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reddit.com › r/controller › budget pc controller recommendations
r/Controller on Reddit: Budget PC controller recommendations
November 26, 2024 -

I’ve been looking for a budget controller and I can’t decide because there are a lot of options but I am looking at 8bitdo ultimate 2c and gamesir g7 se, but if there are other controllers you guys can recommend then please do. I am at a tight budget(under $45), but I could spend a little bit more if there’s something better, so I want to buy what’s worth it. I live in SEA, so prices are different here. I’ll just state my preferred features:

• Hall effects joysticks and triggers

• Extra 2 buttons(back)

• low latency(1000hz polling rate)

• wireless is a plus for me, but I will mostly play wired

• good grip, because my hands sweat a lot when I play

I will be using the controller for Shooting games.

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In general, the four recommended "budget" controllers (which range from $20.00 to $30.00 in the US--could be cheaper or more expensive depending on your real world location + shipping) are the following: 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (wired would be cheaper than the wireless) GameSir Nova Lite Easy SMX X05 Anbernic RG P01 However, please note that only the Anbernic RG P01 actually has back buttons. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C has extra buttons on top, not at the back. You mentioned the GameSir G7 SE which most people wouldn't consider "budget" and probably more of "mid-tier" pricing ($31.00 to $50.00). In that area, some controllers that might fit your needs are: 8BitDo Ultimate Wired for Xbox Hall Ed. (there are other variants, depending if you need wireless, etc.) GameSir Cyclone 2
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Retro Handhelds
retrohandhelds.gg › home › features › controllers under $40: do you need more?
Controllers Under $40: Do You Need More? - Retro Handhelds
November 20, 2024 - ... Compared to the prior options, the Fantech Shooter III offers a higher listed polling rate, a battery life of up to 20 hours, and a USB-A dongle that has a detachable USB-C dongle.
Discussions

Budget Recommendations for a Game Controller for a PC - Gaming, Consoles & Gear - TechEnclave
Looking for budget game controller for Windows. Something that I can use for FIFA/EA FC. Always played these on the Playstation but looking at something for the PC for very occasional and casual gameplay More on techenclave.com
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PC Gamer
pcgamer.com › hardware › controllers
Best PC controllers in 2026: the pads I recommend for PC gamers | PC Gamer
October 21, 2025 - It's the perfect blend of features, build quality, and price, and it manages to beat out the pretty superb Xbox Controller at a similar price. If you're looking to spend as little as possible, then the GameSir Nova Lite is the best budget ...
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GamesRadar+
gamesradar.com › hardware › gaming controllers
The best PC controller for gaming | GamesRadar+
4 days ago - The G7 SE, another controller I love and I recommend to anyone looking for a budget gamepad, is already great, and the Pro version does a really super job of feeling like an evolution of it.
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NYTimes
nytimes.com › electronics › gaming › the best pc gaming controller
The 3 Best PC Gaming Controllers of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
5 days ago - We recommend that version for those who want the best wireless pro controller and don’t mind paying the price, but we otherwise think the V3 Tournament Edition checks nearly all of the same boxes. If you want an affordable, customizable controller with extra rear paddles: The wireless 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G is identical to our budget pick, but it adds two rear paddles and compatibility with 8BitDo’s Ultimate software, which opens up a suite of settings for you to alter the feel and function of the controller.
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TechEnclave
techenclave.com › hardware & gaming › gaming, consoles & gear
Budget Recommendations for a Game Controller for a PC - Gaming, Consoles & Gear - TechEnclave
June 26, 2024 - Looking for budget game controller for Windows. Something that I can use for FIFA/EA FC. Always played these on the Playstation but looking at something for the PC for very occasional and casual gameplay
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Windows Central
windowscentral.com › gaming
Best Xbox controllers in 2026: Razer, GameSir, and more — Who comes out on top?
1 week ago - The only thing holding this controller back from topping our list is that it's wired, which isn't convenient for most — but if that's not a deal breaker for you and you want the best a low budget can get, this is it. ... We've long lauded Razer's Wolverine controller range, and its first wireless model has impressed us to no end. The inclusion of Hall effect sticks for eradicating stick drift, Razer mouse switch technology, and the ability to unlock 1000 Hz polling when used with a PC push this a few steps ahead of Xbox's own Elite controller if you are looking for something to give you a competitive advantage.
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TechRadar
techradar.com › gaming › consoles & pc
Best handheld games consoles in 2026: the top systems we've tried
1 week ago - ✅ You're shopping for kids: The Nintendo Switch Lite is made of thick and durable plastic which is hard to damage. The fact the Joy-Cons are built-in also means they cannot be lost easily.
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IGN
ign.com › articles › best-pc-controller
The Best PC Controller for Gaming: Our Top Reviewed Picks for 2026
3 weeks ago - hands-on testing of the PowerA Enhanced wired controller, we found it to be an excellent and affordable PC controller option. PowerA’s updated model, the Advantage, makes some meaningful improvements without increasing the price tag.
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Steam Community
steamcommunity.com › discussions › forum › 11 › 864975399845206500
Best budget controller for PC gaming? :: Hardware and Operating Systems
I sometimes use my ps3 controller, good d pad, terrible analog sticks. I got it for free so might as well use it
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Amazon
amazon.com › PC-Game-Controllers › b
Amazon.com: PC Game Controllers - PC Game Controllers / PC Accessories: Video Games
Shop a wide selection of PC Controllers at Amazon.com including Gamepads & Standard Controllers, Joysticks, Flight Controls, Racing Wheels, Video Game Controllers & more.
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Xbox Design Lab
xboxdesignlab.xbox.com › en-us › controllers › xbox-wireless-controller
Design Your Own Xbox Wireless Controller | Xbox
Includes Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth® technology for wireless gaming on console, PC, mobile phones and tablets*. Plug in any compatible headset with the 3.5mm stereo headset jack. ... Connect to Xbox console with Xbox Wireless. Wirelessly connect to Windows 10/11 PCs, tablets, iOS and Android using Bluetooth®.*
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Walmart
walmart.com › electronics › computers, laptops and tablets › computer accessories › computer gaming peripherals and accessories › pc gaming peripherals & accessories › pc gaming controllers & joysticks
PC Gaming Controllers & Joysticks in PC Gaming Peripherals & Accessories - Walmart.com
Buy products such as GameSir Nova 2 Lite Wireless PC Controller with Hall Effect Joysticks & Triggers, 2.4G & Wired 1000Hz Polling Rate, Remappable Buttons - Compatible with PC/Switch/Steam/Android (Black) at Walmart and save.
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PC Gamer
pcgamer.com › hardware › controllers › gamesir nova lite
Inarguably the best budget controller I've ever used is somehow even cheaper this Amazon Prime Day | PC Gamer
July 8, 2025 - ... GameSir's Nova Lite has been our choice for the best budget controller for over a year now, and I was astounded by how cheap it was the very first time I managed to get hold of it.
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Steam Community
steamcommunity.com › discussions › forum › 11 › 4423184908203346614
can you recommend me a budget friendly but good ...
August 25, 2024 - Not even worth the reclaimed silicon and metals from the PCB. Maybe the MS ones but there are other brands. 8bitDo and Razer make them way better. ... Originally posted by r.linder:Get a wired controller for PC, 8bitDo is indeed a very good brand Most of the ones from 8bitDo can work; Wired USB, 2.4Ghz (via USB dongle), and/or BT They have some affordable controllers that can do all 3.
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Amazon
amazon.com › EasySMX-X15-PC-Controller-Bluetooth-Joysticks › dp › B0CSFW3465
Amazon.com: EasySMX X15 PC Controller - Enhanced Wireless Bluetooth Controller with Hall Joysticks/Hall Triggers/RGB Lighting - No Stick Drift, No Dead Zone - Work for Windows PC, Android, Steam and Switch : Video Games
Amazon.com: EasySMX X15 PC Controller - Enhanced Wireless Bluetooth Controller with Hall Joysticks/Hall Triggers/RGB Lighting - No Stick Drift, No Dead Zone - Work for Windows PC, Android, Steam and Switch : Video Games
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Tom's Guide
tomsguide.com › gaming › gaming peripherals
The best PC game controllers in 2025 | Tom's Guide
September 23, 2025 - Our current pick as the best PC game controller is the GameSir Kaleid. This awesome pad might be wired only, but that doesn’t matter since it costs less than $50 and has Hall Effect triggers that feel great to use.