Gamepads

Budget wireless and wired game controllers on AliExpress

13 picks

Controllers for PC, phones and Nintendo Switch. Most connect by cable, Bluetooth or a small USB dongle.

Your budget

GameSir T4 Nova Lite GameSir T4 Nova Lite Budget wireless controller for PC, Switch and phones from Machenike G5 Pro Machenike G5 Pro Wireless controller with back buttons from FANTECH SHOOTER III WGP13S FANTECH SHOOTER III WGP13S Wireless controller for PC, Switch and Android from Flydigi Vader 4 Pro Flydigi Vader 4 Pro Wireless controller with adjustable sticks and triggers from 8BitDo Ultimate 2C 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Budget controller with drift-resistant sticks from GameSir Cyclone 2 GameSir Cyclone 2 Wireless controller with back paddles from Flydigi apex 5 Flydigi apex 5 Pro wireless controller with a built-in screen from EasySMX X05 EasySMX X05 Wireless controller for PC, Android and Switch from GameSir Nova 2 Lite GameSir Nova 2 Lite Budget wireless controller with Hall-effect sticks from GameSir G7 SE GameSir G7 SE Wired Xbox and PC controller with Hall-effect sticks from 8BitDo SN30 Pro 8BitDo SN30 Pro Retro-style wireless controller with a great D-pad from 8BitDo Pro 2 8BitDo Pro 2 Pro-style controller with a strong D-pad from Flydigi Vader 5 Pro Flydigi Vader 5 Pro Premium wireless controller with adjustable Hall-effect sticks from

Questions

Which gamepads work with Nintendo Switch?

The 8BitDo Pro 2 (Bluetooth version), 8BitDo SN30 Pro, 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth, EasySMX X05, Fantech Shooter III WGP13S, Flydigi Vader 4 Pro, GameSir Cyclone 2, GameSir T4 Nova Lite and Machenike G5 Pro are all listed as working with Switch. Some come in several versions, so check which one the AliExpress listing is.

Which gamepads work with Xbox or PlayStation consoles?

Few do. The GameSir G7 SE is a wired controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC, and 8BitDo sells a wired Xbox version of the Pro 2. The Fantech Shooter III WGP13S is listed for PS3 as well as PC, Switch and Android. The Flydigi Apex 5 and Vader 4 Pro, the GameSir Cyclone 2 and the EasySMX X05 are listed as not working with Xbox or PlayStation consoles, so they are for PC, Switch and phones.

What are Hall-effect sticks, and which cheap gamepads have them?

Hall-effect sticks measure movement with magnets instead of a contact that wears down, so they shouldn't develop stick drift. The cheapest picks with them are the GameSir T4 Nova Lite ($16), Fantech Shooter III WGP13S ($20), EasySMX X05 ($25), 8BitDo Ultimate 2C ($28) and GameSir Nova 2 Lite ($30). The GameSir Cyclone 2 uses TMR sticks, a newer magnetic design that is also drift-resistant.

Which gamepads have back paddles or buttons?

The Machenike G5 Pro ($35) has programmable back buttons, the GameSir G7 SE ($45, wired) and Cyclone 2 ($55) have two rear paddles, and the Flydigi Vader 4 Pro ($57) has four programmable back buttons. The Flydigi Apex 5 ($125) and Vader 5 Pro ($80) have detachable back paddles.

Are the picks tested by chi-fi?

No. Picks come from research into reviews and specifications, not hands-on testing. The How we pick page explains the process.

Are the buy links affiliate links?

Yes. chi-fi may earn a commission when you buy through a link, at no extra cost to you.