Gaming Controllers
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Wireless and wired gaming controllers for PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Android: Hall effect and TMR sticks, back paddles, high polling rates and drift-free precision.
What to look at before you buy
Check the platforms first, because a controller that works well on PC may not connect to your console at all. On the controllers we list, the PlayStation and Xbox pads support their own console plus PC, while several PC-first models also cover Android, Steam or Switch but not PlayStation or Xbox. The connection matters too: a 2.4 GHz dongle has less lag than Bluetooth, and a USB-C cable removes the question.
Then look at the sticks. Classic potentiometer sticks can drift as they wear; Hall effect and TMR sticks read position with magnetic sensors instead, which brands design to avoid that drift. Some pro pads also let you swap the stick modules or adjust their tension.
Last, the extras that change how you play: back buttons or paddles, so you can jump or reload without leaving the right stick (two on several models we list), trigger stops or locks for shooters, the polling rate on PC, and battery life, which reaches 40 hours on one model here.
Guides for this category
- Stick drift: Hall effect vs TMR vs potentiometer
- The 5 Best Gaming Controllers of 2026 (PC, Xbox & PS5)
Frequently asked questions
What is stick drift and how can I avoid it?
Stick drift is when the character or camera moves without you touching the stick, usually because the stick's potentiometer has worn out. Controllers with Hall effect or TMR sticks read position with magnets instead of contacts, which brands design to prevent that wear. Our stick drift guide compares the three types.
Which controller works on both PC and PS5?
Sony's own controllers work on PS5 and on PC, over USB-C or Bluetooth. Most PC-focused controllers do not connect to a PS5, and Xbox pads only connect to Xbox consoles and PC. If you play on both, check the platform list on the maker's page before you buy.
Are back paddles worth it on a controller?
They are if you play shooters or other competitive games, because they let you jump, crouch or reload without taking your thumb off the right stick. They take a few sessions to get used to. Check how many the controller has and whether you can remap them on console without extra software.