Gamepads

The principle design of game controllers has remained fairly consistent since the early days of home consoles. However, the platforms on which we play our games have expanded into new and exciting areas. Today, PC gaming is more popular than ever, with many players enjoying a variety of genres on their PC desktops, laptops, and MacBooks.

Unlike home consoles, the primary function of PCs is not solely gaming—so it’s not surprising that they don’t come with a gamepad out of the package. Thankfully, there is a wide variety of universal gamepad controllers, both wired and wireless, that are compatible with many of these exciting ways to play.

Why buy a gamepad?

Have you tried playing a first-person shooter game using a touchpad? How about a tricky and unforgiving platforming game? Games like these have something in common—they were designed with a traditional gamepad controller in mind. It’s true that the methods of controlling games continue to improve, but most gamers will still find themselves more comfortable in certain genres—and enjoying a better competitive edge—with a gamepad.

Purchasing a gamepad style controller for your platform of choice simply increases the number of games you can play, along with the joy you’re likely to experience playing them. 

Wired vs. wireless

Wired USB controllers are a great option in particular for PC/Mac players. Most wired USB controllers are simply plug-and-play—meaning that your device will likely recognize the controller and install the appropriate driver if necessary without further effort from the user. Wired controllers also have the benefit of being powered by their connection to your gaming device, which eliminates the need for batteries or charging.

Wireless controllers, on the other hand, pair to your device without the need for a direct hardwire connection. Some wireless controllers may connect via a USB dongle which must be connected to your gaming device. This frees up the need to be tethered directly to the platform.

Other gamepads can connect without the need for additional hardware via a Bluetooth connection. Wireless Bluetooth controllers offer convenience and freedom, but they require their own power source, either through disposable batteries or a built-in rechargeable battery depending on the model.

Game anywhere on any device

One of the best features of a universal gamepad is its scope of compatibility. For example, a single Bluetooth wireless gamepad may be compatible across your PC, laptop, and other devices. Having a gamepad compatible with multiple devices means you can enjoy gaming wherever you are. Traditional console gaming used to be limited to the boxes we plug into our TVs at home. Nowadays, with the advent of portable devices and streaming services, we are quickly approaching a future where every game can be played anywhere, on any screen.

Styles of gamepads

While many gamepads feature the modern and familiar twin analog stick style of controller, there are also a number of other types of gamepads available. There are flight stick gamepads designed to resemble the throttle of an aircraft—perfect for flight simulators or other arcade-style dogfight shooters. There are also retro-style gamepads that mimic the design of early controllers for consoles such as the Nintendo, Super Nintendo, and Sega Genesis. These are perfect for remakes and retro 8-bit and 16-bit stylized titles.

Control your gameplay the way you want with a wide variety of Bluetooth controllers, gamepads, and wireless Bluetooth controllers, ensuring an optimal experience on your PC.