Best PC controller in 2021

[Hostile_18]

Hi all. Back to PC gaming after 15+ years away. I still like to play on a controller a lot of the time so which one do you find best for wireless PC gaming? No budget. Used for games on Steam and emulation only.

I like that the Duelsense dosn't have a bright white light shining at me at night but don't like a lot of games wouldn't have the correct button icons, so im rather stuck by choice!

What do you use and how do you find it? I could pay over the odds and get a Steam controller but bit discouraged it was officially discontinued.

[Edifier]

Two options.

1: Xbox controller because it has basically native support for nearly ALL games on Steam. On a rare occasion a PS4 controller had support where as Xbox controller didn't.

2: A PS4 or a PS5 controller. But you'll need a cable to connect it to the PC and if you want to use a bluetooth device with it you need to get the original one. Because any third party ones will just make it detected as a Xbox controller.

Those two have quite a bit of quality behind them and they are made to last.
So the first option is cheaper. But if you like the PS4/PS5 gamepad more you'll have to shelf out a bit more money to get it to work wireless.

I use a PS4 gamepad and I have the original bluetooth adapter so I can use it wireless and have it detected as a PS4 gamepad. I like it more than a 360 gamepad.
Problem is though it basically only has support on Steam. Where as on other gaming clients you need to use a program called DS4.

[WhitePhantom]

I use the Xbox One / Xbox Series controller plugged in usb. Super comfortable and works in almost every game. I only use Steam controller for games that normally don't have support.

[Hostile_18]

Thank you for the detailed reply. i prefer the Duelsense and all my games are on Steam so that's good, I'll just have to think how annoying having xbox button prompts in many of my favorite games would be. :)

[Muppet among Puppets]

Originally posted by Hostile_18:

I like that the Duelsense dosn't have a bright white light shining at me.

Soomehow it isnt in your eyes if you dont look at it.

[Hostile_18]

Originally posted by Muppet among Puppets:

Originally posted by Hostile_18:

I like that the Duelsense dosn't have a bright white light shining at me.

Soomehow it isnt in your eyes if you dont look at it.

Only if you don't have peripheral vision haha. It's fine during the day but on an evening in a dark room it's very distracting.

[Brian9824]

Originally posted by Hostile_18:

Originally posted by Muppet among Puppets:

Soomehow it isnt in your eyes if you dont look at it.

Only if you don't have peripheral vision haha. It's fine during the day but on an evening in a dark room it's very distracting.

Take a small piece of black tape and just put it over the light.

[Hostile_18]

Originally posted by brian9824:

Originally posted by Hostile_18:

Only if you don't have peripheral vision haha. It's fine during the day but on an evening in a dark room it's very distracting.

Take a small piece of black tape and just put it over the light.

Yeah if I go with Series X controllers I'll use something called "Light Dims" that dims it substantially (you can get 100% blackout ones if you prefer). I wish it could be dimmed via software though like on the Elite controllers.

TBH Both XBOX and PS controllers are worthy options.

[Hugh Jass]

Probably a Xbox controller

[Hostile_18]

Thanks for the input all. I tried my friends Duelsense and older games having the wrong inputs made very little difference at all. (Proceed and go back are in the same location its only X & Y to remember. I tried the haptics on Metro Exodus and was impressed, though its wired only for now due to a bug. I love how you can customise the light on the controller.

Anyways I've ordered a Duelsense charging station and two Black Duelsenses that are out next month. I've still got a Series X controller to use in the mean time (had I chosen XBOX i'd of just bought a second one).

[♦ | Priice]

Thanks

[ezwip]

Xbox elite controllers, either version.

[Hostile_18]

Originally posted by ezwip:

Xbox elite controllers, either version.

I got two Duelsenses and the official charge station for less than the price of one of those. I did say no budget but I just don't feel like it's value for money. I'd keep my eyes on an elite version 3 controller though see what it could potentially bring to the table in the future.

[ezwip]

It's nice to have a quality feeling in the controller, it's the only physical connection you have with the game.

[Hostile_18]

Oh absolutely 100%, I don't think you can go wrong with any Microsoft or Playstation controller. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses and we all have our personal preferences what elements we value more.

[hitman02in]

i wish valve made steam controller 2.i love the steam controller but im worried about what will happen when it goes bad.