Some games are designed to be played specifically with keyboard and mouse. Others are designed to be played with a PC joystick. For this reason, it is preferable to buy a good PC joystick, suitable for playing titles optimized for this type of device. In addition, some models are also compatible with various consoles, such as Xbox One and PS4. The choice of our new PC gaming controller must be weighted, as it is a key component of our configuration.
Let’s see which PC controller to buy and how to choose the perfect model for our needs.
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How to choose the PC joystick
Features such as ergonomics and materials, are crucial in the purchase of our device. Moreover, there are also some purely personal secondary characteristics, which will affect our final choice. So let’s see what aspects and characteristics to consider when deciding which PC joystick to buy.
Ergonomics and Materials
One of the fundamental aspects is ergonomics. A PC joystick must be comfortable to hold, so as not to tire the grip, getting the maximum performance in play. Ergonomics is a feature that depends on our needs. The various PC joysticks have different shapes from each other. Many of them are inspired by the forms of the console controllers of Microsoft and Sony.
In addition, the materials used to make the product distinguish a low-end product from a high-end product. By purchasing a low-end PC joystick, we will have cheaper materials, with a high probability that they will be more easily damaged.
Wired or wireless PC joystick?
Even in this case, the choice is purely personal. Obviously, a wireless PC joystick is more practical and convenient to use, as it does not have a cable that can easily get tangled. The wired models are not limited by a battery that can easily be discharged after years of use.
Obviously, when you decide to opt for a wireless solution, you must also take into account the autonomy that is able to guarantee the battery during the hours of play.
Low Range up to $25
GameSir G3w
- ✔ Supports PC Windows 10/8.1/8/7, Play Station 3/ Android TV Box/ Android...
- ✔ Compatible with Steam games, Raspberry Pi, X-input/D-input Games.
- ✔ "Turbo" Auto Fire Function. And Dual Vibration game experience in PC...
- ✔ Analogue sticks have 360-degree positioning of ultra-accuracy; Floating...
This is a low-end wired model, characterized by a design inspired by Sony’s home console controllers. The materials with which it is made are of good quality, as well as ergonomics. It is compatible with both PC and PS3 console. There is no need to download any drivers, as it is automatically recognized as a compatible controller.
Logitech GamePad F310
- Logitech Gamepad F310 USB Controller for PC General Features: Navy black color...
- XInput DirectInput switch for Windows PCs Comfort grip design
- Supports Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, or 7 Home button Sports mode 5.8-foot...
- Gamepad Buttons: Start Back A,B, X, Y 8-way directional pad (D-pad)
- Two (2) clickable analog thumbsticks
This is a very good Logitech wired PC joystick. It has been available for a few years, but continues to be one of the most popular products thanks to the excellent quality / price ratio. It is characterized by a very compact design, which is able to guarantee good ergonomics, especially for those with small hands.
A wireless variant is also available, namely the Logitech GamePad F710.
- 2.4 ghz wireless connectivity
- Customizable controls with profiler software (requires software installation)
- Dual vibration motors support vibration feedback games
- Works with windows xp, vista, windows 7 and windows 8
Mid-Range $25 – $70
Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless
- Wireless: Integrated 2.4 GHz high-performance wireless technology lets you...
- For PC and Xbox 360: Works across Microsoft's gaming platforms. Xbox 360...
- Vibration feedback: Get a better feel for the game. Vibration feedback ensures...
- Ergonomic: Play in total comfort. Award winning compact ergonomics provide a...
- Xbox Live play: Integrated headset jack for PC headsets and Xbox Live play
This is the joystick in the wired version of the famous Xbox 360. It is made with good quality, allowing a great grip for those who prefer the shapes of Microsoft home controllers. Thanks to the position of the analog sticks, this controller is particularly suitable for a shooter, such as FPS and TPS.
This is not a high-level controller, and its look is certainly not the best, but this product will amaze, thanks to the very affordable price.
Microsoft Xbox One Controller + Cable for Windows
- Wired play on PC - Works across Microsoft's gaming platforms. Connect with cable...
- Wired Controller - Enjoy a powered and reliable connection with a wired...
- Redesigned D-pad - The redesigned D-pad provides greater precision and is...
- Ergonomic design - Grips and contours have been designed to fit your hands more...
- Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows RT...
This is another Microsoft home device. This time it is the model dedicated to Xbox One. In addition to improvements mainly related to design, the triggers and the directional pad have been improved. Furthermore, compatibility with Windows PC is assured. However, it is a fairly large product. So those with small hands may find it inconvenient to hold.
A wireless version is also available, with an adapter to be purchased separately.
SteelSeries Stratus XL
- Victory Royale is in your hands on Android mobile with the Fortnite ready...
- Play any controller enabled game on Android, Windows, Steam, and VR with...
- Dedicated Home and Back buttons for seamless gaming on Android and PC
- Upto 40 hours of nonstop wireless gaming with two included AA batteries
- Bluetooth adapter sold separately
This is a wireless PC joystick made by the famous SteelSeries company. Made with a different design than previous models, ensures good ergonomics and a good grip, not tiring during the sessions of play. The integrated battery allows you to reach 40 hours of play. Thanks to the special software developed directly by SteelSeries, we can modify the sensitivity of the controller as we wish. Moreover, besides being compatible with Windows, we can also use it with Android smartphones, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Gear VR.
High-Range over $70
NACON Revolution PRO Controller V2
![NACON Revolution Pro Controller V2 [Wired] Gamepad PS4/PC Playstation 4 eSports Fighting Customisable](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41NgvB9PZfL._SL160_.jpg)
- PS4 official licensed product, designed for eSposts gamer, Wired connection is...
- Dual customisable* sticks with 46° amplitude, 2x customisable vibration motors....
- 3m USB Type-C braided cable, detachable for easy storage
- 4x configurable shortcut buttons - manually make adjustments on the fly
- Dual analogue triggers, Dual shoulder buttons, 4* or 8-way directional pad –...
This is a wired joystick designed specifically for PS4, but also perfectly compatible with PC. It is equipped with two different types of customizable analog sticks: one concave and one convex. There is also a 3m USB Type-C cable for maximum accuracy and responsiveness.
The back is characterized by 4 shortcut keys easily and conveniently accessible at any time. You can adjust the weight of the controller to best fit our needs. Moreover, thanks to the dedicated Nacon software, we can achieve maximum customization and compatibility with Windows.
Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller
- Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is the World’s Most Advanced Controller
- Get pro level precision, an arsenal of swappable components, Hair trigger locks,...
- Achieve greater control with interchangeable paddles and rubberized diamond grip
- This product includes: An Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, a carrying case, a set...
- Compatible with Xbox One and Xbox One S. Compatible with Windows 10 via USB or...
It is one of the best wireless joysticks made by Microsoft. Compared to the base controller, it has the highest quality interchangeable sticks and D-pads made of metal.
Furthermore, extensions can be applied to the buttons on the back of the controller, so that they can be easily reached in any situation. The materials used are of excellent quality, and the handle is comfortable even during long intensive gaming sessions. Also for this model is available for a dedicated software, for Xbox One and Windows, which allows you to apply custom settings for each game.
Razer Wolverine Ultimate
- INTERCHANGEABLE THUMBSTICKS and D PADS — swap between optimized thumbstick...
- 6 REMAPPABLE MULTI-FUNCTION BUTTONS — Comes with an additional 2 remappable...
- HAIR TRIGGER MODE plus TRIGGER STOPS — For a competitive edge, Automatic Hair...
- CHROMA RGB LIGHTING — Show off with Razer Chroma's wide selection of lighting...
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN — that stays comfortable after hours of practice, and...
It is undoubtedly one of the best PC joystick available on the market today. It is a concentrate of pure power, enclosed in a controller that incorporates the design of the models for Xbox One. It is equipped with interchangeable levers and D-pads, allowing you to choose between different models for shape and height.
It is also equipped with 2 backbuttons and 4 triggers, for a total of 6 buttons that you can remap to your liking. There is also a quick control panel and an input for the 3.5 mm jack. Could Razer’s RGB Chroma lighting fail? Obviously not!
The best-selling PC joystick of the moment on Amazon
Below you will find a list of the top 10 best-selling PC joysticks on Amazon. The list is constantly updated:
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.