Whether you're a professional gamer or just casual but competitive, customizable gaming controllers can help you gain an edge over your opponents.

Best Customizable Controller Overall: Microsoft Elite Series 2

Compatible with the Xbox One family, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the Microsoft Bluetooth Elite Series 2 Controller is outfitted with bags of features that make it a go-to for customizable control.

Experience fluid movement and a faster rate of fire with adjustable tension thumbsticks and shorter hair trigger locks. Plus, you can access custom button mapping and set voice commands using the Xbox Accessories App. Save up to three custom player profiles and switch between them on the fly, or assign multiple functions to one single button for a deeper level of customization.

With interchangeable thumbsticks, D-pads, and paddles included, you can customize the shape and feel of the Elite Series 2 as well. With its premium features and an impressive 40-hour battery life, this is the best customizable controller overall for the sheer level of freedom it provides.

Best Budget Customizable Controller: PDP Afterglow Wave

New for 2023, the PDP Afterglow Wave is a wireless LED controller for Nintendo Switch. Officially licensed by Nintendo, it features eight RGB lighting zones with four pre-set modes for dozens of vibrant lighting combinations.

Adopting the classic Nintendo Switch layout, the button configuration will be instantly familiar to Switch players. Except for the addition of two fully customizable back paddles, which can be programmed for a more bespoke button loadout. Remap any in-game controls to these paddles to enjoy a more fluid gameplay experience.

This colorful wireless controller has a 40-hour battery life and is also compatible with PCs. And with a relatively affordable price tag, it's one of the very best wireless customizable controllers you can buy.

Best Premium Customizable Controller: Razer Wolverine V2 Pro for PS5

A truly next-gen wireless controller, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro has now been modified for PS5 play. Featuring Razer's HyperSpeed Wireless, you can experience an ultra-fast and low-latency wireless connection via the USB-A dongle included in this pack.

Switch between full-range pulls and lightning-fast trigger presses with the HyperTrigger function, and experience more reactive button presses thanks to the V2's mecha-tactile buttons. There are six remappable buttons here to customize your gameplay setup, including two custom bumpers, and an eight-way microswitch D-pad lets you feel and hear every directional press. Perfect for when you're juggling tricky combos.

With Chroma RGB, you can customize the V2's lighting display from a palette of more than 16.8 million colors using the Razer Controller App. With a treasure trove of customization options under its hood, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro for PS5 has plenty to offer in exchange for that premium price tag.

Best Customizable Controller for PC Gaming: SCUF Instinct Pro Performance Series

The Scuf Instinct Pro Performance Series is one of the best customizable controllers for PC gamers, thanks to the variety of gameplay options it offers. It features four additional paddles on the reverse, which can be remapped with up to 16 different functions for a more individual and fluid gameplay experience.

A dedicated profile switch lets you store up to three fully remapped paddle configurations, adding even more depth to the customization. There are adjustable instant triggers too, which allow you to cancel the trigger pull mechanic, so you can switch to a more responsive ultra-quick mouse-click style for extra precision.

Extra comfort is provided with the high-performance non-slip hexagonal grip across the handles. Interchangeable thumbsticks provide an additional means to tweak the controls to your liking, making the SCUF Instinct one of the best controllers for customized PC gameplay.

Best Customizable Controller for PS5: Sony PS5 DualSense Edge

A superpowered version of the regular PS5 DualSense, the DualSense Edge comes equipped with some cool additional features to give you an edge over the competition.

In addition to the haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and motion controls of the standard DualSense, the DualSense Edge allows you to remap all button functions and create custom profiles that you can switch between instantly. You can also customize the joystick sensitivity, set dead zones and trigger dead zones, as well as adjusting the vibration intensity. All of which provides for a more fluid and individual gameplay experience.

An on-controller user interface allows you to quickly adjust game and chat volumes or swap between pre-set control profiles. As a cherry on top, you even get three different sets of thumb grips included, giving you both a gameplay and a comfort advantage.

FAQ

Q: Why is it called a controller?

A controller is simply the input device for video gaming, and its name refers to the fact that it is used to control the actions of the game on-screen.

Q: Are customizable controllers worth the cost?

If you're a gamer who plays competitively, you're bound to appreciate some of the additional features that customizable controllers can offer. From custom button mapping to adjustable trigger and thumbstick sensitivity, they offer many ways to cater to your preferred play style.

Q: What is a SCUF controller, and is it worth it?

SCUF is a leading brand of performance game controllers. They are often favored by professional gamers due to the customization options they offer, as well as the increased grip and improved ergonomic design of their controllers. If you are a professional or competitive gamer who relies on high-performance hardware, they are definitely worth the premium.

Q: Can I use my controllers on PC?

Many controllers can be used for PC gameplay. In particular, Xbox controllers are designed to work with Windows, and therefore work well on PC as well, as do PS5 DualSense controllers. In addition, there are a huge number of third-party controllers that allow for cross-platform gameplay.

Q: Is there a game controller that works on all gaming consoles?

While many controllers are compatible with both PC and console gaming, there isn't yet one single controller that will work across every single gaming platform.