5 Reasons to Upgrade to a Controller for Your PC Game

Many PC gamers use a gamepad to play their favorite games. They come in various forms; most connect to your computer via USB.

A good controller will offer comfort, performance, and features. It will also support a wide range of games. Choosing the right one for you depends on what you like to play.

More Comfort

The key advantage controllers have over keyboards and mice is a form factor designed to fit comfortably in your hands. This makes them more accessible to gamers with mobility or dexterity issues, and they can help you achieve a higher level of immersion thanks to features like vibration and tilt controls.

In addition to the comfort, controllers often offer better input. They can feature pressure-sensitive triggers, which allow you to control more nuanced in-game actions by adjusting how hard or soft you press a button. For example, if you press forward lightly, your character might walk, while pressing harder will cause them to run.

Some also have dedicated directional pads, touchpads, lighting, and other features to improve the gaming experience.

Better Input

A keyboard and mouse offer greater precision than a controller, essential for first-person shooters, real-time strategy games, and other titles where precise aiming is key. However, they also can be more difficult to learn and require more space than a controller.

Gamepads are an excellent choice for many games; some even have customization software to enhance your gaming experience. Some are wireless, which means you can play without being tethered to your PC. Whether you are trying to master 10-hit combos in Street Fighter V or perfect your Korean back-dash in Tekken 7, a good controller can make all the difference. This one has a modular design that lets you swap out modules, and it’s comfortable to hold for long gaming sessions. It’s only let down by a Micro USB connection and its lack of reversible back buttons. However, it’s still a great option for many players.

More Options

There’s no doubt that the mouse and keyboard are king in PC gaming, but there’s also plenty of options regarding controllers. There’s something for everyone, from a budget option to a premium choice, such as the Xbox controller for PC that provides comfort, versatility, and high-end features such as haptic feedback and programmable back buttons.

The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller is another solid choice that supports adaptive triggers and haptic feedback on PC, though it doesn’t have the programmable rear buttons that separate the top contenders. In addition, some options offer various input methods, such as Joysticks or steering wheels for racing games or even extra paddles for advanced gameplay. And, if you need to get away for a moment, it’s simple enough to move your gamepad into a comfortable couch spot and pick up where you left off.

Better Connectivity

Some controllers are configured to work without software, which means they are compatible with most PC games right out of the box. This makes them more dependable than keyboards and mice, often requiring drivers or software to function correctly. Some gaming controllers also provide haptic feedback, providing vibration and tilt controls to add to the immersive game experience. This is especially useful in action and racing games, where small changes in pressure can make the difference between winning or losing. Another advantage of using a controller for your PC is that it can be more comfortable than a mouse and keyboard, making it ideal for long gaming sessions. It also typically offers better precision and accuracy than a mouse, making it easier to aim in first-person shooters or other games that require precision. For the best gaming experience possible, pair your controller with a high-resolution monitor for added immersion and clarity.

Better Gaming Experience

Controllers offer a gaming experience that’s more immersive and responsive than a mouse and keyboard. They’re also more accessible for gamers with mobility or dexterity issues, making them a good choice for PC gaming. Controllers are better suited for games that require more movement and precise control, such as sports, racing, and fighting games. They’re also more versatile than console controllers, as they can be used on PC and work with both Xbox and PC games. However, there are a few drawbacks to using a controller on your PC. Most gamepads only support the Xbox controller, which can be problematic for gamers who want to play a mix of console and PC games. Furthermore, many controllers have fewer customization options than a keyboard and mouse. An uncomfortable controller can ruin your gaming experience, so you must find one with comfortable ergonomics and features you enjoy. Also, most controllers use batteries or USB power to run, so they must be charged or replaced periodically. That can be inconvenient when you’re in a long gaming session.