Buying Guide: The Best Video Game Controllers for Every Platform in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
If you want to game on your PC, you probably need a controller. Unfortunately, your computer doesn't come with one in the box. If you're a console gamer, the single, included gamepad isn't enough for local multiplayer games, and the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons aren't exactly the most comfortable, conventional control scheme. If you're a hard-core gamer, you might need to replace a gamepad that's been worn down over many gaming sessions (or was broken in a fit of frustration). Whatever your reason, it's time to shop for a game controller.
Lucky for you, we've gathered the best controllers we've tested here. Read on for our top picks, followed by what you should know in order to find the right controller for you.
8Bitdo Pro 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Feels good in hand | - Slightly limited programmable macros |
| + Lots of programmable options | - Lacks a couple of Switch-specific |
| + Useful rear buttons | |
| + Multiple profiles | |
| + Works with Windows and Switch |
8Bitdo Pro 2
Why We Picked It
The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is a lot of gamepad for not a lot of money. For just $50, it offers a full, comfortable, dual-analog layout and wireless compatibility with Android devices, iPhones, Macs, PCs, and the Nintendo Switch. The 8Bitdo Ultimate Software gives it PC customization like controllers twice its price, including programmable rear buttons, remappable controls, and even tweakable sensitivity for the analog sticks and triggers.
Who It's For
This is an excellent controller for mobile, PC, and Switch gamers due to its good feel, comfortable control layout, and full feature set. It's simply a fantastic value if you're looking for an alternative to the Switch Pro Controller for your Switch or Xbox Wireless Controller for your PC.
8Bitdo SN30 Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Classic design with dual analog sticks | - Smaller and less grippable than more modern-looking gamepads |
| + Works with most computers, mobile devices, and the Switch |
8Bitdo SN30 Pro
Why We Picked It
The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro doesn't have quite as many features as its larger sibling, the Pro 2, but its design is much more nostalgic. 8Bitdo packed a full dual-analog, four-trigger control layout into an SNES-style dog-bone design, and it's completely functional. It works with Android, iOS, Mac, PC, and Nintendo Switch, and feels like it's designed for the 16-bit era.
Who It's For
If you loved the SNES and want a gamepad you can use with any modern game, the SN30 Pro is it. Be wary if you have larger hands, though; the classic dog-bone design is great, but it's less ergonomic than the Pro 2's full grips and modern design.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Excellent build quality with modular design | - Previous model wore out quickly |
| + Extensive programmability | |
| + Multiple profiles | |
| + Useful paddles |
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Why We Picked It
Microsoft's high-end Xbox controller is more or less the be-all, end-all for gamepads for that console, and because of that it's one of the best for PCs, too. It's also one of the priciest at $180, so that's definitely a factor to consider. For the money, though, it has a rock-solid build; plenty of accessories including interchangeable analog sticks and direction pad, carrying case, and charging cradle; removable rear paddles; and extensive software customization options through the Xbox Accessories app for Windows and Xbox. It's a lot of controller, for a lot of money.
Who It's For
This is for Windows and Xbox gamers who really want to splurge. It's full-featured and feels great, and that justifies the price if you can afford it.
PowerA Moga XP5-X Plus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Comfortable, responsive design | - Beholden to Android game controller support for mobile gaming |
| + Works via wired or wireless connections | - XInput for PC gaming only supports a wired connection |
| + Can work with PCs | |
| + Built-in batery can charge other devices |
PowerA Moga XP5-X Plus
Why We Picked It
Ultimately, this is an Xbox controller with a phone clip and a focus on mobile connectivity. For game streaming, though, that's pretty much all you need. It works perfectly with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's cloud gaming feature, and includes programmable rear buttons for extra control options. It also has a built-in 3,000mAh battery, so you can charge your phone while you use it. It's specifically for Android phones, though, and it only works as an XInput gamepad (the most commonly supported controller) through a USB connection.
Who It's For
This is a gamepad for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate users with Android phones. If you stand at that intersection, it's a great controller for playing Xbox games on your phone. Otherwise, it's not a very flexible controller.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Comfortable, study one-piece design | - Expensive compared with most other gamepads |
| + $10 less than a pair of joy-cons |
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Why We Picked It
First-party controllers tend to feel and perform better than third-party ones, though the gap has almost completely closed at this point. Although we prefer the 8Bitdo Pro 2 for its value both as a Switch controller and a PC gamepad, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is still an excellent gamepad. It feels great, and has all of the features you need, including motion-sensing and even Amiibo scanning. It's a bit pricey considering its relative inflexibility, though it can work with PCs thanks to a compatibility mode in Steam.
Who It's For
This is the official high-end Switch controller, and easier to find in stores than 8Bitdo's gamepads. And, as a Switch gamepad, it works very well. Switch-exclusive gamers should consider it, though there are better options if you also want a controller for PC or mobile games.
Retro-Bit Sega Collaboration Genesis 8-Button USB Arcade Pad
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Authentic look and feel | - Manu nav with certain games can be tricky |
| + Responsive controls | - Limited buttons for remapping |
| + Multiple input modes | |
| + Ideal for the Sega Genesis Mini |
Retro-Bit Sega Collaboration Genesis 8-Button USB Arcade Pad
Why We Picked It
If you grew up on the Sega side of the gaming fence in the 1990s, you probably have fond memories of the Genesis. Retro-Bit's 8-button Arcade Pad looks and feels like the six-button Genesis controller, with the addition of shoulder buttons (and a mode button that's easier to use). The controller's wired, but it's also only $20, and that makes it appealing for retro gaming.
Who It's For
This one's for Sega fans, and while this specific model is Genesis-themed and made for the PC, Retro-Bit offers other options. Another version is built similarly to the Sega Saturn control pad, and if you still have your original consoles, the Genesis and Saturn-style gamepads have "native" versions that can plug into their respective systems (separate from the USB gamepads).
Xbox Design Lab Wireless Controller
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Built-in headphone jack | - Limited thumbstick color and engraving font options |
| + Customizable colors | - Headset jack lack the physical controls for the headset adapter |
| + Same quality build as standard Xbox One gamepad |
The Bottom Line:
Microsoft's Xbox Design Lab lets you customize the colors of the Xbox One Wireless Controller, if you don't mind paying a $20 to $30 premium.
Why We Picked It
Microsoft's Xbox Design Lab offers custom Xbox Wireless Gamepads, and they start at the same price as the stock controllers. You can mix and match your favorite colors for all the gamepad's various elements, add rubberized grips, and even laser-engrave a message. If you want an even higher-end experience, Microsoft will add the Xbox Elite Core gamepad to Xbox Design Lab in the near future.
Who It's For
This is for PC or Xbox gamers who want a gamepad they can really call their own, with their favorite color schemes and even their name or tag on it. As an Xbox Wireless Gamepad, it works perfectly with Windows and Xbox, and the customization options are still far less than third-party controllers with custom designs.
Xbox Elite Core Controller
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Feels similar to the Xbox Elite wireless controller | - Feels incomplete without rear paddles |
| + Xbox Accessories app enables many customization options | - Somewhat slippery direction pad |
| + Can be upgraded with an accessories kit | - Controller and upgrade kit together cost $10 more than the Elite Controller |
Xbox Elite Core Controller
Why We Picked It
The Xbox Elite Core controller is literally the Xbox Elite Series 2 with all of the accessories stripped away. Otherwise, it's the same comfortable, premium-feeling gamepad with the same software customization options in the Xbox Accessories app for Windows and Xbox. It just doesn't have the removable paddles, interchangeable analog sticks and direction pad, carrying case, or charging cradle. Without those items, the gamepad is a solid $50 cheaper. It's still a pricey $130, but it's a nicer bit of kit than the standard Xbox controller.
Who It's For
If you want a high-end wireless gamepad without spending close to $200 for it, the Elite Core controller is an excellent pick. It feels a bit naked without the paddles, since the hookups are still on the back (and you can add them with the $60 Complete Component Pack, which has all of the other Elite accessories that were left out). Still, it has a better build than the Xbox Wireless Controller, and offers more software tweaks. In the near future, you'll be able to customize the Elite Core using Xbox Design Lab.
What Type of Video Game Controllers Are There?
The most important factor to consider is your game platform. PlayStation, Switch, and PC/Xbox have different controller standards, so you can't just mix and match gamepads. Some controllers are compatible with multiple systems, but even then you must make sure that your preferred game system will work with it.
PC and Xbox can be grouped together as one platform, because Microsoft has essentially merged Windows and Xbox from a gaming perspective. In fact, if you want to buy a Microsoft game on PC (or play a game via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate), you need to do it through the Xbox app. If a controller works with an Xbox One or Xbox Series S/X, it will work with Windows. That applies to Steam games, too; even outside of Microsoft's specific game ecosystem, the vast majority of PC games that work with controllers use the same XInput protocol as Microsoft-sold games.
The Nintendo Switch and PlayStation have different controller protocols from each other and PC/Xbox, so that means different gamepad selections. Numerous controllers are available for the Switch in wireless (via Bluetooth and USB dongle) and wired USB forms. Some even have alternate XInput modes for working easily on Windows PCs, too. A handful of third-party gamepads are available for the PlayStation 4, but far fewer than PC/Xbox or Switch, and none currently available that we've tested. As for the PlayStation 5, the first-party DualSense is the only gamepad available.
Gamepad Features
You can expect dual analog sticks, four face buttons, four shoulder buttons, and a direction pad from nearly any controller on this list (the Retro-Bit Sega gamepad is the one exception, designed to almost perfectly mimic Genesis or Saturn controllers). Those are the basics that are required for playing modern games, no matter the system. Some controllers may also have motion controls and/or vibration, as well. Gamepads don't have to stop there, though.
Programmable rear buttons are common among third-party gamepads (and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller). They're extra controls that you can map any standard, non-analog control to, giving you many customization options. Depending on the game, they prove extremely handy.
8Bitdo Ultimate Software
Some gamepads go even further, with Windows and Xbox apps that provide total control remapping and other customization options. Depending on the controller, you can remap every button, tweak the sensitivity of the analog sticks or triggers, program macro commands, or even create multiple profiles of these settings to switch between for individual games.
How to Pick the Right Video Game Controller
If you specifically want to game on your PC, our guide to choosing the right controller can provide additional information you need, including tips on using Nintendo or Sony gamepads with PC games. If your tastes are a bit more eclectic, and you want a nice controller for fighting, flying, or racing games, our guide to alternative console controllers can help you on that front, too.