Which gamepad to buy for PC. Wireless gamepads for PC

Do you dream of immersing yourself in epic modern games? Use gamepads the best manufacturers and make your dream or your child's dream come true. They will allow you to get involved in the military virtual time, into the world of fighting games, exciting shooters or arcade games. The number of different types of devices is bewildering, and among best models it's difficult to make a choice. In order to find suitable gamepad, you need to be based on the age characteristics, physical capabilities of the person and the quality of the device from a particular manufacturer. Each device has its own unique characteristics and advantages.

We've compiled a list of the best based on expert assessments specialists and reviews from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make a choice that suits your needs and desires. There are many competitors in the global technology market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:

Budget / Inexpensive

  1. Defender
  1. ThrustMaster
  2. Logitech

Expensive/Premium class

  1. Microsoft
  2. Valve
  3. Mad Catz
Wired Wireless Vibration feedback PC support Console support Smartphone support

*Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Gamepads: Wired

PC/Wired support

Main advantages
  • The gamepad supports the modern XInput input standard. The manufacturer has taken care of maximum compatibility with Xbox devices. This ensures that the gamepad will work in any game.
  • On the front panel there is an additional button with company logo, which can be configured to perform the desired task
  • The proprietary Logitech Profiler utility allows you to manually configure the controller for a specific game
  • The system for recognizing the force of pressing buttons can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of control in car simulators
  • Possibility of connecting to TVs running Android OS as a remote control

Vibration feedback / Console support/ PC support / Wired

Main advantages
  • A very non-standard case with elongated handles allows it to be used by both a child and an adult
  • All buttons have a fairly long, smooth stroke; unlike outdated gamepads, long strokes are welcome in all modern games, for example, in racing it gives clarity when accelerating or braking
  • Availability of Dinput and Xinput switches, support for Windows 7/8/10
  • Multifunctional gamepad compatible with PS3
  • The presence of vibration with the ability to turn off provides increased realism
  • 4-way D-pad can be used to control motion or switch views

Vibration feedback / PC support / Wired

Main advantages
  • Highly ergonomic design with unique six-button right-hand layout and 8-way joystick
  • With certain game effects (hitting a character, falling, blows) there is a realistic vibration feedback
  • The Turbo function is designed for continuous or alternate shooting in shooter games, configured for each of the six buttons separately
  • Thanks to support, Xinput can work on all modern games
  • Has full compatibility with the operating system Windows system XP/Vista7/8
  • Compatible with Play Station 3, although many focus only on PC
  • There are rubberized ribbed areas on the sides of the handles to reduce the slipping of the gamepad during the game.
  • Can operate in analog or digital modes

PC/Wired support

Main advantages
  • Has the correct purpose and accuracy of axes and buttons
  • DirectInput support allows you to switch to legacy games, while the gamepad works as smoothly as with Xinput, without hitches or jams
  • Has a unique auto-aim console for some shooters and adventure games
  • Bottom triggers are elongated for precise actuation and control various actions. The pressing force is recognized and there is a corresponding indication
  • Works without any special drivers or programs, just connect the device to the computer via a USB cable and pairing will be established automatically
  • There is a fairly long colored braided wire with a length of 2.4 meters

Show all products in the category "Wired"

Gamepads: Wireless

Console support/ PC support

Main advantages
  • The receiver allows you to connect four devices simultaneously
  • There is no need to reconfigure buttons, as XInput technology is supported by all modern games
  • The sticks are located asymmetrically, while the unusual layout is more ergonomic, and the fingers themselves reach towards the right buttons and triggers
  • The kit includes high-capacity batteries from Duracel, capable of operating for more than 40 hours
  • The case fits comfortably in your hands, ensuring confident use of all the functionality of the device.
  • Triggers are lightly pressed for better control during racing games
  • Excellent communication performance, even with large quantities simultaneously operating networks
Main advantages
  • DirectInput and XInput gamepad switches provide full compatibility with Xbox and allow you to work without additional settings
  • The sticks and triggers are very conveniently located under the fingers and are quite sensitive, which reduces stress on the hands when playing
  • The quality of the material does not allow the buttons to become loose and gives them a clear movement without sticking
  • An interesting MODE button allows you to transfer all the functionality of the left stick to the D-pad
  • There is a vibration mode with the ability to configure and disable
  • The body is made of high quality plastic, Bottom part has a Soft-touch coating to reduce the gamepad slipping in your hands
  • Low battery consumption ensures long and productive work

Wireless / Vibration Feedback / PC Support

Main advantages
  • The ability to pair your PC with a Steam Link console, allowing you to play on a large screen TV
  • The controller has two trackpads that replace the use of a mouse and keyboard
  • Supports various games (shooters, racing, sandboxes), it is also possible to connect several controllers to the wireless receiver for joint games with friends
  • Two-position triggers can be configured to perform two different functions
  • The user can customize control functions to suit his wishes and characteristics. There are three settings options: default settings, custom settings and using alternative Steam Community presets

Show all products in the category "Wireless"

Gamepads: Console support

Wireless / Vibration feedback / Console support

Main advantages
  • The gamepad works great even with hard gaming
  • Has a six-axis motion control system: three-axis accelerometer and three-axis gyroscope
  • The gamepad is equipped with a light panel that can be illuminated during the game, for example, to display the health level
  • The Share stick allows you to upload videos and images to social media, invite friends to play games together
  • Highly efficient speaker produces high-quality sound signals, and the headset allows you to talk with people online
  • When playing you can enjoy both sound effects, and vibration, giving greater realism
  • Possibility to charge the battery via USB cable while playing
  • Improved analog sticks provide precise, comfortable control

After spending 15 hours of research and testing - on top of many hours of experience as a gamer - and with the help of experienced gamers, I found that the best computer controller can be considered a wireless Sony DualShock 4. Moreover, it turned out that the best PC controllers are console controllers. But a gamepad is a very subjective thing, the ease of use of which depends on hand size, gaming style, operating system, etc. If you already have a controller that you love and are completely satisfied with, then, in our opinion, you don’t need a new one.

Who needs it?

Firstly, for those who understand that a mouse and keyboard are not suitable for every PC game. Secondly, for those who like to take a more relaxed position while playing - say, leaning back on a chair or sofa. But, again, if you already have an Xbox 360 gamepad, Xbox One or PlayStation 4, and you are completely happy with it, then there is no point in buying a new one.

How did you choose?

A good controller should, firstly, be one that is comfortable to hold for a long time, secondly, have a good grip so that your hands do not slip, even when foggy, thirdly, have a reasonable weight, and, thirdly, fourth, have buttons and triggers that will work exactly as needed and when needed. But comfort and ergonomics are not everything; the controller must still be “friendly” with your computer.

This controller, however, does not have a touchpad, and the triggers are, in our opinion, placed a little awkwardly. The same, albeit to a lesser extent, applies to triggers and analog sticks - most of the participants in our test thought that the DualShock 4 had them better. Plus, if you want to go wireless, you'll have to pay extra—the wireless version costs $20 more than the version with a Micro-USB cable.

Inexpensive and popular

If you don't want to spend more than $35 when buying a new controller, then your best option is a wired Xbox 360 controller, which has been the most popular PC controller for many years. It's slightly lighter and smaller than the Xbox One controller, but this makes it much easier for people with small hands and short thumbs to reach all of its buttons and analog sticks.

All the buttons (including the triggers) are well placed and easy to reach for all palm sizes, but this controller is still not without its flaws. Firstly, it cannot work wirelessly. Although Microsoft sells a wireless version, it costs about the same as an Xbox One wireless controller with adapter and adapter. And secondly, there is a terrible cross.

Wunderwaffle for the wealthy

If your favorite PC games are mostly ones that require a controller, and if you don't mind spending $150, then the best one available options- This is Xbox Elite. This is an improved version of every other gamepad we've tested in almost every way, with more advanced controls and four additional levers located on the reverse side, and simpler setup than DualShock 4. Everyone in our tests liked this controller, but many admitted that they were unlikely to buy a gamepad that costs three times more than the DualShock 4.

About the Steam Controller

The Steam Controller is the only controller that serves as a bridge between those games that have gamepad support and those that are best played with a mouse and keyboard. It does not have a D-pad and right stick, which have given way to touchpads with a haptic function. feedback. With its help, touchpads can be configured in such a way that they simulate the movements and sensations of using a mouse or stick. In addition, there are two-stage triggers designed to increase controllability and customization options.

However, despite all this, the Steam controller can hardly be called outstanding. His plastic case It feels hollow, feels second-rate, and has a large, awkward shape that makes it difficult to reach buttons and other controls. Also, since it is very different from traditional gamepads, it still takes some getting used to, and that's how it is initial setup Maybe . Let's hope it's just trial version, and Valve will release something better soon, but until then we can't recommend this controller to most people.

Many users are wondering - what is a gamepad? A game console (or gamepad) is a type of game controller. It is a device that is held with two hands and controlled using the fingers. Mostly the thumbs are used, but newer models often have additional buttons that can be pressed in a different way.

The main task

We figured out what a gamepad is, now let's move on to what it is needed for. The most important task device is to ensure interaction between the gamer and game console. Quite often, gamepads are used in computer games. However, not every PC game can support it. Typically, the player uses the buttons with his left hand, and performs some actions with his right hand. Typically, modern gamepads are equipped with a pair of analog sticks.

Nintendo

This is one of the most famous and first game consoles. Who, if not its users, first learned what a gamepad is. NES: D-pad became the first known controller for the console. Outwardly, he did not particularly stand out in anything: quite simple form in the form of a tile on which there are buttons A, B (responsible for actions), Start and Select, as well as a cross button for movement (D-pad). By the end of the console era, the gamepad had transformed and began to look more like a dog bone.

Soon, almost everyone knew what a gamepad was. SNES became a new popular controller and introduced two new action keys, as well as L and R buttons, which were located under the index fingers. It was from that time that many gamepads began to have these buttons.

Virtual Boy is one of the most interesting developments of the time. The gamepad was created for the console of the same name. The main difference is the presence of an additional cross button, which is responsible for rotating the object.

N64 became the first gamepad to use an analog stick. The controller itself is quite convenient. However, the stick often failed. The gamepad was shaped like a trident, allowing it to be held in several ways.

GameCube became a gamepad that used two analog sticks. In addition, the L and R keys were improved. Now they were more sensitive to pressure; when fully pressed, a soft click was heard. Subsequently, this gamepad was modified, and appeared wireless controller. However, I had to give up vibration in order to preserve energy reserves.

Wii is the most unconventional controller. This gamepad is more like a remote control. However, it has a number of features. The main ones are motion sensors and determination of body position in space. The analog stick has been moved to a separate device.

Sega

Master System Quite similar to the Nintendo controller. The main difference was that instead of a cross button, square keys were used. The control keys also had a different name - 1 and 2. There were no special questions about how to connect the Master System gamepad. In addition, it could be connected to other consoles, which was a definite plus.

IN MegaDrive/Genesis came the D-pad, which was eight-directional. The three buttons that the controller had were quite enough for the first games. However, over time, the gamepad had to be supplemented with three more action keys.

Saturn received eight buttons and had a round shape. In addition, the gamepad had an analog stick.

Dreamcast, which was released on the console of the same name, received new uniform. It houses four action buttons, as well as a D-pad, analog stick and two triggers. The gamepad also had two slots for memory cards.

Microsoft

Sidewinder gamepads from Microsoft originate back in 1996. During its existence, the Microsoft gamepad has received the most different shape and was used in a wide variety of games. One of them truly possessed innovative functionality and allowed gamers to play strategy games. Many developers of sports games focused specifically on the capabilities of this controller.

Xbox

First Xbox controller The developers turned out to be quite large, which many players did not like. The controller was equipped with eight buttons, two triggers and two analog sticks. However, a more compact version, the Type-S, soon appeared.

Gamepad Xbox 360 turned out to be more convenient and compact. The controller is equipped with the function wireless connection. However, the gamepad has not undergone significant changes in terms of buttons. In addition, it is possible to buy this device and easily connect to your computer, as well as many Android gadgets.

Gamepad Xbox One is a new controller for latest generation consoles from this company. The developers claim that it has received a lot of improvements. You can now connect a headset to the gamepad. The dimensions of the device have become slightly smaller. The creators claim that the communication system with the console has been revised. Thanks to this, it was possible to significantly increase the response speed. Also, according to the developers, the controller will be able to work for about ten years.

Sony

The first gamepad for the console from Japanese developers was equipped with a D-pad and four action buttons. The keys differed in that they were designated by drawings depicting various figures. Soon Dual Analog came out to replace this controller. The new product received longer handles that became slightly rounder.

Subsequently, a new gamepad from Sony entered the market, which was called Dual Shock and was included in the first shipments of Sony Plastation 2. However, very soon news arrived about the appearance of a new controller, which changed only in terms of button presses. Many games were subsequently developed specifically for this device.

Before the release of Sony Plastation 3, a new, extremely unusual gamepad was presented. However, about this controller a lot followed negative reviews, and the developers decided to use familiar models. 3 was slightly modified and received the ability wireless connection. It was also equipped with a sensor that sensed its position in space.

The PS4 gamepad has changed quite a lot. The controller has become more convenient, the buttons are now located closer to each other.

Valve

Steam Controller turned out to be the most innovative gamepad known. The developers tried to make a device that would replace the keyboard and mouse, but at the same time have the basic properties of a controller. Instead of the usual sticks, the gamepad is equipped with two touch areas.

The creation and improvement of the controller is carried out not only by developers, but also by players. The device is supported by most operating systems. Gamers expect from a gamepad complete replacement a familiar mouse and keyboard.

Nvidia

SHIELD Controller is a wireless gamepad that Nvidia developed specifically for its devices. The main goal of the developers was to give the controller excellent responsiveness in games. At the same time, the gamepad turned out to be very convenient.

Widely used

  • D-pad(English) direction- direction) - a cross button that combines four (sometimes eight). Designed for motion control.
  • Action Buttons(English) action buttons) - make it possible to interact with objects game world. Take, throw, catch, shoot, etc.
  • Triggers- buttons located under the index fingers (often responsible for shooting). They appeared on gamepads as the complexity of games increased, in order to separate the shooting function from general actions. Often other functions are tied to triggers, which are conveniently separated from the main functions tied to action buttons.
  • Analog stick- is a protruding part based on the controller, the position of which determines the control result. The main function is orientation in three-dimensional space. Deprived of any additional buttons. The exception is the ability to press the stick itself. This function is used for additional actions, thereby expanding the functionality of the device.
  • Service buttons Start, Select, Mode, Back- buttons that provide control over the game process itself (pause during the game, call up the game options menu, change the operating mode of the gamepad).

Optional

  • Feedback, vibration function- a feature provided in the gamepad that enhances active events at the moment gameplay(explosions, impacts, etc.) through the operation of a vibration motor.
  • Some models, such as the Space Orb, have a built-in trackball.
  • Some models feature a high-precision steering axis, making it easier to play car simulators.

Nintendo

NES: D-pad

Gamepad for Famicom

Nintendo 64: Analog sticks on the gamepad

Gamepad N64

Simultaneous use of analog sticks and D-pad became available on the Nintendo 64 console. The system's gamepad had the usual A, B, L and R buttons, as well as a trigger on its back. Four buttons combined under the “C” marker were responsible for position control virtual camera in games. In addition, the controller provided the ability to use additional devices, expanding its functional properties. These include Rumble Pak, which was responsible for the vibration of the gamepad, a memory card for saving games, and a microphone.

The shape of the controller was made in an unusual trident shape, which made it possible to hold it with three different ways. The most common one is left hand on the central prong, her thumb controls the analog stick, her index finger holds down Fire/Trigger. The right hand holds the right prong and is responsible for the main buttons on the face of the gamepad, as well as the R button.

GameCube: Two analog sticks and a wireless controller

Two analog sticks, a D-pad and four main buttons on the front side. An important innovation concerned the L and R buttons, which now had hypersensitivity and their complete pressing was indicated by a quiet click. The Z button is located above the R key.

Later, Nintendo introduced Wavebird, a wireless controller that used modified radio frequency technology (eliminating the possible influence of low-frequency interference on the device's operation) of Atari Wireless RF controllers. Wavebird differed from the previous gamepad model in the absence of a vibration motor (which saved battery life). On average, two AA power supplies were enough for about 100 hours of play.

DS: Touch screen

Xbox

Gamepads for Xbox. Original controller (left) and Type-S controller

PlayStation 2

Gamepad for PlayStation 2

Subsequently, Dual Shock was included with the PlayStation 2. However, the controller has been slightly redesigned and its buttons have become more pressure sensitive. The new gamepad was called Dual Shock 2. If earlier in some games it was possible to use a basic PlayStation controller, now almost all games are created based on the use of Dual Shock 2.

PlayStation 3

The advantage of the wireless option is mobility, but the overall weight of the structure also increases; holding a heavy gamepad in your hands for a long time can be difficult for a child. Consoles support simultaneous connection several wireless gamepads via Bluetooth. To connect the Xbox controller and PC you will need wireless adapter for Windows.

Power supply

Gamepads can be used regular batteries or built-in batteries. The controller is powered by one to four AA or AAA batteries; they can be quickly replaced.

Gamepads with batteries of their own format are charged using a cable. Some gamepads can be used even while charging. The disadvantage of batteries of their own format is emergency It is problematic to replace them yourself.

Color and design

Gamepads with replaceable panels allow you to change the design of the controller to suit the style of a specific game. The most popular color options for gamepads remain black and white. Most wide choose colors available for controllers Sony series Dualshock.