However, as noted earlier it’s not necessarily the very best design for fighters like Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection or Mortal Kombat 11. Rolling your thumb across the heavily contoured surface just isn’t that comfortable. Measuring 6.09 x 4.72 x 2.63 inches (WLH), the overall build is a little larger than the Xbox Series X controller, but it specifically has much longer handles, not unli-ke a PlayStation controller. That makes sense, as the original Eswap Pro was made for the PS4, and its design seems to be heavily based on the Astro C40 TR, another modular controller also designed for the PS4. The big chassis is a boon, handles and all. It fits well and fills your hands when you grab it, so there’s no need to grip tightly. Your fingertips have plenty of room to post up at the base of the handles, giving you easy access to the rear buttons. And though that bigger frame and the modular parts add some mass – the Eswap X Pro weighs 329 grams, versus the Series X controller’s 287 grams – the well-balanced Eswap X Pro makes that heft feel like a comfort rather than a burden.

eSwap XR Pro Controller Forza Horizon 5 Edition Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro Controller Forza Horizon 5 Edition

We don’t love these, and have found it quite easy to accidentally press them when casually playing a game that doesn't need this kind of control, Slay the Spire in our case. Razer’s Wolverine offers a sort-of half-way solution, with much larger centrally positioned rear buttons. And if you’re on the lookout for a new controller or an upgrade, the excellent news is that nowadays it’s easier than ever to play with a controller on PC. Many now support seamless plug-and-play connectivity, and there’s more choice than ever ranging from feature-filled premium pads to value-busting controllers that punch above their weight. Make sure that you have the latest driver version 1.50 installed. If not, please follow the instructions below. To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of our favourites and some of the top contenders for the best PC controller that you can buy right now. Naturally, some of these will also offer compatibility on their ‘mother’ platform which offers some extra versatility, but each of the below has its own attractions for PC too. There are some familiar faces, but also one or two that might prove to be perfect fits for you. Best PC controllers in 2023 The Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro is comfy to hold for hours-long gaming sessions. Thrustmaster has chosen to make the stems of the grip splay out a little less than some, which makes your palms sit a little closer together. But it hasn’t introduced any comfort issues, with our hands at any rate.

We are also not huge fans of the rear controls, one of the mainstays of ultra-expensive pads like the Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro. The Xbox Elite Controller uses removable paddles, which put these controls right where you want them to be. Like most third-party Xbox controllers, the controller mapping options are somewhat limited. You can only remap the core D-pad functions, the face buttons, bumper, triggers, and rear buttons. You cannot change any of the system buttons or Thrustmaster’s added settings inputs. Also, you can only swap among those inputs, unlike the Xbox Elite controllers, which add additional functions like launching apps or additional capture options. This increasingly seems to be the norm among third-party gear for consoles, but it severely limits the utility of both the configuration app and the rear buttons. Thrustmaster Eswap X Pro – Performance and Gaming It’s not necessarily a new model, but boy is it the best PC controller you can get right now. Offering all the features, mappable buttons, design flourishes, and comfort that you could want from a PC controller, the Elite Series 2 is likely to be most PC players’ first pad of choice given any option – and any budget. Only one of the best PC controllers will give you the most for your money while playing games on a computer. While mouse and keyboard traditionally dominate on PC, if you’re a multiplatform player, someone who made the move from console to PC – or just plain prefer having a pad in your hands – the top PC controllers are the ones to aim for.

PC and Xbox Gamepads and Accessories | Thrustmaster

Strip off the magnets, the removable modules and other design cleverness, and you’re left with a fairly conventional plastic shell. It’s a reminder much of what makes a pad seem expensive is the weight. The Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro weighs 320g, according to Thrustmaster’s specs and our scales, which is 25g less than the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2: in the same ballpark.An ‘old’ one but a top one. If you’re looking for a proven, straightforward option that offers decent value for money when it comes to the best PC controller, then the core wireless Xbox pad is likely to be it. It might not have changed that much, in essence, since the 360 days, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – the Xbox wireless controller still has all the best PC controller features, though the latest, and now standard, version does offer the best of this generation too. There’s USB-C connectivity and charging, for example, it works seamlessly via wired or Bluetooth connections on PC, and the newer hybrid D-pad is a top feature. The addition of a share button is most welcome and long overdue, too. It’s undoubtedly a different feel to the current first-party pads, but one that seems a good fit for the kind of serious gamer who might buy a Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro. To the right of that port comes a triple treat of buttons that allow for mapping those rear-placed buttons (a simple process of mapping button to button), along with two profile switches (signified by apron-mounted lighting) for when you need to go fully ‘pro’.

controllers 2023 - The top pads for PC play right now Best PC controllers 2023 - The top pads for PC play right now

Personalisation is the real key in what the Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro Controller for Xbox Forza Horizon 5 Edition delivers, and it excels on that front. But you can then also consider that Thrustmaster have their free ThrustmapperX software and App ready on PC and Xbox, with this allowing for even further customisation and adjustment of sensitivity settings, controller vibration and the like. Very little has been left off the table with this one. As mentioned, I’m less enthusiastic about the rear buttons. Setting aside the fact that it takes time to acclimate to using them, I found that the rear panel felt crowded when I tried to use them in place of the face buttons. Without alternate configuration options, that’s really all they’re good for. Purchasing GuideSome companies get around this by using their own wireless dongles that plug into the console’s USB port. But with this method, you are unlikely to get the same low latency and strong signal as Microsoft’s system. But there’s more and Thrustmaster have seen fit to include some on-board audio controls on the front side of the eSwap XR; volume up, volume down and a mic button placed just to the left of the 3.5mm audio port. They prove to be extremely easy to hit whilst playtime goes on and is something that we’ve waxed lyrical about with other controllers – why can’t all have some form of onboarded audio controls to ensure we never have to take our hands of the controller whilst playing. There are four sets of these. The “big rumble” sits on the left side, used for explosions and whatnot. A less powerful motor to the right of the pad handles lower amplitude rumble, and there are smaller still rumble motors in each trigger. The full complement. Thrustmaster does not appear to sell a longer version. Just buy a USB extender cable if you need a greater length.

ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER: Professional Modular Thrustmaster ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER: Professional Modular

There are no rubberized or soft-touch parts to the grip, as seen in the Razer Wolverine and Xbox Elite Controller, which is a shame. However, ergonomic choices are solid.

ESWAP X GREEN COLOR PACK

The Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro’s triggers can also be swapped out, but this requires the use of a small screwdriver. And they, you guessed it, can be customized on the pad itself too.