Top 20 Best Video Game Controllers

#20: Atari 2600 Joystick

While not the most comfortable in terms of form factor, and not the most visually striking, the Atari 2600 Joystick is a pioneering little piece of hardware that paved the way for years to come. When non-gamers think of a video game controller, their minds typically lean towards picturing a single, nondescript joystick like this, and we have the Atari 2600 to thank for that. Synonymous with classic games like Pac-Man and Asteroids, this controller will forever be iconic.

#19: NES Zapper

One of the earliest home versions of the arcade light gun peripheral, Nintendo’s NES Zapper is another timeless icon. For an almost 40 year-old piece of hardware, it worked really well at the time, and is a precursor to the concept we eventually got with the Wii. Compatible with notable games like Duck Hunt and Wild Gunman, the NES Zapper is one of the most immersive video game controllers to date, and feels really good to handle to boot!

#18:Wii Remote +

The Nintendo Wii quite literally changed the game when it came to motion controls. Wii Sports was insanely popular with all audiences thanks to the unassuming Wii remote, but some folks cited calibration issues. Then came the Wii Motion + attachment, which then eventually became the Wii Remote +, which is just a regular Wii remote with the attachment built in. This helped with accurate movement in games like the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, which allowed Link to swing his sword in very dynamic ways. It really felt like you were swinging the Master Sword yourself.

#17: Xbox One

The Xbox lineage of controllers have gone virtually unchanged since its original inception, and for good reason. The form factor offers one of the most comfortable experiences around, and the offset sticks makes playing first-person shooters feel great. The smaller triggers compared to the previous generation give it a more tactile feel, improving on an already awesome design. We just wish hardware manufacturers could agree on where to place the A, B, X, and Y buttons…

#16: Sega Genesis

The original iteration of the Sega Genesis controller was streamlined and simplified, which is great for people new to playing video games. Over time, they’d improve upon this design, but more on that later. The three buttons and round form factor made this not only one of the most unique visually, but easy to hold and use for playing games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, you get the idea. Also, if you own a Nintendo Switch, you can get the wireless version to play these games on the go!

#15: Wii U GamePad

Another entry into Nintendo’s lineup of weird controllers, the Wii U GamePad is surely a sort of proof of concept for what would eventually become the Nintendo Switch, and was likely inspired by the GameCube and GBA link cable function. The controller has a built-in screen and face buttons around it, and you use it to control the action on your TV, while the handheld screens serve as the menu for a ton of Wii U games. Playing Wind Waker HD on the GamePad was a time-saving godsend that streamlined a lot of the clunky parts of that game.

#14: PlayStation 4

The DualShock 4 is a personal favourite for many. The trackpad in the middle of the controller might have been a little confusing upon the PlayStation 4’s launch, but has since become an awesome and memorable feature. For example, being able to swipe in any direction on the fly in games like Ghost of Tsushima to call your horse or use Guiding Wind made for a lot more dynamic gameplay potential, and changed the way a lot of developers thought about design moving forward.

#13: Sega Genesis Six Button

The Sega Genesis Six button controller is a vast improvement on the original, changing its form factor and increasing the number of buttons to, you guessed it, six. Not a lot of games on the Sega Genesis even used all six buttons, but those that did, like Streets of Rage 3, had a lot more immersive options when it came to gameplay. And it just looks cooler too, look at it!

#12: Nintendo Entertainment System

The one that started it all for most gamers, the Nintendo Entertainment System controller is fully and truly an icon. It’s definitely not the most comfortable controller around, but its influence and recognizability due to its design and history are undeniable. I’ll never forget the first time I got my hands on this, exploring Hyrule, the Mushroom Kingdom, and so much more for the first time. Its two-button layout was easy to learn, and this was before shoulder buttons became commonplace, so it came with a low learning curve so little kids and skeptical adults alike could give video games a fair shake.

#11: Xbox Controller S

I’ll admit, the original original Xbox controller is a weirdly shaped, clunky mess. The Xbox Controller S, not to be confused with the controller from today’s Xbox Series S, is a huge improvement on this design. This is what future Xbox controllers were modeled after, and I’m so grateful it did; its smaller form factor and more streamlined approach to design helped it feel more like a hardcore gaming controller than an overly-stylized gimmick like the original.

#10: Nintendo 64 Controller

It's weird, wonderful and quite unlike anything else. Its large M-shaped build and intricate spread of buttons were by no means standard... but these elements would be transformative for the industry at large. The N64's controller helped push forward the concept of the analog stick, with the controller's large size actually working well in conjunction with the central stick. Players found the controller comfortable to grip, and its C-buttons reflected the changing nature of face buttons, particularly in regards to 3D games. We may never see the likes of this again.

#9: Wii Remote

Once upon a time, a sleek little remote inspired people to dream. Based around motion control, the Wii Remote intrigued the gaming media at large with its basic white colouring, compact button placement and general control variety. The Remote could be linked to a Nunchuck accessory for more precise play, turned on its side in the vein of the NES controller, or attached to the dual-stick Classic Controller. But more importantly it featured pointer functionality to replicate a mouse, motions controls that even grandma could use, oh and a speaker to add a new layer of immersion. The Wii Remote was truly innovative, proving there was still places to go with control schemes.

#8: Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller

Ah, Nintendo, always looking to shake things up. For the Super Nintendo, a new control scheme was developed – one that shifted from the box-like design of the NES controller, to a more rounded shape. Described by some as akin to a dog-bone, the SNES controller upped the ante with four action buttons arranged in a diamond formation... as well as introducing the concept of shoulder buttons. In addition to its innovative qualities and comfort of use, the Super Nintendo controller also sported a restrained colour scheme that managed to be aesthetically respectable without being distracting. Fun fact, European and Japanese versions of the controller was the first to have color coordinated buttons, something that our later entries would all support.

#7: Nintendo GameCube Controller

Conceptually running on a similar mentality as the N64, the GameCube opted to match the shifting nature of control schemes with its wing grip-based controller. The controller utilized a layout not unlike that of its Xbox rival, complete with a small right-side analog stick, while implementing force feedback not possible for the Nintendo 64's controller. The ease with which players can access the GameCube controller's central buttons and the range displayed by the shoulder triggers are matched only by its instantly recognizable shape and layout.

#6: PlayStation DualShock series

While Nintendo’s controllers as we’ve seen have gone through drastic redesigns over the years, Sony’s Iconic Dualshock series has remained largely the same. Originally released in November 1997, the first incarnation of the DualShock Analog Controller series reinforced the standard of twin analog sticks, marrying them to the classic PlayStation controller design to great effect. The other big feature – a built-in motor for vibration feedback – would prove innovative enough to achieve popularity, with only small tweaks needed for the later DualShock models. Being both pleasant to use and inspirational to other hardware creators, the DualShock brand has more than earned its place in gaming culture.

#5: Xbox Elite Controller

The Elite series controller introduced during the Xbox One era is a competitive gamer’s best friend. It faced a rocky launch at first, but over time quickly became a staple for Xbox One owners. Its sleek design and interchangeable buttons made it one of the most customizable at the time. Being able to swap between concave and convex sticks made for a more fluid first-person shooter experience, and the backpaddles made remapping for various games a breeze. It came in a wide variety of different colors and themes, so there was a style for everyone who was curious about one.

#4: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Everyone agrees that the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con are an amazing and inventive design. The detachable half controllers are able to be used for multiplayer, costing you less in the long run, but many units launched with unbearable stick drift. The Pro Controller, a product line dating back all the way to the Wii, is just a significant improvement. Taking a page out of Xbox’s book with the offset sticks, sleek form factor, and rubber palm grips make playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe feel way better. Hopefully the Nintendo Switch 2’s version holds up.

#3: Mouse and Keyboard

Some of you youngin’s may scoff at us calling a mouse and keyboard a controller, but this is one of the first ever methods for controlling a game. PC players know: playing a first-person shooter Like Doom (or any other game, for that matter) feels significantly better than on a traditional controller. Being able to aim in a more fluid motion and with much better accuracy made this a staple for fans of the genre. Not only that, but having a keyboard with big RPGs like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim made a hotkey system much easier to rely on. Mouse and keyboard are here to stay.

#2: Xbox 360 Controller

All of the lessons learned, every mistake and success – all of it contributed to this master work. The controller released alongside Microsoft's Xbox 360 console is nothing short of ergonomic in design, from its carefully-spaced thumbsticks to the feel of the letter-marked face buttons. Neither bulky nor thin, neither flashy nor muted, the 360 Controller is never overwhelming in look or feel. Inclusions such as a button based on the Xbox logo and twin bumpers are all useful in some fashion, and don't consume a great deal of space. Plus, if you’ve moved on to the next gen, you’ll be happy to know that much like the dual shock controller, the Microsoft has stuck with what works and maintained essentially the same design for the Xbox One.

#1: Dualsense and Dualsense Edge

When the PS5 launched in 2020, the controller packed in with it was the DualSense. Both from an aesthetic and form-factor perspective, this is our pick for the greatest controller of all time. The haptic feedback integration with most games gives players the most immersive and tactile experience around - the resistant triggers in games like God of War Ragnarok really enhanced the experience. The DualSense Edge, released in 2023, is a souped up version of the original and is a godsend for those with accessibility needs. Like the Xbox Elite controller, it comes with interchangeable buttons and back paddles for easier remapping, as well as stick caps for better movement. If you’re a PS5 owner, we highly recommend this one.


What do you think of our picks? Check back in another nine years to see if we’ve updated the list again!