Game Controllers
Ongoing coverage on Game Controllers.
Latest coverage
Can the SideWinder Game Pad, Microsoft's first game controller, work on modern PCs? I bought three of them to find out
This article investigates the compatibility of Microsoft's original SideWinder Game Pad 1.0 with modern PCs. Despite its historical significance and innovative features for its time, the controller faces significant hurdles due to outdated connectivity ports and a lack of driver support, making it difficult to use with contemporary systems.
Don't tell Rockstar, but GameSir is launching two new GTA 6-inspired colorways of its G7 Pro controller
GameSir is releasing two new colorways for its G7 Pro controller, inspired by Grand Theft Auto 6's Vice City aesthetic. The 'Sunset Boulevard' and 'Ocean Breeze' editions are designed for Xbox and feature premium finishes at the standard G7 Pro price point, avoiding the typical price-gouging seen around major game launches. These controllers are available for pre-order and are expected to ship in November 2026.
I'm too old for Fortnite but even I can appreciate GameSir's flashy new mobile controller designs, especially…
GameSir has released six new colorways for its X5 Lite and G8 Plus mobile controllers, featuring designs inspired by Fortnite. Despite the author's age, the controllers' aesthetics, particularly the translucent smoke gray and khaki green X5 Lite, are praised for their groovy design. The G8 Plus offers PC and Nintendo Switch compatibility and ergonomic enhancements, while the X5 Lite prioritizes lower latency with a physical USB-C connection for mobile gaming.
Xbox Nano Controller Announced, Launches in November for $50
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano controller, its smallest controller ever, designed for portability and priced at $49.99. It features wireless and Bluetooth support, making it compatible with PC and consoles. The announcement comes as Xbox Cloud Gaming prepares to implement hour caps for Game Pass subscribers, a change that has been met with negative reception.
Razer launches Wolverine V4 controllers for Xbox and PC, starting at £99.99
Razer has released two new Wolverine V4 controllers for Xbox and PC. The lineup includes a feature-rich wireless Pro model and a more budget-friendly wired Tournament Edition.
Nacon is launching the first-ever PS5 controller with an interactive screen and charging dock
Nacon is launching the Revolution 5 Unlimited, the first officially licensed PlayStation 5 controller to feature a built-in interactive screen and menu system. The controller also includes six extra buttons, customizable thumbsticks, and a charging dock, though it lacks DualSense's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Priced at $229.99 / £179.99, it aims to offer a premium experience for PS5 and PC gamers.
8BitDo celebrates Tomb Raider's 30th anniversary by transforming its Ultimate 3 and Pro 3 controllers into stunning…
8BitDo is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Tomb Raider with special edition reskins of its Ultimate 3 and Pro 3 PC controllers. The Ultimate 3 features Lara Croft designs and is priced at $119.99, while the Pro 3 pays tribute to the original game's Lost Valley and costs $79.99. Both are expected to ship on October 24.
The GameSir Super Nova didn't do what I wanted, but I can't help but love it anyway
The GameSir Super Nova controller offers impressive build quality, customization, and features for its price point, making it a strong contender for PC and Nintendo Switch users. While its advertised Switch 2 wake functionality proved unreliable in testing, the controller excels in other areas like its comfortable grips, Hall effect thumbsticks, and robust software customization.
MMO Business Roundup: New VR glasses, Microsoft kills a game, and controllers that can read credit cards
Microsoft's recent layoffs may have led to the cancellation of a new Age of Empires game, with the studio World's Edge reportedly working on an unconfirmed project before its closure. Facebook unveiled new VR glasses focused on general use, capable of playing Meta Quest games and connecting to consoles. Sony patented a controller design that can read NFC information, potentially for payment processing or data transfer.
The Evercade Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller readies the cartridge-based retro console for early 3D gaming, even if it's not my outright favorite retro gamepad
The Evercade Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller offers a serviceable option for the cartridge-based retro console, featuring full-size analogue sticks suitable for early 3D games. While it lacks Hall-effect sensors and has a blocky design, its Bluetooth and wired connectivity, along with a fitting aesthetic, make it a solid choice for existing Evercade users.
Would you buy a Beats game controller? Apple is apparently working on its own iPhone controller, and the Beats team…
Apple is reportedly developing Beats-branded game controllers for iPhones, with the Beats team leading product engineering and conception. References to two unreleased controllers, codenamed T6502 and T1057, have been found in macOS code. This move signifies Apple's interest in the growing market for mobile gaming accessories.
GTA 6 on PS5 gets an exclusive controller you can buy next week
Sony announced two limited edition Grand Theft Auto 6 controllers for the PlayStation 5, featuring the game's logo and Vice City-inspired designs. These controllers will launch alongside the game on November 19 and will be available for pre-order on September 10, with a limited supply expected to sell out quickly.
"It folds down to the size of a credit card" - Razer's mobile controllers were getting too bulky so it's launching a foldable one you can carry around in your pocket
Razer has launched the Razer Prio, a new foldable mobile controller designed for ultimate portability, folding down to the size of a credit card. While it aims to balance portability and precision, its $99.99 price point is considered high compared to other mobile controllers on the market. The controller features contactless capacitive analog thumbsticks to prevent stick drift and supports phones up to 7 inches.
Genki’s Manta Controller Packs A Small Mountain Of Features Into A Single Gamepad
Genki has launched a new controller, the Manta, which features a 2.9-inch LCD screen for customization and an array of advanced hardware. The controller's Kickstarter campaign has surpassed its $100,000 goal, reaching over $371,000. It will be compatible with PC and Nintendo Switch consoles and includes features like adjustable triggers, drift-resistant analog sticks, and advanced haptics.
Paying $200+ for a PS5 pro controller is crazy, so pay $87 for this Razer one instead
The article discusses the high cost of premium PlayStation 5 controllers, highlighting the Razer Raiju V3 Pro as an example of an expensive but feature-rich option. It notes a significant discount on the Razer controller, making it a more accessible alternative to official Sony accessories.
Is an Elite Series 3 controller the cure for Xbox's struggling hardware sales? Probably not, but it could bring some excitement back to long-term fans
This article discusses the potential impact of new Xbox controllers, including a rumored Elite Series 3 and limited edition Gears of War E-Day designs, on Xbox's struggling hardware sales. While new controllers are unlikely to solve the core issues of declining sales and industry challenges, they can generate excitement among long-term fans and potentially influence future hardware design.
The Scuf Omega feels gorgeous in the hands, but those side buttons aren't all they're cracked up to be
The Scuf Omega is a premium PlayStation 5 controller offering fast, tactile mechanical buttons and excellent customization options, particularly for PC users. While it boasts a comfortable grip and satisfying controls, its side buttons can be awkwardly placed and prone to accidental presses, and the thin top plate raises durability concerns. It competes with other high-end controllers like the Razer Raiju V3 Pro, with the choice often coming down to specific feature preferences and current pricing.
'Meh': Ex-PlayStation president Shuhei Yoshida weighs in on Valve's Steam Machine after a few hours with…
Former PlayStation president Shuhei Yoshida shared his initial thoughts on Valve's Steam Machine, describing its 3D performance as "meh" and questioning the default 1080p recommendation. He also noted long game boot times and found the Steam Controller's touchpads and sticks to be problematic, though he praised the SteamOS UI and the device's small form factor and quiet operation.
7 out of the 10 TMR controllers I've tested are discounted right now, and you only have a few hours left to make…
Amazon Prime Day is offering discounts on many video game controllers, with 7 out of 10 tested models seeing reduced prices. These deals are set to expire at midnight tonight. The article also briefly mentions the Steam Controller as an exception due to its newness.
This wireless Dreamcast controller is rad, but I'd focus on its six-button sibling over Prime Day if you're…
This article reviews the Retro Fighters StrikerDC and D6 wireless controllers for the Sega Dreamcast, highlighting their compatibility with the VMU and 2.4GHz connection. The D6 is recommended for fighting game fans due to its six-button layout, while the StrikerDC is better suited for 3D titles like Sonic Adventure.
