5 Must-Haves Game Controllers For PC / Switch / Android and iOS

[@tranner85]

The controller market really took off this year so I imagine it was hard deciding. I think the list is pretty damn good. I've had the X10 for around 6 months now and it has been rock solid... really a steal at the price. 100% agree that they need to use it as a blueprint for v2...TMR sticks, 4 rear buttons, hair triggers and 1000Hz polling rate over dongle would make it amazing. The X20 comes close but you can tell some corners were cut to include all the features. I'd gladly pay a bit more money to retain the quality of the X10 with the X20 features + TMR sticks. A controller that has caught my eye is the PowerA OPS V1 and V3... they seem to offer great value and have a pretty solid feature set. I just wish they had TMR sticks.

[@GameTechTalk]

Yes yes and yes! That's what we need. An X10 brought to feature parity (and more) to X20 while retaining the quality that X10 established and much like you said, I wouldn't mind the increased price tag if we can get that option. As for PowerA, let's just say it might happen, but I don't want to pre-empt anything so time will tell. Cheers!

[@zool4013]

​@@GameTechTalkpatiently waiting on the gamesir cyclone 2 review because that controller besides the gamesir pro controller coming out soon looks like a very solid option.

[@ThCrimsonReaper]

Definitely make a video on the Anbernic controller, we need more coverage on budget friendlier options, at $18 + shipping (for an estimated total of ~$25) it's possibly the best low-cost secondary/guest controller for the kids. But the real reason why id value your opinion on it is due to your extensive experience with competing devices, something many other reviewers wont carry with them.

[@GameTechTalk]

Wow.. Yeah ok, you make a pretty compelling argument. You know what, I won't even wait for more people to suggest that I do, I'm writing to Anbernic right now. Thanks for seeing value to my inputs, I'll hopefully review it shortly!

[@_rage_quitter_11]

The sneak diss satisfaction face 😂 and 10:12 oh no he said the D word 🤣. At this point even if I won't buy a controller I'll be clicking your video asap just to see the goofy and passionate reviews. Keep going man ❤.

[@GameTechTalk]

😂 Ahh thanks, I'm learning to harness the crazy and bring it more in my videos. It's so me when off cameras but it's a different thing when the cameras are rolling, it's fun to get to blend the two more and more! Cheers

[@gregorybolivar5712]

Early Holiday Season Cheers for your top Game Controllers...Must have collection... 🤓🧐

[@GameTechTalk]

Happy "early" holidays Gregory! 😂 Spur of the moment video, glad you liked it! 😊

[@gregorybolivar5712]

@GameTechTalk Indeed...🙃😎

[@PhantasmXYZ]

Love the etched PS glyphs still on the first one, working on ordering a custom vinyl decal for mine this weekend

[@GameTechTalk]

I like 'em too, particularly the fact that they look cheap, it gives my controller a bit of unique character I find! 😅

[@gavinxq1224]

I love your videos. Very educational for me to find my next controller. 😄

[@GameTechTalk]

Glad you like them and very happy to help, cheers!

[@Psychotoxic86]

I think Flydigi Apex 4 and Machinike G6 Pro (Nearlink edition) must be here too. Thank you for the videos. And pay attention to new a Beitong Kunpeng 40.

[@GameTechTalk]

The Apex 4 came very close to knocking the 4th option but I wanted to offer "non-premium" options too, I agree with you, it's a fantastic product. As for Machinike G6 Pro, I ordered it, wanting for it to ship, the Kunpeng I have with me but it's not opened yet, I'll review it shortly! Thanks for watching!! :)

[@Psychotoxic86]

​@@GameTechTalkWaiting for a Kunpeng review!

[@stevensv4864]

nice vid im rocking gamesir g7 se since 1 year + and its like day 1 today, 0 issue flawless controller and im waiting cyclone 2 tmr sticks, should arrive next week!

[@GameTechTalk]

I'll be reviewing the Cyclone 2 soon! I'm excited to crack that egg! Happy gaming, it sounds like an awesome controller!

[@CvntForceDrama]

+1 for anbernic review ✋

[@GameTechTalk]

Taking notes, thank you!

[@danallen3273]

Hey, good review man. I had a question about the easy smx 10. I just bought and subsequently returned one 2 days later due to the left analog stick being unplayable for me. The problem being that it wasn't in a natural position for up/left/down/right. Such as if i was trying to go left it was more like left-up by about 20 degrees. Did you notice this with yours? I hadn't had this problem with a controller before so wondering if some controllers are just more aligned with the pad than a natural thumb position. Coming from a couple powerA fusions. Thanks!

[@GameTechTalk]

Thanks for the support. I have not noticed that with mine but it's possible that the sticks needed a quick calibration, you have the shortcut in the manual if I recall.

[@dloc2907]

Great content. How about the PB Tails Metal Crush Defender TMR

[@GameTechTalk]

A great controller I'm sure, I came very close to buying it but for now, I'll leave PB Tails on the back of my mind, maybe for a future controller. There is a bit of unresolved situation there, nothing alarming.

[@dloc2907]

Im using the Vader pro4. Love the tension sticks,

[@Latin00032]

How good is the bigbig won blitz2 controllers dpad for fighters compared to the other controllers on the list? I really like a good dpad that works well with fighting games and hits diagonals well.

[@GameTechTalk]

I'd say on the list, my top two for D-pad is the Blitz2 and believe it or not, the Binbok Ultra. Wildly good D-pad, they both are almost on-par, not enough that I would recommend one over the other for d-pad specifically.

[@Latin00032]

@GameTechTalk thanks. Im always looking out for the better dpad.

[@Irving_alexis011]

Does this mean will be getting a tier list soon?

[@GameTechTalk]

Not in the immediate plans but I'd like to do a follow up to the controller buying guide I did a while back.

[@TylerJovan]

I’m curious why the Blitz 2 only got a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics and sticks. I thought in your video you preferred the TMR and loved it. Surprising seeing the Tarantula Pro 3 have a better rating. Also should try out the better version of the 8bitdo. 8bitdo ultimate 2.4 GHz. Numbers are off the charts in tests. Comparable to only Dualsense Edge, Blitz 2, and PS4 V2.

[@GameTechTalk]

Because the sticks, while both good, are better calibrated (from factory that is) on the Tarantula, I find at least. With that said, the Blitz 2 with gyro is currently my top "aiming" controller. It's just on a whole other level. I have the 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4Ghz but I don't play much with it these days.

[@TylerJovan]

@ I’ve never thought of using Gyro. I play games like Apex Legends. I’m thinking I try the Blitz 2 but get the Alps version instead of TMR. Hoping it gives me that feeling of normal and accurate. TMR and Hall Effect aren’t ready yet lol.

[@GameTechTalk]

@@TylerJovan The ALPS, since the firmware fix, is pretty robust. I think you'll feel at home with those sticks too as they are pretty much on-par with top console manufacturers.

[@martymcintosh5026]

just got the EasySMX X10 to replace my Gamesir Nova Lite, i like the better responsiveness of the X10 but the Nova Lite was more comfortable to hold. i also need to use it more to get more comfortable with the form and layout

[@GameTechTalk]

Hopefully, a bit of time will completely fix the issue!

[@wilazn]

V4P is my go to controller. I have 3 of them.

[@GameTechTalk]

It's really good!

[@mohawkie1232]

All controllers look smaller to your hands, I just wanted to know which one is the comfortable choice for my small hands (like literally), wireless and has nice joysticks. Thanks!

[@GameTechTalk]

Might be that I had too dark lighting, it slims things down cause I have pretty average hands. I'd say probably the Vader 4 Pro or EasySMX X10, they have what I would consider to be more "traditional" ergonomics based off of most popular controllers of the recent years.

[@jaredgott7788]

would you think the phantom is the best option if you have the money for it?

[@GameTechTalk]

As long as the person getting it also intend to use it on PS5, yes. I definitely believe it's the best option because it's a phenomenal controller for PC and the literal best for PS5. If PS5 is not part of the equation, as much as I still think it holds up incredibly well, it's a bit overpriced when thinking one could buy one Dualsense and an amazing PC controller to go along with like the Tarantula Pro or Blitz2.

[@jaredgott7788]

@GameTechTalk thanks for the feedback. Ya I am solely on pc and was trying to decide between the tarantula pro and the phantom as both have the tmr or hall effects sticks which would fix issues i have had in the past with controllers.

[@GameTechTalk]

@@jaredgott7788 Seeing as you're only PC, I think the Tarantula is the logical choice if being honest. It's a third of the price, not a third as good I guarantee that. You have dedicated software for your adjustments and the Tarantula has a lot of uniqueness to it that makes it so fun. The only reason why I would recommend the HexGaming for a PC only player is if you tell me you only play Playstation games on PC, which I doubt is the case ahaha! Cheers!

[@SAiKOUno]

Just found your channel curious about getting a new controller id like to hear your opinion on the 8bitdo ultimate 2c compared to the game sir nova. I don’t really know if the awkward extra button placement is worth the 500megahz

[@SAiKOUno]

Or any other controllers comparable to the gamesir nova

[@GameTechTalk]

Just to confirm, are we talking GameSir Nova Lite or GameSir Nova, because they are two very different products.

[@SAiKOUno]

@@GameTechTalk gamesir nova

[@GameTechTalk]

The Nova is primarily a Nintendo Switch controller that can be used elsewhere. If you have no intent to play on the Switch, you probably would want to consider other options. The 2C does not work on the Switch and is primarily a PC controller that can also work on Android. As for features, I'd say the Nova is overall better but the 2C has superior latency and higher polling rate, it also comes by default with the dongle, whereas the Nova is optional.

[@TylerJovan]

Problem with the Vader 4 is latency / outter deadzone. Can’t be as accurate. At least that’s why I sent it back.

[@GameTechTalk]

At least you gave it a try and you're closer to finding the "perfect" controller for you! I salute you going on the journey!

[@martymcintosh5026]

if the EasySMX X10 wasn't on sale, which controller would you recommend in its price range?

[@GameTechTalk]

Possibly the Manba One V2, it's a pretty great product all rounded!

[@martymcintosh5026]

@@GameTechTalk Thank you!

[@obicross]

Is there a way to connect controllers like fy digi one to playstation (4 or 5)? Really liked what they offer but i still wanna play my ps4 sometimes...

[@GameTechTalk]

For some controllers yes, but I reviewed just yesterday the product I am referring to and Flydigi Apex 4 and Vader 4 Pro did not work, in fact, very few 3rd party controllers did and for the few that did, you are losing functionalities. Mind you, I'm referring to PS5, for PS4, there might be more accessories out there but I wouldn't know exactly where to guide you to for the time being.

[@AdeboiX]

Can you do video of top 15-20 games that support controller on android

[@GameTechTalk]

Interesting idea, I don't usually talk about games as much as I talk about tech surrounding them but I'll jot the idea down, we never know. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@GT-qv1gl]

You gotta try out the PowerA OPS/Battle Dragon Series.

[@GameTechTalk]

Hopefully in due time!

[@Kasadik]

Before this video I watched your video for controller review with some numbers and tables and GameSir Nova was with such a great numbers so I was decided to buy it, but it didn't appear in this list. Should I buy it? I need a controller with Bluetooth to be able to use it with Android and Mac (not iOS).

[@GameTechTalk]

The GameSir Nova and Nova Lite remain amazing controllers and I should point out that I intend to do another video like this one specifically for Switch controllers, because I think if I focus on Switch, I'd have different options to recommend and the Nova would make that list. You'll have considerably better compatibility with controllers on Mac versus iOS but the issue will most likely be software. I'm pretty sure GameSir, BIGBIG WON, all the brands that have Windows software don't have Mac software, which is a big letdown but the good news is, they have phone software, both iOS and Android. That said, GameSir's software is not on-par with PC and mobile, whereas BIGBIG WON is. Flydigi I'm not sure, they have mobile software but I haven't used it recently to check feature parity to be honest.

[@Kasadik]

@@GameTechTalk Maybe you can recommend some phone grip for GameSir Nova? Maybe some generic phone holders are present on the market, I'm not really familiar with it. Thank you in advance.

[@GameTechTalk]

@@Kasadik I wouldn't know where or what to recommend really. While phone mounts are definitely a thing, I would think that unless it is part of the manufacturer design, any other solution will be DIY. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[@brandon13456]

Do the hex phantom sticks feel bit slower than the tarantula pro to you ?

[@GameTechTalk]

I do not believe so no.

[@pacioli]

Great video, love that gyro is a serious consideration.

[@GameTechTalk]

Absolutely! I believe options are important, gaming is a lot more fun when it is more inclusive so to me, gyro, extra buttons, normal grip, claw grip, etc... All of those are important for all of us as a worldwide community. Some people may have arthritis, joint pain and thumb fatigue comes rapidly, gyro would relieve a potential deal of discomfort, for example... Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@OrcasArePenguins]

Its a shame that Gamesir gave the tarantula bad stick latency. Over 10ms. Meanwhile their Cyclone 2 also has TMR stick and latency below 2ms

[@GameTechTalk]

The thing is, controllers operate on so little data and power, I firmly believe that every add-on greatly increases bandwidth and consequently, latency. The Tarantula having higher latency is, in my humble opinion, a correlation of all the features it has. With that said, I still think that anything past 20-25ms is acceptable, I can definitely manage. That said, Cyclone 2 should indeed feel better, I'm excited to review it soon!

[@OrcasArePenguins]

@@GameTechTalk I get your point, for many users a high latency is acceptable and most wouldnt even notice improvements, especially since most people use monitors that cant even run fast enough to spot a 10ms difference. However it is possible to manufacture gamepads with good latency and features. Compared to their own Cyclone 2 the Tarantula has extra buttons and a gear mechanism to switch the ABXY layout. None of that should affect latency much. Other gamepads also have more buttons like the OPS v3 and still manage to keep the latency low. Also many gamepads nowadays are aggressivly marketed as having 1ms input delay and it is often just repeated by reviewers because they dont seperate polling intervalls with latency. Consumers are mislead by both marketing and some reviews. It's a similar problem with stick circularity. Most reviewers test the circularity by spinning the stick around the outer border. What they dont realize is that most controllers have the outer edge artifically capped to a 100% perfect circle. Its like testing fps of a cpu with a framerate limiter enabled. To really test the circularity you need to increase the diameter of the the stick shaft (for example with a ring around it). What you see then is that allmost every Hall Effect module is significantly less accurate then standard potentiometer sticks. Gamesirs TMR sticks are preatty good though, they come close to the precision of potentiometer.

[@GameTechTalk]

@@OrcasArePenguins To be perfectly honest, that's why I don't feel comfortable getting too far into the latency conversation in my videos. Because I don't run the numbers, I don't do frame counting, I know companies lie about that 1ms, I have a GPDL but I had instances where it couldn't poll the data and I don't want to pay 300USD for the more reliable tools... Performance metrics comes with the territory of higher risks of toxicity of: "he said, she said" and the day you mess up as a reviewer, the whole world turns on you. We've seen it happen to countless of reviewers that had good intentions, but then the narrative is pushed that it's ill intent... Scary stuff. I don't know that I want to foster that kind of environment for my future with content creation... I still revisit my thoughts every week or so until I make up my mind. That said, I agree with everything you said because I believe it all to objectively be factual. Cheers!

[@fryingpanda]

Now that i got my t3 pro I have a love hate relationship with. I seriously felt a wash of disappointment and quickly considered getting myself an 8bit do ultimate or wukong when i tested the D-pad. It even now almost makes me want to cry... The dpad... Is like being addicted to someone in a toxic relationship. The dpad is great to feel and press it's amazing! But diagonal inputs are really difficult to hit. They can hit but it takes a conscious effort and it leaves you with a sore thumb. Although it seems to be able to handle rough treatment at least. Playing celeste for the first time was horrible with it. Playing Tekken with it... It's not possible to hit diagnals in the heat of the moment. Overall... I still would drive this controller... I think I'll choose another for specific games. Seriously... This is a toxic relationship i still play Celeste with it because it feels good and i know I'm hurting myself and making it harder 😭

[@GameTechTalk]

My guy, that d-pad is so confusing. There are aspects that feel so nice and others that I'm like: "why?". You are courageous to even attempt Celeste with this tbh!

[@fryingpanda]

@@GameTechTalk it's just masochism. Still the dpad sucks for that purpose. welp.... Time to eye somethin else Thanks for the review, it still is perfect and seemless with everything else.

[@eunicesantiago]

where can you buy the phone mount?

[@GameTechTalk]

I got it from a controller, the Bayard 9124 Pro from EasySMX if I recall. I think EasySMX sells the mount alone too but I would think it can easily be found on AliExpress. There are 1 to 2 different models but they mostly seem to all use the same (the controllers that support this mount).

[@TylerJovan]

Out of all these 3rd party controllers, do any feel as accurate and responsive as the official ones? Battlebeaver controllers are 3x the price of FlyDigi or GameSir. And yet the pros of gaming still use them. You’d think FlyDigi and GameSir would fly off the shelves with Hall Effect and TMR sticks.

[@GameTechTalk]

I definitely would say so. The 3rd party market exploded both in options and in quality. That said, both Xbox Series and Playstation 5 have pretty effective verification methods in place to prevent unlicensed 3rd party options so there is definitely that question of: "Where do you game?" because a controller like BattleBeaver builds on top of official controllers, so it works where it should. Many of those 3rd party options build from scratch and aren't licensed for modern consoles (aside of Switch that was heavily hacked with source code being leaked).

[@TylerJovan]

@ I game on PC. I’ve just felt like I’ve had trouble finding accuracy from sticks like Vader 4 pro, G7SE, Tarantula 3 pro. In comparison to official controllers. Maybe latency or maybe it’s Hall Effect vs Alps. It feels like driving and I try to slightly turn but instead of smooth and gradual it has a ramp up in it that spikes it suddenly. Messes up muscle memory.

[@GameTechTalk]

@@TylerJovan Yup, you're describing hall effect vs ALPS to me. With that said, the Tarantula Pro should've done an overall better job at mitigating this issue even if it isn't 1:1. I would like to ask if you went with the circular stick value or the square stick value? What I would suggest if you still have the Tarantula Pro to test is to activate the "Raw Input" mode which to me is far more what I would expect from an ALPS stick. You can also adjust the curve to make it a little less aggressive in the inner radius to make it feel more ALPS like. Hopefully this helps!

[@TylerJovan]

@ I got the Razer V3. Hoping it’s good. If not I’ll just return and get BattleBeaver I guess or maybe even the BigBigWon Blitz 2. No idea

[@GameTechTalk]

@@TylerJovan If you claw you'll probably enjoy the V3. If you don't?... Let me know!

[@Victor-cs7ui]

No KK3 Max?

[@GameTechTalk]

The KK3 Max is a good controller but it's surpassed for one and two, I also wanted to include cost efficient options. If I would've went for 5 premium options, it would've probably made the list tbh.

[@乾淨核能]

g7se vs 2c, any thoughts?

[@GameTechTalk]

Personally, I prefer the G7SE but a lot of people swear by the 2C due to it's great latency performance.

[@乾淨核能]

@@GameTechTalk thank you,

[@MsOniHime]

Review anbernic

[@GameTechTalk]

Fired them a response, hopefully it'll happen soon! Cheers o/