Best Game Controller For Mac And Pc

Jan 13, 2020 Microsoft Xbox One Controller. Microsoft's Xbox One controller is the gold standard for PC gaming, thanks to its ergonomic design and intuitive button layout. It's plug-and-play with nearly all modern PC games, and sports Bluetooth for easy wireless use. 3D audio leader Nahimic joins the SteelSeries family: Read More Best Gaming Controllers All of our gaming controllers are completely wireless and designed to provide you with the best gaming experience on Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, and Apple TV. Jan 01, 2020  10 Best Controllers for PC Gaming of 2019. By Benjamin Barr Sep 3, 2019. Once upon a time, the gaming world was dominated by consoles. Nowadays, the PC is a major player, and it continues to gain steam as more and more fans flock to it. Apr 01, 2020  When it comes to buying the best controller for PC gaming, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to price and design. While there’s plenty of high-tech controllers available that you can use for a multitude of games, that doesn’t mean you also have to spend an arm and a. Mar 08, 2019  How to Connect Any Console Game Controller to a Windows PC or Mac Anthony Heddings @anthonyheddings Updated March 8, 2019, 2:19pm EDT Console controllers don’t always work as soon as you plug them into a Windows PC or Mac. The best console controllers for playing games on a Mac. Sony DualShock 4 for PlayStation 4. You’re in luck if you own a PlayStation 4. Sony may be the company that infamously resisted crossplay with. Xbox 360 controller. Xbox One controller. Steam Controller. Nintendo Pro Wireless Controller.

Mac OS X has limited support for playing games , thus the support for Game controllers i.e Gamepad & joysticks is limited too. But you may want to connect your PS2/PS3 or Xbox 360 gamepad / joystick controller to Play games on Mac for playing games or performing mouse or keyboard actions. Here are the Top 3 Best Free Gamepad / Joystick controller app software for Mac OS X which let you play any game via your Joystick or gamepad even if the game doesn’t support it.

Gamepad / Joystick Controller App # 1 – Enjoyable

Enjoyable can be classified as the Best Gamepad or Joystick mapper for Mac OS X . Its so good that its even better than the paid ones.

Enjoyable lets you use your any game controller (Wii Mote, PS2 / PS3 / xBox controller) on Mac OS X by mapping keyboard keystrokes & mouse movements to your Joystick.

Thus, you can easily simulate keyboard keypresses & mouse-movements directly via your gamepad, to play virtually any game using your joystick on Mac OS , even if the game doesn’t support Joystick input.

Incase, if you need to know how exactly does Enjoyable work – You can check the Enjoyable configuration tutorial for Gamepad here

Gamepad Controller App # 2 – USB Overdrive

USB Overdrive is yet another good app to control & map any external usb device to Mac OS X, and not just gamepads & joystick controllers. Mac compatible gaming joystick.

USB Overdrive is thus an ideal alternative for Xpadder for Mac OS X, and thus can be used to connect your Bluetooth PS4 Controller as well.

Plus, the best thing is that USB Overdrive is actively developed & supported and is compatible with all Mac OS X variants such as Mavericks, Yosemite, Snow Leopard, Mountain Lion, El Capitan and even Mac OS Sierra too.

Joystick Controller App # 3 – Enjoy2

Enjoy2 is an alternative to Enjoyable for Mac OS C and is fairly good & capable as well.

Its perhaps more easier to use than Enjoyable & USB Overdrive and is very user friendly.

Plus it also supports pre-loaded configurations so that you don’t need to configure & map each button & analog of your joystick to keyboard/ mouse input.

The app too is actively developed & works on all Mac os x Variants.

Thus, these are the Best Top 3 free gamepad / joystick controllers for Mac OS X, incase if you now any other good app or have some query feel free to comment.

Choosing the best game controller for PC isn’t something you should turn your nose up at. Yes, we all love mouse and keyboard, but sometimes controllers are best, depending on the game in question and, of course, the controller itself. From basic analogue joystick controllers to full-fledged aircraft cockpit control replicas, controllers have a well-deserved place in the PC gaming market.

Whether it’s a great wired or wireless pad, an official or third-party device, having a well-built, comfortable controller can really make the difference to your game. So it’s important you make the right choice.

We’ve checked out the official Microsoft Xbox One and Elite pads, as well as the excellent Sony DualShock controller. But the likes of Scuf and Razer are all making decent alternatives if you’re looking to peacock with a funky design or just want a host of different buttons at your thumbs’ disposal. But the biggest gamepad decision is about whether you favour the Xbox’s offset thumbstick design or the symmetrical PlayStation layout. There are die-hard fans in either camp, but for our money the offset design gives you the best balance between control and easy access to the buttons.

But there are specific controllers for other game genres too. A flight or space-based sim really demands a quality flightstick, especially one with a separate throttle for those BSG Viper-esque, non-Newtonian dogfights. And if you’re a dedicated racer then a steering wheel, with good force-feedback, can shave valuable seconds off your in-game lap times. And may even save your life, as I found out…

What is the best game controller for pc in 2020?

It is an incredibly close-fought battle, but we think the best PC controller is the Xbox One wireless pad. It’s incredibly well-built, with smart ergonomics, excellent triggers, and is always reliable. The offset D-pad/thumbstick layout might erk the PlayStation faithful, but for our money we think it the best choice.

But the DualShock 4 is an incredible pad in its own right, with hands-down the best, most accurate thumbsticks in the business. But if you’re not bothered about the cost, the Xbox One Elite Series 2 is the ultimate gamepad, from both a design and build-quality point of view.

Best controller for pc

Microsoft Xbox One Wireless controller

Xbox One pad specs

A close race between this and the Sony DS4, but Microsoft's pad just about edges ahead for solid PC compatibility.

  • ConnectionWireless/Micro USB
  • Power2x AA batteries
  • Buttons17
  • LayoutXbox
View

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What we like
3.5mm jack
Great offset layout
Bluetooth support

The latest wireless Xbox One pad is sublime. For my money it’s the best PC controller you can buy right now. There may be a growing rank of PC gamers lining up behind Sony’s DualShock 4 as the go-to gamepad, but the ever-so-slightly redesigned Xbox One pad’s got it all.

The overall layout has barely changed from the very first Xbox One controllers, but considering how well conceived and solidly-built they were that’s no bad thing. The balance of the pad in the paw is excellent and curved grip’s comfortable and well machined. The Xbox One wireless controller is a beautifully, ergonomically designed piece of peripheral hardware and it’s tough to see how it’s going to be bettered. For now it’s absolutely the best PC controller out there.

great for the thumbsticks

Sony DualShock 4 controller

Sony DS4 specs

The DS4 is a fantastic pad, with hands-down the best analogue sticks in the market. If only those triggers weren't quite so lame..

  • ConnectionWired/Wireless
  • PowerLi-ion
  • Buttons19
  • LayoutPlayStation
$59.69

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What we like
Analogue stick supremacy
3.5mm jack
Bluetooth support

PC support for the PlayStation’s DualShock 4 pad is growing, both from gamers and from a technological point of view. Valve has updated Steam to allow full configuration of the DS4 in the same way you can mess with the (frankly rubbish, yes it is… yes it is) Steam controller. That doesn’t, however, mean all Steam games will support it equally though.

I still prefer the Xbox pad’s offset layout, and those trigger buttons are horrible, but the actual analogue sticks themselves are hands down the best around. If only we could get an Xbox pad with the DS4’s sticks. Time to get modding…

great for contrarian hipsters

Nintendo Switch Pro controller

Switch Pro specs

With its own Steam profile Nintendo's Pro controller will happily hook up with the PC. But beware the lack of analogue triggers..

  • ConnectionBluetooth/USB-C
  • PowerLi-ion
  • Buttons 18
  • LayoutXbox
View

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What we like
Fantastic battery life
Incredibly well-built
USB-C and Bluetooth

Best Game Controller For Mac And Pc Download

The Nintendo Switch Pro has been made specifically for the diminutive console, but has been given its own Steam profile and can be connected to your gaming PC with either a wireless Bluetooth connection or, if you want to get configured in Steam, via a USB-C cable.

And it’s a quality pad too, feeling solid and reassuringly robust in the hand. The thumbsticks feel good and the buttons satisfying. It’s also got an unprecedented 40-hour battery life via Bluetooth too. Unfortunately it does suffer for being designed for the Switch because it lacks proper analogue triggers, something that’s important for a growing number of games, and is absolutely vital in any arcade racer that isn’t Mario Kart.

Best high-end controller for pc

Microsoft Xbox One Elite Series 2

Elite Series 2 specs

The money-no-object PC controller of our dreams. It's reassuringly weighty, robust, configurable, and oh-so pleasing to hold.

  • ConnectionWireless/Micro USB
  • PowerLi-Ion
  • Buttons21
  • LayoutXbox
View

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What we like
All the paddles
Built-in battery
High build quality

I mean, yeah, spending this much on a joypad might seem pretty crazy, but the Elite Series 2 is one seriously beautiful controller. Almost everything about it has been designed to just scream ‘QUALITY!’ in your face. It’s an evolution over the previous version rather than a revolution, but it’s got everything we loved about the original Elite, plus everything the competition has added to their high-end pads to try and compete.

It’s beautifully built, impressively responsive, and ultra versatile too. But I’m still not 100% sure that it’s worth that hefty a price premium over the standard Xbox One controller, which is why the Elite Series 2 isn’t down as our absolute, must-have, best PC controller in this test. It’s the pad you might aspire to, especially if you’ve ever had one in your hands, but it’s most definitely a luxury rather than a necessity.

Read our full Microsoft Xbox One Elite Series 2 review.

great for big buttons

Nacon Revolution Unlimited

Revolution specs

Best game controller for mac and pc software

A solid wired/wireless controller that's a worthy runner-up to the excellent Xbox Elite pad.

  • ConnectionWired/Wireless
  • PowerLi-Polymer 1300mAh
  • Buttons21
  • LayoutXbox
$134.00

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What we like
Great build quality
Asymmetrical layout
Excellent thumbsticks

Many companies have tried to match the quality of Microsoft’s Xbox One Elite controller, but very few have managed to nail its mix of serious build quality and ultra customisation. But Nacon’s pad succeeds in both and also manages to mix both the excellent PlayStation thumbsticks and touchpad with the Xbox asymmetrical layout.

The only issue is the software. It refuses to connect unless you’re wired in and some of it’s wordless iconry is borderline impenetrable. But there are a whole host of customisation options buried in there if you really want to go deep.

Read our full Nacon Revolution Unlimited review.

great for paddle switch lovers

Scuf Gaming Impact

Scuf Impact specs

A decent alternative to the DS4, using the same connectivity, trackpad, and layout, but adding in paddle buttons to the mix.

  • ConnectionBluetooth/Micro USB
  • PowerLi-ion
  • Buttons22
  • LayoutPlayStation
View

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What we like
Paddle-palooza
Customisable
Best of Xbox and PlayStation

Scuf Gaming does a whole host of serious gaming controllers, in both Xbox One and Playstation 4 trim. That means it will connect either via the Microsoft wireless dongle or Bluetooth. But you do also get a whole bunch of paddle switches on both the Impact and the Infinity 1 controllers. They’re solid, and require quite a bit of force to actuate, but that means you won’t end up hitting them by accident. And they also come in designer threads too. Shiny.

But they’re also the most expensive pads we’ve checked out so far. The Golden Dragon version especially – and you really are paying over $200 for the privilege of sweating over some fake dragon scales. The fancy colours and the paddles switches are the only things which mark these controllers out from the competition. But if you want to peacock with your pad, then Scuf will have you covered.

great for rgb fans

Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma

Wolverine TE specs

Desperately trying to be Razer's Elite-beater the Wolverine just doesn't quite have the same impact as the exceptional Microsoft pad.

  • ConnectionWired
  • PowerUSB
  • Buttons20
  • LayoutXbox
$99.99

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What we like
Clicky as heck
RGB!
Plenty of added functionality

The Cult of Razer… from its Texas compound… has obviously taken one look at the Xbox One Elite controller and said, we can do better than that.

It can’t. It’s added in some extra microswitched buttons to the Wolverine, some adjustable hair-triggers, dropped in a pair of pseudo paddle switches on the underside of the pad and kept it otherwise very clean. It’s a fantastic pad, but can’t quite hold a candle to the Elite.

Best cheap controller for pc

EasySMX Wireless

Easy SMX specs

Based more around the classic Xbox 360 pad than the Xbox One, the Easy SMX is nevertheless an excellent budget choice for a wireless pad.

  • ConnectionWireless 2.4GHz
  • Power2x AA batteries
  • Buttons17
  • LayoutXbox
$39.99

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What we like
Cheap
Wireless
Solid layout

The EasySMX Wireless is proof positive you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a well-built PC gaming controller. Sure, it’s losing some of the finesse of the other, more expensive pads, and is more aping the original Xbox 360 controller than the modern Xbox One version, but it’s got a decent battery life and the wireless connection is solid.

It’s also an absolute bargain, even if the triggers maybe don’t feel quite as accomplised as you might want them to be. But it’s still a solid, reliable controller that doesn’t cost the earth, and you can’t really ask a lot more than that.

Best PC flightstick

Thrustmaster Warthog

Warthog specs

There has been no better flightstick created before or since the Warthog. Modeled on the actual A10's throttle and stick it's the ultimate Elite Dangerous and Star Citizen companion.

  • HOTASYes
  • Programmable buttons22
  • Hat switches4x 8-way, 2x 4-way
  • Z-axis rotationNo
$249.99

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What we like
Satisfying clicky switches
Chunky (it’s a good thing)
Fantastic throttle action

Thrustmaster’s Warthog flightstick is a replica of the controllers in the classic A-10 Tankbuster, seemingly hewn from the same military-grade materials, and probably only slightly cheaper than a second-hand plane. Yes, the Warthog is frighteningly expensive, but if you’re already looking to pick up a dedicated flight-sim joystick then you’ve probably got pretty niche tastes – and this is the best way to satisfy them.

The Warthog has been around for a while now, but I’ve still seen no other flightstick come close to the feeling I get when using it. It’s a lot of money, but still manages to feel worth it when you’re hurtling through an asteroid belt, flipping on a pirate, and reducing their ship to tiny bits of melty scrap. That said, I’m still keen to see what Logitech does with the Saitek brand in the future, then we could see some real flightstick-y competition.

Best PC steering wheel

Fanatec Clubsport

Clubsport specs

The pinnacle of PC racing perfection. Fanatec's expensive setup delivers incredible feedback fidelity both through the steering wheel and even the pedals.

  • Rotation900°
  • Buttons17
  • Pedals3
  • Adjustable pedalsYes
View

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What we like
Incredible force feedback
Modular
Precision engineered

Pc Controller Games Free Download

Sooo, yeah… the Fanatec Clubsport setup is the price of a powerful gaming PC, but it is also the stuff of gaming peripheral dreams. NSFW dreams. I mean, this is serious tech pr0n stuff right here, and it’s all down to just how beautifully designed, created, and finished the Clubsport kit is. If you don’t go for one of the pre-configured bundles you’ll have to create your own, picking and choosing from a very long list of goodies.

The main wheel base is the same across the board, but then you can fit different steering wheels, gearshifts, and pedals to the mix. And they’re all built out of solid lumps of metal and precision engineered components. The Fanatec system has hands-down the best force feedback system I’ve ever used, even down to feedback from the pedals, too. I would question why anyone at all would even consider plugging this stunning bit of hyper-expensive kit into an Xbox One, but for the well-off racing nut the Fanatec Clubsport system has me running out of superlatives.

great for force feedback

Thrustmaster T300 RS

T300 RS specs

A quality second-tier option after the Fanatec, and one that is still able to offer an excellent level of force feedback to aid your racing.

  • Rotation1080°
  • Buttons15
  • Pedals2
  • Adjustable pedalsNo
View

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What we like
Less than the cost of a car
Solid force feedback
Fantastic wheel

When it comes to the more realistically-priced racing wheels it’s a toss-up between Thrustmaster and Logitech. The T300RS isn’t Thrustmaster’s most expensive option, but it is still a fantastic wheel nonetheless.

It might not have the faux-luxury, faux-leather of the G920 or G29 Logitech setups, but in terms of its force feedback Thrustmaster has just about got them pegged. I do prefer the pedals of Logitech, but it’s the racing feel you want from a good wheel and that’s why the T300RS crosses the finish line just ahead of them.

So there you have it. Microsoft’s Elite Controller is the very pinnacle of PC controller goodness. But, if you have a little cash to spend the standard Microsoft Xbox One Wireless controller can’t be otherwise beat. With sublime design and well-machined construction raring to go, Microsoft has the best PC controller top two on lock down.

But that doesn’t completely disqualify some of the tough competition. Personal preference can’t be cast aside, and no doubt some of you out there prefer the parallel thumbstick design of the Dualshock 4. We’re also well-aware of a vocal dozen or so gamers who even pick the Steam controller as their weapon of choice.

Immersive setup: Grab the best gaming monitor

“It just takes some time to get used to,” or so they say – with misplaced confidence, might I add. They’re obviously wrong and are mostly trying to justify their purchase, and the hours they’ve put into ‘perfecting’ their profiles. Those people are often best avoided…

And for the budget-conscious of you on the lookout for the best cheap PC controller, it doesn’t get much better than the Easy SMX wireless. While it may not have the flashy lights of the Razer peripherals or the functionality of the Elite, you just can’t beat the solid construction and simple plug and play functionality that the Easy SMX offers up for just a little dosh.