Controller high rollers: Premium game controller roundup
Amy Flower
STACK Senior Editor
Not all game controllers are equal. While any one will give you the basics, there are options that up the ante for everything from a competitive edge to robustness that won’t let you down in battle. Here are some great premium options to up your game.
GuliKit KK3 Max
Say hello to GuliKit’s nifty KK3 Max.
This keenly priced little wonder packs in Hall Effect triggers and thumbsticks, with the former easily switchable between analogue and digital modes depending upon what sort of game you’re playing.
There are also four optional rear metal paddles, which can easily be attached and detached depending upon your game requirements. Extra A, B, X, and Y buttons are included for PC configuration instead of the standard Switch, too.
Adjustable aim assists up your game, as do automatic turbo, on/off dead zones, and adjustable stick sensitivity and D-pad directions (four or eight).
Inside it rocks three vibration modes with two different strengths, while the included Hyperlink USB adaptor allows for a blisteringly fast 1000Hz polling rate, ensuring that the controller responds as quickly as you do. The battery lasts up to 28 hours from one charge, too.
Packed inside a plastic shell case for portable protection, the KK3 Max is a whole lot of controller – and it’s fully Switch compatible, too.
Compatibility: PC, Switch, Android, iOS Hall Effect? Yes Power: Rechargeable Case? Yes
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
While designed with PlayStation gamers in mind, this mega-controller from Nacon is the secret weapon of many a successful PC gamer.
Opening the box reveals a hard shell case, housing a handy cleaning cloth, plus a container that’s full of extra bits and pieces to let players tailor their experience just right, including controller weights, an alternate D-pad, an external mic, and various thumbstick caps.
The controller itself – asymmetric, unlike typical PlayStation controllers - looks fairly standard up front, but turn it over and discover a wealth of programmable triggers and buttons. There are 60 customisation options, so everybody should be able to get their Revolution 5 feeling just right.
Hall Effect triggers and thumbsticks are the order of the day, as are simple trigger lock switches, while you can save four easily switchable profiles each for PS5, PS4, and PC.
PC and PS4 users get haptic feedback from two powerful internal motors, while multipoint connectivity lets you switch easily between console audio and Bluetooth sound.
Compatibility: PC, PlayStation Hall Effect? Yes Power: Rechargeable Case? Yes
PDP Victrix Pro BFG
Possibly the most configurable controller that we’ve ever laid our hands on, with 14 swappable components included, if you can’t set up the Victrix Pro BFG to your liking then you’re not trying hard enough!
Available in PlayStation and Xbox flavours, each of which is also PC compatible, the issue of symmetric versus asymmetric isn’t an issue at all, as the left thumbstick module can be rotated to suit either layout.
Up for a bit of classic brawler action, like Street Fighter? Swap out the four button module for a six-button fighting one (handily labelled ‘Fight Pad’).
That’s just for starters. Once opened, the hard travel case reveals a wealth of bits and bobs, including two extra swappable D-pads, dedicated eight-way movement stick rings, a taller thumbstick, and a tool for installation.
The two triggers have five adjustable stops, and four programmable extra paddles on the rear allow a wealth of customisation features, accessible via the Victrix Control Hub app. You can also play wired or wireless.
Compatibility: PC, Xbox/PC, PlayStation Hall Effect? No Power: Rechargeable Case? Yes
PowerA Fusion Pro with Lumectra
Featuring stunning RGB ‘Lumectra’ lighting – we promise you that static images just don’t do this little marvel justice – this top-performer is a lot more than just a pretty face.
Program your favourite lighting animation via PowerA’s app, before enjoying top features such as Hall Effect sticks and triggers, low latency wireless connection via an included dongle, four extra mappable buttons, dual rumble motors, dead zone adjustability, and three-way trigger locks.
Three game profiles can be stored internally and selected via a quick button press, there’s a handy headset volume dial, while rubberised grips and embedded antifriction rings make for a super-comfy gaming trip.
With a mere twist you can adjust the thumbsticks to any of three heights, while enjoying up to 30 hours of wireless battery life – and there’s even an included magnetic stand that’s ideal for both charging and displaying your Fusion Pro.
Plus, it comes with a robust carry case, so you can take your gaming anywhere.
Compatibility: PC, Xbox Hall Effect? Yes Power: Rechargeable Case? Yes
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
With the Wolverine V3 Pro, keep one step ahead of the competition with pro level customisation ranging from thumbstick sensitivity to button layouts and vibration strength, all via the Razer Controller app.
The thumbsticks fight drift via Hall Effect technology and pro-grade materials. Meanwhile, haptic feedback equipped Razer Pro Hypertriggers provide instant response, whether set to zero travel time, or tweaked for analogue control via easy access slide locks.
Four mouse click back paddles and two claw grip bumpers are remappable for added advantage, while the action buttons and eight-way floating D-pad combine microswitches with a rubber membrane for ultrafast reactions.
An included USB dongle hooks you into Razer’s HyperSpeed wireless for lag-free esports grade performance, or you can play wired, whereby a special tournament mode can be engaged, enabling a 1000Hz polling rate.
Add switchable thumbstick caps, advanced haptic feedback, a lit Razer logo, and a zip-up carrying case, and you have your Pro credentials.
Compatibility: PC, Xbox Hall Effect? Yes Power: Rechargeable Case? Yes
SCUF Instinct Pro Performance Series
The choice of many a pro gamer, a grab and play with the SCUF Instinct Pro, officially licensed by Xbox, soon indicates why.
Playable wired or wireless, there’s a standard Xbox/PC button layout up front, whereas the back houses a wealth of cool features. This includes four ergonomically positioned remappable paddle buttons, and trigger locks that alternate between classic analogue control and mouse-like clicks.
There’s also a profile switch button at the rear, allowing three different game profiles to be stored, and easily toggled with the click of the button.
The front side has a few pleasing secrets. The faceplate is magnetic, so it can be removed to easily allow it to be customised to fit your vibe, while the thumbsticks are also interchangeable, with two pairs of extras provided above what’s preinstalled.
In-hand, the comfy non-slip grip keeps the Instinct Pro firmly planted no matter how hot the onscreen skirmish, and running on two AA batteries, as long as you keep spares handy then you’ll never be without power.
Compatibility: PC, Xbox Hall Effect? No Power: 2x AA batteries Case? No
^Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. Prices may differ at airport stores.
