Having a wired controller as part of your PC setup can have many advantages. With a controller, you don’t need to be as close to your desk, giving you the freedom to lean back, take your hands off the desk, and relax with a controller that fits right into your two waiting hands. Getting a wired controller specifically can also be helpful because of the low latency that it provides. Wired controllers communicate more quickly with a PC than wireless controllers. While the difference is just milliseconds long, sometimes those milliseconds matter just enough for a change.
There are many options when considering a wired controller for your PC. You can choose one that has ample RGB lighting, for not only a high-performing controller on your PC, but one that matches it too. Some controllers have different button and analog stick layouts, which can affect your grip or change your play style. Some gamers prefer a textile finish, while others may like the soft touch of specific paint on the outside of their controllers. Whatever your controller of choice, we’ve got you covered for a few different options to consider for wired controllers on your PC with these picks from Amazon.
PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller
Best Nintendo Switch Compatible Wired PC Controller
PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller
PowerA packed a ton of great features into this wired controller. The two programmable rear buttons can give players a huge edge in multiplayer matchups. Choose from over 30 unique designs that include characters like Mario, Link, Kirby, and more!
- Brand
- PowerA
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Connectivity
- Wired
- Programmable
- Yes
- Extra Buttons
- Two
The PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller is an adaptable controller that connects to both your Nintendo Switch and PC systems. With a USB connector that’s compatible with both console and PC, the PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller is just as flexible as your gaming preferences between the two. Take the PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller on the go with your Switch, or keep it at home as your mainstay for the PC.
The PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller features RGB lighting around the buttons and analog sticks, helping give it a dark yet striking look that may match your current rig. The outside sheen on the paint of the PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller is smooth yet certain in your hands, for a secure hold that you won’t get tired of even after a few hours of gaming. With a wired connection and high connection speed, the PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller can handle whatever game you throw at it, whether that be a fast-paced FPS or a relaxing RPG.
Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller
Best Turtle Beach Wired PC Controller
Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller
A controller that combines game-changing audio innovations with competitive controls is available: the Turtle Beach® ReconTM Controller for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One. Use tried-and-true Turtle Beach audio features like Superhuman Hearing®, Mic Monitoring, Signature Audio Presets, and more by connecting a 3.5mm headset. Pro-AimTM Focus Mode, which adjusts thumbstick sensitivity for improved long-range accuracy, increases winning potential. It also allows you to save up to four distinct profiles on each of the two rear quick-action buttons. With ergonomic cooling grips and next-generation vibration feedback in the handles and triggers, you can play comfortably for hours on end.
- Brand
- Turtle Beach
- Platform
- PC, XBOX, PS4
- Connectivity
- USB
The Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller is a great controller for three systems: PC, PS4/5, and the Xbox family. Produced by Turtle Beach, you’re sure to see two things with this controller right off the bat: compatibility with Turtle Beach Gear and quality. Get your gaming gear all in one place with the Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller, especially if you’re considering their headphones or other products as well.
The Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller is a popular choice among gamers for its reliable and responsive controls. It features a comfortable, ergonomic design with rubberized grips, making it easy to hold and use for extended periods of time. The controller also has precision analog sticks, responsive triggers, and a wide array of buttons, allowing you to perform a variety of actions and movements in your favorite games. In addition, the Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller is compatible with a variety of gaming systems, including Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC, making it a versatile choice for players. Overall, the Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller is a high-quality and reliable option for gamers looking to enhance their gaming experience.
PC Steam Game Controller
Best Steam Wired PC Controller
PC Steam Game Controller
The PC Steam Game Controller is a versatile and user-friendly game controller that is designed to work with a wide range of devices, including PCs, tablets, Android phones, and iPhones. It features a compact and ergonomic design that is easy to hold and use, making it a great choice for players of all skill levels.
One of the key features of the PC Steam Game Controller is its compatibility with the Steam platform. This allows players to easily access and play a wide range of games on their PC or tablet using the controller. The controller also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to be used with Android and iOS devices. In addition to its compatibility with multiple devices and platforms, the controller also boasts responsive and precise controls, including dual-vibration feedback and analog sticks, allowing for a more immersive gaming experience.
- Brand
- IFYOO
- Platform
- PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Mac, Android
- Battery
- N/A
- Connectivity
- USB, Bluetooth
- Headset Support
- Yes
- Programmable
- Yes
- Extra Buttons
- Yes
The PC Steam Game Controller is a versatile and highly functional game controller designed for use with a variety of devices, including PCs, tablets, androids, and phones. It features a sleek, ergonomic design with responsive buttons and triggers, allowing for precise and comfortable gameplay. The controller is also equipped with dual-vibration motors and haptic feedback, providing a more immersive gaming experience.
One of the key features of the PC Steam Game Controller is its compatibility with the Steam platform. This allows users to easily access and play their Steam games on a variety of devices. The controller also supports Bluetooth connectivity, enabling users to wirelessly connect it to their devices and play games from anywhere. This makes it a great choice for gamers who want a versatile controller that can be used with a variety of devices and platforms.
YAEYE PC Wired Controller
Best Retro Style Wired PC Controller
YAEYE PC Wired Controller
The YAEYE PC Wired Controller is a high-quality game controller that is designed to work with a variety of gaming systems, including PCs and consoles. It features a sleek and ergonomic design with rubberized grips, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time. The controller also boasts responsive and precise controls, including analog sticks, triggers, and a wide array of buttons, allowing players to easily perform a variety of actions and movements in their favorite games.
- Number of Colors
- 1
- Control Types
- standard
- Wireless?
- No
- Compatible Systems
- Xbox S, Xbox X, PC
- Brand
- YAEYE
The YAEYE PC Wired Controller is a retro-style gaming controller for Xbox and PC devices. It comes in two colors, black and white. A feature that stands out about the YAEYE controller is the fact that it closely resembles the Xbox controller for the Xbox 360. Game enthusiasts who own the retro console may want to use the YAEYE PC Wired Controller for the resemblance alone.
There are plenty of other reasons to consider the YAEYE PC Wired Controller though. It can be used across devices, between your PC and the entire array of Xbox family of systems. With two motors on the inside, the vibrations for the YAEYE PC Wired Controller can help immerse you in the game, no matter what you’re playing. With the wired connection of the YAEYE PC Wired Controller, you can connect to Steam or third party games on your PC with ease and a quick connection.
ZD-Z USB Wired Gaming Controller
Best PC Exclusive Wired PC Controller
ZD-Z USB Wired Gaming Controller
The ZD-Z USB Wired Gaming Controller is a highly versatile gaming controller that works with both the PC and Android devices. It has an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hands, providing optimized control via button and stick placement. The ZD-Z USB Wired Gaming Controller is compatible with multiple gaming platforms on the PC, across operating systems from XP to Windows 11. It works well on Steam and the Epic Games Store as a nearly PC-exclusive controller.
- Number of Colors
- 1
- Control Types
- 1
- Wireless?
- No
- Compatible Systems
- PC, Android
- Brand
- ZD-V
The ZD-Z USB Wired Gaming Controller is a unique controller, designed primarily for PC. While it is primarily a controller for PC users, it also works effectively with Android devices. The ZD-Z USB Wired Gaming Controller supports Windows operating systems, even those as far back as XP. This makes it a great controller for those who just want something that focuses primarily on PCs. Because of its exclusivity towards PCs, the ZD-Z USB Wired Gaming Controller works seamlessly with Steam, allowing gamers to map out individual buttons using Steam’s native functions.
The ZD-Z USB Wired Gaming Controller has many other features that can help improve a PC gamer’s experience. With extra strong vibration functions, you can really feel the impact of the game while you play. It also comes with a JD-Switch Function, allowing players to switch the D-pad and joystick functions mid-game. As a versatile and feature-filled controller, the ZD-Z USB Wired Gaming Controller takes PC gaming to the next level.
FAQ
Q: What is better, a wired or wireless controller?
One benefit of using a wired controller instead of a wireless one is that a wired connection offers a faster connection with minimal latency issues. Because the controller is connected to the PC via a direct wire, there’s no need to worry about things like interference or connectivity issues. Additionally, another bonus from using a wired controller instead of a wireless one is that wired controllers tend to have longer usage lifespans. Because they don’t rely on batteries or recharges, they can last much longer than their wireless counterparts.
Q: Will a wired controller work with my PC or console?
This all depends on how it connects. If it has a USB connection, there’s a good chance it will work. Most wired controllers are designed to be compatible with a wide range of gaming systems, including PCs and popular consoles like the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. However, it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s website or the product listing to make sure that the controller is compatible with your specific system.
Q: Is it possible to use a wired controller on a device that does not have a USB port?
In general, a wired controller can only be used on a device that has a USB port. If the device does not have a USB port, it may not be possible to use a wired controller with it.