New and used PC controllers | Computer gamepads

One of the most popular PC accessory choices for those who want to immerse themselves into games in a convenient way is, of course, gaming PC controllers. While these gadgets are commonly used with consoles, gamepads for PC are becoming increasingly popular because if you have one of these, then you’re not forced to constantly sit next to your table. Even a cheap PC controller allows you to enjoy titles of all kinds, from first-person shooters, platformers, RPGs to simulators, sports, fighting games, and many more, all from the comfort of our bed or couch. It’s also a valuable PC upgrade if most of the computer games you play support gamepads. From wireless controllers to those that connect to the system via a USB cable, here in Eneba you can buy new and used gaming PC controllers at a great price. Have any that you don’t use anymore? Sell them and earn a profit!

Notable computer controllers

The great thing about these kinds of gamepads is the fact that most controllers made for consoles are also compatible with PCs, although you have to keep in mind that that’s mostly restricted to modern-day ones. Nonetheless, it's a great investment because you’re upgrading both your computer and a console if you own one! Now, when it comes to specific models, these models, both wireless and USB versions, are definitely worth your attention:

• Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – a modified version of the original, these joypads include adjustable-tension thumbsticks, rubberized grips, shorter hair trigger locks, customizable gameplay profiles and button mapping;
• Xbox Series X Wireless Controller – quite similar to its Xbox One predecessor, this joypad includes a Share button, a hybrid-style D-pad, textured grips on the side handles and triggers, Bluetooth support, a USB-C port, and button remapping options;
• The Xbox One Wireless Controller – also compatible with PCs that run on Windows and other operating systems, this gamepad includes new rumble motors, triggers with haptic feedback, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, Bluetooth support, and button remapping options;
• PS5 DualSense – includes haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone and headset jack, a reimagined light bar, a built-in battery, an integrated speaker, and motion sensors;
• Sony DualShock 4 – includes a built-in speaker, motion sensors, an integrated 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, a clickable touchpad, a light bar, and pressure-sensitive triggers;
• Nintendo Switch Pro controller – includes motion controls, HD rumble, built-in amiibo functionality, a USB port, and Bluetooth support;
• Other notable PC gamepad manufacturers – Microsoft and Sony aren’t the only ones making PC compatible gamepads. There’s also: Razer, Astro, PowerA, Logitech, Hori, Thrustmaster, and many others.

NOTE: while a USB game controller can be simply connected to the system via the USB cable, a wireless controller for PC might have to be connected via the help of an adapter.

How to choose the best controller for PC?

Since there are various PC gamepads to choose from out there in the market, your choice mainly depends on your preferences. If you’re having troubles picking the best gaming PC controller for you, consider these factors before buying one:

• Wired or wireless – some controllers can be connected both via a wireless connection and a USB cable, while certain other models are always connected via a cable. Wireless ones are the perfect choice for comfortable gaming at any distance but a wired gamepad has a quicker response time;
• Features and buttons – not all gamepads feature the same additional buttons, triggers, etc. Choose the model that suits the types of games you play the best;
• First-party or third-party – while this is more important if you’re also planning on using the PC controller with consoles, keep in mind that official console-specific joypads usually don’t deviate from the core design, include all appropriate hardware, and come in a number of different colours. Meanwhile, the third-party ones offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and sometimes even aesthetic flourishes not found in first-party gamepads.

How to use controller on PC?

Since controllers can either be wireless or wired (and some even support both), there are only two ways to connect your PC gamepad to your computer: via Bluetooth or via USB cable. Let’s see how this works:

• Bluetooth connection. Wireless PC controllers usually support Bluetooth and that’s what you have to use to connect the device to your computer. For this, your system must support Bluetooth – if the motherboard doesn’t have this, you are going to have to buy a Bluetooth adapter for your desktop or laptop. The next step is to enable it on your PC and pair the device – for Xbox gamepads, you have to press the Sync button and wait until both systems are connected, for Sony ones, you also have to install DS4Windows, a program that will recognize your controller on the system, press the Share button and wait until both systems are connected;
• USB connection. Usually, a USB game controller works on the plug-and-play principle, so all you have to do is just simply connect it to the computer. Sony controllers are an exception because if you’re not planning on playing Steam games (the Steam platform has PlayStation configuration support), you’re also going to need the DS4Windows program for the PC to recognize the controller.