Be sure to read our guides to the Best Gaming Headsets, Best Gaming Mouse, and Best Gaming Laptops for more recommendations.
Updated March 2021: We adjusted pricing throughout this guide, wrote some tips on how far to sit from your TV or monitor, and added the PS5 DualSense controller.
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PHOTOGRAPH: NINTENDO
Best for Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
First-party controllers are often quite good. They're usually well-built, feel comfortable, and do everything a controller should do. Still, it's rare for a first-party controller to feel as nearly perfect as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. This controller might top every category if you could use it as easily with PC, Xbox, and PS4 as you can with the Switch.
There are no other gamepads on the market that feel as comfortable and responsive as the Pro. It is the king of controllers. If you use your Switch in docked mode, you owe it to yourself to invest in one of these gamepads. It'll spoil you for all other controllers.
Check out our Nintendo Switch Accessories guide to learn more.
$59 AT AMAZON
$59 AT WALMART
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PHOTOGRAPH: SCUF PRESTIGE
Best for PC and Xbox
Scuf Prestige
What's nice about PC gamepads is that they're usually compatible with the Xbox One compatible mod device, and Xbox Series X. The Scuf Prestige is no exception. It's a well-built controller, with a matte black finish and grippy underside. It feels premium, and it also has a number of features that set it apart from competitors.
The paddles on the back are my favorite. There are four that can be mapped to 14 different controller functions. The paddles themselves are like hair triggers that rest right underneath your fingers, so you don't need to adjust your grip at all to use them. They come in handy for games like Destiny 2 and Overwatch, when you have to juggle class abilities.