Some video games are simply meant to be played with controllers. Take Elden Ring and most other Dark Souls games, for example. Their stubborn implementation of mouse and keyboard controls implies that its developers can’t be bothered. Thankfully, you don’t have to go broke for the best wireless controllers for your gaming laptop.
Like a lot of peripherals related to PC or gaming laptops, wireless controllers are also investments. They tend to last for years (depending on how gentle or rough you are), and they’re the best ways to experience third-person video games such as God of War: Ragnarok and its aforementioned Game of the Year contender.
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Luckily for most laptop gamers out there, we live in an era of controllers that is no longer entirely dominated by the duopoly of Xbox and PlayStation. There are lots of decent third-party options now and one of them is even better than the old reliable Xbox controller or the stylish and no-nonsense Dualsense/shock.
If you’re in the market for a Holiday gaming sale, you might want to pick up some of these best wireless controllers for you and for player number two.
8Bitdo Ultimate Controller (Bluetooth)
PROS
- Comes with a charging dock and dongle
- Programmable back buttons
- Wide range of device compatibility
- Gulikit's Electromagnetic Stick technology
- Adjustable button and joystick sensitivity (via app)
- Configurable button profiles that can be saved on the device itself
CONS
- 2.4G version (cheaper one), doesn't come with the Gulikit stick tech
- Bluetooth version (more expensive one) only has the Switch face buttons layout
- Doesn't support AA batteries unlike its predecessor
- Layout: Xbox/Switch
- Wireless Modes: Bluetooth, 2.4G
- Extra Buttons: Two back paddle buttons
- Weight: 228g
- Dimensions: 153.6*100.6*64.5mm
- Battery: 22 hours with 2-3 hours of charging time
8Bitdo has recently released by far, the best controller in our lifetime (at the moment). It’s the 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller (Bluetooth, not 2.4G), and it has everything you could ever want. This controller is not just for Xbox or PC, but also for Switch (for the Bluetooth version) and it also has Android and iOS compatibility.
It’s the only controller you’ll ever need! And that’s not putting it lightly. The 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller also comes with Gulikit’s Electromagnetic Stick for the analog, eliminating any possibility of analog stick shift and drift. This essentially means the analog can last theoretically forever with the precision and accuracy of a brand-new stick.
This new analog stick technology blows Xbox and PlayStation controllers out of the water in terms of durability (as advertised). And the best part is that the 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller still managed to be more affordable than either the Xbox or PlayStation controllers.
8Bitdo Ultimate Controller (Bluetooth)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
PROS
- Four back paddle buttons (can be removed)
- Customizable buttons (via Xbox app)
- Adjustable D-pad
- Durable bumper and trigger buttons with tactile feel
- Customizable analog sticks
- Three custom profiles
CONS
- Pricier than other options on the list
- Layout: Xbox
- Wireless Modes: Xbox Wireless, PC/Android/iOS Wireless
- Extra Buttons: Six back buttons
- Weight: 345g
- Dimensions: 7.23 x 7.29 x 3.07 inches
- Battery: 40 hours
You can consider the 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller as a budget option as well; because the next best thing from a reputable manufacturer is the rather expensive Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. It’s got even more back buttons than the 8Bitdo Ultimate.
Only, it costs more than double. But the heft, sturdiness, and even the battery life of this controller scream “premium” to anyone who has grasped it in comparison to others. Note that you can also use it for PC, Android, and iOS devices. In addition, it has four back paddle buttons and an additional two adjustment buttons in the back for a total of six.
You can also remove the four back paddle buttons if you want a more comfortable grip. Speaking of comfort, the Elite Wireless Series 2 also offers you a chance to replace the D-pad button topper with your preferred D-pad style, which is handy for fighting games like Street Fighter and the like. It’s more than complete.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Xbox Core Wireless Controller
PROS
- Affordable
- Durable and tactile buttons
- Sturdy with good weight
- Supports AA batteries
- Comes in many other colors
- Impressive battery life
CONS
- Bluetooth can be hit or miss
- Prone to stick drift/shift
- Layout: Xbox
- Wireless Modes: Xbox Wireless or Bluetooth
- Extra Buttons: None
- Weight: 287g
- Dimensions: 153 mm × 102 mm × 61 mm
- Battery: 40 hours / supports AA batteries
If you want a simple, no-nonsense option that can get the job done and last several years in functioning condition, then you can’t go wrong with the traditional Xbox Core Wireless Controller. It’s the bare minimum required for an Xbox Series console and is usually included in the bundle. It works flawlessly for PCs and gaming laptops as well (Windows).
Depending on the sale, you might even find some of these in stock for a lower price than the 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller, though the fewer features might be a dealbreaker for some. It has no back buttons and the sensitivity can’t be adjusted. But the battery life and durability definitely make up for the fewer features.
Xbox Core Wireless Controller
Playstation DualSense Wireless Controller
PROS
- Beautiful design
- Comes in many other colors
- Wide range of devices
- RGB lighting
- Sturdy with good weight
CONS
- Most advanced DualSense options don't work on the PC
- Battery life could be better
- Prone to stick drift/shift
- Layout: PlayStation
- Wireless Modes: Wireless, Bluetooth
- Extra Buttons: None
- Weight: 280g
- Dimensions: 3 x 7 x 8 inches
- Battery: 15 hours
Some of you might prefer a more symmetrical controller layout like the one from PlayStation. In that case, the best option would be the PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller. It’s Sony’s latest core controller for the PlayStation 5, making it a staple among many gamers these days.
Sadly, the features that make it so immersive on the PS5 are more or less disabled if you use it for the PC. So that immersive haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and advanced motion controls might not work on most PC games that also had console releases.
Still, the important bits are all there and are functioning properly, as long as you stick to Steam games on the PC. Otherwise, you might need to do some tweaking with third-party software.
Playstation DualSense Wireless Controller
8Bitdo Pro 2
PROS
- Two back paddle buttons
- Programmable buttons with adjustable sensitivity (via app)
- Works on a wide range of devices
- Can fit two AA batteries as well as a rechargeable one
- Lots of accessories that make mobile gaming more comfy
- Three customizable profiles
CONS
- Bluetooth only
- Tiny bluetooth pairing button
- Prone to stick shift/drift
- Layout: PlayStation/Switch
- Wireless Modes: Bluetooth
- Extra Buttons: Two back paddle buttons
- Weight: 228g
- Dimensions: 153.6*100.6*64.5mm
- Battery: 20 hours with 4 hours of charging time
Don’t be put off by the retro Nintendo style and color schemes, the 8Bitdo Pro 2 is a heavyweight when it comes to features and general functionality. It has been out for some time now as an alternative to the Switch Pro Controller, and even some pundits swear that it’s better than that one.
And it’s not just for Switch either. This works just as well on PC, consoles, Android, and iOS devices with a simple shift of a button. The flat Nintendo SNES face design might take a while to get used to, but it’s by far the best budget control that doesn’t compromise on features. It also has motion controls that work on the PC, as well as several programmable buttons and an option for AA batteries.
8Bitdo Pro 2
What about cheaper no-brand controllers?
You might have seen some options that cost around $20 with some favorable reviews and a wide range of device compatibilities. Those are also decent options, but the thing about controllers is that much cheaper ones tend to cost more in the long run since you’ll eventually run into durability issues sooner or later; you might end up regretting not purchasing a more expensive or reputable option.
Furthermore, some of them might have compatibility issues, especially with wireless or in certain games since cheaper or shady brands tend to have no official support from the game developers themselves. Not to mention, there’s also the matter of ergonomics for untested brands. You’re better off allotting a sizable budget for a controller (around $50) if you don’t want to be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long do controllers last?
Sturdy ones (such as those from Xbox) should last up to a decade or more depending on how often you use them. Lighter ones with less sturdy material might last a few years or so. -
What causes stick drift/shift?
Most controllers that don't use hall-sensing or electromagnetic analog sticks will eventually succumb to stick drift/shift due to wear and tear. But certain analog stick actions such as pressing down on the stick or keeping the stick stuck in one direction for hours can also hasten this wear and tear process.