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The 8 best handheld video game controllers for 2024: PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and more
Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, Razer, Backbone, SteelSeries, Scuf, Turtle Beach
Sure, you can find cheap, generic game controllers from no-name companies, but our in-house team of expert gamers recommend using a premium handheld model. For PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Xbox X/S gamers, the best way to improve your accuracy and timing is to make that upgrade. This also goes for cloud games on your smart TV, and certain PC, iOS or Android games.
Take it from us: Once you invest in a decent controller, there’s an almost zero chance that you’ll ever go back.
Our top picks for handheld video game controllers
Many of these controllers also make great second controllers if you want to play multiplayer games.
Best handheld video game controller for PS5: PlayStation DualSense Edge wireless controller
Sony
Compatibility: PlayStation 5, PC | RGB lighting: Yes | Microphone input: Mic built in | Audio output: 3.5mm headset jack | Wired/wireless: Both | Battery life: Up to 8 hours | Dimensions: 7.82 x 4.13 x 7.82 inches | Weight: 11.36 ounces | Special features: Built in adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, Many color options, Integrated motion sensors, Changeable stick caps, Adjustable trigger/stick sensitivity, Mappable back buttons, Carrying case included
The PS5 comes with a single DualSense controller, but if you want even more, well, control, you’ll want to invest in the DuelSense Edge wireless controller.
Priced at $200, this thing isn’t cheap, nor is it necessary for casual gamers. But for more advanced gamers looking for a higher level of precision and faster response, it’s the DualSense Edge you want in your hands.
You get all of the key features of the regular DualSense controller (including adaptive triggers), but with a handful of added features. The Edge controller offers customizable controls, mappable back buttons and swappable profiles. You also get changeable stick caps and stick modules.
If you want to use this as a wired controller, it comes with a 9.1 foot braided USB cable with a lockable connector housing (so the cable won’t slip out accidentally). We also like that you can control the intensity of the controller’s haptic feedback.
The controller is compatible with Sony’s DualSense Charging Station ($30) that lets you recharge two controllers simultaneously.
Best handheld video game controller for Nintendo Switch: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Walmart
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED Model | RGB lighting: No | Microphone input: None | Audio output: None | Wired/wireless: Both | Battery life: Up to 40 hours | Dimensions: 4.17 x 5.98 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 8.68 ounces | Special features: Motion controls (gyroscope and accelerometer), haptic feedback, Amiibo compatible
We get it: Not everybody is a DualSense loyalist. If you want a more traditional handheld controller design, one that feels more solid in your hands, and that offers a nice assortment of buttons, triggers, joysticks and a D-pad, check out Nintendo’s own Switch Pro Controller.
Keep in mind: This controller will not work with the Nintendo Switch Lite or any game that specifically requires a Joy-Con controller. But for all other games, this Pro controller typically makes it easier to interact with your favorite games with greater precision.
Two key features that the Pro offers are haptic feedback and integrated motion controls. The controller works great when your Switch is being used in tabletop or TV mode. And it has built-in Amiibo functionality.
Big caveat, though: One feature that’s lacking is a built-in mic or 3.5mm headphone/headset jack.
Best handheld video game controller for Xbox: Xbox Elite wireless controller Series 2
Walmart
Compatibility: Xbox X/S, Xbox One, Xbox One S, PC, mobile devices | RGB lighting: No | Microphone input: None | Audio output: 3.5mm headphone/headset jack | Wired/wireless: Both | Battery life: Up to 40 hours | Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 2.4 inches | Weight: 12.17 ounces | Special features: Adjustable tension thumbsticks, Wrap-around rubberized grip, Interchangeable components, Swappable battery, Haptic feedback
All of the latest Xbox consoles come with a standard Xbox Wireless Controller, which, for many gamers, is more than fine. But just like Sony offers the more sophisticated DualSense Edge and Nintendo offers the Nintendo Switch Pro, there’s this Microsoft Xbox Elite wireless controller.
Key features include adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter hair-trigger locks, a wrap-around rubberized grip and interchangeable components that allow you to customize the look, feel and performance of your controller.
And speaking of customization, the Elite allows for three custom profiles and one default profile. Switch between them on the fly using the controller’s profile button. This controller works with the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One consoles, as well as Windows PCs and mobile devices that support Xbox Wireless or Bluetooth controllers. To protect your controller investment, the Elite comes with a carrying case. Battery life is up to 40 hours.
Best handheld video game controller for PC (and PS5): Razer Wolverine V2 Pro
Amazon
Compatibility: PC, PS5 | RGB lighting: Yes, Razer Chroma | Microphone input: 3.5mm mic input | Audio output: 3.5mm audio output | Wired/wireless: Both | Battery life: Up to 10 hours (with RGB lighting), 28 hours (without RGB lighting) | Dimensions: 4.16 x 6.59 x 2.56 inches | Weight: 0.62 pounds | Special features: Tactile action buttons, 6x re-mappable multi-function buttons, 8-way D-pad
Designed for more advanced PC and PS5 gamers, Razer’s Wolverine V2 Pro controller comes in black or white. You’ll get 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity for the absolute fastest wireless connection possible. The buttons have a shorter actuation distance, which allows for faster presses with improved tactility.
Advanced gamers will appreciate are hypertriggers that can be switched from measured to full range to quick-clicks. The eight-way D-pad is also designed for enhanced performance, especially when accuracy for intricate combos are essential. The four extra triggers and two bumpers can be used based on your personal gaming style.
Unlike many rivals, the Wolverine V2 Pro has its own iOS and Android mobile app. Use it to customize your controller, remap buttons and personalize lighting effects. And if your gaming space already rocks Razer Chroma-compatible smart lighting, the controller’s RGB array can easily sync up.
Best handheld controller for iPhone: Backbone One
Amazon
Compatibility: Apple iPhone | Connectivity: Lightning or USB Type-C | RGB lighting: No | Microphone input: Only with plugged in gaming headset | Audio output: 3.5mm headphone/headset jack | Wired/wireless: Connects directly to phone | Battery life: Powered by iPhone | Dimensions: 3.7 x 6.94 x 1.28 inches (adjustable to fit any iPhone) | Weight: 4.87 ounces | Special features: Play any iOS, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Apple Arcade game, plus stream games from Xbox, PlayStation or PC
The Backbone One turns your Apple iPhone into a console gaming system with integrated controller in just a couple of snaps. But it does much more when you use the Backbone One with the Backbone app, which hooks you up with Xbox Game Pass games on your iPhone.
It also works with a handful of other cloud gaming services, including PS Remote Play and Stream Link. So you can remotely play your favorite PlayStation or Xbox games at up to 1080p (60fps) resolution.
The Backbone One is powered by your iPhone, so you don’t have to worry about recharging the device separately. Just plug in your phone and a new collection of games and opportunities will be at your fingertips.
Best handheld controller for iOS, iPadOS, and AppleTV: SteelSeries Nimbus+
Amazon
Compatibility: Apple iPhone, iPad, Mac, AppleTV | RGB lighting: No | Microphone input: None | Audio output: None | Wired/wireless: Wireless | Battery life: Up to 50 hours | Dimensions: 5.9 x 4.33 x 2.49 inches | Weight: 8.57 ounces | Special features: Tactile D-pad. Magnetic triggers, Clickable L3/R3 joysticks, Includes iPhone mount, Apple Arcade support
One of the problems iPhone or iPad gaming is that the touchscreen doesn’t always give you the control you want. And if you want to play iOS or Apple Arcade games on your TV (via Apple TV) or on your Mac, you’ll typically need a separate handheld controller.
The SteelSeries Nimbus+ is a handheld controller designed specifically for Apple gear. The included wireless charger and controller’s built-in battery give you up to 50 hours of play on a single charge. It also comes with a detachable iPhone mount so you can attach the smartphone to the controller and stay mobile.
Best handheld video game controller for advanced PC gamers: Scuf Envision Pro
Amazon
Compatibility: PC | RGB lighting: Yes | Microphone input: Only using headset | Audio output: 3.5mm headphone/headset jack | Wired/wireless: Both | Battery life: Up to 19 hours | Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.23 x 2.48 inches | Weight: 10.05 ounces | Special features: Multiple color options, 5x programmable G-keys, 4x Re-mappable paddles, 2x side-action (SAX) buttons, Adjustable triggers, Mechanical switches
Here’s another premium option for PC gaming. With this controller, you get ultra-fast wireless connectivity, adjustable triggers and a high performance grip system. The controller comes in your choice of more than a dozen color combinations and includes a strip of RGB lighting.
Built into the controller are five programmable G-keys and re-mappable paddles. Also included are two customizable, side-mounted (SAX) action buttons. Adjusting the trigger sensitivity is also an option. Thanks to the controller’s mechanical switches, you get plenty of durability, so the controller will likely last longer than the rest of your gaming hardware.
Best multi-system handheld video game controller: Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
Amazon
Compatibility: PC, Xbox S/X, Xbox One, Android, iOS, Supported smart TVs | RGB lighting: Yes | Microphone input: Only using headset | Audio output: 3.5mm headphone/headset jack | Wired/wireless: Wireless | Battery life: Up to 30 hours | Dimensions: 4.72 x 6.3 x 2.53 inches | Weight: 13.3 ounces | Special features: Many color options, Onboard social media notifications, Tactile buttons, Adjustable triggers, 4x mappable quick-action buttons, Pro-Aim focus mode, Command Center (charging station) included, Haptic feedback
If you’re one of those gamers who constantly switches between a PC, Xbox, smart TV and mobile devices, here’s a handheld controller that’ll work with just about all of the, outside of the Switch and PlayStation.
The Stealth Ultra uses low-latency (2.4GHz and Bluetooth) wireless tech to deliver the fastest performance. You also get customizable RGB lighting, mappable buttons, adjustable thumb stick sensitivity and up to 30 hours of battery life.
The controller comes with a wireless charging dock and carrying case. And we love that the display shows controller settings and social media notifications.
Audio features include EQ audio presets, game and chat volume mix, mic monitoring and more. Choose between more than eight color combos.
What is the best handheld video game controller?
Here are seven things to consider:
- Comfort: Most controllers are designed for people with average size hands, but each has a unique design and weight that make some more comfortable than others.
- Wireless versus wired: Most console gamers prefer a wireless handheld controller. The response time between the latest wireless and wired controllers is seldom an issue anymore, especially if the controller offers 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. Many controllers also offer both wired and wireless connectivity options.
- Components: The best handheld controllers are made with high-quality components, including buttons, triggers, bumpers, thumb sticks and a D-pad. Choose a controller that focuses on responsiveness as well as durability.
- System compatibility: Handheld video game controllers tend to look alike, but most are designed for a specific gaming system. Make sure the controller you choose is compatible with the hardware you plan to use it with.
- Battery life: This only applies to wireless controllers. Seek out an option that offers a long battery life between charges, as well as a quick charge feature. Some offer Qi wireless charging, while some offer swappable batteries, so when one battery dies, you can replace it in seconds with a fully charged one. You should get at least 20 to 30 hours of gameplay per charge.
- RGB lighting: RGB lighting enhances the visual aesthetic of the controller, but doesn’t impact game play.
- Haptic feedback: This is a physical shaking that a handheld controller generates to add some extra flair. Some gamers find it distracting, so you may want a controller that lacks this feature, or at least allows you to adjust its intensity or turn it off.
Need help beyond handheld controllers? We have you covered. Learn about all of the best gaming gear for 2024 — including the best gaming monitors, gaming laptops, gaming keyboards, gaming headsets, the best Nintendo Switch games, the best PlayStation 5 games and the best Xbox games — all courtesy of our relentless tech coverage. And be sure to read our in-depth reviews of popular video games, like “Super Mario Bros. Wonder,” “Super Mario RPG” and “Mario vs. Donkey Kong,” as well as gaming systems, like the Asus ROG Ally.
The following is a transcript of an interview with Sen. Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona, on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that aired on Oct. 6, 2024.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Joining us now is Arizona’s Democratic Senator, Mark Kelly. He’s in Detroit this morning on the campaign trail for the Harris campaign. Good morning to you, Senator.
SEN. MARK KELLY: Good morning, Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I want to talk to you about Arizona, but let’s start in Michigan, which is where you are right now. And it is going to be such a key state to a potential Harris or Trump victory. Vice President Harris is facing challenges among black men, working class people, as well as the Muslim and Arab populations skeptical of the White House support for Israel’s wars. What are you hearing on the ground there from voters?
SEN. KELLY: Well, my wife, Gabby Giffords, and I have been out here for a couple days. We’ve been campaigning across the country, Michigan, I’ve been in North Carolina, Georgia as well. I’ll be back to Arizona here soon. The vice president was out here speaking to Muslim organizations and the Arab community about what is at stake in this election and addressing the concerns that they have. What we’re hearing, issues about the economy, about gun violence, about, you know, supporting American families and the difference between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. You know, Kamala Harris, who has a vision for the future of this country, Donald Trump, who just wants to drag us backwards.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Today in Dearborn, Michigan, there’s a funeral service for an American man who was killed in Lebanon by an Israeli airstrike. It just underscores how that community you’re talking about out in Michigan feel some of what’s happening in a personal way to their community. Given how close this race is, do you think this war and the expectation it could escalate could cost Democrats both a seat in the Senate and potentially the presidency?
SEN. KELLY: Margaret, nobody wants to see escalation and it’s tragic when any innocent person, whether it’s an American or Palestinian, lose their life in a conflict. Tomorrow’s one year since October 7th, when Israel was violently attacked. Israel has a right to defend itself, not only from Hamas, but from Hezbollah and from the Iranians. But, you know, I and my wife, you know, we feel for the community here who’s been affected by this. And that’s why the vice president was out here earlier, a few days ago, meeting with that community.
MARGARET BRENNAN: But it’s a live issue.
SEN. KELLY: Yeah, sure. I mean, there is an ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Israel is, you know, fighting a war now on, I think it’s fair to say, two fronts and then being attacked by the Iranians as well. And, they- they need to defend themselves, and we need to support our Israeli ally. At the same time, when women and children lose their life, innocent people in a conflict, it is- it is tragic.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You do sit on the Senate Intelligence Committee and so I know you know how intense the efforts are by foreign actors to try to manipulate voters going into November. Just this Friday, Matthew Olsen, the lead on election threats at the Department of Justice, told CBS the Russians are, quote, highlighting immigration as a wedge issue. That is such a key issue in Arizona. Are you seeing targeted information operations really focusing in on Arizonans right now?
SEN. KELLY: Not only in Arizona, in other battleground states. It’s the Russians, the Chinese, the Iranians, and it’s significant. And we need to do a better job getting the message out to the American people that there is a huge amount of misinformation. If you’re looking at stuff on Twitter, on TikTok, on Facebook, on Instagram, and it’s political in nature, and you may- might think that that person responding to that political article or who made that meme up is an American. It could be- it could look like a U.S. service member. There is a very reasonable chance I would put it in the 20 to 30% range, that the content you are seeing, the comments you are seeing, are coming from one of those three countries: Russia, Iran, China. We had a hearing recently, with the FBI director, the DNI, and the head of the National Security Agency. And we talked about this. And we talked about getting the word out. And it’s up to us, so thank you for asking me the question, because it’s up to us, the people who serve in Congress and the White House to get the information out there, that there is a tremendous amount of misinformation in this election, and it’s not going to stop on November 5th.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Understood. And we will do our best to help parse that for viewers. But on the topic of the border, President Biden did announce just this past week new regulations to keep in place that partial asylum ban that he rolled out back in June. That’s what’s credited with helping to bring down some of the border crossing numbers in recent weeks. It was supposed to be a temporary policy, dependent on how many people were crossing at a time. Do you think this is the right long term policy, or is this just a gimmick to bring down numbers ahead of the election?
SEN. KELLY: Well, the right long term policy is to do this through legislation. And we were a day or two away from doing that, passing strong border security legislation supported by the vice president, negotiated by the vice president, and the president and his Department of Homeland Security, with Democrats and Republicans–
MARGARET BRENNAN: But this is not legislation.
SEN. KELLY: –This is bipartisan. This isn’t. But the legislation was killed by Donald Trump. We were really close to getting it passed. That’s the correct way to do this. When you can’t do that, Margaret, when a former president interrupts the legislative process the way he did, which is the most hypocritical thing I’ve ever seen in my three and a half years in the Senate. After that happened, the only other option is executive actions. And this has gone from what was chaos and a crisis at our southern border to somewhat manageable. And if you’re the border- Border Patrol, you know, this is this- you need this. I mean, otherwise it is unsafe for Border Patrol agents, for CBP officers, for migrants, for communities in southern Arizona. So it’s unfortunate that this was the- these were the steps that had to be taken.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Okay.
SEN. KELLY: But that’s because the former president didn’t allow us to do this through legislation.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator, we have to leave it right there. Face the Nation will be right back.
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Sen. Mark Kelly says Americans need to know about “huge amount of misinformation” on election
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