Top Gaming Remotes for Every Setup and Budget
For most gamers, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 stands out as the top pick, offering pro-level customization and build quality, but it comes with a high price and requires a wire for PC play.
Gaming remotes have evolved far beyond simple button presses. They now feature programmable paddles, adjustable triggers, and RGB lighting to enhance your play.
Choosing the right one can be tricky, as each offers unique strengths. We compared top models to help you find the perfect fit for your gaming setup.
The shortlist, ranked
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
The Elite Series 2 is Microsoft’s premium controller, featuring adjustable thumbsticks, swapable paddles, and hair trigger locks. It offers deep customization via the Xbox Accessories app and delivers a solid, weighty feel. Owners report excellent build quality and responsive buttons.
Pros
- Comprehensive customization options
- Premium build quality
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- Needs dongle for some PC games
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller
Sony’s DualSense brings haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to the forefront, making games feel more immersive. It works flawlessly with the PS5 and offers solid PC support via USB or Bluetooth, though some advanced features require wired connection. Its comfortable design and built-in mic add convenience.
Pros
- Immersive haptic feedback
- Comfortable grip
- Seamless PS5 integration
Cons
- Short battery life
- Advanced features limited on PC
8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller
The 8BitDo Ultimate offers a comfortable design, hall effect joysticks for drift resistance, and a charging dock that adds convenience. It works via Bluetooth on Switch and PC, and also supports 2.4G wireless with the included adapter. Users appreciate its responsive buttons and long battery life.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Hall effect sticks prevent drift
- Includes charging dock
Cons
- No headphone jack
- Back paddles are not remappable
Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
This wired controller features Razer’s mecha-tactile buttons for crisp actuation and Chroma RGB lighting for style. It includes six remappable buttons and a hair trigger mode. Its ergonomic shape suits long sessions, and the cable reduces input lag.
Pros
- Responsive mechanical buttons
- Low latency wired connection
- Remappable extra buttons
Cons
- Wired only
- No wireless option
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Nintendo’s Pro Controller offers a comfortable, full-size layout that is ideal for long play sessions on the Switch. It features gyro motion controls and NFC for amiibo. Battery life is exceptional, lasting up to 40 hours, and it works on PC via Bluetooth with Steam.
Pros
- Superb battery life
- Comfortable for large hands
- Great for Switch exclusives
Cons
- No headphone jack
- D-pad is not ideal for fighting games
Steam Controller
Valve’s Steam Controller features dual trackpads that emulate mouse input with high precision, making it unique for strategy and FPS games. Its configurable buttons and gyro allow for endless personalization through Steam’s controller settings. However, its learning curve can be steep.
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Trackpads for precise mouse-like input
- Long battery life with AA batteries
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- No longer in production
Sony DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
The DualSense Edge is Sony’s premium controller, offering swappable stick modules, back paddles, and adjustable triggers. It retains all the DualSense features like haptics and adaptive triggers, but adds pro-level customization. Its price is high, and battery life remains modest.
Pros
- Pro-level customization
- Premium build quality
- Swappable stick modules
Cons
- Very expensive
- Short battery life
How to choose
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Compatibility | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 | Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC (Windows 10/11) | Competitive players wanting maximum customization | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Sony DualSense Wireless Controller | PS5, PC (Steam, some games) | PlayStation 5 and PC gamers who want immersive haptics | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller | Switch, PC (Windows, Android) | Budget-conscious gamers who play on Switch and PC | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma | Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC | PC and Xbox players who want mechanical switches | 8.6 | Check price |
| 5 | Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | Switch, PC (Steam) | Switch owners who want a traditional gamepad | 8.7 | Check price |
| 6 | Steam Controller | PC (Steam, some Android) | PC gamers who love deep customization and trackpads | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Sony DualSense Edge Wireless Controller | PS5, PC (Steam) | PS5 players who want pro features with Sony quality | 9.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gaming remote for PC?
For PC, the Steam Controller offers unique trackpad navigation, while the Xbox Elite Series 2 provides broad compatibility and high customization. Both are excellent, but the Steam Controller may be discontinued, so check availability.
Can I use a PS5 controller on PC?
Yes, the DualSense works on PC via Bluetooth or USB. Basic functions are supported, but haptic feedback and adaptive triggers require a wired connection and may only work in games that support them.
What is the difference between a controller and a remote for gaming?
In gaming, a remote often refers to a controller, but sometimes it means a media remote for smart TVs or streaming devices. For this guide, we focus on controllers that offer full gaming controls, including buttons, triggers, and joysticks.
Are wireless gaming remotes reliable?
Yes, modern wireless remotes are reliable, but they can suffer from interference or battery drain. Using a 2.4G dongle often provides a more stable connection than Bluetooth. Always check battery levels before critical gaming sessions.
How important is low latency in a gaming remote?
Low latency is crucial for competitive gaming, as delays can affect your reaction time. Wired controllers offer the lowest latency, while wireless controllers with 2.4G are also fast. Bluetooth may introduce slight lag, but many players find it acceptable for casual play.
What are back paddles and why are they useful?
Back paddles are extra buttons located on the rear of some pro controllers. They let you perform actions without moving your thumbs off the joysticks, which is a big advantage in fast-paced games. They are remappable in most cases.
Do gaming remotes work with smart TVs?
Some gaming remotes can work with smart TVs if the TV supports Bluetooth or USB input, but most are designed for consoles and PCs. For smart TV gaming, consider a dedicated media remote or a controller that supports Android TV.
What is stick drift and how can I prevent it?
Stick drift is when the joystick registers movement without being touched, often due to dust or wear. Controllers with hall effect joysticks, like the 8BitDo Ultimate, are less prone to drift. Keeping your controller clean and not applying excessive pressure can help prevent it.
The verdict
For a versatile, high-performance gaming remote, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is the top recommendation if you have the budget. If you’re a PS5 gamer, the DualSense Edge offers pro features with Sony’s quality. For a more affordable option that still delivers excellent performance, the 8BitDo Ultimate is a fantastic choice.
