Gaming consoles have come a long way since the Magnavox Odyssey was released in 1972. Today’s game consoles are high-tech, sophisticated devices with superior graphics and memory, and can connect seamlessly to the internet.
Controllers have also come a long way, not just in terms of technology but also when it comes to comfort and aesthetics. But which console has the best controller?
Xbox
The Xbox is known to have good quality controllers and one which has recently caused a stir in the gaming market is the Xbox Elite 2. Not only is the Elite 2 nice to hold, it plays extremely well and has a high-end, luxury feel to it.
The first Elite controller was similarly great to play, but many users complained about problems with the bumper – fortunately, the Elite 2 seems to have fixed this issue. It comes with a long-lasting, rechargeable battery, which is fitting for this slick, but sturdy controller that’s comfortable to play for long periods of time. It has a different button layout to the Elite 1, which makes it easier to flick between options.
Added attachments include six concave thumbsticks, adjustable triggers, a good-quality d-pad, and lots of customisation. The main issue with the Elite 2 is it’s a bit pricey compared to other controllers. The Xbox wireless controller is a more budget-friendly device for this console and has excellent connectivity for cloud-based gaming.
PS5
It could be argued that the PS5 has the best controllers of all consoles. Both the Hori Fighting Commander OCTA and the Reflex FPS are excellent for gaming; the former ideal for combat play, and the latter the best for first-person shooter games.
The Victrix Pro BFG is a great little controller for customization, as is the Astro C40 TR4, which comes with multiple features, including trigger stops, remappable back buttons, swappable components, and more.
If it’s the symmetry you’re after, then the Sony DualSense Wireless Controller has a lovely symmetrical thumbstick placement that allows for maximum comfort. When it comes to the PS5, though, we think the best controller overall is the DualSense Edge.
With more personalization options than ever before, replaceable stick modules, and trigger buttons with excellent grip, the DualSense Edge is ideal for competitive play. It’s well suited to fast-paced multiplayer games, such as Mech Arena, an exciting combat title featuring robots – you should see it here.
However, compared to its predecessor, the DualSense Edge controller has a lower battery life. It’s also a more expensive option than other PS5 controllers. A more cost-effective PS5 controller that we would recommend is the DualShock. This is a super lightweight controller that has a nice look and feel and comes with a built-in speaker and highly sensitive motion sensors.
Nintendo
When it comes to controllers, Nintendo has been ahead of the game. The company’s first wireless controller, the GameCube WaveBird, was an instant success and has paved the way for successive gaming controllers.
Now on its sixth generation, the WaveBird continues to be popular among gamers for its familiarity, long-range, and overall reliability and comfort.
Nintendo’s controllers have long been revered, and the company is known for its more outside-the-box approach. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is similar in layout to the Xbox One and is more than a match to its rivals. Not only is the Switch Pro incredibly comfortable to hold, it has among the most impressive battery lives of any controller we’ve used.
The rechargeable battery seems to last forever! This durable controller is particularly effective for twitch movements and has a fantastic D-pad, which nostalgically reminds us of the old Nintendo controllers.
The Switch Pro is noticeably better than its predecessor, with the inputs feeling much sharper and the added vibrations offering good feedback. However, some users have complained about connectivity issues with the Switch Pro and that the buttons are slightly dated.
Conclusion
When it comes to consoles, we think that the Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo have the best controllers.
