Some PC games are simply more enjoyable with a PC controller. Fact.
For those moments when you’re tired of hunching over your gaming desk and just want to kick back and relax with some of your favourite JPRGs or real-time strategy games, PC gaming controllers are a superb option.
While no match to the accuracy and agility of the traditional mouse and keyboard, particular game genres will still work perfectly when you play them using a dedicated controller for PC gaming. And, we’ve got the best of the bunch for you right here.
So which are the best PC controllers in Australia? Let’s find out!
Best Controllers For PC Gaming
To bring you our breakdown of the best PC controllers, we’ve tested some of the best in the business to provide a list suitable for budgets of all sizes.
From ultra-premium and customisable gaming PC controllers to cute plug-and-play experiences, here are some of the best controllers for PC gaming that you can purchase right now in Australia.
The best controllers for PC gaming are:
- Microsoft Elite Wireless 2 Controller – Best Overall
- ASUS ROG Raikiri Pro – Best Looking
- Scuf Instinct Pro – Most Customisable
- Logitech F310 – The Cheapest
- Razer Wolverine V2 – Best Wired Controller
- Sony Dualsense Wireless Controller – Best Haptic Feedback
- SteelSeries Stratus Duo – Best For VR
Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller 2
Best PC Controller Overall
Price: $249.00 | Wireless: Yes
Battery Life: Up to 40 Hours
Compatibility: Windows 10, Windows 11, Xbox & Xbox Series X
It comes as no surprise that the best Windows PC controller is also a Microsoft product. But that’s not the only reason why the Elite Wireless 2 stands tall.
Despite its familiar aesthetics, the ergonomics of the Elite Wireless 2 are strides above its predecessor and there’s a sweet 40-hour battery life packed inside.
Featuring two connectivity options (wired and wireless via the included adapter), the Elite Wireless 2 Controller is littered with customisability; enabling you to truly have it your way. There are interchangeable buttons, a companion software to control every aspect of your gameplay and the grips are nothing short of brilliant.
Microsoft has truly nailed every aspect of the Elite Wireless 2 PC controller and you can purchase one of these bad boys for just short of $250.
For the gamer who appreciates good quality design, go for the Elite Wireless 2.
ASUS ROG Raikiri Pro
Best Looking PC Controller
Price: $269.00 | Wireless: Yes
Battery Life: Up to 48 Hours
Wireless Compatibility: Windows 10 & Windows 11
Wired Compatibility: Xbox One & Xbox Series X
If Microsoft’s Elite Wireless 2 controller is not your cup of tea, then $20 more will bag you the ASUS ROG Raikiri Pro. You won’t be disappointed.
Learn More: ASUS ROG Raikiri Pro Review
Beyond its stunning design and tactile buttons, the ASUS ROG Rakiri Pro features a beautiful OLED display at the front of the controller and a built-in digital-to-analogue converter that will extract the most from your wired gaming headsets; even if they are terrible! A design that offers far more than just nice buttons and a set of customisation options.
For that, the Rakiri Pro delivers incredible value for money.
Okay, so there are no swappable buttons and Xbox gamers might feel that the Raikiri Pro has pushed them to the side a little when stacked against the Elite Wireless 2. However, for PC gamers, the ASUS ROG Raikiri Pro offers a sweet alternative that will turn the heads of discerning audiophiles too.
Scuf Instinct Pro
Most Customisable PC Controller
Price: $360.00 | Wireless: Yes
Battery Life: Up to 30 Hours
Compatibility: Windows 10, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Xbox & Xbox Series X
For the serious or professional PC gamer, the Scuf Instinct Pro delivers unparalleled customisation. As the most customisable controller for PC gaming, the Instinct Pro offers precision FPS gameplay which is supported by second-to-none latency.
Mounted to its chunky form factor, there are customisable paddles located at both the rear and integrated into the grips. In addition, there are four interchangeable thumbsticks with each of them angled around the edges and topped with a semi-soft rubber grip. This blend of rubber and ergonomics ensures zero slipping when playing whilst giving your thumbs some love in the process.
When used with your mobile device, the Instinct Pro pairs well via Bluetooth and is also compatible with Windows 10, Mac OS, iOS, Android and Xbox. This makes the Instinct Pro one of the most versatile gaming controllers.
It’s going to set you back a few dollars, but you won’t regret it.
Logitech F310
Best Budget PC Controller
Price: $47.20 | Wireless: No
Battery Life: N/A
Compatibility: PC
For budget-conscious gamers looking for a PC controller that still has some bells and whistles, the Logitech F310 is a brilliant choice. Whilst it may look a tad retro, the F310 includes everything you will ever need such as dual joysticks, triggers, bumpers, a D-Pad, and face buttons. Believe me, it’s not from Wish!
Despite the $47 price tag, the F310 also comes with programmable buttons which is a massive surprise given its price point. However, the compromise here is that the physical controller is made of cheaper materials and is not customizable. The programming options are, well, pretty simple.
Nevertheless, what you do receive is a solid PC controller that won’t break the bank and has everything you could really want built straight into the unit. How have they managed this at such a cheap price point I will never know.
Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
Best Wired PC Controller
Price: $224.00 | Wireless: No
Battery Life: N/A
Compatibility: Windows 10 + Xbox Series X
Without hesitation, the Wolverine Chroma is the best-wired PC controller for gamers who want a dedicated solution for PC and Xbox. Not only is the Wolverine V2 controller incredibly well made, but Razer has also included its signature Chroma which reacts to your gameplay for a more immersive experience.
While it may have shorter grips, the unit feels premium and is comfortable to use even for extended gaming sessions. In addition, it comes with mechanical switches, which provide satisfying retro clickiness alongside optional triggers and two programmable buttons located on the rear side. To customize further and remap buttons, you can easily use the dedicated software provided.
It’s quite clear that the Razer Wolverine V2 closely follows the Xbox Elite controller model and, to be honest has delivered with great effect. When you consider that the Razer Wolverine V2 is $100 cheaper than the Scuf Instinct Pro, there’s a bucket load of value if you are okay without going wireless.
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller
Best PC Controller For Haptic Feedback
Price: $89.00 | Wireless: Yes
Battery Life: Up to 8 Hours
Wireless Compatibility: PS4, PS5, MacOS, iOS, Android
Wired Compatibility: Windows PC
You may be looking at the estimated 8-hour battery life of the DualSense and thinking that we made a mistake here. But we haven’t. The Sony DualSense is the best wireless PC controller with haptic feedback technology. Period.
Gaming is about immersion, and when it comes to heightened immersivity, there is no match for Sony’s DualSense controller. Not only is the asymmetrical nature of the DualSense a pleasure in your palms, but the haptics are insane. Popularised with haptic keyboards for mobile gaming, PC gamers can now enjoy haptic feedback with the Sony DualSense too.
When you fire an arrow, you feel it all the way through your fingertips.
So, if you are a gamer who only plays for a handful of hours and doesn’t mind docking your controllers the moment you are finished, enjoy getting one over your PlayStation mates as the haptic feedback technology is only available on PC too.
At just $89.00, there’s a bucket load of value here.
SteelSeries Stratus Duo
Best Controller For VR Gameplay
Price: $99.00 | Wireless: Yes
Battery Life: Up to 20 Hours
Compatibility: Windows 7+, Steam, Oculus Rift, Android & ChromeBook
Renowned predominantly for their value-for-money gaming headsets, who would have thought that the SteelSeries Stratus Duo would make our list of best gamepads for PC gamers? Well, it has and the Stratus Duo is a superb choice for VR gameplay.
Perfect for PCs, mobiles, and VR headsets from Oculus and Samsung, this clever and compact controller can easily be connected via its 2.4GHz dongle and will be good enough to last for 20 hours of gaming per charge.
The unit looks sleek, the controller is portable and you can say goodbye to remapping buttons with the Stratus Duo’s instant device recognition software. There is a slight downside in that the buttons situated in the middle are harder to press with bigger hands. However, no doubt you’ll be gunning that right trigger 95% of the time anyway.
For Zuckerberg acolytes or PC gamers who dabble in the occasional VR, the SteelSeries Stratus Duo is the ultimate choice.
The Final Word
So, there you have it! Our hand-picked list of the best controllers and gamepads for PC gaming. No matter whether you are a newbie or a seasoned pro, we guarantee one of these controllers is the perfect match for your setup.
While you might feel a little guilty for even looking at this article (after all, you should be pro PC components only), the fact remains that adding one of these quality PC controllers to your setup will benefit any game genre that does not involve spamming the trigger. Some control schemes are also just smoother with controllers (in particular racing games).
A keyboard and mouse combo will always be the master race with FPS games. However, there is room for one of these best PC controllers somewhere within your arsenal.
What’s your take on PC controllers? Yay or Nay?
Let us know in the comments below what you would consider the best controller for PC gaming. When you’re done, don’t forget to read up on our other blog posts.
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Content Disclaimer: This handpicked shortlist of the best PC Controllers has been independently written. GamePro has not been commissioned by any manufacturers featured on this list, nor have we received any royalties for this article. This includes financial reimbursement, free advertising or free gifts.
Should you click on any link to Amazon and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. But that’s just how we keep this website alive and free to use! Please hit us up in the comments with any questions you may have about the PC controllers and gamepads in Australia and we’ll hit you back as soon as possible.
FAQs
Still undecided whether to pull the trigger on a dedicated PC gaming controller? No sweat! Here are the most commonly asked questions our editors receive about controllers for PC gaming.
