Want to get a more professional feel when playing with your favourite handhelds? Check out our list of the best controllers for Windows handhelds and get more precise with every shot, punch, goal, and drift-powered corner.
I know what some of you are thinking; why would I want to use a controller with my handheld?
Well, as I’ve alluded to above, even when playing on a handheld device you still want to keep your movements precise and don’t want to risk any stick drift or poor triggers.
And for many of us, pro controllers have become the norm in recent years anyway. I can never use the Joycon holder for this reason, opting to use my Nintendo Switch Pro Controller every time. It’s a shape and feel that I’m used to, and having a heavier controller just feels better to me.
Though it’s not so good for the wall when I rage quit… (that’s a joke… mostly).
So, with that in mind, let’s check out the top 5 controllers for Windows handhelds right here and up your handheld gaming game!
Table of Contents
1. GuliKit KingKong Pro 2 Controller
If you’re searching for the best controller for Windows handhelds today, then you can’t go wrong with the GuliKit KingKong Pro 2 Controller. It’s as smooth as velvet, slicker than Craig David’s second album, and has zero stick drift, guaranteed.
You see, Hall Sensor Joystick technology features in all of GuliKit’s controllers, and they were the first people in the gaming world to start putting it into their pads.
This means no dead zones in your control stick ever thanks to some serious electromagnetic wizardry!
Stick drift? What’s that when it’s at home?
Think that sounds good? How about adding in Turbo Mode, Motion Sense controls, and Smart Auto Pilot gaming!
Yes, you can actually record instructions in 10 minute timeframes, making any repetitive actions you might carry out while mining for materials much easier and less stressful!
2. 8BitDo Ultimate Controller (With Dock)
The 8BitDo Ultimate controller is by far one of 8BitDo’s best controller designs ever. Much like the GuliKit it’s designed with comfort and custimisation in mind.
Not only does it work on Windows, but it also works with the Steam Deck, the Nintendo Switch and iOS/Android devices.
The buttons are larger than usual on this device, and that’s to make it easier to game with and faster to press buttons when playing your best fighting games for example.
It also gives you the ability to jump deeper into customisation, for example you can change analogue stick precision, range of back triggers, you can map the back buttons and sync it to multiple consoles at the same time with the switch on the back.
Not only that, it comes with a charging dock too, so that your controller can sit nicely in your games display and you’ll always have a full charge every time you want to play.
And even when I do forget, it can last well over 20 hours on a single charge!
8BitDo have created one of the best multi-purpose controllers on the block, it’s the one I pick up the most because I use it on multiple consoles, and because of the dock, I never forget to charge it.
It’s close to flawless in all honesty, all it needs is hall joysticks!
3. Microsoft Xbox Core Controller
Listen, you just can’t go wrong with the Microsoft Xbox Core Controller.
If you already have an Xbox, then you’ve already got one of the best controllers for Windows handhelds in your collection. It’s easy to use, easy to hook up, and does the job time and time again.
With a battery that gives 30+ hours of play time, a Hybrid D-pad, and seamless bluetooth connectivity, it’s a sturdy controller that you rely upon time and time again.
You can even map buttons using the Xbox Accessories App too, a handy feature if you’re swapping and changing between handheld devices!
4. Playstation Dualsense Wireless Controller
The PS5 Dualsense Wireless Controller takes the 3rd spot in our list of the best controllers for Windows Handhelds.
Like the Xbox Core Controller, many of you will already have this remote kicking back beside your TV. I love everything about this pad when playing on the PS5, and while the haptic feedback won’t work with Windows handhelds, the controllers itself feels sturdy and looks amazing.
And just like the Xbox Core Controller, it connects to any device with ease via Bluetooth.
You won’t get as many hours of gameplay out of it as you will the Xbox controller, but if you already own a PS5, then you can start playing with your Windows handhelds right away!
6. 8BitDo Pro 2
Last but by no means least on our list of the best controllers for Windows handhelds is the 8BitDo Pro 2.
This nifty little remote always reminds me of a mix between a SNES pad and the original PS1 controller. It features Motion Sense technology and comes with vibration that you can modify to find your perfect level of rumble.
The 8BitDo Pro2 works on Windows devices, Android handhelds, the Nintendo Switch, and so many more consoles. You can even power it by AA batteries if playing on the go away from a power source, perfect for any off-grid gamers out there!
Check out our list of the best retro handhelds while you’re here to keep the handheld goodness flowing!
