Holiday Guide: Controllers — Best of 2025
Here are GamingTrend's picks for your next controller!
Editorials
I love a good controller. Even when playing on PC, I'll almost always choose thumbsticks over a mouse and keyboard. There are a lot of great options on the market now, with quite a few challengers trying to claim their spot as your daily driver. We've put plenty of them through the paces, and below are our favorites and the ones you should look to buy during the holiday season.
The One Controller To Rule Them All
Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded wireless modular controller
David Burdette said, "The best got better. I’ve loved the Victrix Pro BFG ever since it graced my gaming space, and that hasn’t changed in the slightest. My very few worries have been abated, and the alterations on this model keep it at the top of pro controllers. Just buy a Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, you won’t regret it."
Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded wireless modular controller review — Still my favorite controller
There’s not a reason to change much, and Turtle Beach has reinforced the great attributes the Victrix Pro BFG already had with the Reloaded
David Burdette
The three-way Razer ensemble
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller
David Burdette said, "Baby got claws. The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is an outstanding controller that matches every need for the competitive-minded gamer. While the handles are a bit stubby, every other facet is top notch. Featuring incredibly accurate hall effect thumbsticks, responsive triggers, phenomenal back buttons and bonus M-buttons, you’ll be hard pressed to find another controller offering the same amount of versatility as the V3 Pro."
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller review — Like a scorestreak
Razer’s latest controller is a competitive advantage on the battlefield
David Burdette
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC controller
David Burdette said, "Just like the Wolverine V3 Pro before it, the 8K PC variant is a stellar controller. Built with competitive players in mind, the adjustments make a lot of sense and are helpful in lifting any playstyle. Although I’m still not sold on the grip, everything else about this controller puts it in the winner’s circle."
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC controller review — An upgrade fit for a pro
Razer gets a bit competitive with the latest iteration of the Wolverine controller
David Burdette
Razer Raiju V3 Pro controller
David Burdette said, "The Raiju V3 Pro is electric, molded from one of the best controllers out there in the Wolverine. Razer’s choice to bring things like the M buttons and HyperTriggers over to this model is the right one, along with great TMR thumbsticks you’ll have to adjust to. Along with terrific battery life and easy access to make digital changes, the Raiju brings a lot to the table… including a hefty price tag."
Razer Raiju V3 Pro controller review — Thunderstruck
A powerful jolt for competitive PlayStation players
David Burdette
Premium Solutions
SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Performance controller
David Burdette said, "Premium gear at a premium price. The SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Performance controller is a step up, bringing with it the best – and not so great – from the original but with a few new twists. The additions are big wins, with TMR thumbsticks and wireless connectivity that hits their marks. SCUF is doing good things with their original controller."
SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Performance controller review — Locked and reloaded
SCUF changes the attachments on the Valor Pro loadout
David Burdette
SCUF Instinct Pro Xbox controller
David Burdette said, "The SCUF Instinct Pro takes what works and makes it even better. If you like the feel of the Xbox controller, this offers that familiarity. That said, don’t mistake familiarity for ineptitude, as the tweaks SCUF has made give you the firepower to take on the toughest digital challenges. I may not be the biggest fan of the style for the back buttons, but the instant triggers and pinpoint thumbsticks are a force to be reckoned with."
Scuf Instinct Pro Xbox controller review — Improvise, adapt, overcome
Recently, I got my hands on my first SCUF controller with the Reflex Pro. That PS5 controller was truly fantastic, and even if a bit pricey, made for a few spectacular performances from yours truly while gaming. When I picked up the SCUF Instinct Pro Xbox controller, I figured it’
David Burdette
SCUF Reflex Pro PS5 controller
David Burdette said, "The SCUF Reflex builds back better. If you like the DualSense, this is more of that, but fine tuned and with extras that benefit any gamer. Between an excellent set of back buttons and an incredibly comfortable grip, this is a great choice in the middle of a bunch of other choices. Not to mention, the sheer amount of custom designs give you additional pizzazz worth the cost of entry."
SCUF Reflex Pro PS5 controller review — Finding the meta attachments
SCUF is a brand I’ve long heard of but never tried myself. There are many PS5 pro controllers out there after an original scarcity at launch. With so many to pick from, why choose a SCUF? After spending some time using SCUF’s Reflex Pro, I see the appeal.
David Burdette
Nacon REVOLUTION X Unlimited controller
Cassie Peterson said, "The Nacon REVOLUTION X Unlimited is setting the bar high, with elite features that give the competitive gamer control over virtually every aspect of the game. The crisp mouse-clicky buttons and hair trigger are satisfying, there’s no limit to the controller’s customization, and the difference is felt at every step."
Nacon REVOLUTION X Unlimited controller review — Unlimited power in the palm of your hand
Can the RXU beat the competition as the ultimate tool for the competitive gamer?
Cassie Peterson
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller
David Burdette said, "The Switch 2 Pro controller is an example of iterative improvement. Nintendo made arguably the best possible Switch Pro controller when the original launched, so not a lot of change was necessary. Even so, they tweaked the formula and refined it into a better version of what it already was, without downgrading what worked. If you have a Switch 2, you should probably have a Pro controller, nuff said."
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller review — Don’t mess with excellence
There’s no reason to change much on the Pro controller, but a few tweaks are a nice upgrade
David Burdette
Inexpensive Armory
GameSir G7 Pro controller
Joe Morgan said, "The GameSir G7 Pro is a great controller. With four extra mappable buttons, great button and thumbstick components, nice heft, and an excellent feel, GameSir more than justifies the asking price, making it a competitor with pricier boutique brands. If you’re in the market for a new PC, Xbox, or mobile game controller, you should give the G7 Pro some serious consideration. Note: While the controller is great by itself, the GameSir Nexus companion app feels essential for PC players, allowing you to properly adjust the wireless polling rate to 1000Hz and use the built-in gyroscope if you want, among other tweaks."
GameSir G7 Pro review — A serious competitor to expensive boutique controllers
Nice features and feel at a smart price point
Joe Morgan
SCUF Valor Pro controller
David Burdette said, "The SCUF Valor Pro isn’t the perfect controller, but it provides an advantage for those willing to take the time to learn the ins and outs. Long-term exposure brings the best results, giving veterans a weapon that can hang with the more expensive in its field. With thumbsticks that grow on you, some of the finest triggers in the business, and a wired approach that lowers the cost without lowering the quality, the SCUF Valor Pro is a great choice for anyone looking to start the journey of utilizing a pro controller."
SCUF Valor Pro controller review — Starter weapon
SCUF introduces a more inexpensive way to fight back against players with higher level gear
David Burdette
8BitDo Pro 3 controller
David Flynn said, "The 8BitDo Pro 3 is a fantastic controller with only a few small compromises. It’s very comfortable and easy to use in any of its three connection modes. The buttons feel sturdy and good to use, though can be a bit too loud, and the sticks, while comfortable, also feel a bit slippery. Still, this is a great choice for your go-to PC or Switch controller."
8BitDo Pro 3 review — A convenient step up
It’s comfy and easy to use
David Flynn
8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller
Ron Burke said, "As somebody who has been using 8BitDo since back when they first started shipping their NES and SNES reproductions (and let me tell you, that is the ONLY way to play retro Nintendo as far as I’m concerned), it comes as no surprise to me that this newest iteration of the Ultimate controllers are every bit as comfortable and feature-rich as the first party. Ok, maybe you still buy the cheaper one for your kids, but the fact that both of these are options that are every bit as good, if not better, than the first party choices is a feather in 8BitDo’s cap.
That makes both of these an easy recommendation in my book. If I’m choosing, it’s the one with the dock every time. They will line up more cleanly, keeping the space free of controller clutter, and stay charged on top of all that. I didn’t think 8BitDo could improve on the previous Ultimate line of controllers, but they continue to find a way, and at a price that can only be called very aggressive.
Turtle Beach Rematch Invincible Mario Switch controller
Joe Morgan said, "The Turtle Beach Rematch Invincible Mario controller is a fun, gorgeous way to enjoy your Nintendo experience. The controller is beautiful in normal lighting, and that glow effect is a neat touch in low light. The thumb grips felt better than I expected, and the programmable buttons offer some extra customization options, though they can occasionally get in the way. Vibration is noticeably absent from the controller, but a 40-hour battery life is a substantial reward if you can do without the haptics. At $59.99 MSRP, this feels like a reasonably priced controller you’ll still be able to enjoy with the Switch 2. It’ll be a beautiful showpiece for any collector, too."
Turtle Beach Rematch Invincible Mario Switch controller review — A solid wireless controller built for Nintendo fans
Let’s a-go!
Joe Morgan
Turtle Beach Afterglow Wave controller
Joe Morgan said, "Despite a minor concern or two, the Turtle Beach Afterglow Wave is a fantastic wired controller for gamers who want some nice features without breaking the bank. It’s well-constructed and a treat to look at. It feels great in practice with quality thumb sticks and Hall Effect triggers rounding out the experience. At $49.99, the Afterglow Wave is an excellent value with some great features I’d recommend to anyone in the market for a wired controller. I know it’s become my new daily driver and for good reason."
Turtle Beach Afterglow Wave review — A feature-rich wired option on a mid-tier budget
Easy, breezy, beautiful.
Joe Morgan
CRKD Neo S controller
David Burdette said, "While the comfort level needs improvement, the CRKD Neo S is a stellar option for those wanting an extra controller for their Nintendo Switch or PC. The modern features on this retro controller raise its profile from standard third-party device to best secondary option. With a ton of pizzazz added from amazing designs and collectibility, it’s just an awesome controller to own."
CRKD Neo S controller review — Retro meets modern
My love for the Nintendo Switch was reignited this year, largely due to CRKD. The Nitro Deck+ is a fantastic piece of gear (our review here), and their Atom controller is a cool tiny controller that works surprisingly well (another review here). Another part of their line is the Neo
David Burdette
CRKD ATOM keychain controller
David Burdette said, "It may not look like much, but the Atom keychain controller from CRKD is a neat device for anyone who loves gear. There are limits to its uses, but it does what it does well and looks great doing it. Add in the sweet collectible aspect at a more than reasonable price, and this CRKD Atom is an explosive deal."
CRKD ATOM keychain controller review — Compact, cool, and collectible
CRKD is certainly bringing us back to the age of colorful accessories. The first Nitro Deck has more variants than you can shake a stick at, and the Plus model is starting to heat up. If you’ve followed our coverage of CRKD, you’ll know I personally think the
David Burdette
For Those About To Rock
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition guitar controller
David Burdette said, "This IS quite literally the perfect gaming instrument. CRKD has outdone itself, honing the Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition guitar to hit every note. The haptic strum bar, mechanical fret buttons, navigation hub, and more are exemplary functions this guitar brings to the stage. This summary can’t fit in all the great things I want to say about this Gibson – go buy yours today."
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition guitar controller review — Rockstar
This might be the perfect gaming instrument
David Burdette
PDP RIFFMASTER wireless guitar controller
David Burdette said, "The PDP RIFFMASTER wireless guitar controller is a near flawless piece of equipment. Beyond just looking great, the design, compatibility, and comfort evoke the memories of playing Hit Me With Your Best Shot at 2am on a Friday night with the boys. This is the encore we’ve been hoping for in plastic instruments."
PDP RIFFMASTER wireless guitar controller review — Rock and Roll All Nite
I played the heck out of both Rock Band and Guitar Hero as a college student. I fondly remember the times where my friends and I would stay up all night playing through our tour, something I certainly can’t do now. Something else you can’t do, buy an
David Burdette
Simulator Gear
MOZA AB6 Flight Simulator bundle
Ron Burke said, "If you’ve been bitten by the flight simulation bug and want to take the next step, the MOZA AB6 Flight Simulator bundle is an excellent choice at an incredible price. Offering more than just vibration, the force feedback is a game-changer, and the ability to repurpose the base as a shifter can now open you to a new addiction - racing!"
MOZA AB6 Flight Simulator bundle review — All-in-one accessibility, maximum immersion
There is force feedback, and then there is force feedback. The difference is night and day, and once you feel the difference I’m going to describe, there’s just no going back. Rumbling a controller is technically force feedback; applying counter-force is also force feedback, though the former is
Ron Burke
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Multi-Shift
Ron Burke said, "The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Multi-Shift is a sleek, well made, and seamless addition to the VelocityOne Race. It raises immersion by an order of magnitude, and now that I’ve driven with it, I don’t want to drive without it."
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Multi-Shift review
Shifting racing games into high gear
Ron Burke
Thanks for checking out all our recommendations for your holiday shopping! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
Affiliate Links
Members Discussion
