The best gamepads 2018

The line between gaming on consoles and PCs is getting blurred. With controller-friendly titles like Assassin’s Creed Origins and Dragon Ball FighterZ released on the same day as consoles, players will want to find a gamepad to experience their games in their original way. And now, it’s easier than ever.

For gamers who enjoy playing a variety of genres, Microsoft’s Xbox One controller will be the most suitable, providing users with comfort, good build quality as well as easier to use than any other controller. other grip. If you are looking for a more economical option, the Logitech F310 will be a perfect choice for just under 20 dollars.

Depending on the game genre, there will be controllers that are most suitable for each genre, but there will also be handles that you can comfortably play “mixed”. The following will be a list of the best controllers in 2018.

♦ MOST COMPREHENSIVE

Xbox One Controller

List price: $49.95

Microsoft’s Xbox One controller will still offer users the same great build quality and ergonomic design of the previous Xbox 360 controller, along with some better improvements, making it the best controller ever. The ultimate controller for any game. The D-pad key has also been redesigned in a traditional 4-way style, instead of a disc like on Xbox360, providing a more accurate way to use.

The shoulder buttons feel very comfortable to press as well as rest hands on them, and the trigger buttons now have a vibration function, providing the user with a better feedback. The two Joystick buttons are smoothed in the center and roughened on the outside to reduce slippage when playing, and the Xbox Guide button has also been moved to the menu keys, helping to prevent accidental presses.

Although the Xbox One controller does not have too many outstanding features, it possesses the best finishing as well as the most comfortable grip, suitable for all game genres. Possessing the same plug-and-play feature as the 360 ​​controller, the controller will easily be compatible with most of today’s PC games. The controller connects to the computer via a microUSB port, or if you want wireless, you can buy an additional receiver from Microsoft for $24.99.

The latest version of the Xbox controller (wireless version) has a rough surface on the back along with support for Bluetooth connectivity, which increases the range of use as well as wireless support on Windows computers. without any additional accessories.

BEST BELOW 20 DOLLARS

Logitech F310 Controller

List price: $25.99

Logitech has long offered computer users a wide range of quality accessories that are both affordable and have a premium feel, and the F310 controller is no exception. The layout of the buttons of the F310 is quite similar to the dualshock controller model from Sony, with two Joystick buttons designed symmetrically. The F310’s D-pad key feels quite comfortable, responding well to platformer games like Shovel Knight, scrolling through the menu is also quite easy as well as performing combos in Final Fantasy XIV.

By supporting as many games as possible, Logitech’s aim is to make the F310 (and its wireless cousin, the F710) the only PC controller you’ll ever need. F310 will be easy to use right out of the box with almost any PC game today. If you want to play older PC titles that predate current input standards, such as DirectInput, you can use a physical button on the remote to change to previous standards to use. .

Even if a game doesn’t support a controller, you can use the disc that came with the F310 to install a profiler program, allowing you to remap the buttons on the controller to the buttons on the keyboard or mouse without you like.

♦ FOR HARDCORE GAMES

Xbox One Elite Controller

List price: $149

The Xbox One Elite controller is truly a professional gamer’s dream. This premium controller is a sleeker and sturdier version of the regular Xbox One controller, with many interchangeable parts allowing users to freely customize the controller to their play style. own.

The Elite grip provides users with multiple thumbsticks of varying heights and grip styles, as well as a disc-shaped D-pad for a more precise feel. The controller’s trigger buttons can be locked for faster firing in shooter titles, and several levers on the back of the grip allow you to perform a number of different actions without having to move your thumb. out of joystick.

♦ BEST RETRO GAMES

SN30 Pro Controller

List price: $49.99

If your Steam library is full of platformer titles or classic action games, then the SN30 Pro from the manufacturer 8Bitdo will give you the purest way to enjoy these games. This controller simulates almost every detail of the original Super Nintendo controller, while adding other features such as 2 analog buttons, vibration function and real trigger buttons for easy user service. Play with current games.

Thanks to the sturdy D-pad button design, the SN30 will be a great companion for games like Sonic Mania, Cuphead, Mega Man titles, and countless indie fighting games on PC. Just keep in mind that, while the analog buttons feel pretty good, the design of the controller isn’t ideal for every game, like an online shooter.

However, the SN30 Pro (and the Famicom-inspired version, the SF30) is a great retro controller as well as incredibly versatile for a pretty good price. This controller can also be compatible with Switch, as well as Android devices.

♦ BEST FOR AGAINST GAMES

Hori Fighting Comander

List price: $39.99

The Hori Fighting Comander is a great PC controller for fighting game fanatics, with a six-button button layout that’s perfect for games like Street Fighter V or Dragon Ball FighterZ. The buttons of the Fighting Commander have a fairly large design with high responsiveness, although they do not feel “already” like arcade controllers, and the D-pad of the controller is designed to fit comfortably allowing users to can easily perform special attacks. The D-pad buttons can also be customized to emulate two analog buttons in case you need them.

Fighting Commander will have separate versions for each different system such as PS3/PS4 and Xbox 360/Xbox One, and of course all will work on PC. The PlayStation version has an acceleration function for a fairly fast response rate, while the Xbox version will have the ability to remap buttons. Whichever version you choose, you’ll get a grip that’s solid and light and offers a nice “hands-on” feel, whether you’re holding it in a casual or a “claw” style. “.

♦ BEST DESIGN

DualShock 4 . Controller

List price: $43.99

Going back to the original Sony PlayStation controller, it was the design of the DualShock controller that inspired many of the mushroom button layouts of other controllers today. The DualShock 4 has made a big change from its predecessor (DualShock 3), and for the most part has been quite well adapted for PC. The button and grip layout feels more comfortable than ever, with the trigger and analog buttons designed to be better designed than their predecessors. There’s also a touchpad on the front, which offers a rather enjoyable experience for a familiar design.

However, functions like the touchpad as well as the light sensor and gyroscope will be limited on PCs, and sometimes even games won’t recognize the controller. The DualShock 4 controller works well with both Shovel Knight and Final Fantasy XIV titles.

Fortunately, Steam now officially supports the DualShock 4 controller, which means you can play most popular games and enjoy the same customizations as on Valve’s Steam Controller. Instead, you can also use a third-party program to make Windows think the DS4 controller is an Xbox 360 controller.

♦ MOST DIFFERENT CUSTOM HANDLERS

Razer Wolverine Ultimate Controller

List price: 159.99$

The Razer Wolverine Ultimate is one of the few controllers that can confidently rival the Xbox One’s Elite controller, even surpassing the Elite in some respects.

Like the Elite controller, the Wolverine Ultimate controller also features interchangeable thumbstick and D-pad buttons, as well as six remapable extra buttons. Razer’s handle is quite prominent when it comes to Chroma lighting system, allowing users to customize the lighting system to their liking.

But the most valuable element of Wolverine is the ability to customize the sensitivity. With the touch of a button, you can increase or decrease the controller’s sensitivity in a snap, a feature that can make it easy to hit headshots in your favorite shooter. While the Razer Wolverine Ultimate doesn’t look and feel like the Elite controller, the unique customizability of the controller makes it a great choice, not merely an alternative to the Elite controller. .

Other handle models

• Hyperkin X91 ($29) – This classic style handgrip features well-finished D-pad keys as well as a comfortable grip, making it a perfect choice for old-school games. However, the surface buttons and shoulder buttons feel a bit loose compared to 8BitDo’s SN30 Pro.
• PDP Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad ($31) – the controller offers users a stable 6-button design, making it a good and economical choice for fighting games. However, due to being made entirely of plastic, this handle feels quite cheap, especially at the shoulder buttons. Hori Fighting Commander would be a better choice.
• Xbox 360 Controller ($42) – Was and still is a perfect choice for almost any PC game. Of course, it still won’t be able to match its juniors (the Xbox One controller), but this will be a pretty affordable option.

Prices of PC Controllers

You can own a pretty good PC gamepad for as little as $20, if your budget is a bit tight. Controllers like the Xbox One and PS4, both of which are considered the gold standard for most games, with a retail price of $60. While high-end controllers like the Xbox One Elite and Razer Wolverine Ultimate start at $150, much of the reason they have such a high price tag is due to the fact that they have excellent finishes and components. replaceable. There are also customizable handles from Scuf, which start at $130 but can be much more expensive depending on the parts you choose.

The steering wheel and controls are antagonistic

Want something more authentic? If you are a fan of the racing game genre, then take a look at the steering wheel used to play the game. For example, the Ferrari 458 steering wheel from Thrustmaster ($89) has the same functions as a regular steering wheel. Meanwhile, Logitech’s G920 Driving Force ($399) will include a set of pedals and gearshift levers, providing the most authentic experience for players.

If you love fighting games like Tekken 7 and Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite and want to play them in their purest form, you’ll want to check out the fighting controllers, with their joysticks and physical buttons. Commonly found on case machines, these controllers will give you the most immersive and realistic experience.

Source: TOM’S GUIDE