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The best PC gaming controller according to The Wirecutter is....

How come a controller which requires extra work for it to run on pc is better than the plug and play Xbox controller?.
Arguing that DS is the better controller all you want, but Xbox controller is just better FOR PC because of tbe native support.
 
How come a controller which requires extra work for it to run on pc is better than the plug and play Xbox controller?.
Arguing that DS is the better controller all you want, but Xbox controller is just better FOR PC because of tbe native support.

The "extra work" requires maybe 3 or 4 mouse clicks. It's takes seconds. It's better for PC because it allows you to do so much more with it. You can customize it as much (or as little) as you'd like.
 
What? If I could use my Elite controller on my PS4 I would. Its my PC controller anyway.

The DS4 is good but it doesn't compare.
 
The Steam Controller is the best and it's not even close. I dare someone to play the Overwatch Beta on PC with a goddamn console controller lol.
The Gyro control is great, but that's the only remarkable feature of the hardware. The haptic touchpads are terrible at emulating the following: dpads, analog sticks, buttons, touchpads.
 
The "extra work" requires maybe 3 or 4 mouse clicks. It's takes seconds. It's better for PC because it allows you to do so much more with it. You can customize it as much (or as little) as you'd like.

Pretty much for any controller.
On PC it's not always about being the easiest to set initially.

Use whatever you want on PC.

I use a PS3 controller and the PC detects it as an Xbox controller.
Like there's no difference, so at this point, why would the xbox controller be better?
It's all about preference.
 
I finally got a setup where a DS3 and DS4 can work together on my PC.

Which drivers / software are you using?

Second Q: If they're not plugged in / powered on does the PC still see them? I'm still using the old Scarlet.Crush DS3 driver which makes the PC thing the controller is always present. Can be annoying if you want to use another type of gamepad.
 
The Gyro control is great, but that's the only remarkable feature of the hardware. The haptic touchpads are terrible at emulating the following: dpads, analog sticks, buttons, touchpads.

I'll give you a d-pad, but the touchpads don't need to emulate an analog stick, they're far superior in every way. Mouse-mode especially finally gives you the control, accuracy, and speed that a controller never could. No more negatively affecting game design to fit the controller!

Yes, the Steam Controller is easily the single most recent significant innovation in controllers and with exception of d-pad heavy games (fighting, 2D platformers, etc) it's the best.
 
Pretty much for any controller.
On PC it's not always about being the easiest to set initially.

Use whatever you want on PC.

I use a PS3 controller and the PC detects it as an Xbox controller.
Like there's no difference, so at this point, why would the xbox controller be better?
It's all about preference.
Button prompt.
 
It has the potential to be the best. But battery life prevent that :/

As for me, the best PC controller is the MLG Pro Circuit 360. I just love the build quality AND the switchable buttons. Seriously, why cant this be a bigger trend ? I just have only problem with it... It's not wireless :/
 
I'd say the Steam controller is probably the best because it can be used from the beginning to the end of using your PC and from any distance, along with providing tons of customization options.

It also can easily emulate a 360 controller and make use of a game's native support, but you can also make your own bindings for games with or without controller support.

BTW, even tho I have a Steam controller, would anyone say that with mouse joystick, the Steam controller is better than others whilst using X-input only? As a more simple plug and play option?
 
What a strange article. It says the DS4 is the best, despite its obvious drawbacks on PC, but it goes on later in the article to say the Elite controller is the best option, which of course it is.
 
They aren't wrong.

Best PC controller, and best console controller by a country mile.

Rechargeable battery, the sticks are where they should be, and the dpad is on point.
 
They aren't wrong.

Best PC controller, and best console controller by a country mile.

Rechargeable battery, the sticks are where they should be, and the dpad is on point.

Well if you are from bizarro world, then this is accurate...

Sticks are horrible and made from cheap rubber, also: symmetrical? No, just no...

The battery life is horrible and the X1 dpad is better, as is everything else.
 
DS4 vs XBO controller is very subjective. Sticks in the right place on the DS4? Says you. Everyone has their own preference for layout so that's a pretty pointless path of comparison to take.

On features, quality, ease of use and integration with PC though it's a bit rich to say the DS4 is the best controller for PC. Unless you're madly in love with the DS4 and have a stronge dislike for the XBO controller, then no, just no.
 
I don't see how a controller that does not have native drivers for the PC can be considered the best controller for it.

Exactly. I have some great controllers for PC but eventually I got a Wireless XBOX360 because I was tired of having to set them up for every new game, butoms prompts not matching my buttons...Ever since I tried the XBOX360 controller I haven´t gone back (except for fighting games when I use my MadCatz Fightstick), I can only imagine the Elite would be even better.
 
Shite DPad tho

And shite face buttons. It's sad that so many people like this inferior controller.
Especially when a superior option like DS4 exists. Good d-pad, excellent face buttons. Think outside the (x)box.

It's actually pretty hilarious to see PC gamers complain about having to install a driver to fully utilize DS4.
A driver! On PC no less!! The horror!!!
 
The best controller on PC for me always depends on the games I'm using it for.

I love plugging in my Dualshock 4 and using it for adventure games with extended play sessions like The Witcher 3 or any Dark Souls title.

When it comes to driving, nothing comes close to using the XBO triggers - especially in open world titles like GTA or Mafia 2.

When I need a proper user config, or I'm just messing about with new controller schemes, the Steam controller works wonders. It's a beautiful piece of tech.

And when it comes down to fighting games, plugging in a 360 compatible stick makes me so happy.

Honestly, PC gaming is absolutely incredible.
 
Xbox 360 Wireless is the best for me. Working since 5 years with no problems. Perfect compatibility and very comfy. Also ... I'm a sucker for button prompts. No prompts and I'm out (except it's an old game with no prompts at all).
 
Xbox Elite all the way. Easily customizable, including the paddles on the back. Not to mention you can choose from a variety of rechargeable batteries.

DS4 I would only pick for playing Street Fighter I think, other than that the Xbone Elite controller > All the rest.
 
Using the Dual shock touchpad as a mouse seems like a great idea in theory, but I never use it. It just doesn't feel all that great.

I used a PS4 controller for my PC up until I got Dark Souls 3 and Street Fighter and I started noticing about an 1/8 second delay, which is terrible for parrying and kicks.

I got an XBO pad and am so much happier. Sony still insists on using mushy bumper buttons and that abomination of a d-pad dating back to the 90's.
 
Well it's wirecutter so I know they're going to be have the most through reviews. Seriously look at their reviews for chairs or umbrellas.

I'm still more interested in the Valve's controller but when I do chose to buy I'll test out how the DS4 feels.
 
The only true, correct answer is :
USBcontroller.jpg
 
Symmetrical sticks....ew no. The dual shock line of controllers are among the most uncomfortable controllers I have ever used.

Assymetrical sticks for life! It's obviously the only reasonable choice for a hardware developer. My hands aren't symmetrical.
Our thumbs on our right hand are much shorter than the thumbs on our left.
/s
 
The Gyro control is great, but that's the only remarkable feature of the hardware. The haptic touchpads are terrible at emulating the following: dpads, analog sticks, buttons, touchpads.
I have no idea what you are talking about. The touchpads are terrible at being touchpads? What? And why would you want to emulate a thumb stick?

I've found the Steam Controller to be easily the best controller for the vast majority of games. Basically everything which doesn't depend on digital directional controls -- and everything which does depend on digital directional controls is best played with an arcade stick anyway.

Easy. You don't play Dark Souls on PC.
No, you play Dark Souls on PC. With a Steam controller. And are actually able to switch your spells while moving and adjusting the camera.

BTW, even tho I have a Steam controller, would anyone say that with mouse joystick, the Steam controller is better than others whilst using X-input only? As a more simple plug and play option?
I would. (And you can easily use the grip buttons to replicate face button functionality, often to significant effect, see above)
 
Steam controller fiend here.

It takes getting used to, but once you get the hang of it I feel the versatile nature and adaptability is unmatched. Fpses feel and play incredibly well on it.

But, it has limitations, so I also use the 360 Controller as well, when needed.

I'd like to get an xb1 pad as well, but it's too pricey for now.
 
I find myself liking the Xbox One Elite controller more than the DS4. I wish Sony would support the DS4 on PC, but until they do, it's not worth the extra work to get the thing working. And the battery life is shit on the DS4, can go 40 or so hours on a pair of AAs with the elite, have to recharge the DS4 constantly.
 
Well I'm maybe one of the few people that feels better with a PS controller instead of an XB one (joke not intended), so i couldn't agree more... but i think the steam controller is also a good alternative.
 
Best D-pad, touchpad for mouse inputs, tight sticks, great ergonomics.

Yeah, I have to agree. I use it on my gaming PC all the time. The driver situation is iffy but once you figure that out it's flawless every time.
 
Haven't noticed anyone mention it but the battery life really bothers me about the dual shock 4. I constantly keep a second one charged and ready to go when I'm gaming.
 
And the Wirecutter would be right.

There's so many advantages to using a DS4.

And all the people whining about Xinput. The Xinput library is SO EASY to setup for a DS4. Bang on a different drum please, that one is stale.

And if you need to figure out what is A or B by looking at your controller well... that's just unfortunate. You don't look at the pad while trying to press those buttons, I would hope.
 
Just because you don't agree with it doesn't make it clickbait.

Lies, everything we disagree with is just in it for the hits :)
How come a controller which requires extra work for it to run on pc is better than the plug and play Xbox controller?.
Arguing that DS is the better controller all you want, but Xbox controller is just better FOR PC because of tbe native support.
Nopes.

I swear I can't believe how many supposed PC gamers have so much issue with something like DS4Windows to use Xinput with a DS4. Is that hard?

I fear for you children when you try to install anything on your computer. How do you guys manage to install mods for games or use Reshade or you know... do anything fun on PC that it allows you to do?

And here I thought the whole benefit of a PC was having so many options at your disposal with just a bit of extra effort.... it's almost like people here treat their PCs like consoles. Sad.

Supposed PC gamers hating on the benefits that the PC platform provides.
 
Can't agree with this.I use Xbox One,Steam Controller and Ps4...and the Ps4 one is the one I have most problems with.

I think the Ps4 controller is the most comfortable in my hand though.But much prefer my other two for PC gaming
 
Hell nah, I wouldn't even use it on PS4 if I could hook up my XO or Elite without spending 70+ bucks. DS4 face and shoulder buttons just feel mushy imo.

Personal ranking: Elite > XO > WiiU Pro >> DS4 when it comes to current controllers that I've used so far.
 
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