5 Best Wireless Game Controllers

Enhance your gaming experience with the best Wireless Game Controllers. Discover our top Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC selections to take your gameplay to the next level.

The controller you use can significantly impact how well you play a game. We’ve searched far and wide to bring you this list of the Best Wireless Game Controllers on the market. These controllers’ outstanding features, ergonomic designs, and cross-platform compatibility make them stand out. From the cutting-edge innovations of newer models to the timeless familiarity of industry stalwarts, we’ve narrowed the options to provide a clear but thorough guide. Whether you’re looking for immersive gaming experiences for narrative-driven adventures or precise accuracy for competitive gaming, every controller on our list accommodates a variety of gaming styles and preferences. Remember to check out our ultimate game controller buying guide before you venture out and get one.

Game controller Feature comparison

Xbox Wireless Controller

We’ve tested the latest iteration of the Xbox Wireless Controller, and it showcases remarkable incremental improvements, delivering a premium feel without a hefty price tag. Its refined textures and adjusted geometry create a more comfortable and accessible gaming experience. However, a rechargeable battery needs to be included.

Key features

• Familiar yet subtly refined design
• Improved tactile textures and geometry
• Introduction of a Share button
• Matte finish exterior
• Hybrid D-pad for enhanced control

Pros

• Premium feel and improved textures
• Broad device compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity
• Enhanced impulse trigger sensations
• Refined, tactile D-pad and slimmer design
• Matte finish and comfortable grip

Cons

• Exclusion of an included rechargeable battery
• Awkward positioning of the Share button

Design & Build

The controller retains its familiar shape with slight tweaks to its geometry, providing a slimmer and more secure grip. The texture ensures a better hold, but the matte finish might attract noticeable scuffs, particularly in darker variants.

Performance

Our experience revealed lower latency and heightened responsiveness, offering a smoother gaming journey across devices. The Bluetooth connectivity extends its functionality to non-Xbox platforms. Including a USB-C port simplifies connections and recharging. However, the absence of an included rechargeable battery pack is a separate purchase.

Connectivity

The controller connects using Bluetooth to various devices, including Xbox consoles, PCs, and smartphones. The USB-C port allows for wired connectivity and charging. However, the lack of a bundled rechargeable battery pack limits its wireless usage.

Hands-on Experience

Including the Share button simplifies capturing moments, although its central positioning may pose accessibility challenges. The hybrid D-pad offers improved directional control and comfort, although its audible click might not suit all users.

Compatibility

Primarily designed for Xbox Series X|S, the controller extends its compatibility to multiple devices through Bluetooth connectivity. While it excels with Xbox and Windows systems, we noted varied support on macOS and Android platforms. Pairing via Bluetooth is straightforward, allowing multi-device usage without additional software requirements.

Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller

We found the DualShock 4 a delight, offering a comfortable feel and reliable functionality. However, it has its challenges. While it boasts a fantastic look and ergonomic design, the placement of the share and option buttons and certain trackpad deficiencies somewhat hinder the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the controller’s excellent response time, buttery buttons, and immersive features like the built-in speaker and motion sensors make it a compelling choice for PlayStation 4 gamers.

Key Features

• Great look and feel
• Built-in speaker
• Susceptible motion sensors
• The trackpad has some deficiencies
• Ergonomic design

Design & Build

The DualShock 4’s modern and ergonomic design makes gameplay intuitive and comfortable. However, the spread-out placement of certain buttons like share and option might pose challenges for some users. Its mix of matte and gloss finishes adds to its contemporary appeal.

Performance

The controller offers excellent response time and smooth, responsive analogue sticks. However, the trackpad can struggle with directional swipes in certain games. The integrated speakers, 3.5mm stereo audio jack, accelerometer, and gyroscope create an immersive gaming experience.

Pros

• Great look and feel
• Built-in speaker
• Susceptible motion sensors
• Responsive analogue sticks
• Constant new and limited edition designs

Cons

• Share and options button placement
• Occasional feeling of being too light
• Trackpad deficiencies
• Spread-out hand positioning
• Clicky-clack noise from buttons

Connectivity

The controller integrates seamlessly with the PS4, offering a 3.5mm stereo audio jack and susceptible motion sensors. However, the placement of certain buttons might require thumb stretching, affecting natural hand movements during gameplay.

Hands-on Experience

Overall, using the DualShock 4 was a pleasant experience due to its balance and charm. However, the controllers’ lightness and occasional clicky-clack noise from the buttons might be bothersome. The mix of matte and gloss finishes mirrors the PS4’s design, lending a modern aesthetic.

Compatibility

While thoroughly enjoyable, the DualShock 4 may need some getting used to, especially regarding button placement. Nevertheless, its ergonomic design and immersive features make it a lucrative purchase for PlayStation 4 gamers seeking a comfortable and functional controller option.

DualSense controller

The DualSense controller is a glimpse into the future of gaming with its incredible haptics and adaptive triggers, offering an unmatched immersive experience on the PS5. However, its limited PC support and higher price than Xbox controllers might deter some users. Despite this, the controller’s comfort, innovative hardware, and futuristic design make it a remarkable gaming technology.

Key Features

• Remarkable haptics and adaptive triggers
• Built-in speaker
• Unique symmetrical thumbsticks
• USB-C port for charging and connectivity
• Matte plastic exterior with futuristic design

Design & Build

The DualSense showcases a futuristic design with a smooth matte plastic exterior and a symmetrical layout. The controller feels comfortable and balanced, although the face buttons might be flat and challenging to locate. It features tactile buttons, grippy thumbsticks, and impressive haptics.

Performance

The controller excels in wireless mode on the PS5, offering immersive experiences through haptics and adaptive triggers. However, its capabilities are limited without a wired connection on a PC. The battery life is shorter than Xbox controllers, and while the features are impressive, they’re supported only in select games.

Pros

• Comfortable grip
• Incredible haptics and adaptive triggers
• Built-in speaker
• Futuristic design
• Grippy thumbsticks

Cons

• Higher price compared to Xbox controllers
• Short battery life
• Limited PC support
• A flat pause button can be hard to find
• There is little exceptional feature support in games outside the PS5

Connectivity

While the controller shines wirelessly on the PS5, its performance on PC is limited without a wired connection, especially in DualSense-optimized games. Bluetooth connectivity to a PC recognises it as a generic game controller. Special features are only supported in a handful of PlayStation ports and select titles.

Hands-on Experience

The DualSense offers a comfortable gaming experience despite being heavier than the Xbox controller. Its tactile buttons and grippy thumbsticks enhance gameplay, while the haptics and adaptive triggers provide unparalleled immersion. However, the shorter wireless battery life on PCs may need to be improved for users.

Compatibility

The DualSense is best suited for the PS5. It supports haptics and adaptive triggers in nearly all games, offering a wireless and immersive gaming experience. On PC, limited support for these features exists in a handful of titles, and the controller is recognised as a generic device over Bluetooth, requiring wired connections for optimal performance in DualSense-enabled games.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a vital addition for serious Switch users, offering unparalleled comfort and an exceptional D-Pad. Its forward-thinking features, like NFC connectivity, USB-C charging, and outstanding battery life, make it a top-tier accessory. Despite being pricier than competitors, its functionality and ergonomics make it essential for comfortable and extended gaming sessions on the Nintendo Switch.

Key Features

• Excellent D-Pad functionality
• Impressive battery life (40 hours)
• NFC connectivity for Amiibo support
• USB-C reversible charging port
• Comfortable and familiar design

Design & Build

The Pro Controller embodies a familiar, comfortable design akin to traditional console controllers, offering a balanced feel with a slightly curved grip. Its translucent plastic casing with circuit board-style etching adds a unique touch. The larger buttons and well-placed triggers provide improved usability and comfort during gameplay.

Performance

With its exceptional 40-hour battery life and comfortable ergonomics, the Pro Controller outshines other controllers for prolonged gaming sessions on the Nintendo Switch. The D-Pad’s accuracy and button depth enhance gameplay. NFC support and USB-C charging contribute to its forward-thinking functionality.

Pros

• Outstanding D-Pad accuracy
• Impressive 40-hour battery life
• NFC connectivity for Amiibo
• USB-C charging port
• Comfortable and familiar design

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Triggers lack depth compared to other controllers

Connectivity

The Pro Controller offers forward-thinking connectivity, featuring NFC support for Amiibo figurines and a USB-C charging port. Its seamless integration with the Switch, whether docked or in tabletop mode, ensures a smooth gaming experience. However, its price is comparatively higher than controllers for rival consoles.

Hands-on Experience

The Pro Controller’s ergonomic design provides comfort during long gaming sessions, standing as an essential accessory for the Switch, especially for home use. Its well-placed buttons, accurate D-Pad, and impressive battery life redefine the gaming experience. However, the triggers could offer better depth for improved gameplay in specific genres.

Compatibility

The Pro Controller excels with its outstanding battery life and ergonomic design, which is ideal for home and tabletop use. Although pricier than competitors, its NFC capabilities and USB-C charging set it apart, making it a premium yet essential addition for serious Switch gamers.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 elevates the gaming experience with unparalleled customisation and premium build quality. It addresses predecessor issues, offering durability, comfort, and extensive customisation options. While it comes at a higher price, it is the pinnacle of Xbox controllers, providing interchangeable sticks, shorter hair trigger locks, wireless charging, and a rechargeable 40-hour battery. Its design, performance, and customisation set a new standard, making it the go-to choice for serious gamers who value tailored control setups.

Key Features

• Interchangeable sticks and D-pad buttons
• Comfortable, rubberised grip and matte black design
• Wireless charging and rechargeable 40-hour battery
• Multiple customisation options for stick tension, paddles, and profiles
• Bluetooth connectivity for Xbox One and PC

Design & Build

The Series 2’s sleek matte black design and rubberised grips offer a weighty yet comfortable feel. The customisable analogue sticks, D-pad buttons, paddles, and adjustable stick tensions provide a tailored gaming experience. A rechargeable 40-hour battery and wireless charging enhance its premium appeal.

Performance

The Series 2’s software customisation via the Xbox Accessories app grants extensive control over button mapping, sensitivity, and profiles. Excellent response times, adjustable stick and trigger tensions, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity ensure top-notch performance, critical for fast-paced gaming experiences.

Pros

• Interchangeable sticks and D-pad buttons
• Comfortable, rubberised grip and matte black design
• Shorter hair trigger locks and multiple customisation options
• Wireless charging and rechargeable 40-hour battery
• Excellent response times and adjustable stick tensions

Cons

• Expensive price point
• Some users might find it clunky
• Complex customisation options may overwhelm casual gamers
• System actions through button mapping are not available on PC
• The main draw relies heavily on extensive customisation

Connectivity

The Series 2 connects seamlessly via Bluetooth to Xbox One and PC, offering various customisation options. Its wireless charging feature and rechargeable 40-hour battery enhance its premium appeal. At the same time, the USB-C port provides an alternative charging method for uninterrupted gameplay.

Hands-on Experience

With its refined design and comprehensive customisation, the Series 2 provides a weighty yet comfortable gaming experience. Its extensive software and hardware options might initially overwhelm it. Still, it delivers unparalleled control once customised, making it the pinnacle Xbox controller in the market.

Compatibility

The Series 2 offers a premium gaming experience compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. However, certain button mapping features are not available on PC. Its comprehensive customisation and seamless connectivity make it the ultimate Xbox controller, albeit one that requires some time to explore its full potential.