control. There’s also now a dedicated Share button that makes capturing screenshots and video clips a breeze.

Many of the Xbox Core Controller’s buttons, triggers, and sticks can be customized via the Xbox Accessories app when downloaded from the Microsoft Store on PC, and you can save profiles to avoid the hassle every time you switch games. Remapping can also be done using Steam; however, there will be more limitations than when using an Xbox Series X|S. Connecting to a PC is simple, as USB-C support provides a plug-and-play solution. For wireless connectivity, Bluetooth is available or Xbox Wireless via a dongle with supported devices. The Core Controller's biggest flaw is that it uses AA batteries; you can shell out some extra dough for a rechargeable battery pack.

2. PowerA Advantage Wired Controller

Best Budget PC Controller

[Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S]

PowerA Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S

Grab this wired gamepad to save money while still getting all the inputs you need, plus vibration motors, trigger locks, and two small buttons on its underside for shortcuts.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity

Wired

Weight

7.2 ounces

Features

Dual rumble motors, mappable buttons, trigger stops

Battery

N/A

PROS

Three-level trigger stop switches

Two shortcut buttons on backside of controller

Upgraded 10ft USB-C cable with this model

CONS

Thumbsticks may be too tight for some

Still wired only

[...]

Original source

The Best Controllers for Playing PC Games in 2026