🎮Best Controllers of All Time

DualSense▲ Rising

Sony's 2020 controller introduced adaptive triggers and advanced haptics that changed immersion for millions. Its signature moment came with Astro's Playroom, showcasing the new features out of the box. It earns the top spot by raising expectations for every future pad.

Year: 2020Buttons: 18 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 9/10Innovation: 10/10

added by IJRDualSense

DualShock 4▲ Rising

Sony's 2013 controller added a touchpad and improved analog sticks that became industry standards. Its signature moment was the launch of the PS4 with fluid gameplay demos. It set the template for modern console pads.

Year: 2013Buttons: 16 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 8/10Innovation: 8/10

added by IJRDualShock 4

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller▲ Rising

Nintendo's 2017 pad brought precise motion controls and long battery life to a hybrid console. Its signature moment was seamless play in Breath of the Wild. It earns its place by balancing comfort with Nintendo-specific features.

Year: 2017Buttons: 17 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 9/10Innovation: 8/10

added by IJRNintendo Switch Pro Controller

Xbox 360 Controller▲ Rising

Microsoft's 2005 wireless pad refined ergonomics and introduced the iconic left-stick placement. Its signature moment was dominating online multiplayer in Halo 3. It remains the gold standard many still copy.

Year: 2005Buttons: 15 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 9/10Innovation: 7/10

added by IJRXbox 360 controller

Xbox Elite Series 2▲ Rising

Microsoft's 2019 premium controller gave serious gamers modular components and back paddles. Its signature moment was dominating competitive scenes in Halo and fighting games. It tops pro lists for unmatched customization.

Year: 2019Buttons: 19 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 9/10Innovation: 9/10

added by IJR

Xbox One Controller▲ Rising

Microsoft's 2013 pad improved on the 360 with better bumpers and a dedicated share button. Its signature moment was seamless PC integration. It earns its place as the most compatible modern pad.

Year: 2013Buttons: 16 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 8/10Innovation: 7/10

added by IJR

PS1 DualShock▲ Rising

Sony's 1997 pad added analog sticks and vibration to the original PlayStation. Its signature moment was rumbling in Metal Gear Solid. It set the standard for feedback.

Year: 1997Buttons: 14 countWireless: —Comfort: 7/10Innovation: 8/10

added by IJR

GameCube Controller▲ Rising

Nintendo's 2001 pad featured a unique button layout and clicky triggers that defined its era. Its signature moment was perfecting Smash Bros. Melee gameplay. It earns its rank through unmatched precision in fighting games.

Year: 2001Buttons: 13 countWireless: —Comfort: 8/10Innovation: 7/10

added by IJRGameCube controller

N64 Controller

Nintendo's 1996 three-pronged design introduced the analog stick to consoles. Its signature moment was Mario 64's groundbreaking 3D control. It ranks high for sheer innovation despite its awkward shape.

Year: 1996Buttons: 10 countWireless: —Comfort: 6/10Innovation: 9/10

added by IJR

Sega Genesis Controller

Sega's 1988 pad brought three-button action and later six-button support to fast platformers. Its signature moment was Sonic's speed runs. It ranks for speed and responsiveness.

Year: 1988Buttons: 6 countWireless: —Comfort: 7/10Innovation: 6/10

added by IJR

Wii Remote

Nintendo's 2006 motion controller turned living rooms into active play spaces. Its signature moment was swinging for home runs in Wii Sports. It ranks for changing how casual audiences interact with games.

Year: 2006Buttons: 7 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 7/10Innovation: 9/10

added by IJRWii Remote

NES Controller▲ Rising

Nintendo's 1985 rectangular pad standardized the D-pad and start/select buttons. Its signature moment was Mario's first jump. It earns its spot as the foundation of modern controllers.

Year: 1985Buttons: 4 countWireless: —Comfort: 6/10Innovation: 8/10

added by IJR

PS2 DualShock 2▲ Rising

Sony's 2000 controller refined pressure-sensitive buttons and analog sticks for the PS2 era. Its signature moment was precise control in God of War. It solidified the DualShock line as the standard.

Year: 2000Buttons: 16 countWireless: —Comfort: 8/10Innovation: 7/10

added by IJR

Steam Controller

Valve's 2015 pad brought trackpads and full customization to PC gaming. Its signature moment was community configs for any game. It earns its spot for PC innovation.

Year: 2015Buttons: 15 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 7/10Innovation: 9/10

added by IJRSteam Controller

Atari 2600 Joystick

Atari's 1977 simple stick defined the first home console generation. Its signature moment was endless hours of Space Invaders. It earns its historical rank despite minimal features.

Year: 1977Buttons: 1 countWireless: —Comfort: 4/10Innovation: 8/10

added by IJR

Dreamcast Controller

Sega's 1998 pad introduced the VMU screen and analog triggers early. Its signature moment was crazy taxi driving with the VMU. It earns points for forward-thinking features.

Year: 1998Buttons: 9 countWireless: —Comfort: 7/10Innovation: 8/10

added by IJR

ColecoVision Controller

Coleco's 1982 pad featured a numeric keypad and joystick. Its signature moment was arcade ports like Donkey Kong. It earns its place for strong early arcade feel.

Year: 1982Buttons: 8 countWireless: —Comfort: 5/10Innovation: 6/10

added by IJR

Original Xbox Duke

Microsoft's 2001 oversized controller earned its nickname for sheer size. Its signature moment was the Xbox launch with Halo. It ranks for ambition despite ergonomic complaints.

Year: 2001Buttons: 15 countWireless: —Comfort: 5/10Innovation: 7/10

added by IJR

SNES Controller▼ Falling

Nintendo's 1990 pad added shoulder buttons and the classic cross layout still used today. Its signature moment was perfect platforming in Super Mario World. It earns its spot as the template for every D-pad since.

Year: 1990Buttons: 8 countWireless: —Comfort: 8/10Innovation: 8/10

added by IJR

8BitDo Ultimate

The 2022 Bluetooth pad blends retro looks with modern Hall-effect sticks. Its signature moment was smooth emulation play. It earns praise for value and reliability.

Year: 2022Buttons: 16 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 8/10Innovation: 7/10

added by IJR

PlayStation Move

Sony's 2009 motion wands brought Wii-like play to PS3. Its signature moment was Sports Champions bowling. It ranks for early motion innovation.

Year: 2009Buttons: 7 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 6/10Innovation: 7/10

added by IJRPlayStation Move

Razer Wolverine V2▼ Falling

Razer's 2021 tournament controller added extra buttons and swappable sticks. Its signature moment was pro use in fighting games. It ranks for competitive edge.

Year: 2021Buttons: 17 countWireless: —Comfort: 8/10Innovation: 7/10

added by IJR

TurboGrafx-16 Controller▼ Falling

NEC's 1989 pad added turbo buttons for shooters. Its signature moment was blazing through Blazing Lazers. It earns a spot for speed-focused design.

Year: 1989Buttons: 6 countWireless: —Comfort: 6/10Innovation: 6/10

added by IJR

SCUF Instinct Pro▼ Falling

SCUF's 2020 Xbox-style pad added paddles and remappable buttons. Its signature moment was pro esports adoption. It ranks for high-end customization.

Year: 2020Buttons: 19 countWireless: ✓Comfort: 8/10Innovation: 7/10

added by IJR

Intellivision Controller▼ Falling

Mattel's 1979 pad used a unique disc and number pad. Its signature moment was advanced sports sims. It ranks for ambitious early design.

Year: 1979Buttons: 16 countWireless: —Comfort: 4/10Innovation: 7/10

added by IJR