Okay, okay — stop throwing things! The superiority of the keyboard and mouse for playing on computers isn't in doubt. In fact, the number of players connecting adapters to their consoles keeps growing, and Redmond has already announced that it will incorporate direct support without needing extra hardware. But today we want to go the other way, adding a gamepad to your desktop setup. If you want to know which are the best gamepads for PC gaming, you've come to the right place.
If you're wondering "why", the answer is simple: there are games that deliver a much more polished experience when you use a gamepad. The first genre that comes to mind is fighting games. Some combos are too short and tight to reproduce accurately on a keyboard, and nobody likes playing a character half-baked. Then there are sports games. It doesn't matter if you're a FIFA or PES fan — with a gamepad everything feels more natural and dynamic. Finally, I want to mention platformers. The Hollow Knight developers openly recommend using a gamepad, and although I managed to hold my own quite well with the keyboard, by the middle of the game I was exhausted. That said... which are the best gamepads for PC gaming?
A look at the best PC gamepads
With one or two exceptions, the basic design of gamepads hasn't changed much. I admit that wireless support is much more robust these days, but the list we've prepared today also includes wired options. Personally, I prefer the robustness of a physical connection, and the last thing I need is a spontaneous loss of connection when an enemy is trying to insert a fireball into me as a suppository. Shall we begin?
Xbox One Controller
The most obvious options first, of course. If you want the console experience on your computer, the most logical thing is to take one of the official gamepads and connect it via USB. The big advantage of the Xbox One Controller is that it comes with native support for Windows 10. Plug and play any way you look at it. Remember that Microsoft offers versions with special colors and skins. The Elite variant looks great, but you'll pay almost triple for it...
PS4 Dualshock 4 Controller
This is the point where everyone shouts "The Dualshock 4 doesn't work on PC!", but the truth is there are two ways to connect it. The official route requires investing about 55 euros in a wireless dongle that connects the Dualshock 4 via Bluetooth. The alternative, much more interesting and cheaper by the way, is to download a copy of DS4Windows. Steam also supports the Dualshock 4, although with some limits.
Steam Controller
The odd one out on the list. Some users never managed to get used to its touch surfaces. Others swear by its precision and low latency. If you're willing to "train yourself" and use something different (without going to the extremes of the AlphaGrip iGrip), the Steam Controller is a good option. The Steam Machines are dead and SteamOS is practically discontinued, but the Steam Controller is still going strong after three years. Its only major problem is the price. At an average of 125 euros, it's not an easy pill to swallow.
GameSir G3s
The general opinion about low-cost gamepads is that cheap ends up expensive, but if there's one that manages to escape that rule, it's the GameSir G3s. There are some support details (several sellers said it's compatible with the Switch, and it isn't), and if you want the bracket for your smartphone you'll have to buy it separately, but here we only care about its compatibility with Windows 10 in wired mode, and it works very well. Even its looks are excellent for 27 euros.
Logitech F310
Yes, it's a gamepad that's been on the market for... six or seven years. Yes, its color reminds us a bit of the GameCube. No, I don't think that's absurd. Tens of thousands of reviews speak for themselves, and if Logitech keeps making it even though it already has a bigger brother, it's because it decided not to reinvent the wheel. The Logitech F310 is probably one of the most popular gamepads you can buy for 30 euros or less.
8Bitdo SF30 Pro
And to finish, why not a retro touch? Our RetroPie installation guide will give you access to a wide range of emulated platforms, and the 8Bitdo SF30 Pro is a great candidate, but nothing stops you from using it on a computer. Just remember to turn on the gamepad by pressing Start+X, and connect it via USB. Unlike its direct rivals, the 8Bitdo SF30 Pro does have Switch support. In other words, it's a multiplatform gamepad for under 40 euros.
Yes, several models were left out. Mad Catz and Razer are two brands that immediately come to mind, and I haven't noticed their offer being that convincing, but that's where our readers step in to make me change my mind. If you're looking for the best gamepads for PC gaming, I'm sure this list will help you, but if you've bought another gamepad and want to share your experience, leave a comment! Good luck!
