| Xbox Nano ControllerMicrosoft | £44.99 | Xbox Wireless + Bluetooth | Internal rechargeable (hours not published) | — | — | Smaller body designed for smaller hands |
| G7 SE Wired ControllerGameSir | Price varies | Wired USB | n/a (wired) | — | — | Hall effect sticks and triggers, back buttons, swappable faceplate |
| Xbox Wireless ControllerMicrosoft | £59.99 | Xbox Wireless + Bluetooth | AA batteries, up to 40 h | Yes | — | Hybrid D-pad, textured triggers, button mapping |
| DualSense Wireless ControllerSony PlayStation | £64.99 | Bluetooth + USB-C | Built-in rechargeable (hours not published) | Yes | 300 | Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, built-in mic and speaker |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Pro ControllerNintendo | Price varies | Bluetooth + USB-C (charging) | 1070 mAh, approx. 40 h | Yes (4-pole, CTIA) | 235 | Mappable GL/GR back buttons, HD rumble 2, NFC for amiibo, C Button |
| Ultimate 2C Wireless8BitDo | Price varies | 2.4 GHz USB-A dongle, Bluetooth (Android), wired | 480 mAh, 19 h (2.4G) / 32 h (Bluetooth) | — | 217.5 | Hall effect sticks and triggers, L4/R4 bumpers, 1000 Hz polling (2.4G/wired) |
| Ultimate 2C Bluetooth8BitDo | Price varies | Bluetooth, wired USB | 480 mAh, 15 h | — | 225 | Hall effect sticks, L4/R4 bumpers, 6-axis motion, rumble |
No products match. Raise the budget or change platform.
The shortlist, product by product
Xbox Nano Controller
Microsoft's new entry-level controller is a smaller, rechargeable pad that it describes as 'great for smaller hands'. It connects to Xbox consoles with Xbox Wireless and to PCs, phones, tablets and some smart TVs over Bluetooth. Microsoft has not yet published battery life or weight.
Watch out: A USB-C cable for charging is sold separately, and Microsoft lists a release date of 4 November 2026.
G7 SE Wired Controller
An Xbox-licensed wired controller with Hall effect sticks, which GameSir says use non-contact magnetic sensors to prevent stick drift. It adds back buttons that can be switched off with latches, plus a magnetic faceplate. Because it is wired, there is no battery to charge.
Watch out: Price varies: GameSir's official store lists US dollar pricing only, so we could not confirm a UK RRP.
Xbox Wireless Controller
Microsoft's standard controller connects to Xbox consoles over Xbox Wireless and to Windows PCs, phones and tablets over Bluetooth. Microsoft quotes up to 40 hours from AA batteries, and wired headsets plug into its 3.5 mm jack. The Microsoft Store listed it at £59.99, with a temporary offer price when checked.
Watch out: It runs on AA batteries, so budget for rechargeables or Microsoft's separately sold battery pack.
DualSense Wireless Controller
Sony's PS5 controller adds haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone with mute button and a speaker. It charges over USB-C and connects to PCs, Macs and mobile devices by cable or Bluetooth. White and Midnight Black are £64.99 on PlayStation Direct, while other colours cost more.
Watch out: Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers may need a USB connection outside the PS5, and only work in games that support them.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Nintendo's full-size controller for Switch 2 quotes approximately 40 hours of battery and adds two back buttons (GL/GR) that can be mapped to other buttons. It has an audio jack for headsets, motion controls, built-in amiibo support and a C Button for GameChat. Price varies; Nintendo's UK pages did not show an RRP when checked.
Watch out: Nintendo states it is only for use with Nintendo Switch 2, and the battery cannot be removed (replacement is a paid service).
Ultimate 2C Wireless
A PC-focused Xbox-layout pad with Hall effect sticks and triggers, two extra bumpers (L4/R4) and a 1000 Hz polling rate over its 2.4 GHz dongle or cable. 8BitDo quotes 19 hours on the dongle and 32 hours over Bluetooth. Price varies: 8BitDo's page links to retailers rather than listing a UK price.
Watch out: 8BitDo lists Windows and Android only, so it is not a console controller.
Ultimate 2C Bluetooth
A Switch and Switch 2 controller with Hall effect sticks, motion controls and rumble, plus two extra bumpers. 8BitDo quotes 15 hours of play from a 480 mAh battery that recharges in about 2 hours. Price varies: 8BitDo's page does not list a UK price, so it depends on the retailer.
Watch out: 8BitDo does not list NFC or an audio jack, so amiibo and wired headset chat need another route.
Which controllers work on which console
Platform support is the first filter for a controller, and the rules are stricter than for headsets:
- Xbox consoles accept Microsoft's own pads and licensed third-party controllers. The GameSir G7 SE is an Xbox-licensed wired model.
- PS5 is generally used with the DualSense, which is the only PS5 pad in this comparison.
- Switch 2 works with Nintendo's Pro Controller, which Nintendo says is only for Switch 2. 8BitDo lists its Ultimate 2C Bluetooth for both Switch and Switch 2.
- PC is the most flexible platform: Xbox, DualSense and 8BitDo pads all list Windows support.
Choosing a controller for PC: Xbox layout, DualSense or 8BitDo
The Xbox Wireless Controller connects to Windows 10/11 over Bluetooth, while 8BitDo's Ultimate 2C Wireless uses a 2.4 GHz USB dongle that 8BitDo rates at a 1000 Hz polling rate.
The DualSense also works on Windows and Mac by cable or Bluetooth, but Sony notes that haptic feedback and adaptive triggers may need a USB connection and are available only in games that support them. For 'best PC controller' searches, check how you will connect (Bluetooth, dongle or cable) and whether your favourite games use features such as haptics.
Hall effect sticks and stick drift
Stick drift is when a character or camera moves slightly even though you are not touching the stick. Traditional sticks use physical contacts that wear over time. Hall effect sticks measure position with magnets instead, and 8BitDo and GameSir both promote them as a way to avoid drift.
That is a manufacturer claim rather than a published lifespan figure, but it is a meaningful design difference. In this comparison, the GameSir G7 SE and both 8BitDo Ultimate 2C models list Hall effect sticks. The first-party pads from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo do not mention them on their spec pages.
AA batteries, built-in batteries or a cable
Controllers here use one of three power options:
- AA batteries (Xbox Wireless Controller, up to 40 hours claimed). Swapping cells is quick, but you will need rechargeables or a battery pack to avoid ongoing costs.
- Built-in rechargeable (DualSense, Switch 2 Pro, Nano, 8BitDo). This is convenient day to day, but the battery usually cannot be swapped. Nintendo states its Pro Controller battery is not removable and can be replaced for a fee.
- Wired (GameSir G7 SE). There is nothing to charge, at the cost of a cable to the console or PC.
Published battery figures range from 15 hours (Ultimate 2C Bluetooth) to about 40 hours (Xbox and Switch 2 Pro). Sony and Microsoft (for the Nano) do not publish a figure.
Back buttons, mapping and what else costs extra
Extra rear buttons let you press a face button without moving your thumb off the stick. The Switch 2 Pro Controller (GL/GR), GameSir G7 SE (latching back buttons) and 8BitDo pads (L4/R4) include them. The standard Xbox and DualSense pads offer button remapping but no extra rear buttons.
Also check what is in the box. Sony's DualSense ships with only the controller and a manual, and Sony says to use the cable supplied with the console. Microsoft says the Nano's USB-C charging cable is sold separately.
A second pad for a child or visitor
For a second controller that younger players will use, size and simplicity matter more than pro features. Microsoft describes its new Nano as designed for smaller hands, at £44.99. A wired pad removes charging and pairing, while built-in batteries avoid buying AA cells.
Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo do not publish drop-test or durability figures for these pads, so we cannot compare toughness. A low-cost second pad is often a sensible way to keep the main controller safe.
How UK controller prices compare
- Under £50: the Xbox Nano (£44.99) and third-party pads from 8BitDo and GameSir, whose UK prices vary by retailer.
- £55–£75: standard first-party pads. The Xbox Wireless Controller is £59.99 and the DualSense starts at £64.99, with special colours from £69.99 to £74.99 on PlayStation Direct.
- Above that: 'pro' pads such as Sony's DualSense Edge (£199.99) add swappable parts and profiles. They are well beyond a budget pick.
Common questions
What is the best Xbox controller on a budget?
Start with how it connects and how it is powered. Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Controller (£59.99) uses AA batteries and connects wirelessly. The new Xbox Nano (£44.99) is smaller and rechargeable. Licensed wired pads such as GameSir's G7 SE add Hall effect sticks and back buttons. Compare them in the table above.
What is the best controller for PC gaming?
Most PC games support Xbox-layout controllers. The Xbox Wireless Controller connects over Bluetooth, 8BitDo's Ultimate 2C Wireless uses a 2.4 GHz dongle, and the DualSense works by cable or Bluetooth (some features need USB). Choose by connection type and whether you want Hall effect sticks.
Does an Xbox controller work on PC?
Yes. Microsoft lists Windows 10/11 support for the Xbox Wireless Controller and the Xbox Nano over Bluetooth. The wired GameSir G7 SE also lists PC.
Do Switch 1 controllers work on Switch 2, and vice versa?
Nintendo says the Switch 2 Pro Controller is only for Switch 2. Some third-party pads list both: 8BitDo's Ultimate 2C Bluetooth supports Switch (system 3.0.0+) and Switch 2 (20.1.1+).
Are Hall effect controllers worth it?
Hall effect sticks use magnets instead of contacts that rub, which manufacturers say prevents stick drift. If drift has been a problem for you before, it is a useful spec to look for. In this comparison, the GameSir G7 SE and both 8BitDo Ultimate 2C models have them.
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/d/xbox-wireless-controller/8xn59crbsqgz
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/d/xbox-nano-controller/8wg5vqp0x4g3
- https://direct.playstation.com/en-gb/buy-accessories/dualsense-wireless-controller-white-for-ps5-pc-mac-mobile
- https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/accessories/dualsense-wireless-controller/
- https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/accessories/controllers/shop-all/
- https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Nintendo-Switch-2/Nintendo-Switch-2-accessories/Nintendo-Switch-2-Accessories-2785629.html
- https://www.8bitdo.com/ultimate-2c-wireless-controller/
- https://www.8bitdo.com/ultimate-2c-bluetooth-controller/
- https://gamesir.com/products/gamesir-g7-se
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/d/xbox-stereo-headset/8qqqt5gcmj7b
Spec changed? Tell us.