PC Game Controller

Hey friends, I've been purchasing the parts to a new gaming PC over the last few weeks and the last piece of the puzzle is getting a wireless controller to play some couch worthy games (PC is set up in the living room). I've been keeping an eye out on Xbox one controllers and dual shocks however there's been no deals for quite some time and I'm starting to doubt there will be any before Black Friday sales. What would you do in my shoes? The options I see are
- bite the bullet and buy one of them full price
- buy a knock off (although I don't know if there are any reliable ones) and keep an eye out later in the year
- buy second hand (although they only look to be 10% cheaper than new)

Also happy to take any thoughts or suggestions on which way I should go. No console allegiances here. Thanks!

Comments

  • +4

    knock off? - prob not, very high chance you have to buy it again in the future
    second hand? - depends how much cheaper and the condition but most likely not

    if you can't find one on sale but need it asap then just go full price not like you have too many options here

    I'm still using the Xbox 360 wired controller for my pc that I got over 7 years ago but again I don't use my controller daily

    • I would go wired if my PC was close enough. I think you're right though. Probably just going to have to splash the cash

  • +1

    What's the normal full price?

    $85 at Computer Alliance with the adapter isn't too bad.

    • I've got a Bluetooth adaptor so I've been eyeing this off. https://cplonline.com.au/microsoft-4n6-00003-xbox-controller…

      • +1

        do you know for sure the bluetooth adapter works well? I bought a generic bluetooth USB adapter from ebay and it has issues/dropouts with my PS4 controller if i am further than 1m away. This could just be my bad luck but wanted to warn ya just in case.

    • +1

      I think you can get this bundle for $85 most places, however, it's still a pretty good price. The adaptor is $30~ on its own making the controller $55, which is decent IMHO.

      • Yeah on a second look as well, if I want to use a headset, I'll need the Xbox adaptor as bluetooth doesn't allow audio pass through

  • +1

    You might be able to find new ones on Gumtree. I've personally seen quite a few

    • Good call. Hadn't checked Gumtree yet

  • +2

    My 2 cents is the 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus. $57 from Kogan and work on PC, Switch, iOS and Android.

    https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/heybattery-8bitdo-sn30-pro-blue…

    Analog triggers and custom software for very detailed customisation and mapping.

  • +3

    I figured I'd be spending more time than usual gaming due to lockdown and given the controller is the bit you actually touch, decided to treat myself to an xbox elite series 2 controller. They're around $250, but can come down to closer to $200 on sale. Expensive but just oozes premium, is incredibly configurable, comes with a nice little carry case, charging dock, swappable sticks among other things and just feels like a nice bit of kit.

    If you're going to be gaming a lot then why not treat yourself? It feels so nice in hand. If only for occasional use then definitely go look at other options as mentioned in this thread.

    • +3

      +1 for the Elite controllers. That, plus a good quality screen (ultrawides FTW!) given that's what you're staring at all the time; although in OP's case as long as his TV is decent that'll do nicely.

      Honestly, it's hard work going back to a controller without paddles. Having a longer thumbstick is a nice benefit I wasn't actually expecting - although just the right one for aiming, mind you - but the weight in hand just feels really premium for no explainable reason.

      • I've seen really good reviews for them but I'll probably wait until they go on sale. At that price it's almost the second most expensive piece of the build (especially if I need to buy the adapter separately)

  • Get an xbox one controller for sure, it's basically the official PC controller. You'll need one with bluetooth (the older ones don't have bluetooth) or the wireless adapter for PC. The wireless adapter is a bit better than hogging up your bluetooth with controller, especially if you want to plug headphones into the controller. You could also use a USB cable but where's the fun in that.

  • I use an Elite Series 2 Controller on my Xbox and have used it on my PC too.

    Think you should get this, or get a standard Xbone Controller and get a control freaks clip on for the back paddles (comes in handy for FPS games where you don't want to move left thumb off the RS).

    Benefits of the Series 2 Controller is also:
    I have the back buttons mapped for 1) Jump 2) Slide / Crouch, 3) Ping (COD Warzone) and Y (Switch weapons / Plate Up - Warzone).

  • For pc use get something with a gyro. Using the gyro as a mouse substitute is miles ahead of using a stick and it opens up the games playable with a controller greatly. Using the gyro doesn't mean waving your hands around like your swatting flys.

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