Whether you’re a dedicated gaming enthusiast or a casual gamer, there’s one item of equipment that you simply cannot do without: a gaming controller. When it comes to enjoying everything that virtual worlds have to offer, selecting the right gaming controller that’s tailored to your needs is crucial. There are so many types of controllers available on the market these days, delivering everything from more accessible and inclusive ways to play to a pro-level experience. This makes it essential to understand their unique functionalities.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the main types of gaming controllers and provide a guide to choosing the perfect one for your gaming preferences.
Why Use a Gaming Controller?
While controllers come as standard with consoles, you might be wondering why as a PC gamer or even a mobile gamer that you’d need to go out and invest in yet another peripheral. Well, gaming controllers are a lot more than just peripherals; unlike traditional keyboard and mouse setups, they can offer a more intuitive, ergonomic way to navigate through digital games.
For PC gamers, using a gaming controller offers several advantages. Keyboard and mouse setups might work well for genres like first-person shooters and real-time strategy games, but controllers are excellent at delivering a streamlined experience in the action-adventure, platformer, sports simulation and combat based genres.
They can even enhance the gameplay of digital tournaments in the online poker genre. The likes of the PokerStars website can be accessed with various controllers and plenty of gamers opt to use their gamepads to play Spin and Go tournaments on the platform. Plus, a high percentage of PC titles are optimised for controller support, giving players the freedom to choose the input methods that suit their individual playstyles.
Types of Controllers
With so much new gaming hardware being released every year, the array of controllers out there can be overwhelming. However, while there’ll be small differences in functionality between models and gaming brands, controllers fall into one of the following categories:
- Gamepad Controllers — gamepads are the most common type and are widely used across various gaming platforms, including consoles and PC. They often feature two analog sticks, a directional pad, several buttons, and thumb or finger triggers.
- Arcade Stick Controllers — AKA ‘fight sticks’, arcade stick controllers are favoured by players specialising in games like Tekken, Mortal Kombat and Fortnite Battle Royale. They resemble the joystick and button layout of arcade machines, providing more precise inputs for executing complex combos and moves.
- Racing Wheels — Designed specifically for racing simulation games, racing wheels offer a realistic driving experience. They typically consist of a steering wheel and pedals, while some models also feature a gear shifter. Racing wheels provide precise control over mechanics like acceleration, braking, and steering.
- Motion Controllers — motion-specific controllers make use of motion-sensing technology to track movements and gestures, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience. They’re more commonly used in VR games and with certain consoles like the Nintendo Wii. Motion controllers enable players to interact with games using natural motions, adding a dimension of realism to gameplay.
Choosing the Ultimate Gaming Controller
Now you have a better idea of how to differentiate between the several types of controllers available, you can start to think about what your particular gaming preferences are. Consider the types of games you enjoy playing the most: are you into fast-paced action games, immersive RPGs, or competitive multiplayer titles? Your gaming preferences will dictate the type of controller that best suits your needs.
Before purchasing a new controller it’s important to check its compatibility with your gaming platforms. Some peripherals are designed exclusively for a single platform, such as the PlayStation or Xbox, so ensure the controller you choose works with all your methods of play.
Comfort is a top priority for a new controller, especially if you’ll be participating in extended gaming sessions. As with most gaming hardware you can purchase a controller online in an instant, but you’ll be better off heading to your nearest gaming store to get a feel for how different controllers fit in your hand. Keep an eye out for controllers with ergonomic designs and features like soft grips, which can help to minimise discomfort and hand and wrist fatigue.
Set a budget for your new purchase and explore the options within your price range. Sure, premium controllers can offer advanced features and a higher quality build, but if you’re a casual gamer then there are more wallet-friendly opinions available that deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank.
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