12 best gamepads

The world of games originated quite a long time ago, in the 80-90s, when the first slot machines appeared. In Russia, the same popularity gained consoles Dendy, popularized the console. Since then, many gamers have moved to the PC, and to better adapt them to the realities of computer games, peripheral device developers have developed special gamepads for the device market. They are used on consoles and PCs in games of various genres - simulators, races, shooters and fighting games. Game consoles without this device can not be imagined, just as it is convenient in computer games. Unfortunately, the stores are full of various devices that do not meet the requirements of modern gamers. This article is a guide for those people who want to have at their disposal the best gamepads.

Gamepad which company to choose

Engaged in the production of controllers rather large manufacturers, such as:

1. Logitech

Firm from Switzerland, making peripheral devices for PC. Famous for its innovative solutions and reliability. Devices are constantly being upgraded and improved, so that a large selection of devices from this company can be found on the market.

2. Defender

Brand in Russia, which produces peripherals and accessories for computers.

3. Microsoft

The largest multinational company producing various technologies, from software to mobile phones and PCs. Products are well combined with each other, so that synchronization between devices is available.

4. Razer

A company that develops gaming equipment for professionals and gamers who love their work. The leading manufacturer constantly releases drivers and welcomes feedback from users of their products.

5. Valve

A company that provides support for games in its Steam service. It adds compatibility modes to its devices, allowing the controller to simulate both the mouse and the keyboard right away.

The best gamepads for PC without wire

Logitech Wireless Gamepad F710

Microsoft's closest competitor. The model, painted in silver, has buttons of different colors. The form of the controller is similar to the well-known DualShock, because of which the user can simply start using it behind a PC. The device has a vibration effect, which creates an even greater immersion in the game world.

The gamepad has triggers that are hard enough to press, but easy to get used to. Its main advantage is the most reliable design, which will allow it to withstand various blows and even throws, but this is not highly recommended.

This device comes with two small joysticks with crosspieces, and 10 buttons.

According to reviews of gamers who use this device, we have formed the following advantages:

• Reliable design;
• Excellent vibration feedback;
• High ergonomics;
• Far enough works.

Minuses:

• Great value;
• It weighs a lot.

Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows

This gamepad is compatible not only with Xbox 360 gaming consoles, but also with regular PC games. And even more, some of the modern games are made for him. The unique ergonomics of the device made the controller comfortable and practical. Analog sticks and cross-pieces are rather non-standard, but users find it very convenient.

From the oddities - there are no embedded drivers that are installed automatically. In this gamepad, they are not, and you need to install them from the disk that comes with it. Wireless communication is valid up to three meters. Two AA batteries guarantee uninterrupted battery life. The device is very simple, and you can handle it on an intuitive level.

The advantages of the controller are as follows:

• Excellent vibro;
• Convenient button layout;
• Many game developers support this particular device.

Disadvantages:

• High price.

Valve Steam Controller

This controller is different from all its counterparts, which are represented on the PC gamepad market. The device works with the console Steam Machines, combined with a computer, emulating not only the mouse, but also the keyboard. A block of buttons includes a cross, an analog stick, keys for extensive functionality, and two sensory trackpads. The power source supports “life” in the device for about 40 hours of continuous work.

As for the functionality, the gamepad is still filled with various sensors and additional options, among which there is an accelerometer and a gyroscope. In addition, the device can be customized for yourself. Two trackpad will allow to express themselves even in those games that are not designed for controllers.

Feedback from users who used this device, allowed to form the following positive aspects:

• Ergonomics;
• Convenient trackpads;
• Reliability;
• Wide functionality.

Minuses:

• Not found.

Best wired PC gamepads

Defender Game Racer X7

This model is a converted clone of the DualShock 3 version, which was not friendly with the PC. This device, unlike it, very much works with computer games. The creators remade the center of the controller, making it a little wider. This was done in order to place five buttons on it at once, instead of three, which can be found in the original version. Cross also increased in order to improve the ergonomics of the device.

Low cost - the main feature of this device. Vibrootdacha also worked out for glory, it allows you to feel like a participant in the battles in games. The main difference between the device and similar devices is the presence of a special lever with which you can write macros.

The main advantages of the model, formed by reviews of gamers:

• Present button TURBO;
• Low price;
• Great device design.

Minuses:

• When you change the game you need to switch modes of the controller.

SVEN X-Pad

The classic design of the device will delight any gamer. On the arms of the device there are rubberized lining. They improve the grip of the palms with the device, preventing it from falling. The controller is connected via USB, you can find two joysticks with a cross and 12 buttons on it. In operation mode, the Rumble button is highlighted in blue.

The controller works without drivers, but if you wish, you can reconfigure the buttons from the control panel of the operating system. All sticks are pressed smoothly enough, and vibration can even warn about the appearance of opponents on the screen. As many as 6 buttons can be programmed to suit your own needs, which in modern simulators will not be superfluous.

Based on customer reviews that used this model, you can identify the following advantages:

• Low cost;
• Extensive functionality;
• A large number of buttons for programming.

Minuses:

• Short wire;
• Battery weak.

DEFENDER GAME RACER TURBO

Firm Defender has created a controller for games, which immediately attracted many fans due to its low cost and interesting functionality, created in the case of the usual device for PS2. This device is designed to explore the gaming worlds on a computer, but despite this, the kit includes an adapter that allows you to connect the controller to consoles.

The case of the model has a rubberized structure, and the device itself has a fairly standard set of buttons, including not only sticks and cocks, but also special Turbo and Analog buttons that activate special modes. Unfortunately, analog sticks are not covered with a soft soft touch, which is why fingers sometimes slip through. The device is connected via USB, and has 12 buttons available.

Based on feedback from gamers who use this controller model, we identified the following advantages:

• Cheap device;
• Ability to work not only with a computer, but also with PS1 / PS2;
• Vibration feedback.

Minuses:

• Lack of soft-touch;
• The creaking of buttons with long use.

Thrustmaster GPX LightBack Ferrari F1 Edition

Quite recently, Thrustmaster has agreed with Ferrari about the production of gaming devices with their famous symbols. After some time, this gamepad appeared, which was issued in the colors of the manufacturer of sports cars from Italy. The device is equipped with a wire of about 3 meters, and supports connection to both PC and Xbox 360.

The gamepad is made in red and white, and on the case you can find the logos of all the sponsors of the Formula. Four of the main buttons covered with multi-colored engraving. Racing simulators with the support of this controller with LED indicators will be rated very well. Games of another genre are also excellent, because the model is made in the form of an Xbox 360 controller, which will have a great effect on management and other manipulations.

Judging by the reviews of users of this device, it has the following positive aspects:

• Fits almost all games;
• Funny colors;
• Sticky highlights;
• High strength construction;
• Light indicators.

Minuses:

• The high cost of the device.

LOGITECH GAMEPAD F310

This model has attracted fans of games not only because of its affordable price, but also because of the excellent performance and the broadest functionality. On the Logitech controller there is a pair of joysticks, a D-pad, a dozen buttons, among which there are even triggers that can be programmed for any actions in games. This popular brand enters into contracts with game developers who, when developing them, introduce support for the company's devices. As a result - the minimum presence of failures.

Several modes are supported - Xinput and DirectInput, thanks to which the device works with most of the tiles on the PC, and you can forget about any incompatibilities. Model F310 gamepad is firmly entrenched in the gaming market thanks to its ease of use and incredible reliability.

Based on user feedback, these advantages were formed:

• Highest reliability;
• Built-in support for game creators;
• Low cost;
• Low weight.

Minuses:

• No vibration mode;
• The cross is uncomfortable for people with large palms.

Best gamepads for consoles and other devices

Sony Dualshock 4

This gamepad is considered almost the best in the world. If we compare it with previous versions, it became a bit more, which was an added convenience for players who were tired of their hands on small devices. The device has some drawbacks, but in comparison with the built-in modern technologies and high orientation for the future, it has become the undisputed market leader in peripherals for consoles.

The main advantage of the model is the sensory model, which allows you to use the gamepad as a mouse, and in various shooters, for example, having made a swap, the hero will throw a grenade at enemies. The model is perfectly assembled, and is covered with a special material that does not allow the device to slip out of the hands. Also, the device has a built-in motion sensor.

Based on the opinions of gamers using this controller, you can deduce the following advantages:

• Excellent ergonomic design;
• Convenient arrangement of buttons and sticks;
• Touch touch panel;
• Share button.

Minuses:

• In offline mode, the device does not work long.

Razer wildcat

The flagship gamepad for the console from the company Razer. This expensive device has a futuristic design, but the standard arrangement of buttons and sticks.

We added several profile indicators, and the crosspiece was divided into four separate buttons. For shooters, this decision was very successful, because the chance to miss in the right direction went to zero. Comfortable silicone overlays of traditional green color will not allow the device to slip out of hand, improving the ability to aim and eliminating the likelihood of false triggering of buttons.

Pluses of the device:

• Excellent management;
• Work with various platforms;
• High ergonomics.

Minuses:

• Cost

Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Mobile Gamepad for Android

Recently, virtual entertainment is increasingly being released for tablets and smartphones. But control with a sensor is not always suitable for such games, and then this controller comes to the rescue.

Firm Mad Catz, different funny design, released a gamepad that works not only with devices based on Android, but also with a PC. Although, the main task of the device is to provide convenient control for mobile devices and tablets.

The gamepad has 4 buttons, a crosspiece, two analog sticks and 2 shifta with triggers. Soft-touch cover and finger grooves fit perfectly into the ergonomics of the device. On the front panel, you can find a lever that is responsible for the modes of operation "Game Smart", "Mouse" and "PC".

Based on feedback from gamers who use this device, you can identify the following advantages:

• Ability to use with Android devices;
• Headset connectors;
• Good battery.

Minuses:

• High price.

Microsoft Xbox One Wireless Controller Elite

If you look at this gamepad for the first time, then the cross and metal handles will immediately catch your eye, but the main part of it is the sticks. The set includes several interchangeable pairs of sticks, among which there are standard ones, with a convex handle and with an increased lever. In addition to these improvements, the gamepad is famous for its additional controls and easier setup, but this model is notable for its high cost.

This device is designed for gamers who want to immerse themselves in the gameplay, for which they do not stint on all the details leading to this.

Based on the feedback, we have formed the following advantages:

• Replaceable levers;
• Removable handles;
• High device autonomy;
• New triggers.

Disadvantages:

• Very high cost.

Which gamepad to buy

1. Gamers who want to minimize their expenses on high-quality peripherals for a pleasant game should stop at choosing Defender Game Racer X7 or SVEN X-pad models.

2. For better control of your character in games, and ensuring excellent gameplay, you should pay your close attention to Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows. The device is perfectly combined with a game console, so it will work continuously.

3. For fans of games in STEAM, you should buy Valve Steam Controller, which is perfectly combined with the software of all games, ensuring a great time.

4. For those people who want to have a great time playing on a tablet or phone, it is recommended to buy Mad Catz C.T.R.L. R Mobile Gamepad for Android, which allows you to enjoy pleasant controls even on such devices.

5. LOGITECH GAMEPAD F310 is a simple model that is suitable for ordinary gamers seeking to become the first in all games.