Wired controllers have been a part of the gaming conversation for a long time. For PC gamers, this isn't any different. Wired controllers are ideal for PC gamers who want a steady connection with the game without any lag issues. They're also best for long gaming sessions, seeing as they do not come with batteries. Also, they tend to be cheaper than wireless controllers.

As expected, the market has a ton of wired controller options that are compatible with PCs. To make shoppers' decisions easier, Game Rant has compiled a list of wired controllers for PC that tick the box in functionality, ergonomics, and aesthetics.

How To Pick The Best Wired Controllers for PC

When picking a wired PC controller, buyers should consider the following factors to make the right decision.

Controller Layout: The differences between the three main controller layouts are subtle but can make all the difference for players. Xbox and Nintendo Switch offer asymmetrical joysticks that tend to be more comfortable for anyone who didn’t get their start at gaming on a PlayStation. That being said, it’s tough to switch from Sony’s symmetrical designs, which can be a bit more intuitive for fighting games and JRPGs.

Along with joysticks, the buttons themselves can be a pain point, depending on how a PC player is used to gaming. Xbox’s big logo pushes down menu buttons closer to the center of a gamepad, while PlayStation controllers have that big touchpad in the middle. Nintendo's controllers are in a bit of an in-between state, with the center of their controllers not having much at all going on. The perfect controller layout comes down to personal preference, but make no mistake that even slight differences will quickly become a blessing or a curse during gameplay.

Ergonomics: Regardless of the style or specs, a controller should feel comfortable to use, especially for those marathon gaming sessions. Unlike mice and keyboards, there is not a massive variety of ergonomic-focused controllers, but just because it's not in the name doesn't mean it has to be uncomfortable.

Each player is going to have their own opinions about textured grips versus smooth ones, but some factors are undeniable in this category. For instance, the thicker the texture of a controller, the more breathable it will be. Even though most textures seem innocuous, a player’s hands get hotter when using a smooth controller than with a textured one. In the same vein, textured controllers often use rubber and small, distinctive shapes around the handles, which almost immediately pick up dirt and dust, which in turn is impossible to clean.

Durability: No one wants to keep spending good money on bad controllers, and the best way to avoid that is to get controllers that will stand up to the test of time and a bit of gamer rage. Of course, not all of us have to deal with that last part, but controllers that wear down quickly only lead to more spending on peripherals.

Although many controllers are built with lightweight plastic, not all plastic is equal. ABS plastic is designed to be shock-absorbent and scratch-resistant. At the same time, poor-quality rubber can lead to peeling after just a few weeks of use. Two great ways to gauge the quality and longevity of a controller are to check the weight and the customer reviews. A heavier controller typically denotes higher quality materials being used, with controllers being advertised as lightweight, often listing their materials outright to promote trust in the construction.

Most users are quick to complain when a controller starts to fail or completely dies within a few weeks of purchase. While customer reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, the ratio of good to bad reviews should favor the controller overall – if it’s worthwhile.

Game Rant's Picks for the Best Wired Controllers for PC in 2024

Gamesir’s newest gaming controller is one that is set to compete with Microsoft’s Elite Series 2. Featuring Hall Effect triggers, it is the only Xbox controller to offer more advanced Hall Effect joysticks too. The controller is extremely durable overall, even though the faceplate is magnetically attached to make it easy to customize with paint.

The build is fairly lightweight, hiding its well-made haptic feedback and super responsive buttons. Two extra buttons on the back of the controller allow users to hotkey their favorite moves, while the Gamesir app opens up a world of customization. Players can change everything from the vibration intensity to the trigger sensitivity. The G7 SE is ideal for basically any player on PC or Xbox willing to use a wired controller. Game Rant reviewed the Gamesir G7 wired controller and concluded that it’s simply one of the best controllers around, even when including wireless options.

PowerA has a lot to offer gamers. In particular, their Enhanced wired controllers have something for everyone. Game Rant found in its PowerA Enhanced controller review that this controller is made with durable materials to resist drops or other rough handling that plenty of Nintendo Switch controllers experience. Furthermore, the PowerA Enhanced wired controller is perfectly compatible with PCs too.

There are dozens of designs, most of which feature famous characters or iconography from popular franchises like Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda. There’s even an RGB version for players who can’t get enough mood lighting while gaming. This incredibly affordable controller offers a long power cord and even two programmable buttons on the back. All in all, the PowerA Enhanced wired controller is the perfect Nintendo-style controller for PC players.

The Logitech F310 has been the go-to budget PC controller for many years now. That is for a good reason. At around $20, the price is hard to beat, especially for a controller from such a reputable name as Logitech. Now, this controller doesn't have all the frills of some others, but when a gamer needs a controller and doesn't want to spend more than $20, the F310 will get the job done and done surprisingly well.

When looking at other controllers that come at around $20, there is a good chance that many of these will end up in the e-waste bin within a week or two. In comparison, the Logitech F310 is made of quality materials and will easily last for quite a while. The only knock the F310 gets is that the ergonomics are less than ideal, but it is perfect for shorter gaming sessions or just to use vehicles in games like Battlefield. For players looking to grab a cheap wired controller, there’s no option more reliable than the F310.

The Turtle Beach React-R Game Controller is an Xbox controller that can also be used on PCs. While the design of the Turtle Beach React-R Game Controller is fairly stylized, this isn’t just some gimmick. The controller's size and shape are form-fitting for the hands, making it a great fit for anyone. The plastic shell may feel somewhat cheap, but the wrap-around texture helps promote airflow and prevents the slippery feel of more glossy controllers.

The Turtle Beach React-R Game Controller also comes with several standard features. For instance, the 3.5 mm jack allows for a mic to pass through, with extra controls assisting with great audio delivery from headsets on a console or PC. In addition to these extra audio controls are two programmable back buttons that allow players to hotkey moves on the fly. Available in a variety of colors, this stylish wired controller from Turtle Beach is great for audiophiles looking to add a distinctive peripheral to their gaming setup.

The Thrustmaster eSwap S is the best wired controller for customization. As the name suggests, players can swap out components to create a controller that perfectly fits their grip style and design preferences. Players can choose between tall and short joysticks, different texture levels on components, and more. The internals can likewise be customized, with two trigger stops and two extra programmable buttons placed on the back.

In addition, the overall build quality of this controller feels fantastic in hand, and the textured handles make it easy to hold onto for long gaming sessions. The only downside to the Thrustmaster eSwap S is the fact that all the personalized modules, such as the joysticks and D-pad, are sold separately. This can get a bit pricey, especially considering the upfront cost of the controller itself. Thankfully, most of the parts sold separately are fairly affordable. For players who want to have ultimate control over the layout of their gamepad, the Thrustmaster eSwap is the best way forward.

Players looking for a slight competitive edge against the Microsoft Elite Series 2 will find what they need from Razer’s RGB iteration of the Xbox controller. The stars of the show here are the six extra remappable buttons. While it’s common to see controllers with remappable buttons on the back, there are typically only two extra buttons. Razer’s design goes above and beyond with two extra bumpers, two back triggers, and two back paddles.

Along with these extras are some recognizable features that are common in premium controllers. Two trigger stops allow players to have a hair trigger on the fly, while interchangeable thumbsticks let users adjust the amount of texture on the controller without changing the height and width of the joysticks. Although it’s expensive, players who want a top-tier, customizable wired controller won’t be disappointed in Razer’s Wolverine V2 Chroma. Plus, the controller software is extremely responsive, eliminating any latency issues.

Retro gaming is undergoing a resurgence of popularity lately. As such, there are a ton of gamers pining for the old days. For those who want the full experience, there’s no better way forward than with a wired retro controller. 8Bitdo is already well-known for its retro controllers thanks to their attention to detail and the high-quality materials used.

This SNES-style controller keeps the original button layout but adds two joysticks to the mix for expanded game compatibility and overall comfort. The controller is available in a classic gray color and even comes complete with two free thumbstick covers for extra flair! While it isn't perfectly identical to the original SNES controller, the changes made offer players a more versatile and comfortable experience. This wired controller from 8Bitdo is perfect for retro gaming fans who want a more authentic playing experience.

Players often want an RGB controller because of the aesthetics it offers, especially when one's gaming setup already has lighting effects. The PowerA Spectra Infinity is an amazing option for RGB enthusiasts as it blends looks with functionality quite well. Possessing the layout of a traditional Xbox controller, this one makes transitioning easier and has excellent button layout and placement. The noteworthy feature of this controller is the RGB lighting that is not only embedded within the buttons and analog sticks but also circles the edges. Moreover, the RGB lighting is controllable with 20 different colors to match the setup theme.

The analog sticks are responsive, and the dual rumble motors make gaming more immersive. Furthermore, the three-way trigger locks allow customizing the triggers to suit the gameplay and can be advantageous to competitive players. At the back, two remappable buttons are easy to reach and can provide further functionality in games. Officially licensed for Xbox, this controller easily works with the PC and Xbox consoles. Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty, so gamers can have peace of mind that it will last a few years.

Playing a fighting game with a regular controller or a mouse and keyboard setup does not feel the same as using arcade sticks or a dedicated fighting controller. Fortunately, controllers like the HORI Fighting Commander OCTA are designed for fighting games, making them the best fit for fighting game enthusiasts. Aside from its compatibility with the PC, the Fighting Commander controller also works with the PlayStation 4 and 5. At first glance, the easily adjustable directional pad is positioned on the upper left of the controller. There's also an analog stuck with an eight-way gate to increase the accuracy of attacks.

To convey the sense of being a true fighting game controller, there's a six-button layout that is placed in a way that allows users to conveniently press a button using their right thumb or fingers. The controller also has a 3.5mm headphone jack along with onboard audio controls for when players want to plug in and enjoy the sound. Players can also customize settings at will using the PC companion app. It's worth mentioning that some users have noted that the D-pad tends to feel loose after many hours of use. Nonetheless, this is an excellent option for fighting game fans.

FAQ

Q: Are wired or wireless controllers better?

One benefit of using a wired controller instead of a wireless one is that a wired connection offers a faster connection with minimal latency issues. Because the controller is connected to the PC via a direct wire, there's no need to worry about things like interference or connectivity issues. Another bonus of using a wired controller instead of a wireless one is that wired controllers tend to have longer lifespans because they don't rely on batteries or recharges.

Q: Will a wired controller work with my PC or console?

This all depends on how it connects. Most wired controllers are designed to be compatible with a wide range of gaming systems, including PCs and popular consoles like the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. However, it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's website or the product listing to make sure that the controller is compatible with your specific system.

Q: Is it possible to use a wired controller on a device that does not have a USB port?

In general, a wired controller can only be used on a device that has a USB port. If the device does not have a USB port, it may not be possible to use a wired controller with it.

Q: Are wired controllers better for PCs?

Unlike their wireless counterparts, wired controllers don't need batteries to run. This means players can game for long periods without worrying about charging the controller. They're also easy to set up, with gamers needing to just plug and play.