Revolutionizing Gaming: Top Wireless Controllers of 2023

- What type of games do I play?

- What features are important to me?

- Do I prefer a wired or wireless controller?

- How much am I willing to spend?

These questions will help you narrow down your options and make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a gaming controller. With so many options available, it's important to take your time and choose the right one for you and your gaming needs.

When choosing a controller, there are several factors to consider: the preferred layout, the devices it will be used on, and any desired special features such as a turbo button. Some may also have a preference for the color of their controller. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. Consider top picks like the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro for the best overall wireless controller, the PDP Victrix Pro BFG for a customizable option, or the FUNLAB Switch Gaming Controller for a budget-friendly choice. Those looking for a wireless controller for their PC may enjoy the Scuf Instinct Pro, while Xbox users may prefer the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core. For Nintendo Switch fans, the Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller is a solid choice, and those who play on PlayStation may want to consider the Scuf Reflex Pro.

The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is the ultimate wireless controller for PC and PS5 gamers, designed with unmatched precision and quality by Razer. It boasts impressive battery life, both wired and wireless modes, and features 6 multifunction buttons that can be remapped to suit your specific gaming needs. With excellent 3rd party software support via Razer Applications and a premium build quality, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is a top contender for the best gaming controller on the market. However, with a price tag of $250 at Razer, Best Buy, and Amazon, it may not be the most affordable option for everyone.

The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro exudes a premium feel that is hard to match, making it a top contender when it comes to gaming controllers. However, with a recommended retail price of $250, it may not be suitable for those on a budget. Despite the hefty price tag, it is worth every penny as it is currently the best controller available in the market.

Compared to Microsoft's Elite Series 2 and Sony's DualSense, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro holds its own with remarkable ease. Although it lacks features like vibration and adaptive triggers, which Razer deems unnecessary for professional gaming, the extra space is utilized to accommodate a massive battery that outperforms both the DualSense and DualSense Edge. Additionally, it offers the same level of customization as the latter.

PDP's Victrix Pro BFG wireless controller for PS5 is a high-end, customizable option that competes with the best of the best controllers on the market. While it may come with a steep price tag, the app-based customizability, long battery life, and six extra programmable buttons make it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers. Plus, with a 'true' wireless experience, players can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay without having to constantly reach for a wire.

The PDP Victrix Pro BFG stands out as the most customizable wireless controller on our list. It offers the unique feature of being able to hot-swap the entire layout of either side of the controller, allowing for changes in button configurations such as a fight pad on the right or left. This controller works effortlessly with a PS5, PS4, or PC, both in wired and wireless modes, and has a battery life of 20 hours. The controller also comes with wireless adapter and USB-C wired mode connectivity and headset support with 3D support. Additionally, it has extra programmable buttons, making it an excellent choice for gamers who seek a highly customizable gaming experience. However, the app needs improvement if it wants to compete with some of the other controllers on our list. It is available for purchase on Amazon, Best Buy, and PDP for $180.

PDP's contender offers a more affordable price point compared to Sony's DualSense Edge, while also boasting better battery life and greater customization options. Only time will tell how durable it truly is, but with PDP's extensive experience as a controller vendor for various devices, it is likely to hold up well. Be sure to check out our recommended picks for the best PlayStation controllers.

Looking for an affordable gaming controller that doesn't compromise on quality? Look no further than the FUNLAB Switch Gaming Controller. Compatible with a wide range of devices, this budget-friendly controller offers all the features you need for a fully immersive gaming experience. Don't break the bank on expensive controllers - choose FUNLAB for a cost-effective solution.

The FUNLAB Switch controller is a versatile wireless controller that offers excellent performance for a budget-friendly price. It supports both Bluetooth and wired modes, making it compatible with a wide variety of devices including the Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile phones. Additionally, it features a rechargeable battery which eliminates the need for constant battery replacements. While it cannot read amibos, it still offers a plethora of features and compatibility that make it a great choice for gamers. However, it should be noted that its latency may not be as consistent as the Switch Pro controller. At only $30 on Amazon, the FUNLAB Switch controller is a fantastic option for those looking for a high-quality wireless controller without breaking the bank.

The gaming controller boasts a six-axis gyro feature similar to the Switch Pro controller, providing accurate and smooth movement for FPS games. Although it may not match the vibration quality of the Switch Pro controller, its dual motors still deliver an immersive gaming experience that doesn't feel overpowering.

This controller takes us back to the early 2000s with its turbo button feature, giving us the ability to set a button press at three different rapid-fire rates for the ultimate button smashing experience. The SCUF Instinct Pro wireless controller is the go-to choice for gamers looking to level up their skills, offering lightning-fast input, a strong wireless connection, and remappable buttons for use with both Xbox and PC.

The Scuf Instinct Pro controller is designed to appeal to competitive gamers seeking a pro-grade experience. While the instant triggers and additional magnetic faceplate option are noteworthy features, the need to find a AA battery solution for a controller that costs over $200 in 2023 is a significant drawback. Despite its high price tag, the controller is compatible with PC, Xbox Series S|X, and mobile devices and offers up to 30 hours of battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, and four programmable buttons. The addition of a mute button is particularly useful for pro players. The Scuf Instinct Pro is currently available at Amazon and Best Buy for $230.

With its advantages, the Scuf Instinct Pro surpasses even the Elite Series 2 in certain scenarios. Unlike the Elite Series 2 and Elite Series 2 Core, it is designed based on the new Xbox Series S|X controller lineup, making it more comfortable to hold right out of the box. Additionally, it allows for complete customization in terms of aesthetics, including magnetic custom faceplates and replacement colored thumbsticks for those looking to switch things up.

Moreover, the Instinct Pro boasts a mute button and instant triggers, making it ideal for PC players who want the best of both worlds. While they may need to use AA batteries or rechargeable ones to remain wireless, the controller's fine-grained mouse-button-like control is worth the tradeoff.

Looking for a wireless Xbox controller that combines premium quality and built-in charging without breaking the bank? The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller from Microsoft might be just what you need. At $108, it's a more affordable option than the full-featured Elite Series 2, but still offers top-notch performance and durability.

The Elite Series 2 Core by Microsoft Xbox offers an affordable alternative to its competition while retaining premium build quality. While the D-Pad may not be perfect, it still provides a valuable option for players using their first pro controller. Optional add-ons give users the ability to essentially purchase the Elite in two stages if needed, and the battery life is excellent. However, upgrading the Core to a standard Elite costs more than purchasing the Elite outright, and the lack of a carrying case for a premium controller is disappointing. Despite these drawbacks, the Elite Series 2 Core is a solid choice for gamers who prioritize having a high-quality controller without all the bells and whistles. It is available for purchase at $108 on Amazon and $130 at Best Buy.

The Elite Core controller benefits from Microsoft's extensive experience with the Elite controller and its track record of continually improving their controllers over four generations. This means that the Elite Core won't be rendered obsolete in the near future, as it will receive consistent firmware updates and work seamlessly with future Xbox consoles and PCs equipped with the Xbox App. Essentially, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, including the Core version, is the ultimate customizable wireless controller that can be tailored to your preferences through additional purchases. Moreover, it is incredibly comfortable to use, and you can even opt for more affordable third-party extension kits that are compatible with the Elite Core without breaking the bank.

Check out all the best controllers for Xbox here!

The Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller stands out as the top choice for gamers seeking the best overall controller for their Nintendo Switch. Despite its higher price point, it offers unparalleled features such as motion controls, HD rumble, and built-in Amiibo functionality. With a generous 40-hour battery life and seamless wireless connectivity, this controller is perfectly sized to fit comfortably in your hands, making it an excellent investment for gamers of all levels. While some competitive players may find the trigger depth to be a concern, the Switch Pro controller remains an affordable option with NFC support and endless possibilities for customizability.

Rewritten:

Despite competition from other third-party controllers, the Nintendo Switch Pro controller remains the superior choice. Its exceptional quality has allowed it to maintain its position as the go-to controller for the Switch, with few substitutes available. None of these alternatives can match the performance and functionality of the Switch Pro Controller.

With its affordable price and comfortable design, the Nintendo Switch Pro controller is a popular choice for PC gamers seeking a high-quality controller that can connect wirelessly through Bluetooth or via a USB cable. As a result, many third-party manufacturers have opted to focus on pricing rather than adding additional features to their own controllers, indicating a general consensus that the Pro controller is already a reliable and effective option.

The Scuf Reflex Pro is a superior wireless controller for PlayStation, surpassing even the highly acclaimed DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers in terms of control precision, build quality, and overall gaming experience. With up to 8 hours of battery life and both wireless Bluetooth and wired USB-C connectivity options, the Scuf Reflex Pro is a versatile choice for gamers on PC, PS5, and mobile devices. The controller comes in six unique colors and features programmable buttons and slip-resistant Short/Long domed thumbsticks. However, at a price point of $210, it may be considered expensive for an upgraded DualSense.

The Scuf Reflex Pro is a noteworthy addition to Scuf's controller lineup. Unlike its Xbox counterpart, this controller boasts a rechargeable battery that rivals that of the DualSense but surpasses that of the DualSense Edge. This is hardly surprising, considering that it is essentially a revamped version of the DualSense Edge.

What's more, the Scuf Reflex Pro offers a plethora of customization options, including more remappable buttons, various colors to choose from, and an unexpected compatibility with the DualSense charge station. However, it comes at a higher price point than the standard DualSense Edge.

While the latter is predominantly available only on Sony's website, it is gradually becoming available on other retailers such as Amazon. For consumers seeking an enhanced and more seamless gaming experience, the standard DualSense Edge should be the go-to choice.

For those that do not seek anything less than the absolute best for their competitive journeys, the Scuf Reflex Pro is a slightly better, albeit pricier, option to consider.

How To Choose The Best Wireless Controller For You?

Using third-party controllers that offer support on multiple consoles and platforms has made the process of choosing a new controller more complex than simply selecting the first-party controller for your system. It may feel like a betrayal, but it is now possible to use a PlayStation-style controller on an Xbox or vice versa.

The way a controller is designed can greatly affect your gaming experience. If you find a layout that feels natural and comfortable, you'll likely enjoy playing games with that controller more than one with an unfamiliar layout.

Many gamers tend to stick with the layout they grew up using, such as the parallel joystick layout of PlayStation-style controllers or the diagonal joystick style of Xbox controllers. It's important to ensure that whichever layout you choose is compatible with the devices you plan to use it with.

Layout

When considering a wireless controller, compatibility is a crucial factor to keep in mind. In addition to the layout, it is important to ensure that the controller works seamlessly with all of the devices you plan to use it with. While opting for a wireless controller simplifies the search process, it is crucial to double-check compatibility to avoid any potential issues down the line.

Looking for controllers that work across multiple devices is a smart way to save money while still having access to a variety of gaming options. By investing in a versatile controller, you can avoid the cost of buying a separate controller for each gaming device you own.

Compatibility

It is crucial to prioritize your comfort when selecting a controller layout. While special features can be attractive, they cannot compensate for a controller that feels uncomfortable to use. That being said, certain special features, such as additional shoulder buttons or hall effect joysticks, can enhance gameplay for some individuals. If you enjoy programmable buttons, having them on the back of your controller can make it more enticing. Additionally, seeking out controllers with unique features can add an element of excitement to your shopping experience.

Special Features

Once you've finalized the features and layout of your controller, you can consider the aesthetic aspect. While many of the controllers on this list are available in multiple colorways, allowing you to choose one that matches your personal style, it's important to note that if you simply want a functional controller without worrying about its appearance, you can skip this step altogether.

If you're someone who values the appearance of your gaming setup, selecting a controller that complements your style can be achieved by starting with color choices or searching for a specific style name. Don't fret if you can't find the perfect fit right away, as there are numerous controllers available with interchangeable faceplates or cases that can be customized to suit your preferences.

FAQ

Aesthetics

Wireless controllers have come a long way from their early days of sacrificing speed for convenience. Thanks to significant advancements in technology, they now boast nearly the same level of speed as their wired counterparts. This is why many professional gamers are choosing wireless controllers as their go-to solution for competitive gaming.

Q: Are wireless controllers as good as wired?

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is easily the best controller you can get under $100 that combines value for money with excellent features.

Q: What is the best Gaming Controller I can get under $100?

The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is our candidate for the best Gaming Controller money can buy. It is also the most premium game controller on the list.

Q: What is the best Gaming Controller I can get right now?

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core makes the list easily on this one. It is essentially an Elite Series 2 sans the extras. And you can get them later down the road if you need them.