THE BEST Controllers

Cheddar shares the origins of the controllers of the N64, and the Xbox and PlayStation series to point out how their designs were not based on ergonomics alone. Sometimes, management or technological constraints led to these familiar forms.

Sensel’s versatile multi-touch panel can be used as a custom controller for just about any creative tool. Swap out tactile overlays for musical performance, video editing, music production, typing, and more – or create your own custom interfaces using the bundled software. Sold with one overlay, or in a special musician’s bundle.

Like a real harmonica, Lekholm’s musical tech senses its player’s breathing both in and out, but it outputs those modulations as MIDI signals for controlling synthesizers. The example performance is Cole Porter’s You’d Be So Nice to Come Home to, using a Yamaha VL70-m acoustic sound module.

The Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is even more comfortable, durable and customizable than its predecessor. It has a profile switch button, the option to program a button to act as a Shift key to map more commands, and an internal battery that lasts up to 40h per charge.

SCUF Gaming’s pro Xbox One controller is customizable. It comes with two pairs of thumb sticks, four programmable and removable paddles, adjustable triggers, and a battery that lasts up to 30h per charge. You can also order faceplates and thumbsticks in different colors.

You may not have heard of Pwnage, but their ALTIER Pro 3360 optical gaming mouse can keep up with the big boys. Its sensor can track up to 12,000 dpi, it has 7 programmable buttons, and RGB lighting. Save an extra 15% in The Awesomer Shop with code WEEKEND15 through 5/29/19.

Retro-Bit’s Tribute64 is a modern take on the Nintendo 64 controller. The third handle is gone, and the D-pad and analog stick have been switched places. It also has dual Z-triggers and a centered Start button. It comes in Nintendo 64 and USB variants.

PDP’s Faceoff Deluxe+ controller for the Nintendo Switch has a built-in headset and headphone jack. Aside from listening to in-game audio, it will support voice chat, starting with Fortnite. It also has a swappable faceplate. Drops 05/2019 for $30.

Like the Phantom Black controller, Microsoft’s latest controller features a semi-translucent shell, which allows you to see the components inside. It has a textured grip, remappable buttons, and wireless connectivity. Compatible with all Xbox One consoles and Windows 10.

SteelSeries’ Stratus Duo is a multi-platform wireless controller. It can connect to Android devices as well as standalone virtual reality headsets via Bluetooth. It also connects to Windows PCs via 2.4 Ghz wireless and a USB dongle. It lasts up to 20h per charge.

Alt Lab Controllers’ Smash Stick is an arcade controller with an ergonomic button layout. It also uses Sanwa buttons that have been modified to have a cushion for less stress on the hands. It’s compatible with the PC, Wii, Wii U, Gamecube and the Switch.

Nyko’s Dualies are alternatives to the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers. Their main feature is their ergonomic grip, but they also have rumble feedback, a turbo feature and two swappable thumb caps with different heights.

8Bitdo’s N30 Pro 2 is a full-sized Bluetooth controller that works with Windows, MacOS and Android devices, as well as the Nintendo Switch and the Raspberry Pi. It has an analog d-pad, clickable thumbsticks, motion controls and vibration.

The Xbox One X is will soon be available in a clean all-white color as part of a Fallout 76 bundle. It also comes with a matching white controller, but if you want the Elite to match, good news. The Elite is now available in robot white as well.

Razer has overhauled its high-end PS4 controller. The Raiju Ultimate features an RGB light strip, swappable d-pads and thumbsticks, four programmable buttons, and a switch for toggling between Wired, Bluetooth, or PC Bluetooth connection.

PowerA’s new Enhanced Wired Xbox One Controllers for the Xbox One gives you programmable buttons without breaking the bank. They have two remmapable buttons on the underside and the familiar Xbox One controller shape and layout. Also at GameStop.

8Bitdo recently unveiled a variety of Bluetooth controllers, including this keychain-sized upgrade to their Zero Bluetooth controller. The Zero 2 comes in several Game Boy-themed colors and will work with Windows PCs, iOS and Android devices, and the Nintendo Switch.

SCUF’s Vantage is a customizable controller for the PS4. Available in wired and Bluetooth variants, the controller has side buttons and four detachable paddles that you can remap. It also has adjustable thumbsticks, removable vibration motors and two kinds of d-pads.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a plug-and-play Xbox One and Windows 10 controller for gamers with limited mobility. It has two large programmable buttons, a large d-pad, two USB ports, and 19 3.5mm inputs for plugging in adaptive switches. Drops 2018 for $100.

Joué is an incredibly versatile MIDI controller, thanks to its swappable modules. The modules’ buttons are made of soft and elastic material that responds to pressure very nicely. There are eight modules to choose from, some familiar and some quite unorthodox.

Custom gadget shop ColorWare has a pair of NES-themed controllers for the Nintendo Switch. Both its Joy-Con set and Pro Controller are decked out in the NES’ black and gray color scheme with red ABXY buttons.

Unlike other arcade controllers, the Mixbox has mechanical keyboard directional keys instead of an analog joystick (or buttons). It uses Cherry MX key switches and Sanwa Denshi buttons. It works with the PS3, PS4 and PC.

Hori already has a PS4 controller that mimics the Xbox’s offset analog stick layout with the d-pad in the middle, but that one is wired. Initially available in the UK, the Onyx ditches the wire for Bluetooth connectivity and adds a grippy matte finish.

My Arcade’s Super Gamepad is a wireless controller for the NES Classic and SNES Classic. Aside from having four shoulder buttons and a Home button, it also has a programmable and LED-backlit Turbo button. It can also be used to play Virtual Console titles on the Wii and Wii U.