Cheap Controllers | The best of 2023

If you are a gamer, it is very likely that you also have friends who regularly meet at your house to play something. Inexpensive controllers meet the needs of many people, looking for additional peripherals just to play in company, without spending too much but still having an excellent pad at hand, but not only.

Just think, for example to when you forget to charge your main joystick, finding it with a flat battery just a few seconds before starting to play. Unfortunately, buying a second pad is certainly not an indifferent expense, given that the original gamepads for the main game consoles often and willingly cost even more than 50 euros. That's why we decided to draw up for you the list of the best cheap controllers on the market, whatever your favorite gaming platform. Furthermore, buying an inexpensive controller perfectly meets the needs of all those looking for a low-budget solution to play in company.

In this 2023 update, we have decided to include one more solution for PC , combining an inexpensive controller with the form factor of Xbox 360 with a peripheral with the form factor of PlayStation. While it's slightly more expensive than other solutions in this guide, we thought we'd add it for all those who don't like the asymmetrical layout.

Before diving into the best cheap controllers that can be purchased nowadays, we would also like to underline our buying guides dedicated to wireless gaming headsets and cheap gaming chairs, to have a workstation always on top.

Best Cheap Controllers

Nacon Compact Controller – Best for PlayStation PowerA wired controller – Best for Xbox PowerA wired controller – Best for Nintendo Switch Best cheap controllers for PC 8Bitdo Zero2 – The best alternative

Nacon Compact Controller – The best for PlayStation

If you are looking for the best cheap controllers for PS4 to come to your rescue are definitely the Nacon Compact Controllers. It is a series of very high quality gamepads, which will certainly not make you regret the classic PS4 controllers. Successful design, 3-meter cable, jack input and equipped with share, options and PS keys: the Nacon Compacts are respectable economic controllers, perfect for every PS4. Finally, to make everything even more interesting is a large number of different colors, able to satisfy practically every taste. What more could you want?

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PowerA wired controller – Best for Xbox

In case you need a good cheap controller for Xbox, PowerA is the right one for you, a high quality wired product with an official Microsoft license. In addition to the classic keys, the PowerA also has two additional programmable buttons on the back, a decidedly remarkable feature for a product sold at a budget price compared to much more expensive solutions, such as the various Elite Controllers. Clearly we are not dealing with a premium product, but a decidedly more than valid alternative, especially for the price range. All the features of the Xbox controllers complete the picture: share button and audio input for the 3.5mm jack.

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PowerA wired controller – The best for Nintendo Switch

The best cheap controllers for Nintendo Switch are called PowerA, which is a series of very good quality gamepads sold at a very low price. In addition to being officially licensed by Nintendo, therefore able to reflect the layout and all the characteristics of the Japanese giant's wired pads, these products have an ergonomic design, a removable three-meter USB cable and, above all, a large number of different prints. To play cheaply and in style.

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Zexrow – Best for PC

Although PC has historically been the kingdom of the mouse and keyboard combination, in certain games a good joystick can always come in handy. So here as the best cheap controller for PC we recommend the Zexcrow, a device that very closely resembles the unforgettable Xbox 360 gamepad, emulating its quality at a very low price. The controller is also equipped with the classic audio input for your headset. In case this solution does not convince you, we remind you that even most of the other cheap controllers recommended in this article are compatible on PC, despite having recommended them for other gaming platforms. When you are spoiled for choice.

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Logitech F710 – the best (symmetrical) for PC

Normally, when let's talk about PC, the controllers use the Xbox form factor. Logitech is not of the same opinion, which with the F710 model has churned out a solution for all those who love "PlayStation-like" pads. If it is true that the solutions proposed above can still be used on computers, the Logitech F710 is positioned in that price range which allows everyone to have a controller that is certainly less expensive than the others, but perhaps more suitable for all those who prefer symmetrical analogs. In addition, on Amazon it is possible to buy two with a saving of a few euros, an ideal choice for all those who really need more peripherals.

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8BitDo Zero2 – The best alternative

Do you feel particularly alternative or do you want a cheap and comfortable controller to always carry around? In this case, the 8Bitdo Zero2 is definitely for you, a beautiful mini device compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC and Android designed to play in total freedom and particularly recommended for indie games. A unique product, with an irresistible design, weighing just 20 grams and characterized by a very low price: the 8Bitdo Zero2 is a real gem.

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How to choose the best cheap controllers

When you find yourself buying a cheap controller you need to have clear in mind how you will most likely find yourself after purchasing a product that is valid, but which in any case fails to reach the same quality as the standard controllers for the various gaming platforms. Precisely for this reason it is good and right to get as much information as possible, in order to obtain the highest possible quality/price ratio.

Brand

One of the first aspects to check is certainly that relating to the brand of a controller. When we go to choose a second pad or even any type of accessory and we don't want to turn to offers from manufacturers such as Sony or Microsoft, it is always good to consider the brand you are going to buy. Beyond the reviews, very few manufacturers have a license for the production of a controller, so before making a purchase it is always good to check that the company has a license for the production of accessories, such as Nacon and PowerA. 8BitDo, on the other hand, represents a real dive into the past, with controllers that recall the NES and SNES era, never forgotten by the "older" players.

Connection type

One one of the main things to take into consideration before buying an economic controller is that relating to the type of connection. Wireless or wired: both have their pros and cons, but it is good to consider how the former is more difficult to find in a reduced-price product and how without adequate quality the wireless connection risks "giving away" some nasty too. Not to be forgotten is also how a wireless controller needs to be recharged from time to time. In short, if you want a cheap wireless controller, read the various reviews even more carefully.

Ergonomics

What is a controller? A device that we will be called upon to use even for several hours without interruption. So pay attention to ergonomics. Avoiding minor annoyances during and after use must in fact be a priority and it is precisely for this reason that we have included only devices with good ergonomics in this list of the best cheap controllers on the market. This means that you will be able to play for hours, in total comfort, without feeling the weight of the controller or hand pain due to a bad form factor.

Compatibility

The compatibility of various cheap controllers is not an aspect to be underestimated. Although certain products are marketed only for certain gaming platforms, they are also compatible with others and, almost always, also with PCs. A closer look at descriptions and user feedback could therefore save you several euros.

Analog disposition

Despite being devices aimed at making us play, each controller is different and for years the gaming community has been discussing the disposition of analogs on a controller. Better arranged symmetrically, as for example in the PS5 DualSense, or asymmetrically, as per Xbox tradition? Unfortunately, there is no perfect answer for everyone and for this very reason we have decided with the products recommended in this list to satisfy as many palates as possible.

Price

Another important aspect concerns the price of the controller. Usually a wired controller costs less than a wireless one. It all depends on how much you intend to spend on a peripheral which on balance will certainly help in emergency situations but will not be used constantly. If you prefer to play without wires then the expense to be faced will certainly be greater. Based on your tastes, the ideal would be to spend from 29.99 Euros up for a good wired controller, while with around twenty Euros more you can already find good offers on wireless controllers. Also beware of any limited editions or editions with the classic "pro" wording: in that case the price rises dramatically.