Best Controllers for PC and Console
Choosing from the best controllers for PC and console is only half the job; knowing how to connect a Bluetooth controller to PC, phone or console is where many people get stuck. Many pairing guides cover only the happy path, while the fixes for real problems such as pairing loops, input lag and driver issues sit in scattered forum threads. This guide covers the best controllers from our range, then explains how to connect a Bluetooth controller to PC step by step, with platform guides and a troubleshooting table for the failures people actually hit.
Key Takeaways
- Put the controller in pairing mode, not just switched on.
- Remove old pairings before trying again.
- If games don't respond, switch the controller's input mode.
- Use a cable or dongle for the lowest input lag.
- Most controllers need no extra drivers on a PC.
Best Controllers for PC and Console
| Best for | Controller | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth gamepad on a budget | Wireless Bluetooth Gamepad, Gaming Remote Control | $12.40 | Low-cost wireless play with about 10 m range according to its listing |
| Long sessions | Ergonomic Bluetooth Controller for Gamers | $20.26 | Listed up to 40 hours of play per charge |
| Arcade and fighting games | Fighting Stick Game Joystick USB Wired Rocker | $51.44 | Wired arcade stick with no wireless lag |
| Retro arcade on a budget | USB Game Rocker Joystick Controller | $25.66 | Plug-in USB arcade controls |
| Mobile gaming | 3-in-1 Phone Gamepad Cooler Powerbank | $14.80 | Grip, cooling and extra battery for phone gaming |
How to Connect a Bluetooth Controller to PC
- Charge the Bluetooth controller so a low battery doesn't interrupt pairing.
- Enter pairing mode. Hold the pairing or home button (check the manual) until the light flashes quickly.
- Open Bluetooth settings on the PC. On Windows, go to Settings, then Bluetooth and devices, then Add device, and choose Bluetooth.
- Select the gamepad when it appears in the list.
- Test it in the PC's game controller settings or in a game.
Input modes
Many Bluetooth controllers have more than one input mode, switched by holding a button combination. One mode is widely supported by PC games, while others suit older games, phones or specific devices. If it connects but games ignore it or buttons are mixed up, switching mode usually fixes it. Check the manual for the combination.
Pairing a console controller with a PC
Many console controllers pair with a PC over Bluetooth using the same steps: hold the controller's pairing buttons until the light flashes, then add it in Bluetooth settings. Some games need controller support enabled, and some controllers work better by USB cable.
Connecting to a Phone or Tablet
Wireless controller for Android
Put the Bluetooth controller in pairing mode, open Settings, then Connected devices or Bluetooth, and choose Pair new device. Select the gamepad. If it has a mobile mode, use it for the best compatibility.
iOS devices
Pairing works the same way through Bluetooth settings, but iOS supports a narrower range of controllers. Check the listing says the controller works with iOS before you buy.
Connecting to a Console
Consoles are more restrictive than PCs. Many accept only their own or officially licensed gamepads over wireless, and some third-party controllers work only by cable or in a specific mode. Always check the listing for the console you own.
Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Pairing loop: controller flashes but never connects | Remove the old pairing on the PC, reset the controller, charge it, and pair within about 1 m |
| Connects, but games don't respond | Switch the controller's input mode (see below) or enable controller support in the game's settings |
| Input lag | Use a USB cable or the controller's wireless dongle; move closer; reduce Wi-Fi interference |
| Random disconnects | Charge the controller; turn off Bluetooth power saving; move the PC's Bluetooth adapter away from USB 3 ports |
| Controller not listed | Make sure it's in pairing mode, not just switched on; turn Bluetooth off and on |
| Buttons mapped wrongly | Change input mode or remap buttons in the game or controller software |
| PC has no Bluetooth | Add a USB Bluetooth adapter or use a USB cable |
Bluetooth gamepad not connecting: a reset routine
- Remove the Bluetooth controller from the PC's device list.
- Turn off Bluetooth on other nearby devices it was paired with, such as a phone.
- Reset it (often a small reset hole or a long button press).
- Charge it for at least 15 minutes.
- Restart the PC, enter pairing mode and add the gamepad again.
Controller input lag over Bluetooth
Bluetooth adds a small delay that most people won't notice in casual games but competitive players may. A USB cable or the controller's own 2.4 GHz dongle usually gives lower lag. Keep the Bluetooth controller within a couple of metres, avoid metal or walls between it and the receiver, and keep the Bluetooth adapter away from USB 3 ports and Wi-Fi routers, which can cause interference.
Gamepad driver on Windows
Most gamepads work with the drivers already on the PC. If a Bluetooth controller isn't recognised, update the Bluetooth driver from your PC or motherboard maker's support page, then remove and re-add it. If your PC has no Bluetooth, a small USB Bluetooth adapter adds it.
Wired or Wireless?
- Wired: lowest lag, no charging, no pairing. Best for fighting games and competitive play.
- Bluetooth: no extra receiver, works with phones and tablets, slight lag.
- 2.4 GHz dongle: low lag and reliable, but uses a USB port.
Using More Than One Controller
Most PCs can connect several Bluetooth controllers at once, though performance can drop with many devices on one adapter. Pair them one at a time, and check that the game supports multiple controllers for local multiplayer.
Battery and Care for a Bluetooth Controller
A low battery is behind many connection drops, so charge a Bluetooth controller fully before long sessions and don't leave it flat for weeks, which shortens battery life. Use the supplied cable or a reliable USB charger. Keep the gamepad away from heat, wipe the buttons and sticks with a slightly damp cloth, and store it somewhere it won't be knocked. If a stick starts drifting, recalibrating it in the PC's game controller settings can help.
Common Mistakes
- Switching the gamepad on without entering pairing mode.
- Leaving it paired to a phone nearby, which steals the connection.
- Ignoring input modes when games don't respond.
- Using Bluetooth for competitive play when a cable is available.
- Assuming any controller works with any console.
With these steps, how to connect a Bluetooth controller to PC becomes quick and repeatable, and the troubleshooting table covers what to do when it isn't.
Controllers From Global Swanky
Browse more in our Consumer Electronics collection. Check each listing for the platforms it supports.
1. Ergonomic Bluetooth Controller for Gamers
The Ergonomic Bluetooth Controller for Gamers is $20.26, with a listed 10 m range and up to 40 hours of play per charge.
2. Wireless Bluetooth Gamepad
The Wireless Bluetooth Gamepad, Gaming Remote Control is $12.40, a low-cost wireless controller with automatic sleep to save battery.
3. Fighting Stick Game Joystick
The Fighting Stick Game Joystick USB Wired Rocker for Arcade Gaming is $51.44, a wired arcade stick for fighting games.
4. USB Game Rocker Joystick Controller
The USB Game Rocker Joystick Controller for Smooth Arcade Gaming is $25.66, a plug-in arcade controller.
5. 3-in-1 Phone Gamepad Cooler Powerbank
The 3-in-1 Phone Gamepad Cooler Powerbank is $14.80, for longer mobile gaming sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pair a console controller with a PC?
Put the controller into pairing mode, usually by holding a pairing button until the light flashes quickly, then add it as a Bluetooth device in your PC's settings. Some console controllers also work by USB cable.
Why is my Bluetooth gamepad not connecting?
Common causes are a low battery, an old pairing that needs removing, the controller not being in pairing mode, or interference. Remove the device, reset the controller, charge it and try again within about a metre of the PC.
How can I reduce controller input lag over Bluetooth?
Use a USB cable or the controller's own wireless dongle where possible, keep the controller close to the PC, reduce Wi-Fi and USB 3 interference, and update your Bluetooth driver.
Can I use a wireless controller for Android?
Yes. Most Bluetooth gamepads pair with Android phones and tablets through Bluetooth settings. Check the game supports controllers, and look for a mobile mode on the controller if it has several.
Do I need a gamepad driver for Windows?
Most Bluetooth and USB controllers work without extra drivers. If one isn't recognised, update your PC's Bluetooth driver from the PC maker and check the controller's input mode. Some controllers offer optional software for remapping.