Computers controllers: Best PC controllers in 2023

Jul 14, 2023 alexxlab

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review

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(Image: © Microsoft)

Our Verdict

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2’s level of customization and incredible design make it one of the best premium gamepads out there… if you can afford it.

For

Lots of customization options
Detachable Charging Dock via USB-C
Bluetooth-enabled (finally)

Against

Expensive
Heavy compared to most controllers

PC Gamer’s got your back
Our experienced team dedicates many hours to every review, to really get to the heart of what matters most to you. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.

I’m pretty sure that Microsoft Elite Series 2 controller has ruined all other controllers for me. The Series 2 takes everything players loved about the Series 1 and improves in the ways most wanted, which is the reason why it tops our list as the best PC controller (that isn’t a mouse and keyboard).

The Elite Series 2 is not only a premium controller, but it’s also an expensive one too, coming in at $180. Its design and performance give you all the indication that this is a piece of luxury gaming tech, meant for those who want the very best or just have some serious disposal income to spend on gaming. The highlight here is the incredible level of customization, which allows you to fine-tune most aspects of the controller to the point of obsession.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

So, what are the big improvements over the original Elite controller? For starters, the nice storage case that houses all the neat little customs doodads; 6 thumbsticks, 2 d-pads (cross-shaped and faceted) 4 rear pedals and one tool for adjustable thumbstick tension, now has a portable USB-C powered charging station. That’s right, the Series now has a rechargeable battery that runs for about 30-40 hours.

The Series 1’s surprising lack of Bluetooth is something that drew major criticism, given that normal Xbox One controllers have long been the standard in PC gaming. Thanks to the Series 2 adopting Bluetooth, you now have a market-leading PC controller and something that’ll pair with a phone to play the Apple Arcade offerings or mess around Project xCloud beta. It makes the controller that much more versatile, which is essential given the high price of admission.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The returning hair-trigger locks are still among one of my favorite things about the Elite. For those who haven’t used them, they control how far you need to pull the trigger, so there’s no wasted effort or time in competitive shooters, where milliseconds matter. When playing Crucible matches in Destiny 2, the shorter triggers allow for the quicker firing of scout rifles and hand cannons which works well for twitch-based shooters. The four additional back paddles are a neat feature too and can make for some interesting controller layouts. Never want to take your thumbs off of the thumbsticks? Simply assign the face buttons to the back paddles and you’re good to go. In fact, the extreme flexibility of the Series 2 has the additional benefit of making the controller highly accessible, meaning that more people can use it to play PC games.

While it’s mostly positive, there are a few small issues to consider. Some people might find the more hefty controller a bit jarring at first since it’s heavier than the standard Xbox One controller by a few ounces. And while it’s nice to swap out the standard d-pad, both the cross and faceted alternative d-pads take some getting used to especially in fighting games like Dragonball FighterZ or Mortal Kombat 11. Directional inputs on more complicated combos felt very hit or miss on the d-pads. One fix I found was adjusting the left stick to a higher tension to simulate a fight stick. It won’t replace a proper fight stick for a fighting game but it still works pretty well.

(Image credit: MICROSOFT/FUTURE)

The more you use the Microsoft Elite Series 2 controller, the more you’ll understand why it’s the best, and you’ll quickly start to see where that $180 went. Everything about the Series 2 screams luxury. Changing things, like d-pads or paddles on the fly is a godsend and there’s a level of freedom to have your thumbstick tension levels set to the exact way you want them. The overall weight and feel of the build give you confidence that this is durable enough the handle to most intense sessions of Mortal Kombat 11, or your ninth hour outbursts in Apex Legends. It’s a well-rounded piece of kit.

Even with the price tag, the Microsoft Elite Series 2 controller may be the best controller you’ll ever use. The additional customization options, new rechargeable battery, and Bluetooth enabled connectivity make this a decent upgrade over the Series 1 and, while perhaps not enough to convince most to replace their original Elite, it all adds to the value. If you’re in the market for a premium controller and have the cash to spare, this is easily the best one to spend your money on.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: Price Comparison

£114. 99

£103.99

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£144.98

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£149.99

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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2’s level of customization and incredible design make it one of the best premium gamepads out there… if you can afford it.

Jorge is a hardware writer from the enchanted lands of New Jersey. When he’s not filling the office with the smell of Pop-Tarts, he’s reviewing all sorts of gaming hardware, from laptops with the latest mobile GPUs to gaming chairs with built-in back massagers. He’s been covering games and tech for over ten years and has written for Dualshockers, WCCFtech, Tom’s Guide, and a bunch of other places on the world wide web.

PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller review

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(Image: © POWERA)

Our Verdict

A great option for anyone looking for a good feeling third-party PC controller on a budget.

For

Great Button Feel
Nearly identical design to an Xbox One Controller
Good Price
Cool lighting

Against

No wireless support
Trigger locks are sub-par

PC Gamer’s got your back
Our experienced team dedicates many hours to every review, to really get to the heart of what matters most to you. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.

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We’ve all been there, you threw your controller against the wall after facing off against the Guardian Ape in Sekrio: Shadows Die Twice. Thanks to your heated gamer moment, you now have to scramble for a replacement. Or maybe you want to play split-screen coop in Gears 5 with a buddy who’s over. Either way, you need a second a controller that feels good but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

At $40, PowerA’s Spectra is a comfy budget wired alternative to an Xbox One controller. While the lack of Bluetooth or any wireless capability might turn off some folks, this controller is responsive, has a good weight to it, and, more importantly, feels nearly identical to the Xbox One controller.

(Image credit: POWERa)

The button layout is nearly identical to an Xbox One controller, even down to the same texturized rubber on the joysticks. This is not too surprising since the Spectra is an official Xbox license product. This means at a glance it actually kind of looks like an Xbox One controller with the edge lighting being the dead give away. I compared the Spectra and an official Xbox One controller while playing all the usual suspects like Call of Duty: Warzone and Mortal Kombat 11, and found that the joysticks are almost the same amount of tension and even the face buttons had similar feel when you pressed down on them. I can’t express how hard it’s been to find a third-party controller where the buttons feel anywhere close to that of the Xbox One controller. It was one of my major issues with Razer’s Wolverine Ultimate who’s face buttons felt far too shallow to the point where you didn’t think you pressed the button.

One of the touches I ended up liking more than I thought was the seven color LED edge lighting. At the touch of a button, you can cycle through the different colors; I ended up settling on purple to match the rest of the ridiculous RGB-lit hardware at my desk. The two extra programmable buttons in the back of the controller are well placed right around the grip and are reachable via your ring-fingers. This means if you need to use them, you don’t have to change your grip when playing.

(Image credit: POWERa)

The fact it isn’t a wireless controller is a bit rough since the nearly 10ft snap-lock detachable micro-USB cable feels like overkill for someone who plays at the desk. The Spectra is more suited for gamers who need the length to play on the living room couch. To be fair, I know people who only play with wired controllers who’d rather not deal batteries or recharging a controller.

One feature I was surprised to see was the 3-way trigger locks, which were one of my favorite things about the Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers, a controller that costs more than four times the Spectra. It’s a nice feature, but the triggers didn’t feel all that different regardless of where you set the lock, unlike the Series 2. In Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone I only saw a marginal difference in how quickly it affected my shooting.

The triggers were even less effective in games that require pressure-sensitive controls, such as accelerating in racing games like Forza or trying to control vehicles in Ghost Recon: Breakpoint. The d-pad felt a little too stiff, so playing fighting games didn’t feel great, especially if you play anything that requires quarter-circle movements like Street Fighter V.

If you play on an Xbox One, the Spectra had no issues when plugged into the console. The Xbox Guide button brought up my dashboard and I was able to plug in a gaming headset through its 3.5mm jack with no issues. PowerA’s budget controller makes a decent second controller option if you get into some split-screen action on Halo.

Spectra on the left/ Xbox One Wireless Controller on the right (Image credit: POWERA)

All in all, PowerA Spectra works well as a wired budget PC and Xbox controller. Nearly identical to design and feel to a first-party Xbox One controller. It’s a shame it isn’t wireless, but that sweet edge lighting and extra programmable buttons might be a decent compromise for $40, especially if you’d rather not deal with batteries but need a controller to give your little brother.

PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced: Price Comparison

£34.99

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PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced

A great option for anyone looking for a good feeling third-party PC controller on a budget.

Industrial computers, special computers, controllers

on request

PC-2 is intended for use as an industrial computer in environments requiring a high degree of protection against external influences. PC-2 can be used in automated process control systems, banking systems, transport or aviation. PC-2 provides the ability to process information and exchange information with external systems via network interfaces. PC-2 is designed for continuous round-the-clock operation indoors and outdoors.
on request

Fanless industrial computer PK-3 based on the new low-power Elbrus-1C+ microprocessor (LYaUI.467444.021). The computer is intended for use as a part of automated control systems as a data gateway, operator’s workstation, and the system’s computing core. The developed system of communications allows to solve the widest range of tasks. The presence of three gigabit Ethernet channels allows you to build reliable systems in a duplicated and tripled mode of operation.
on request

Single-board industrial computer MP-16.2 (LYaUI. 467144.078-01) based on Elbrus-1C+ (1891VM11Ya) and KPI-2 (1991VG2Ya) microprocessors in EPIC format.
The MP is a single-board computer, in a frameless version, for use in products that do not require protection from external influences.
on request

Single-board industrial computer MP-16.2 (LYaUI.467144.078-02) based on Elbrus-1C+ (1891VM11Ya) and KPI-2 (1991VG2Ya) microprocessors in EPIC format.
The MP is a single-board computer, in a frameless version, for use in products that do not require protection from external influences.
on request
on request

The module is a universal platform for the rapid construction of computing systems based on processor modules from different manufacturers. It incorporates advanced peripherals and allows implementing flexible embedded solutions.
on request

The module is a universal platform for the rapid construction of computing systems based on processor modules from different manufacturers. It incorporates a developed periphery and allows software integration during the development of a specific carrier.
on request

KMAV-S is designed for building distributed systems for data collection, control and management in the field of automated process control systems. Made on the basis of the domestic microcontroller Milandr K1986BE1QI with a clock frequency of 144 MHz. The module is made in an aluminum case, degree of protection IP-40. Mounting method – DIN rail.
on request

The MP17 processor module is designed to work as part of controlling
points of industrial distributed monitoring and control systems that carry out
direct interaction with sensors and actuators of the system with
using communication modules with the object of control and management (USO).
on request

MAV17 analog input module (LYaUI.468154.010) is designed to work as a part of PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller. The module has 16 channels for inputting signals such as voltage in the range of 0-5/0-10V or current in the range of 0-20mA. Channel types are selected programmatically, in groups of 4 channels.
on request

Analog output module MAVv17 (LYaUI.468154.012) is designed to work as part of the PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller and is used to generate DC voltage.
on request

Module for analog input of thermocouples and resistance thermometers MAV17-TPTS (LYayu.468154.014) is designed to work as part of the PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller and is used to input signals from thermoelectric converters (TC) and resistance thermometers (RT).
on request

Discrete input module MDV17 (LYuI. 468353.163) is designed to work as a part of PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller. The module provides input of discrete signals of the “dry contact” type on 32 channels with group galvanic isolation on 16 channels. Some of the module’s channels can be configured for counter mode.
on request

Discrete output module MDVv17 (LYuI.468353.165) is designed to work as part of the PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller and is used to switch 32 DC and AC voltage signals.
on request

MKI1 communication interface module (LYaUI.468154.017) is designed to expand the communication capabilities of the MP17 processor module.
on request

The MP20 processor module (LYaUI.467144.085) is designed to work as part of the PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller. The module can be used as a low cost expansion module for cascading additional PLC cradles. The connection is made using the Ethernet interface.
on request

БЦП01 is intended for use as a high-speed and low-power on-board computer. Its features include a large number of CAN interfaces, the ability to exchange via two Ethernet channels, output graphic information to an external screen, and connect storage media to USB ports.
on request

ONIKS12M is a rugged tablet computer for harsh environments. The features of this product are: the operating temperature range from minus 50 to plus 60C, a powerful processor, a display with improved optical characteristics and a shock-resistant aluminum case.
on request

The MCP901 processor module is made in the ETX format based on the Vortex86DX3 chip. Designed to create new and extend the life cycle of existing special computers using a full-fledged ISA bus.
on request
on request

on request

PC-2 is intended for use as an industrial computer in environments requiring a high degree of protection against external influences. PC-2 can be used in automated process control systems, banking systems, transport or aviation. PC-2 provides the ability to process information and exchange information with external systems via network interfaces. PC-2 is designed for continuous round-the-clock operation indoors and outdoors.
on request

Fanless industrial computer PK-3 based on the new low-power Elbrus-1C+ microprocessor (LYaUI.467444.021). The computer is intended for use as a part of automated control systems as a data gateway, operator’s workstation, and the system’s computing core. The developed system of communications allows to solve the widest range of tasks. The presence of three gigabit Ethernet channels allows you to build reliable systems in a duplicated and tripled mode of operation.
on request

Single-board industrial computer MP-16. 2 (LYaUI.467144.078-01) based on Elbrus-1C+ (1891VM11Ya) and KPI-2 (1991VG2Ya) microprocessors in EPIC format.
The MP is a single-board computer, in a frameless version, for use in products that do not require protection from external influences.
on request

Single-board industrial computer MP-16.2 (LYaUI.467144.078-02) based on Elbrus-1C+ (1891VM11Ya) and KPI-2 (1991VG2Ya) microprocessors in EPIC format.
The MP is a single-board computer, in a frameless version, for use in products that do not require protection from external influences.
on request
on request

The module is a universal platform for the rapid construction of computing systems based on processor modules from different manufacturers. It incorporates advanced peripherals and allows implementing flexible embedded solutions.
on request

The module is a universal platform for the rapid construction of computing systems based on processor modules from different manufacturers. It incorporates a developed periphery and allows software integration during the development of a specific carrier.
on request

KMAV-S is designed for building distributed systems for data collection, control and management in the field of automated process control systems. Made on the basis of the domestic microcontroller Milandr K1986BE1QI with a clock frequency of 144 MHz. The module is made in an aluminum case, degree of protection IP-40. Mounting method – DIN rail.
on request

The MP17 processor module is designed to work as part of controlling
points of industrial distributed monitoring and control systems that carry out
direct interaction with sensors and actuators of the system with
using communication modules with the object of control and management (USO).
on request

MAV17 analog input module (LYaUI.468154.010) is designed to work as a part of PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller. The module has 16 channels for inputting signals such as voltage in the range of 0-5/0-10V or current in the range of 0-20mA. Channel types are selected programmatically, in groups of 4 channels.
on request

Analog output module MAVv17 (LYaUI.468154.012) is designed to work as part of the PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller and is used to generate DC voltage.
on request

Module for analog input of thermocouples and resistance thermometers MAV17-TPTS (LYayu.468154.014) is designed to work as part of the PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller and is used to input signals from thermoelectric converters (TC) and resistance thermometers (RT).
on request

Discrete input module MDV17 (LYuI. 468353.163) is designed to work as a part of PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller. The module provides input of discrete signals of the “dry contact” type on 32 channels with group galvanic isolation on 16 channels. Some of the module’s channels can be configured for counter mode.
on request

Discrete output module MDVv17 (LYuI.468353.165) is designed to work as part of the PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller and is used to switch 32 DC and AC voltage signals.
on request

MKI1 communication interface module (LYaUI.468154.017) is designed to expand the communication capabilities of the MP17 processor module.
on request

The MP20 processor module (LYaUI.467144.085) is designed to work as part of the PLC-ELBRUS programmable logic controller. The module can be used as a low cost expansion module for cascading additional PLC cradles. The connection is made using the Ethernet interface.
on request

БЦП01 is intended for use as a high-speed and low-power on-board computer. Its features include a large number of CAN interfaces, the ability to exchange via two Ethernet channels, output graphic information to an external screen, and connect storage media to USB ports.
on request

ONIKS12M is a rugged tablet computer for harsh environments. The features of this product are: the operating temperature range from minus 50 to plus 60C, a powerful processor, a display with improved optical characteristics and a shock-resistant aluminum case.
on request

The MCP901 processor module is made in the ETX format based on the Vortex86DX3 chip. Designed to create new and extend the life cycle of existing special computers using a full-fledged ISA bus.
on request
on request