Rankings
The HORI Fighting Commander OCTA is a wired, tournament-grade fightpad for PS5, PS4 and PC, featuring mechanical microswitch buttons, a short-throw analog stick and an adjustable octagonal D-Pad. It targets serious fighting-game players but lacks a right stick and wireless freedom.
The NBCP Wired PS5 Controller delivers a budget-friendly, wired alternative with Hall-effect triggers, turbo, and RGB lighting, making it suitable for competitive play on PS5/PS4/PC, though it sacrifices wireless freedom and premium DualSense features.
The Forty4 GC201 is a budget-friendly wireless controller that offers solid dual connectivity, programmable back buttons and decent vibration, making it a versatile choice for Windows, PS3, Switch and Android gamers.
The EasySMX Wireless Controller is a budget-friendly, hybrid wireless/wired gamepad that shines with broad compatibility, four programmable back paddles, and solid vibration, though it lacks Bluetooth and a premium build.
The Dual Force™ Control Pad offers wireless freedom, ergonomic grips, and a solid feature set for PlayStation 2 and earlier consoles. While it adds rumble and a better D-pad, it relies on AA batteries and is bulkier than the stock controller.
The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is a high-performance, PS5-licensed controller with ultra-long battery life, TMR thumbsticks and Hall-Effect triggers. It excels in competitive FPS titles but lacks Sony's adaptive triggers, haptics and RGB aesthetics.
The Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Alpha is a compact, wired fight stick for PS4 and PS3 that offers a 6-button arcade layout and a switchable joystick mode, making it portable and versatile for fighting games. It lacks advanced features such as vibration or RGB lighting and is limited to six buttons.
The Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller delivers premium ergonomics, precise inputs, and unique features like a touch pad and light bar, making it the go-to choice for PS4 gamers despite modest battery life and an older charging port.
The ZD-V+ is a budget-friendly wired gamepad offering multi-platform support, a unique JD-SWITCH for D-pad/analog swapping, basic vibration and a high-precision separated D-Pad, suited for casual PC and Android gamers.
The ASTRO Gaming C40 TR is a high-end, modular wireless controller for PS4 and PC, featuring swappable sticks, a replaceable D-pad, programmable rear paddles and a solid 12-hour battery life. Its deep customization is balanced by an older micro-USB charger and the need for PC software to manage profiles.
The EasySMX ESM-9100 is an ultra-budget wired controller offering solid build quality, dual vibration and per-button turbo, making it a reliable plug-and-play choice for Windows, PS3 and Android TV devices.
The NACON Wired Compact Controller is a budget-friendly, officially licensed PS4 and PC gamepad that mimics the DualShock 4 layout in a smaller, wired form factor, offering core features but lacking premium extras.
| Attribute | | | | | | | Mad Catz Dual Force | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 hours | — | — | — | 14 hours | — | — | — | 80 hoursbest | — | 12 hours | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 329 grams | 401 grams | 300 grams | 220 grams | 213 grams | 216 grams | 0.28 gramsbest | 300 grams | 258 grams | 399 grams | 308.5 grams | 150 grams |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2,000 Hzbest | — | — | — | |
| ↓ lower better | — | — | 120 minutesbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | — | — | 12 monthsbest | — | — | 12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | — | — | — | |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 16 countbest | 12 count | — | — | 14 count | 6 count | |
— | — | — | — | 10 metersbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
— | 3.05 metersbest | — | 2 meters | 2 meters | 1.5 meters | — | 3 meters | 2 meters | 3 meters | 3 meters | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | Mad Catz Dual Force | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||||||||||||
Supported Platforms | Windows, PS3, Nintendo Switch, Android | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC | PlayStation 4, Windows 10/11 | Windows, PS3, Android TV Box, Tesla | Windows, Android, PS3, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, Tesla In-Car Gaming | PC; PS3; Android | PlayStation 2, PSone, PlayStation | PlayStation 4, PC (Windows 7,8,8.1,10) | PlayStation 5, PC | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, Steam | PS4, PC | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 |
Build & Design(1) | ||||||||||||
Weight (grams) | 329 grams | 401 grams | 300 grams | 220 grams | 213 grams | 216 grams | 0.28 grams | 300 grams | 258 grams | 399 grams | 308.5 grams | 150 grams |
Battery & Power(2) | ||||||||||||
Battery Life (hours) | 8 hours | — | 8-10 hours | — | 14 hours | — | — | — | 80 hours | — | 12 hours | — |
Battery Type | Lithium-ion | — | Lithium-ion | — | Lithium polymer | — | AA | — | — | Bus-powered | Lithium-polymer | — |
Controls(5) | ||||||||||||
Total Buttons (count) | — | — | — | — | — | — | 16 count | 12 count | — | — | 14 count | 6 count |
Programmable Buttons | true | — | — | — | true | — | — | false | true | true | true | — |
RGB Lighting | true | — | true | false | — | — | — | — | false | true | — | — |
Analog Stick Type | — | Short-throw | — | Asymmetrical | — | — | — | inline | TMR | — | Swappable | Switchable |
D‑Pad Type | — | Octagonal | — | — | 8-way | Separated | Cross-style | digital | Floating | — | Swappable | — |
Connectivity(5) | ||||||||||||
Connection Type | Wireless + Wired | Wired | Wireless | Wired | Wireless | Wired | Wireless | wired | Wireless | Wired | Wireless | Wired |
Wireless Technology | 2.4GHz RF | — | Bluetooth 2.1 | — | 2.4 GHz | — | 2.4GHz RF | — | Razer HyperSpeed 2.4 GHz | — | 2.4GHz proprietary | — |
Cable Length (meters) | — | 3.05 meters | — | 2 meters | 2 meters | 1.5 meters | — | 3 meters | 2 meters | 3 meters | 3 meters | — |
USB Port Type | — | USB-A | Micro-USB | — | USB-C | USB-A | — | USB Type-A | USB-C | USB-C | USB 2.0 | — |
Charging Port Type | USB-C | — | Micro-USB | — | USB-C | — | — | — | USB-C | — | Micro-USB | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Forty4 GC201 for its ease of use, solid wireless performance, and value-focused feature set, highlighting the dual vibration and programmable back buttons, while noting limited cross-platform support and lack of companion software.
Everyday users appreciate the long battery life, comfortable grip and instant wired charging, but complain about occasional AMD compatibility hiccups, stick drift and the absence of iOS/macOS support.
“Plug-and-play setup on Windows and Switch is described as hassle-free”
“Makes combos in Street Fighter 6 extremely easy. Great value for a casual Street Fighter player.”
“If you're used to PS or Xbox controllers, there will be a learning curve.”
DualShock 4 is better for PlayStation users seeking premium feel; Forty4 suits multi-platform, budget-conscious gamers.
Professional reviewers rate the OCTA highly for its solid build, clicky microswitch buttons and precise D-Pad, giving it an 8/10 and calling it a "solid fighting pad," while noting the lack of a hall-effect stick and mushy shoulder buttons.
Everyday users praise the lightweight feel and satisfying button clicks for Street Fighter 6, but mention a steep learning curve, occasional accidental presses, and occasional hardware hiccups like a stuck R2.
Professional reviewers praised the DualShock 4 for its refined ergonomics, responsive buttons, and innovative features like the touch pad, Share button, and light bar, calling it Sony's best controller to date. The main criticism centered on its modest battery life and the legacy Micro-USB port.
Everyday users consistently highlight the controller's comfort, premium feel, and the convenience of the Share button, especially for streaming and quick screenshots. Common complaints revolve around analog stick drift, battery wear over time, and the susceptibility of the white finish to scuffs.
Professional reviewers highlight the ergonomic layout, dual-motor vibration and true plug-and-play operation as strong points, while noting the lack of XInput native support, Xbox compatibility and wireless connectivity as drawbacks for PC gamers.
Everyday users praise the solid build, immediate compatibility with Steam and Android TV, and the useful turbo function, but report joystick drift, occasional button failures, and the absence of Xbox or wireless support.
Professional reviewers praise the EasySMX for its broad compatibility, ergonomic shape, solid vibration and the rare inclusion of four programmable back buttons at a low price. The main criticism is the absence of Bluetooth, which they note limits its wireless convenience.
Everyday users appreciate the controller's plug-and-play ease, strong vibration, useful back paddles and long battery life, especially on the rechargeable model. Common complaints focus on the lack of Bluetooth, occasional Android disconnections, cheap-feel plastic, and always-on LED lights.
Professional reviewers rate the ZD-V+ 7.47/10, praising its solid build, ergonomic design and the unique JD-SWITCH, while noting its limited cable length, lack of advanced customization and absence of official driver support.
Everyday users appreciate the controller's plug-and-play ease, sturdy feel and comfortable layout, especially for PC and Steam gaming; recurring complaints focus on the short cable, occasional early failures, the need for an OTG adapter on Android, and limited vibration support.
Professional reviewers note that Mad Catz consistently enhances stock controller designs, delivering better ergonomics, tactile feedback, and a solid build.
Everyday users appreciate the wireless freedom, improved D-pad, and rumble features, often highlighting its responsiveness and compatibility with PC emulation setups.
Professional reviewers consider the controller a solid budget option that delivers a surprisingly premium feel for its price, praising its sturdy construction and comfortable grip while criticizing the muted shoulder buttons and lack of a light bar.
Everyday users view the controller positively, highlighting its comfortable grip, long cable, and hassle-free PC compatibility, though they note under-performing shoulder buttons and occasional stick drift.
Professional reviewers uniformly hail the Raiju V3 Pro as the top-tier competitive controller for PS5, praising its TMR thumbsticks, Hall-Effect HyperTriggers, lightweight build, long battery life and low-latency HyperSpeed wireless.
Everyday users rave about the controller's precise, drift-free thumbsticks, mouse-click-like triggers, exceptional battery endurance and the ability to swap components for different games.
Professional reviewers acknowledge the controller's solid build and performance-focused upgrades, especially the drift-free Hall-effect triggers and programmable turbo, while noting the lack of adaptive triggers and the less refined shoulder button feel as the main drawbacks.
Everyday users appreciate the low price, reliable stick performance and the convenience of a long cable, but many are frustrated by the extra steps needed to enable audio, the cheap-feeling shoulder buttons and the incompatibility with Apple EarPods.
Professional reviewers consider the C40 TR a top-tier controller for serious players, highlighting its modularity, offset sticks and powerful PC software, while criticizing the lack of a native PS4 app and the outdated micro-USB port.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the solid feel, ergonomic swaps and long battery life, but many report early stick drift, peeling rubber coating and accidental paddle presses.
