
A good controller can make a gaming experience so much better. There are a ton of video game controllers out there, all with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. I previously touched on the worst video game controllers ever, but it’s also worth looking at the best of the best. Check out this list below for the absolute best video game controllers ever.
10) Sega Dreamcast

The Sega Dreamcast’s controller may look bulky, but it’s surprisingly lightweight, and the strange shape and size actually feels fantastic when held. The buttons, triggers, and joystick are all placed perfectly. The joystick movements are incredibly fluid. The memory card being put in the controller is a cool idea, which Nintendo did first. That being said, the Dreamcast’s memory card put a little screen on the controller for pixelated characters to appear depending on the game, which shockingly hasn’t been done since.
9) PlayStation 2 DualShock 2

The PlayStation 2 took the design of the original PlayStation’s controller and improved upon it. The analog sticks were better, and the controller came with the rumble feature by default. Nowadays, controllers having a rumble feature is expected, but it all started with PlayStation. The buttons feel great and the button symbols are iconic. The slanted handles make the controller super comfortable to hold. That being said, though, the back buttons would get stuck easily and could even get wedged inside of the controller. Otherwise, this would rank higher on the list.
8) Wii Remote

The Wii remote is simply iconic. The Nintendo Wii was the first successful motion control-focused console, and the remote was a big part of that success. The B button being a trigger on the bottom allows for some unique controls for a variety of games. The motion controls are fairly receptive and accurate, assuming it’s lined up with the sensor bar well enough. Paired with the Wii nunchuck, it was a controller that was a lot of fun to use.
7) Super Nintendo Entertainment System

The SNES controller is an absolute classic. The rounded edges and button layout proves to be a rather ergonomic design. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold. It was also the first gaming controller to have L and R shoulder buttons, which have become a staple for any controller since. The SNES released in 1990, and the controller for it still works surprisingly well without buttons sticking or delayed inputs. It’s something that has withheld the test of time.
6) Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con are great and all, but it’s hard to beat gaming with an actual controller. The pro controller is not only a good stand-in for the Joy-Con, but it’s also an especially great controller in general. The button presses are satisfying, and the analog stick movements are very accurate. It’s a comfortable controller regardless if you’re using it for your Switch or for PC gaming. Plus, it has an incredibly long battery life for a wireless controller.
5) XBox 360

The original XBox’s controller received plenty of criticism, but the folks at Microsoft clearly listened to them and improved upon any issues by making one of the greatest controllers of all time. It’s a good size without being too big, it has some satisfying weight to it without it being too heavy, it fits in your hand comfortably, it has a sleek design, and the button layout is great. The wireless models have a shockingly long range, and the headset support was perfect for online gaming. It didn’t quite revolutionize anything, but it’s an overall fantastic controller.
4) PlayStation 4 DualShock 4

Sony has a bit of a miss with the original PS3 controller (later versions were better), but the PS4’s controller was a huge step forward. The R2 and L2 triggers feel smooth when pressed, the analog sticks have raised edges for better control, and the handles have a handy grip on the back. The touchpad in the center of the controller adds a whole new way to control characters and interact with games.
3) XBox One Elite Controller

The Xbox One Elite Controller has the comfort and sleek design of the previous XBox controllers, but kicks it up a notch. There’s a wraparound rubber grip on the handles, and it has shorter hair trigger locks.
What really makes this controller stand out, though, is that it’s highly customizable. The thumb sticks have adjustable tension, and it comes with adjustable components so that gamers can play their own way. Being able to play whichever way you want to create the best experience for yourself is huge. The high price tag for this controller is a bit of an issue, though.
2) Nintendo GameCube

There’s nothing quite like the clickety-clacking of a GameCube controller. The back buttons are especially satisfying to press. The c-stick provided some unique interactions in games, and the button layout was rather unique but worked quite well. The GameCube controller is so beloved that people are still buying it, and Nintendo has sold versions that can be used for their modern consoles. It’s also worth noting that the wireless Wavebird controller is an incredible take on the GameCube controller.
1) PlayStation 5 DualSense

It’s no recency bias, the PS5 DualSense really is that good. The triggers are adaptive, and can be altered depending on certain games and mechanics, like perfectly recreating the feel of a bow string being pulled back. The haptic feedback allows for more than just a rumble feature; it can simulate in-game sensory much better, like raindrops on your hands.
The built-in microphone allows you to communicate in online games without a headset. The grip on the handles is not only super comfy, but if you take a really close look, it’s made up of the iconic PlayStation button symbols. It keeps everything that worked with past Playstation controllers, but improves upon many features while also adding to the immersion into the games you’re playing. It makes one wonder what they’ll come up with after the DualSense.
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