Controller for PC: 9 models from gamepad to joystick in comparison

“Rocket League”, “Fifa 2021” or role-playing games like “The Witcher” are more pleasant to play with a controller. Not only console gamers who like to comfort their bum on the couch know that, but also passionate PC gamers in the gaming chair. If you are looking for a controller for the PC, you don’t need to pay much attention – except that the Gampads XInput should be compatible. This is the case with Xbox controllers by default.

With PlayStation controllers, however, things are different: DualShock and DualSense controllers from Sony can also be connected to computers, but not easily operated. The PlayStation’s gamepads make it possible to use additional programs such as “DS4Windows” or the “Steam” gaming platform.

And last but not least, manufacturers like Razer also offer gamepads for computers that are even compatible with Microsoft’s Xbox. Your hands decide which controller is right for you. Big paws (usually) prefer the bulky Xbox models, dainty hands, smaller controllers like those of the PlayStation and those who play racing games naturally take the steering wheel.

Controller for PC: Xbox One Controller

Windows gamers drive the safest way with Xbox controllers. Use the Windows settings in the “Devices” menu to connect the Xbox One or Series X controller to the computer via Bluetooth. If your computer does not have a USB interface, a small USB dongle can help to equip the PC with wireless technology. Once connected, they work immediately as requested. At least if Windows 10 is up to date. The only thing that is easier is “installation” using a USB cable: just plug it in and the fun can begin. Windows will automatically detect the controller.

Xbox Elite Series 2

Noble gamers and particularly ambitious gamers want each other take a closer look. For a hefty surcharge, gamers have the option of adjusting the resistance of the individual joysticks according to their own preferences. You can do this with a small screwdriver that comes with the controller. For casual gamers and role players, this is likely to be of less importance.

Controller for PC: Razer Wolverine Ultimate

The costs about as much as the Xbox Elite Series 2. Here, too, players have the option of changing the resistances of the individual joysticks and buttons. However, this does not work with a screwdriver as with Microsoft, but with software. The Wolverine Ultimate is also wired.

DualShock and DualSense controllers

With PlayStation controllers, the hurdles are slightly higher. Like the Xbox controllers, they connect to the computer via USB cables or Bluetooth. Again it is necessary to navigate to the corresponding settings menu of Windows 10 to or to connect the DualSense controller.

On the respective PlayStation gamepad, however, you have to hold down the PlayStation button and the Share button at the same time so that Windows recognizes the controller. Once connected, the Sony controller does not (always) work smoothly immediately.

Either the software “” is required to configure the buttons or you can set it up via Steam. For most users this is easier than “DS4Windows.”

How this works via the games platform is explained Martin Paplinski on his .

One more thing should be said about the PlayStation controllers: Features of the like the haptic feedback of the keys do not work on the computer. So here you can confidently use the DualShock controller of the PlayStation 4. Buying the DualSense controller only makes sense if you own a PlayStation 5 and want to buy additional controllers for it. Those who shy away from the expensive purchase of a PlayStation controller, but are looking for a small and inexpensive gamepad, will go with the happy. This also saves gamers the cumbersome installation.

Controller for racing drivers

Those who like to play racing games also want to have a steering wheel on their desk – anything else is only half as fun. This is an evergreen among steering wheel controllers . It can be fixed to the table, works with PlayStation 4 and 5 as well as with the computer, of course offers all the buttons like a normal controller and has clutch, brake and accelerator pedal.

For nostalgics: the joystick

Memories come up: Anyone who paddled on mom’s or dad’s PC for the first time as a little gamer often did so with a joystick. In the meantime, the stick seems to be out of fashion. Fortunately, they haven’t completely disappeared yet. If you like to play flight simulators, you can’t avoid a joystick. The is ideal for this. It offers twelve freely assignable buttons. Four suction cups on the underside ensure a secure hold during the flight. The joystick also offers a vibration function.

It will be really old school with that . It is particularly suitable for fans of the very old C64 games that emulators bring to the home PC. As back then, the retro joystick impresses with its simple design: four fire buttons and the bulky stick have to be enough for retro gamers.

Accessories: ergonomic cases, mods and repair kits

Despite the numerous controllers, there are not a few gamers whose hands hurt after a few hours. Ergonomic controllers are few and far between, but there are numerous covers that are supposed to make the top dogs more comfortable for different hands. Big paws in particular have their problems with particularly small controllers. Anyone who has connected their PlayStation 5 controller to their computer could use the find a suitable suit for large hands. According to the manufacturer, the cover should ensure that the controller sits securely in the hand. Of course, all buttons remain accessible.

Sleeves that are designed to give players an edge go a little further. These modifications are mainly available for older Xbox and PlayStation controllers. The goal is usually to make hard-to-reach buttons more accessible in order to get an advantage for the players. The for Xbox One Controller, for example, in Adapter for Xbox One Controller, which expands the input device with additional buttons on the back. And I can definitely give some games an advantage.

Anyone who has gambled with a controller for several years knows the problem of worn out and worn out analog sticks. Usually players buy a new controller because it is annoying not to hit the opponent because of damaged hardware. But it doesn’t always have to be a new device. For popular controllers there are with which you can breathe new life into old controllers – provided you have the leisure and skill for the work.

Controller for Linux

Linux gamers are still outnumbered, but the number is growing. A few years ago it still took a lot of tinkering to get controllers running on Linux. Most new versions of popular distributions such as Mint, Ubuntu or Pop! OS now recognize the gamepads automatically. Ideally, you should reach for the Steam controller. The gaming platform recognizes this without any problems because Steam developed its now discontinued SteamOS operating system based on the open-source operating system. Unfortunately, Steam no longer sells its controller.

DirectInput and XInput: The Difference

If you want to connect your controller to your PC and google something, you will come across two terms: DirectInput and XInput. These are programming interfaces for controllers. XInput is the Microsoft standard. Means that Windows controllers with XInput automatically recognize them and they are immediately ready for use. If you buy a new controller, you should make sure that it has XInput.

But there are also older and newer models that still rely on DirectInput. This is the much older programming interface and it causes problems under Windows. The PlayStation 4’s DualShock Controller is probably the best-known representative with DirectInput. Additional software such as “” is required under Windows to make the controller workable under Windows.