Finish him! TOP 5 Wireless Gamepads for PC

Hoco GM9 is a stylish gaming controller with a wireless connection that works with Windows-based PCs, Sony PlayStation game consoles (PS3/PS4) and smartphones based on iOS and Android. The gamepad is equipped with a pair of sticks, a 4-position D-pad, 4 main buttons and 4 side shifters/bumpers. When operating over the air, the built-in battery can provide up to 8 hours of battery life.

Perhaps the main charm of the Hoco GM9 is that it copies both the design and functionality of the new Sony DualSense gamepad, which was released simultaneously with the PlayStation 5 console. In particular, it is equipped with a pair of vibration motors for tactile feedback in games, a six-axis gyroscope for racing simulators and a proprietary touchpad, the capabilities of which are not used in games as actively as we would like. The gamepad also has a small speaker built into it, which duplicates what is happening in the game. At the bottom there is a separate Share button, with which you can quickly take a screenshot and post it online.

The other side of the coin is the price and forced savings. After all, the Hoco GM9 costs 2.5 times less than the original PS5 Sony DualSense gamepad, so my personal impression is that its sticks are not as responsive, the buttons are loose, and the bottom triggers are tighter. You also need to pay attention to the asymmetrical arrangement of the sticks and 4-position cross, which is borrowed from the Xbox gamepad, not Sony. If you decide to pair this gamepad with your PS4, this layout may turn out to be an unpleasant surprise. Well, despite the visual similarity to the DualSense, the device from Hoco does not have official support for the PS5 console. Otherwise, this is a pretty interesting, well-built gamepad, the functionality of which exceeds most gamepads under $35.

Canyon CND-GPW3 is a low-cost wireless gamepad for PCs, mobile devices and some game consoles, which pleasantly surprises with its quality. There is nothing superfluous in this gamepad, and what is there is made conscientiously.

As a layout, the Canyon CND-GPW3 duplicates the Xbox gamepad with asymmetrical sticks, a low cross, perpendicular triggers and main keys, which are designated by letters. Thanks to the Turbo and Home keys, the total number of buttons reaches 12. In your hands, it feels almost like an Xbox One gamepad, and the handles are covered with soft-touch material to make it less slippery. The only thing that wasn’t entirely convenient was the sticks: their shape resembles the sticks from the Logitech F710, from which the author’s fingers kept slipping off.

Using the radio channel, the device can be connected to a PC, Nintendo Switch handheld console, PS3 and most Android smartphones. What’s nice is that in most cases the connection goes without a hitch, without requiring the user to dance with a tambourine. Additional features include backlit main buttons, an LED charge level indicator, and a pair of built-in vibration motors for tactile feedback.

Almost a month ago, we conducted a test of wireless controllers for PCs, one of the heroes of which was the debut Force GC30 gamepad from the Taiwanese brand MSI. At the time, we praised the gamepad's build quality, durable button switches, and a package that includes multiple cables, replacement D-pads, and a wireless adapter. As a result, the Force GC30 left a pleasant impression, which was blurred by the short-lived left stick and minor vagaries when connecting wirelessly. In the fall of 2021, MSI released the second revision of the Force GC30 and we couldn’t ask if it was better this time.

But first, a few characteristics. Ideologically, the second version of the Force GC30 completely copies its predecessor. It's an Xbox-style gamepad with diagonal sticks, perpendicular triggers and keys that are labeled with Latin letters rather than numbers or geometric symbols. The controller can be used wirelessly or connected to a PC or smartphone using one of two cables (regular and OTG). The built-in battery lasts for 8 hours, which is slightly less than some well-known competitors, but this is justified by a more affordable price. If gamepads from Xbox and PlayStation retail for $60–70, the MSI Force GC30 V2 can be found on sale for one and a half times cheaper.

So what has changed? Firstly, the design has been updated. The old black gamepad was visually lost against the background of monotonous black Chinese controllers, but the new snow-white one immediately attracts attention. And the LED charge indicator located in the very center turned out to be more clear. We also worked on reliability, making the potentiometers a little more sensitive and reliable. However, in this case, you will have to take MSI’s word for it, because a week of tests is too short a period to draw global conclusions about durability. As before, they recognize up to 256 degrees of pressure, the push-button switches have a claimed service life of 2 million clicks (versus a million from competitors), and the delivery package includes replaceable pads for the cross with magnetic fastenings.

SteelSeries Stratus DUO is a rather interesting cross-platform gamepad from the Danish manufacturer of gaming peripherals SteelSeries with high quality performance, combined connectivity (USB, Bluetooth and radio), as well as an optional mount for mobile devices, which is sold separately. According to representatives of SteelSeries, Stratus DUO has replaced the old Stratus XL, which has long been considered one of the best controllers for smartphones, but, alas, is outdated.

The gamepad turned out to be medium in size, its shape is quite reminiscent of Microsoft controllers, but its sticks are located symmetrically, which is typical for gamepads from Sony. In addition to the traditional sticks, kursks, and main buttons, in the central part there are several additional buttons for controlling mobile devices. In terms of its size, it is optimally suited for people with medium palms. Matte plastic with soft touch inserts in the palms lies well and tenaciously, even if you suddenly decide to play Doom Eternal on maximum difficulty. Thus, Stratus DUO is a convenient and interesting alternative to gamepads from Sony and Microsoft. The device also claims to support Oculus Go, Samsung Gear VR and other virtual reality headsets.

The main and only complaint about the Stratus DUO is the lack of tactile feedback. For a device that costs almost $100, a pair of built-in vibration motors would definitely not be out of place. Otherwise, this is an excellent, convenient and stylish manipulator in all respects with high-quality buttons, responsive sticks, an ergonomic body, additional keys and good battery life. In particular, the manufacturer guarantees up to 20 hours of battery life. This is not as much as the original Stratus XL, but it had AA batteries, and this one has a full battery.

For a long time, fans of the Sony PlayStation console have been spreading the stereotype that Microsoft does not know how to make gamepads, and the DualShock is the crown of creation and a role model. In fact, 99% of these disputes came down to either taste or habit, because not all gamers are comfortable controlling asymmetrical sticks. But in fact, Microsoft knows how to make excellent controllers, as confirmed by the second version of the professional e-sports gamepad Xbox Elite.

The design of the Xbox Elite 2 follows the appearance of the original controller from the Xbox Series S. But as usual, the devil is in the details. In particular, the Xbox Elite 2 is equipped with interchangeable impulse sticks with adjustable pressure. For convenience, the set includes 3 interchangeable sets of sticks of different lengths and heights, as well as a special case for storing the gamepad and spare parts. The 8-position D-Pad, which was once criticized by all and sundry, can now be called synonymous with convenience. And it is also replaceable, and in the box you can find an analogue in the form of a standard cross.

On the back panel of the gamepad there are 4 petal buttons with pressure switches. By default, the petals duplicate the functions of the main buttons, but they can be reconfigured to suit your needs. And guess what? They are also replaceable, and the set includes 4 additional smaller petals. Key settings can be saved and quickly switched between them using the Profile button. The gamepad is connected to a PC or Xbox via cable or over the air (Bluetooth). When connected wirelessly, the built-in battery provides an impressive 40 hours of battery life. For charging, a carrying case is used, like in modern TWS headphones. Against the background of all that has been said, the only disadvantage of the Xbox Elite 2 is its high price, but in our opinion it is fully justified by the ultimate quality of workmanship, equipment and status of the gamepad.