Best controllers for gaming in 2025

If you game often, then you've probably heard players mention the controllers they enjoy using or rely on for competitions. From executing combos to pulling off quick reactions, having the right controller can make or break a match. Here are a few gaming controllers to consider getting in 2025.

The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is a "near-perfect pro controller," according to Kevin Kenson. This YouTuber's channel features a mix of video games, hardware, industry news, and more. In a review dedicated to the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, he noted that although the wireless feature and battery add to the controller’s weight, the wireless connectivity is great for convenience while the added heft gives it a more premium feel. As a bonus, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro comes with a carrying case.

He also described how the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro's grip is comfortable and how the buttons and sticks are all quality. He's a fan of the controller's tactile buttons, too. The shoulder buttons, in particular, are of a "mouse-click style," which he finds great for gaming.

In terms of software features, Kevin Kenson highlighted that players can customize the controller using an app either on PC or Xbox. Customizations to note include button remapping, clutch sensitivity, haptic strength, and light effects.

The content creator reiterated that he really enjoys the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro in a separate video about the Xbox Elite Series 2 as well.

Speaking of the Xbox Elite Series 2, it's been reviewed by many folks over the years. AIR BEAR, for example, took a closer look at it back in 2020 and said that it's an upgrade from the Xbox Elite V1. AIR BEAR also gave high praise for its compatibility with Xbox software.

"Do I think it's worth it? Yes. With the warranty it has and how much is built into it, this is probably the most customized, feature-rich Elite controller that I've ever tried," he said. Features include shorter hair trigger locks, a rubberized grip, interchangeable components, and so on.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the Xbox Elite Series 2 is still getting reviews. JampackSam, for example, created a guide on whether or not this controller is still worth it five years later.

Similar to AIR BEAR, JampackSam noted how he likes the controller's weight, grip, and premium feel. He also went into how the hair-trigger switch gives him an edge against Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 players on regular controllers. Something else he pointed out is that the battery life is "incredibly impressive."

According to an unsponsored video by Crooked Mustache Gaming, the Scuf Instinct Pro is a controller that he would spend his earnings on. He went into the convenient placement of the back paddles and how the controller had three built-in profiles to allow people to easily jump into gaming. However, folks can remap the Scuf Instinct Pro's buttons.

He then showed viewers how easy it is to customize the controller since its faceplate is magnetic. Other videos by content creators such as Dang Bubba and Garrett Lindsay noted this, too. Both of these creators compared the Scuf Instinct Pro to the Xbox Elite Series 2, with the latter controller coming out on top. For Dang Bubba, however, he still praised the Scuf Instinct Pro for its instant-click triggers and other features.

Crooked Mustache Gaming also talked about how light a touch the smart trigger feature needed for folks who are into games such as Apex Legends and Fortnite.

"You'll be able to fire much quicker than anyone else who's using a standard controller and still, at the end, with a simple flip of a lever, [you] can go back to a normal trigger and controller performance is not impeded at all," he said. A demonstration of this can be seen at around the 3:27 mark in his video.

To him, this instant-click trigger feature is a major one. Compared to a competitor like Battle Beaver, he added that the ability to reprogram the Scuf Instinct Pro's rear buttons right off the bat without a surcharge is great, too. Dang Bubba also said that the instant-click triggers are his favorite triggers on a controller to date.

That's all for now. Good luck with your gaming adventures!

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