The Best Controllers for Sports Games In 2023

Microsoft didn’t release a sequel to their original Elite controller just to make a few minor revisions. Among the improvements include Bluetooth connectivity, as well as adjustable tension thumbsticks. While the previous Elite controller required AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack, the Elite Series 2 comes with an internal power supply that lasts for around 40 hours. Gamers will struggle to find any competing wireless controller that can outlast Microsoft’s high-end peripheral. With the Elite Series 2, Microsoft ships with it a charging dock that takes advantage of the device’s newfound USB-C capabilities.

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Modular customization is an expectation at the Elite Series 2’s price point, and the controller does not disappoint. Not only can sports gamers now adjust the tension and sensitivity of the analog sticks, but they can also swap out the top of the thumbsticks, D-Pad, and paddles. In the standard Elite Series 2 package, buyers will find a thumbstick adjustment tool that makes it simple to set the perfect tension for your play style. There are also 2 sets of back paddles gamers can affix to the backside of the controller. These additional controls enables gamers to duck and weave on the football field without having to reach for trigger and bumper buttons.

While it won’t work directly with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch consoles, Microsoft’s flagship controller is compatible with Xbox consoles, PCs, and many mobile devices. Customizing the Elite Series 2 is straightforward using the Xbox Accessories app either in Windows or the Xbox console, with the ability to switch between profiles. For less money, a Core version of the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller exists, without additional rear paddles, thumbstick covers, or a charging dock. Whichever configuration of the device a gamer purchases, the Elite Series 2 is best controller for PC and Xbox sports fans.

Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 3

Best Wired Controller For Sports Games

The NACON Revolution Pro Controller 3 is a wired controller that raises the bar for what is expected from a wired controller. With customizable trigger and stick sensitivity as well as custom profiles, the controller is a more refined take on the PS4 controller. The NACON Revolution Pro 3 offers decent value and an affordable way to enter the Esports scene.
Through a PC app, users can customize the button mapping and vibration intensity. The NACON Revolution Pro Controller is also a great option for PS4 gamers who like to game on the PC, as it’s compatible with Windows devices.

Brand

Nacon

Platform

PlayStation, PC

Battery

N/A

Connectivity

USB-C Detachable Cord

Headset Support

Yes, 3.5mm

Programmable

Yes

Extra Buttons

Yes

Pros

• Has superior trigger and analog sticks
• The controller feels solid to grip
• Has the option to customize with weights
• Comes with a premium carrying case

Cons

• Seems to have had some quality control issues with triggers

The Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 3 is in a class of its own when it comes to wired controllers. This device sports customization options that would make the original PS4 Dualshock 4 wireless controller look like a toy for those of us looking for a more premium experience. With a high-end carrying case in addition to a solid grip and feel, this Nacon controller dresses to impress.

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That, however, is not all. The biggest gain that the Revolution Pro Controller 3 offers to its discerning audience is the ability to customize the weight of the controller, so you can get a secure grip. These adaptive ergonomics are something that could give you that extra edge and the immersion one craves during a game of Madden or NBA 2K. While the initial units have had some quality control issues (centering around the back buttons), more recent reviews paint a better picture of the Revolution Pro 3 controller, and it ranks highly on our list as the go-to wired game controller for sports titles.

Logitech F310

Best Budget Controller For Sports Games

$17 $25 Save $8

The Logitech F310 wired gamepad is a fantastic budget controller for PC players. The simple USB connection offers easy connection while the button layout is familiar and completely customizable. The F310 wired controller utilizes Logitech’s legendary durability, giving it a respectable heft and feel while ensuring that the buttons will be responsive for years to come.

Brand

Logitech

Platform

PC, Android Devices

Battery

N/A

Connectivity

USB-A

Headset Support

No

Programmable

Yes

Extra Buttons

No

Pros

• Offers programmable buttons
• Extremely competitively priced
• Works with a variety of games and titles thanks to it being immensely popular as a keyboard and mouse replacement

Cons

• The USB cord is un-detachable making any replacements impossible

The Logitech F310 is a mainstay budget option for the team at GameRant. It also happens to be one of the bestselling wired controllers in the market for the PC and supports Android-based devices as well. It’s one of the cheapest controllers too and offers programmable buttons with a simple, no-frills design.

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Looking beautiful was never the sole goal of the Logitech F310 controller. It simply gets the job done without costing an arm and a leg, offering users who are on the fence when it comes to moving from keyboard and mouse (KBM) to controllers as their weapon of choice. The F310 is simply the obvious budget target for the best game controller for PC sports titles. After all, not all games (including most sports games) are titles that benefit from or are ideally played with a keyboard and mouse with trigger-based sensitivity as a key factor.

It also doesn’t hurt that this affordable controller adheres to Logitech’s Climate Pledge which means that it’s part of a truly carbon-neutral production, making it a sustainable purchase as well as a budget-conscious one.

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro

Best Premium Controller For Sports Games

Razer made the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro with a singular goal in mind: To make the best premium wireless controller for PC and PS5 possible. To say they succeeded would be a fair assumption, to say the least. It packs decent battery life, wired and wireless modes, and offers 6 remappable multifunction as well. 

Brand

Razer

Platform

PC, PS5

Battery

Up to 28 Hours

Connectivity

Razer Hyperspeed Wireless (2.4 Ghz), USB

Headset Support

Yes, 3.5mm

Programmable

Yes

Extra Buttons

6 Remappable Multi-Function Buttons

Pros

• Razer Synapse allows for powerful customization
• Easily the best-looking controller on our list
• Excellent battery Life
• Premium build quality

Cons

• Quite expensive for what it offers

If you must have the best controller that money can buy, look no further than the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Wireless. While it costs a mammoth $250 at MSRP, Razer does somewhat alleviate that pain by promising and delivering the best of the best, even if it hurts your wallet in the process.

With 6 remappable multifunction buttons and no force feedback (rumble), the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Wireless has no qualms about who it serves and enables to have a better experience: Esports pros demand the best gear available and the Wolverine V2 Pro can provide them with an edge over the competition. It also has adjustable trigger stops and customizable thumbsticks to suit any play style.

With an excellent battery life that exceeds most PC and PS4/PS5 alternatives and a dedicated app to ensure it delivers an easy-to-configure controller experience out of the box, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is the most premium game controller you can get for sports titles. Its rock-solid build quality, striking good looks, and customization options top any controller on our list.

Sony PlayStation DualSense Controller

Best PlayStation Controller for Sports Games

$69 $75 Save $6

The Sony PlayStation Dualsense Wireless Controller represents the next generation of Playstation gaming with its clean design, stylish RGB lighting, and high-performance specs. Designed for the PS5, this wireless Playstation controller has advanced haptic feedback, triggers that adapt to each game, a built-in microphone, and of course a convenient headset jack.

Number of Colors

6+

Wireless?

Yes

Compatible Systems

PS5, PC, Mac, Mobile

Brand

Sony

Battery

4-6 hours

Connectivity

Wireless, Wired, Bluetooth

Headset Support

Yes

Pros

• Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback make gaming more immersive
• Built-in microphone
• Easy to grip and hold onto

Cons

• Disappointing battery life
• Somewhat bulky and heavy

There aren’t a ton of PlayStation-exclusive sports games, but the ones that do exist are worth finding the right controller for. Whether a gamer is obsessed with MLB: The Show or a racing title like Gran Turismo 7, the right controller can make the difference between striking out or finishing in first place. You could spend considerably more money on the DualSense Edge, but the default PS5 controller offers enough innovation to make upgrading seem less imperative.

The haptic feedback introduced with the DualSense has unique advantages when playing football, basketball, or soccer games. Compared to traditional rumble motors, sports gamers can feel a more fine-tuned and convincing response to collisions, depending on the force of an impact. In racing games, drivers can tell not just that they are offroad, but exactly what type of surface they are riding on. Along the same lines, with varying tension, adaptive triggers can simulate the sensation of tiring during a basketball game as it becomes more difficult to run down the court. The end result of both of these features is more immersive gameplay and players feeling like they are connected to the action.

The DualSense also has some audio-related features not normally seen on other controllers. The device itself has a built-in speaker, so if your pit crew wants to communicate with you during a race, you may hear it from the controller instead of a TV or headset. For more conventional capabilities, there is a microphone headset jack on the bottom of the DualSense with a mute button to avoid any unintentional chatting during multiplayer action.

Without a doubt, the battery life of the DualSense is disappointing, even compared to similarly priced controllers like the Xbox Core Controller and Nintendo Switch Pro. Turning off the touchpad LED can preserve some juice, but otherwise, the DualSense will need recharging after only 4–6 hours. In addition, while most gamers find the DualSense ergonomically acceptable, it’s quite a bit larger and heavier than the PS4’s DualShock.

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Despite disappointing battery life, DualSense revelations like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers make sports gamers feel like they are on the court themselves, or piloting vehicles around the most famous racetracks. The DualSense is the best PS5 game controller for gamers who want to experience a next-generation peripheral without investing in a pro-grade device.

Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller

Best Nintendo Controller For Sports Games

While the price tag may be higher than some other options, the Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller is the best overall controller for the Nintendo Switch.  It’s perfectly sized, has a massive 40-hour battery life, and has seamless connectivity.  It features motion controls, HD rumble, built-in Amiibo functionality, and much more.

Brand

Nintendo

Platform

Nintendo Switch, PC

Battery

40 Hours

Connectivity

Wireless (BT), USB-C

Headset Support

Requires add-on

Programmable

Yes

Extra Buttons

No

Pros

• Very well priced for its feature set
• Exceptional battery life
• Has remappable buttons
• Extremely comfortable grips

Cons

• Does not have any removable buttons or customizable hardware
• Only works with PC and Nintendo Switch

The Switch Pro Controller was Nintendo’s first attempt to make a controller that could keep up with the likes of the PlayStation’s Dualsense/Dualshock lineup and the Xbox controllers, including the Elite Series. The only real thing which can be deemed as somewhat shocking is how much the Japan-based console manufacturer got right in the first go. Most popular sports games for the Nintendo Switch are multi-platform and designed for a traditional game controller, making the Pro Controller an even more necessary upgrade.

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The Switch Pro Controller has exceptional battery life, feels compact but secure to grip, allows button remapping directly via the console, and comes at a price that makes its competition blush. All in all, it serves you well for sports gaming on the Switch or PC, be it FIFA or just a casual round of Mario Kart. One can only wish for more stable support on other platforms, such as mobile phones (Android version 10 and up do have some support for the Switch Pro controller via Bluetooth, however).

PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller for PS5

Best Customizable Controller For Sports Games

PDP’s Victrix Pro BFG wireless PS4|5 controller delivers on a lot of promises but at a high price. Completely modular and packed with high-end specs, this wireless PC controller is ready for pro gaming across multiple genres.

Brand

PDP

Platform

PlayStation, PC

Battery

20 Hours Wireless

Connectivity

Wireless Adapter, USB-C Wired Mode

Headset Support

Yes With 3D Support

Programmable

Yes

Extra Buttons

Yes

Pros

• The most customizable PS5 controller on the market
• Excellent Battery Life
• Allows hot-swapping button configurations as per gaming needs

Cons

• Missing Haptics and Adaptive Triggers
• The Victrix is a premium controller and priced accordingly

For PlayStation and PC gamers that want a fully customizable controller with hot-swappable button layouts, look no further than the PDP Victrix Pro BFG wireless controller. While it doesn’t have the haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers like its main competitor, the DualSense Edge, this controller makes up for it with its unrivaled customization ability, and is also marginally less expensive. In the retail box, buyers will find 14 components for swapping out the D-Pad and analog sticks with hardware offering different dimensions and grips.

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You can easily get 20 hours of gameplay with this controller, and with fairly consistent firmware updates from PDP, te device only promises to get better with time. The Victrix Pro BFG is also the best controller for PC users looking for a modular controller with a default PlayStation button layout.

Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro Controller

Best Racing Controller for Sports Games

The Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro Controller is the ultimate handheld gaming peripheral for racing fans. This wired controller features T-MOD technology with several installation points for swappable analog sticks and d-pad. The racing wheel module sets the eSwap XR Pro apart from other controllers, allowing for a 95-degree rotation with a re-centering mechanism. Four programmable rear buttons allow gamers to easily shift gears or access other vital commands without using triggers or bumpers. 

Brand

Thrustmaster

Platform

Xbox, PC

Connectivity

Wired, USB

Headset Support

Yes

Programmable

Yes

Extra Buttons

Yes

Cable Length

10 feet

Pros

• Unique racing wheel module works well
• Very modular and allows for repositioning of sticks and D-pad
• Excellent build quality

Cons

• High asking price for wired controller
• Forza Horizon styling may not appeal to everyone

For hardcore racing sim fans who rely on steering wheels, developing a controller for racing games almost seems like a crime. On the other hand, if anyone could accomplish this feat successfully, it’s Thrustmaster which is one of the most successful manufacturers of racing wheels and pedals. In reality, the wired eSwap XR Pro Controller is not an entirely new creation, as it’s performed admirably as a high-end fully modular controller for quite some time. This edition not only has an exterior design celebrating Forza Horizon 5, but it ships with a racing wheel module that can take the place of an analog stick.

It’s doubtful that the miniature wheel which can rotate 95 degrees will convince all sim racers to ditch their other expensive gear. Still, with some practice, it can provide finer control over turning angles than typical D-Pads or thumbsticks. To avoid any disorientation when turning the wheel module, Thrustmaster has intelligently implemented a recentering system. The manufacturer has also included additional mini sticks and a D-Pad in the box, so the eSwap XR Pro Controller is appropriate for all types of games.

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Thanks to top-notch build quality and an unrivaled amount of customization, eSwap XR Pro Controller has a well-deserved reputation for an Esports-grade controller. Any gamer who thinks that the buttons feel mushy on a standard controller will appreciate the mechanical keyboard-inspired switches on this Thrustmaster device. These buttons provide a clicking response to inputs and are rated to last far longer than the switches on traditional controllers.

The eSwap XR Pro Controller is primarily designed for use on Xbox consoles and PCs. As a wired peripheral, there are of course no concerns over battery life and the controller ships with a removable braided 10-foot cable with a Micro USB connector. PC gamers can take advantage of the ThrustmasterX app for an extensive amount of button remapping, most significantly with the 4 rear paddles.

Although the eSwap XR Pro Controller is no threat to the racing wheel, pedal, and cockpit industry, it provides a more practical solution for casual racing fans. The eSwap XR Pro Controller is the best controller for PC and Xbox racing fans without the money and space to invest in serious simulation equipment.

Razer Kishi V2 Controller

Best Mobile Controller For Sports Games

$78 $100 Save $22

The Razer Kishi V2 allows for seamless mobile gaming with both Android and iPhone. The ergonomic design of the controller makes gaming on the go way more comfortable and can be collapsed into a compact, portable shape that’s easy to take anywhere.

Brand

Razer

Platform

iOS, Android (different products)

Battery

N/A

Connectivity

Pass-Through Lightning/Type-C Charging

Headset Support

N/A

Programmable

Yes

Extra Buttons

N/A

Pros

• Very well-built and a huge improvement over the V1 Kishi
• Passthrough design eliminates the need for a separate battery in the controller
• Extremely portable and compact design

Cons

• Having to buy Android and iOS versions separately is a limiting factor

If a buyer isn’t willing to spend the money on a powerful Asus ROG Ally or Steam Deck, then streaming games from a PC or console to a mobile phone makes sense. The Razer Kishi V2 controller is our current choice for the best mobile controller for sports games. Despite its competition in the form of the Backbone controller being a strong contender, the Kishi V2 seems to edge it out slightly despite its drawbacks – the lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a Nexus app that could benefit from some improvements.

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All in all, the Kishi V2 has a better feel and superior ergonomics compared to the competition. The Kishi V2 is a more premium device with responsive controls and is especially appealing to Android users with few high-end controller options out there. Its ability to remap buttons and quality internal hardware upgrades such as micro switches and console-tier triggers make it a no-brainer for mobile gaming with sports titles. Just make sure you pick the right version for your mobile device; The iOS and Android versions are separate and not swappable, thanks to their different connectivity ports. The Razer Kiski V2 is the best controller for PC game streaming services like Steam Link or console alternatives such as PS Remote Play.

Don’t Enter the Arena Without the Right Controller

The popularity of professional sports like basketball, football, and soccer shows no signs of slowing down in North America or across the globe. Very few of us will ever experience the thrill of competing in top-tier sports leagues. As a result, playing sports video games is often the next best thing. However, just as real athletes need the best equipment to succeed, sports gamers require controllers that allow them to control the virtual action with precision. When shopping for a controller for sports titles, remember to consider which platform you intend to game on, whether a high level of customization is necessary, and if a wired or wireless device is preferable.