20 best gamepads and joysticks

The controller with an ascetic appearance is sold at an incredible price of about 500 rubles. The maximum simplification led to torment during setup, as many games simply refuse to see it. The complete driver that comes with the purchase plays the role of waste paper, so you will have to look for "fresh" firewood yourself in order for everything to work correctly.In most cases, after that, you will most likely have to install an emulator.

The joystick has a large dead zone, which, coupled with low positioning accuracy, is not entirely positive in racing and shooters, where reaction speed and accuracy are important. The cord length of 1.8 meters does not provide much room for maneuver. It is worth noting the smell, which for some reason is not here, even despite the plastic, which, by the way, is also hard. Thus, before you is a very budget controller with a number of drawbacks that cause such a low price tag.

Not the cheapest, but interesting gamepad with an ergonomic design and a cable, the length of which is increased to 2 meters. Yes, the increase is not so big, but in some cases it will help out a lot. The case received a Grip Surface coating to improve tactile sensations and prevent slipping, but at the same time more dirty. There is a special Macro sensitivity mode, while there is no support for Xinput technology, i.e. some games may have problems.

Customer reviews say that the model is easy to use on a PC, has optimal stick sensitivity, is well-assembled and does not break in a couple of months, as is often the case with Chinese counterparts. At the same time, the gamepad does not have vibration feedback, which is a significant drawback for this price range. In addition, there are complaints about the quality of the triggers, as well as the reliability of the cable, which looks too thin.

The Russian brand SVEN offers a very interesting option for those who are looking for the most budget-friendly analogue of top-end joysticks. Everything you need is here, including support for Xlnput and the ability to use not only on PC, but also on PS3, as well as Android devices. The cable is standard, 1.8 meters long, the stiffness is average for the hospital, so it's not bad, but not good either.

Judging by the reviews, the gadget is playable, ready for gaming right out of the box, although vibration may require original drivers from the manufacturer's website. The convenience of the form is noted, the gamepad is comfortable to hold in your hands, and the side zones do not allow you to slip out. There are also tangible downsides. Firstly, the unusual labeling of the buttons with numbers. Secondly, frequent problems with the accuracy of the operation of the cross. Thirdly, tight stick buttons. And, fourthly, the unusual reaction of the triggers, which will have to get used to.

Modest price and functionality are the main advantages of Game Racer Turbo. All this is enclosed in a gamepad with a classic shape from the PlayStation 2. Despite the fact that the Game Racer Turbo from Defender is designed for gaming battles on the computer, the cable has a fork with a plug for connecting the controller to the Sony PS2/PS3 console. The design and shape of the "defender" controller are completely copied from the above prefix.

The body of the device has a rubberized structure and is "equipped" with a standard set of buttons (D-pad, sticks, triggers), as well as additional Turbo, Slow and Analog buttons that activate special modes and mini-joysticks. However, the analog sticks are not covered by soft touch.Unlike more top-end models, the developers have provided for vibration feedback, implemented through two powerful vibration motors in the left and right parts of the body. True, the cord is still a bit short (1.5 meters).

The F310, beloved by players, has become one of the top sellers thanks to its affordable price tag. The controller has two joysticks, a D-pad, 10 buttons, including high-quality triggers, to which you can assign any action in the game menu. There are two API support modes available - XInput and DirectInput, so the gamepad supports most of the game titles on PC, and there are no problems with game compatibility. Ease of setup and durability have made the F310 one of the most popular models on the gaming market.

The ergonomically shaped case is made of very durable plastic, and looks like a kind of hybrid of controllers from Xbox and PS. The 1.8 meter long wire is quite thin and harsh for its price segment. Vibration is absent.

Video review

SteelSeries Nimbus Wireless Controller for devices on Mac OS and iOS systems became the "black sheep" in our rating. This means that you can use it on branded Apple laptops and monoblocks, as well as on the iPhone. You will have to seriously overpay for the brand and quality, and this pleasure will cost an average of 6,500 rubles. The device is connected via Bluetooth. Additionally, there is a Lightning port, that is, a wired connection to your iOS device is possible. The response is considered one of the best on the market and can serve as a benchmark for competitors.

There are no negative reviews from buyers on the quality of workmanship. Everyone notes a quick connection, a clear signal, nice materials and overall reliability, thanks to which this gadget will serve its owner for a long time.

A top-tier wireless gamepad originally designed for the PlayStation, but compatible with both Windows PCs and Macs. Designed with Sony's most advanced technologies, it includes reliable button switches, precise positioning sticks, a built-in gyroscope, vibration feedback, a quick in-game movie recording button, and a touch trackpad. The manipulator is powered by an integrated battery, but if necessary, you can use a USB connection.

The reviews say about the high-quality support for storing settings for different profiles, the convenience of working with triggers and sticks, the reliability of the assembly, good functionality and first-class performance of the vibration motors. The possibility of selecting colors for every taste, including various camouflages, is also noted. As a negative, we note the meager equipment - only the gamepad itself, as well as the lack of developed support outside the Sony ecosystem, that is, third-party software will have to be used on the PC.

The gamepad from Valve differs from all controllers on the market not only in its stylish appearance, but also in its powerful functionality. So the controller supports Steam Machines, works with a computer and can emulate both a mouse and a keyboard. The button block is represented by one cross, an analog stick, function keys and two touch trackpads. The power supply is enough for 40 hours of continuous operation of the gamepad.

In functional terms, as well as the build quality, the Valve Steam Controller has no complaints. The controller is “stuffed” with all sorts of sensors and options in the form of an accelerometer with a gyroscope, as well as the ability to customize the device “for yourself”. Using two trackpads with a gamepad, it's easy to play even those games that controllers are not designed for. "Steam" software allows you to use the gamepad as a steering wheel, steering wheel, controller for any console and computer program. But due to the disadvantages in the form of a high price and the mandatory link to a Steam account, the device is not popular both in Russia and in the world as a whole, which is why the product often disappears from store shelves for a long time.

This model is almost a copy of the F310, only the design is different. It holds the signal perfectly even through a concrete wall. A huge plus is the hardware support for DirectInput / XInput standards, which are regulated by a single click on the end of the controller. Thus, the problem with Microsoft games, which are tailored to the Xbox standard, immediately disappears.

However, for many players, some features of the device will come as a surprise. In particular, when you press the top shifts, there is a click, and the triggers are rather taut compared to other devices. In active games, frequent pressing of the "clicky" buttons causes a little discomfort. In the hands of the product is felt as reliable, durable and heavy at the same time. The crosspiece still remained undivided.

Another controller from Microsoft, which is popular with a certain part of gamers. Improved ergonomics, coupled with a spectacular appearance, distinguishes this device from the gamepad to the Xbox 360. The "button functionality" has not changed, the device still has offset sticks, a modified D-pad and 11 buttons with smooth motion and pressing. The controller supports connection to both the Xbox One console and the computer. Game compatibility and auto-adjustment is one of the best gamepads on the market.

Connect the Xbox One Wireless Controller to your computer using a wireless receiver or USB cable.The built-in rechargeable battery is enough for long hours of gaming battles even with vibration feedback turned on, however, the high price and the lack of both a receiver and a spare battery in the kit ultimately affect the prevalence of this gamepad among PC gamers.

A very nice joystick for PC and Xbox One with an original design that stands out from the competition with an abundance of futuristic details. It has an engine control knob, but not in a separate housing, but combined with a handle. There are only 14 control buttons, which upsets some potential buyers. The gadget supports 5 axes, is connected via a USB cable, is equipped with an RUS handle tension adjustment and is generally very convenient to use.

An additional advantage in the reviews is the convenient configuration software and the absence of the need to dance with a tambourine when installing drivers - everything is included and starts with a couple of clicks.At the same time, there are a number of tangible drawbacks: there is no vibration at all, the throttle has a very easy move, there is no convenient stick to control the quick view from the cockpit, which makes it difficult to play dynamic air shooters like War Thunder.

A large number of control buttons has become a feature of this model. The base of the Hotas Warthog is made of metal, so when you grab the handle you will feel cold. This aspect is highly controversial, as some buyers find it atmospheric, while others complain about the discomfort. The knob always returns to the center and is firmly pressed, which eliminates backlash and at the same time causes a sharp return that can rock the monitor on your desk.

The handle is removable and is installed in a three-dimensional block with magnetic sensors. There are 2 bad news. The first one includes the presence of only 2 axles, which means that you will have to buy additional pedals. The second problem lies in the lack of a simple mechanism for controlling engine thrust. The joystick is very dependent on the control unit, so the kit comes with an additional module, painted in black and green.

Expensive and very advanced model. Two separate blocks draw attention to themselves: in addition to the main one with a joystick, there is an engine control knob, next to which there is a small display with blue backlight - you can display time, information about the enabled profile, etc. on it.The quality of materials is beyond praise - there are a large number of aluminum inserts, everything is very pleasant to the touch. Of course, the gaps are minimal, and squeaks are completely absent. Rubber feet and suction cups are used to prevent slipping on the table. For gamers who love reliability, there are holes in the case through which the device can be screwed tightly to the table.

The functionality can be described for a long time. There are a huge number of buttons, triggers, sliders, switches and rotary knobs. Each element can also be reconfigured using proprietary software, and switch between modes by pressing a couple of buttons on the X52 H.O.T.A.S. Some controls are highlighted, which is rare in this class.

The model from Thrustmaster does not have a premium look, but it is assembled with high quality and feels very pleasant in the hands. Note that the design has three interchangeable elements, with which the device can be adapted for left-handed use - for this, no doubt, a plus. But let's scold the T.16000M for not very good tactile separation of some buttons, because of which you sometimes have to look at the joystick to understand where to press. Yes, and signs could be applied ...

But there are no problems with positioning accuracy - due to the use of Hall sensors, and not resistors, accuracy increases, false positives practically disappear. Yes, and the durability of such a scheme is much greater. There is an engine control knob, but you will have to get used to its location. In general, the device can be recommended to fans of dynamic air battles.For professional simulators, the model will not work very well.

A very simple and cheap joystick from Logitech stands out from the competitors presented in the top at the best price. As you might expect, savings come at a cost. The model has a modest size and a weak element base, which is why it quickly “looks up”. The sensor responsible for orientation in space consists of 2 magnetized plates and one rubs against the other, which is why the movement is tracked. Over time, all this is erased, the accuracy drops dramatically, and the manipulator becomes unusable.

At the same time, pleasant ergonomics can be distinguished. It fits perfectly in the hand, the buttons at the top are comfortable, there are all the necessary controls. Thus, before you is an inexpensive manipulator for arcade games that do not require expensive peripherals with high-precision control.

Hori is a gray horse in the gaming peripherals market, releasing good and bad gaming solutions.One of the successful approaches can be considered the emergence of the Racing Wheel Apex. Looks very nice, has a large number of buttons. Compatible with XBOX, has feedback in the form of vibration, that is, there is no force feedback. The rotation angle is 270 degrees, and the main materials of execution are plastic and rubber. The latter is soft and very pleasant to the touch.

The pedals are very similar to the Defender counterparts and have an insanely small travel of 2-3 centimeters. The steering wheel paddles got a good move, but their quality is so-so. In the upper part there are toggle switches for switching the operating mode. It is problematic to fasten the base strongly to the table because of the suction cups that can be removed. There are no guides and drivers for it as such, even on the official website, and only a firmware update and instructions for this process are available.

The Artplays Street Racing Wheel Turbo C900 can be considered the best universal and inexpensive wheel. It is compatible with the following platforms:

• PC;
• Xbox 360;
• Xbox one;
• PS3;
• PS4
• Nintendo Switch.

It looks simple and without frills, the pedals included in the kit also have an ascetic look. It has 11 buttons and vibration as feedback. Angle of rotation 270 degrees. Mounts are made in the form of clamps taken from Logitech. Instead of paddle shifters, there is a gearshift lever. Additionally, in some cases it comes with a PC game and, judging by user reviews, this is the Raceroom Racing Experience.

The Thrustmaster gaming wheel costs an average of 22 thousand rubles and offers excellent quality and functionality. The steering wheel lies confidently in the hands, the grip is comfortable. Separately, it is worth noting a couple of pleasant features. The first is a huge steering angle, 1080 degrees. These are three full turns, thanks to which, in some games, the movements of the virtual and real steering wheels coincide completely. Together with the second feature - vibration motors and feedback - this allows you to immerse yourself in what is happening on the screen.

The controls are conveniently located. The steering wheel has a standard PlayStation set of buttons that can be easily reached from almost any steering wheel position. There are nice wide aluminum paddles for shifting, but hardcore gamers can plug in a third-party box that mimics a manual transmission. It is also possible to replace the standard pedal set with a model with a clutch. Connects T150 via USB to PC, PS3 and PS4

The steering wheel from Logitech is a controller that includes a 28-centimeter leather-wrapped wheel, brake, clutch and gas pedals. On the steering wheel and manual transmission there are additional programmable buttons (18 pieces) and a D-pad. At a 900-degree rotation angle, you can twist the steering wheel in game simulators to a “critical” level, and compatibility with consoles allows you to experience the full functionality of the controller in PS exclusives.

In terms of design and comfort, the G27 Racing Wheel is a solid five. There are also no complaints about the build quality of the steering wheel and pedals.The only thing you can find fault with is the price, which for most PC owners will be "cosmic". But fans of car simulators are well aware that this "Logitech" steering wheel represents the perfect balance of quality, functionality and cost.

Premium gaming wheel for PC and Xbox One. Everything about this model is perfect: stylish racing design, a sufficient number of controls, build quality, and almost perfect vibration feedback. Of particular pride is the 900-degree steering angle, which will add realism to the car's behavior on the track, and belt feedback will give the necessary tactile sensations from the steering process. There are also full-fledged three pedals in the kit, which fans of manual transmissions will appreciate.

Judging by the reviews, the steering wheel fully justifies the declared functionality, working out every ruble invested in the purchase. Also noted is the convenience of setting up and calibrating through proprietary software, build quality and the presence of metal parts, for example, paddle shifters. On the negative side, some people don't like the lack of a rubber braid all over the steering wheel and, of course, there is a lack of a separate gearbox block.