The Best Controllers for Sports Games In 2023

Out of all the game genres, sports titles more than other types of games rely on controllers as critical peripherals. While PC gamers often turn to the best gaming keyboards and mice for FPS, MOBA, and RTS games, today’s popular sports franchises owe their popularity to the rise of gaming consoles. With fewer options for controlling the action on Xbox or PlayStation systems, Madden, NBA 2K, and FIFA are all designed primarily for game controllers. Even casual racing game fans often prefer to grab a controller instead of investing in costly wheels and pedals.

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The feature sets of these controllers can vary wildly with asking prices ranging from less than $50 to over $200. To help sports gamers narrow down the possibilities, keep these key factors in mind:

• Platform: There are few if any game controllers compatible with every console and mobile device. In general, most controllers function with PCs, though certain features may not be available. The choice is more difficult for console gamers who will have to focus on a group of controllers made specifically for their chosen system.
• Wired vs. Wireless: Wireless controllers have steadily gained in popularity, but there remain diehard gamers who view wired alternatives as the only reliable options. Corded controllers eliminate any battery life concerns, but wireless controllers are more practical for living room setups with large TVs and couches.
• Button Layout: PC sports gamers have the most choices in control schemes since Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch controllers are Windows compatible. However, console gamers can also choose from controllers with additional back paddles or top triggers.
• Customization: More expensive controllers usually offer the ability to remap rear buttons or physically swap components like D-pads and analog sticks. These pro-grade peripherals appeal to competitive gamers, but the average buyer may find little reason to upgrade their DualSense or Xbox Core controllers.

Whatever the chosen platform for a gamer, the assortment of top-notch controllers highlighted below continues to grow:

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Best Overall Controller for Sports Games

$195 $257 Save $62

Microsoft’s premium controller for Xbox consoles, the Elite comes with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks. One of the main attractions is the modular setup, which allows gamers to easily switch between components. The companion app also allows customizable button mapping.

Three custom profiles are stored internally on the controller and are easily selected during gameplay. Up to 40 hours of battery life on the included rechargeable battery ensures nonstop wireless gaming bliss.

Brand

Microsoft

Platform

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One S|X, PC

Battery

Up to 40 Hours

Connectivity

Wireless

Headset Support

Yes

Programmable

Yes

Extra Buttons

Yes

Pros

• Stellar build quality
• Industry-leading 40 hour battery life
• Compatible with Xbox, PC, and VR platforms
• Excellent customization options

Cons

• Very pricey when not discounted
• Weight makes it not ideal for fans of agile controllers

Although it demands a high asking price, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller offers everything a sports gamer could want from a peripheral. The build quality of the Elite Series 2 is outstanding which leads to its hefty 345-gram weight but also its impressive durability. This controller is not meant for esports competitors who demand stripped-down and agile devices for competitive FPS action. However, for fans of sports games, the Elite Series 2 can endure endless seasons of grueling action in Madden or NBA 2K.

Microsoft didn’t release a sequel to their original Elite controller just to make a few minor revisions. Among the improvements include Bluetooth connectivity, as well as adjustable thumbstick tension. While the previous Elite controller required AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack, the Elite Series 2 comes with an internal power supply that lasts for around 40 hours. Gamers will struggle to find any competing wireless controller that can outlast Microsoft’s high-end peripheral. With the Elite Series 2, Microsoft ships with it a charging dock that takes advantage of the device’s newfound USB-C capabilities.

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Modular customization is an expectation at the Elite Series 2’s price point, and the controller does not disappoint. Not only can sports gamers now adjust the tension and sensitivity of the analog sticks, but they can also swap out the top of the thumbsticks, D-pad, and paddles. In the standard Elite Series 2 package, buyers will find a thumbstick adjustment tool that makes it simple to set the perfect tension for a particular play style. There are also 2 sets of back paddles gamers can affix to the backside of the controller. These additional controls enable gamers to duck and weave on the football field without having to reach for top trigger and bumper buttons.

While it won’t work directly with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch consoles, Microsoft’s flagship controller is compatible with Xbox consoles, PCs, and many mobile devices. Customizing the Elite Series 2 is straightforward using the Xbox Accessories app either in Windows or the Xbox console, with the ability to switch between profiles. For less money, a Core version of the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller exists, without additional rear paddles, thumbstick covers, or a charging dock. Whichever configuration of the device a gamer purchases, the Elite Series 2 is the best controller for PC and Xbox sports fans with versatile physical customization and unmatched battery life.

The nightmare of any gamer is analog sticks that have minds of their own. Over time, the components in thumbsticks can wear down causing inaccurate motion or even unintended movements without any user input. Increasingly, manufacturers like GameSir have attacked the problem with sticks that operate using the Hall Effect. Relying on magnets and electrical conduction to recognize inputs, the hardware in the GameSir G7 SE controller is better equipped to withstand rigorous gaming sessions. The wired G7 SE is an upgraded version of the G7 controller and is an option for Xbox and PC gamers.

Not differing dramatically from the dimensions of the default Xbox Series X/S controller, the GameSir G7 SE has a familiar control scheme on its front side. X-Y-A-B face buttons showcase a bit of an exaggerated size on the controller and unfortunately, unlike the G7, don’t employ mechanical switches. The D-pad is a 4-piece cross design and is also able to control game and microphone volume in combination with the nearby M button. On the back of the controller are 2 back buttons which can be remapped using the M button or in GameSir’s Nexus software. Slightly clumsy gamers can activate locks to deactivate these additional commands. The G7 SE also exhibits some stellar build quality for a fairly affordable controller, giving gamers a secure feeling when it’s in their hands.

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The GameSir G7 SE includes virtually every feature standard with the controller bundled with the Xbox Series X/S including vibration. However, unlike many controllers, its rumble effects are adjustable in the Nexus app as well as thumbstick and trigger sensitivity. The software which is compatible with the Xbox and PC also permits sports gamers to create up to 3 button mapping profiles.

Despite a few minor quibbles with non-mechanical face buttons and back buttons that are too easily pressed, this wired controller is an impressive value. GameRant found in its review of the G7 SE that the Hall Effect also extends to its triggers and that this technology is a strong selling point on its own. Combined with impressive build quality and powerful customization, the GameSir G7 SE is the best wired controller for sports games.

The Scuf Instinct Pro is popular among competitive FPS gamers, but its remarkable performance and nearly unlimited customization also appeal to sports gamers. Similar in shape to the default Xbox Series X/S controller, Scuf managed to keep the weight of the Instinct Pro lower than the pro-grade Elite Series 2 Controller. This controller includes a vibration module, but gamers looking for an even more agile device can customize a build without rumble on Scuf’s website. Ergonomically, the Instinct Pro boasts incredible grip levels, with highly textured performance grips wrapping around the backside of its handles.

On its front side, the Instinct Pro is a near-carbon copy of the Elite Series 2, except for a mute button near the bottom. Things get more interesting on the backside of the controller where gamers will encounter 4 remappable paddles placed in close proximity to each other. The Instinct Pro is designed for customization without software and includes 3 preset profiles that give quicker access to standard commands through the paddles. 2 of these settings are for sports and racing games where several functions of the D-pad become accessible on the rear of the controller. Gamers can also edit these profiles with control schemes of their own using the dedicated Profile button.

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The Instant Triggers on the Instinct Pro enable gamers to choose from rapid-fire actuation or for various levels of force which is ideal for accelerating and braking in racing games. A switch on the back of the controller allows users to adjust the triggers during gaming action without having to load any apps.

Pairing the Instinct Pro to an Xbox console is simple, requiring gamers to just connect it to the system with a USB cable once. PC gamers will need to have Bluetooth enabled on their PCs to wirelessly connect to the controller. The Instinct Pro uses AA batteries instead of a rechargeable battery which may scare away some buyers. However, being able to remove the batteries gives pro gamers the ability to make the controller even lighter. Wireless latency with the Instinct Pro is especially impressive using Bluetooth, considering this protocol often adds latency to a connection.

As always with Scuf, physical customization is extensive with the Instinct Pro, with options to swap out thumbstick and paddles with differently sized and shaped components. During checkout on the Scuf website, buyers can select from a large assortment of faceplates and even change the color of particular buttons on the device.

Even with its high asking price, the Scuf Instinct Pro is the best wireless controller for sports gamers who value customization and accurate inputs. GameRant also reviewed the Scuf Reflex Pro in the past and found that it brought the same modular construction and wireless performance to PS5 gamers.

The Logitech F310 is a mainstay budget option for the team at GameRant. It also happens to be one of the bestselling wired controllers in the market for the PC and supports Android-based devices as well. It’s one of the cheapest controllers too and offers programmable buttons with a simple, no-frills design.

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Looking beautiful was never the sole goal of the Logitech F310 controller. It simply gets the job done without costing an arm and a leg, offering users who are on the fence when it comes to moving from keyboard and mouse (KBM) to controllers as their weapon of choice. The F310 is simply the obvious budget target for the best game controller for PC sports titles. After all, not all games (including most sports games) are titles that benefit from or are ideally played with a keyboard and mouse with trigger-based sensitivity as a key factor.

It also doesn’t hurt that this affordable controller adheres to Logitech’s Climate Pledge which means that it’s part of a truly carbon-neutral production, making it a sustainable purchase as well as a budget-conscious one.

The Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 3 is in a class of its own when it comes to wired controllers. This device sports customization options that would make the original PS4 Dualshock 4 wireless controller look like a toy for those of us looking for a more premium experience. With a high-end carrying case in addition to a solid grip and feel, this Nacon controller dresses to impress.

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That, however, is not all. The biggest advantage that the Revolution Pro Controller 3 offers to its discerning audience is the ability to customize the weight of the controller, so gamers can maintain a secure grip. These adaptive ergonomics are something that could give buyers that extra edge and the immersion one craves during a game of Madden or NBA 2K. While the initial units have had some quality control issues (centering around the back buttons), more recent reviews paint a better picture of the Revolution Pro 3 controller, and it ranks highly on our list as the go-to mid-range game controller for sports titles.

If a gamer must have the best controller that money can buy, look no further than the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Wireless. While it costs a mammoth $250 at MSRP, Razer does somewhat alleviate that pain by promising and delivering the best of the best, even if it hurts a wallet in the process.

With 6 remappable multifunction buttons and no force feedback (rumble), the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Wireless has no qualms about who it serves and enables to have a better experience: Esports pros demand the best gear available and the Wolverine V2 Pro can provide them with an edge over the competition. It also has adjustable trigger stops and customizable thumbsticks to suit any play style.

With excellent battery life and a dedicated app to ensure it delivers an easy-to-configure controller experience out of the box, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is the most premium game controller a buyer can get for sports titles. Its rock-solid build quality, striking good looks, and customization options rank it as highly as any controller in this guide.

There aren’t a ton of PlayStation-exclusive sports games, but the ones that do exist are worth finding the right controller for. Whether a gamer is obsessed with MLB: The Show or a racing title like Gran Turismo 7, the right controller can make the difference between striking out or finishing in first place. A buyer could spend considerably more money on the DualSense Edge, but the default PS5 controller offers enough innovation to make upgrading seem less imperative.

The haptic feedback introduced with the DualSense has unique advantages when playing football, basketball, or soccer games. Compared to traditional rumble motors, sports gamers can feel a more fine-tuned and convincing response to collisions, depending on the force of an impact. In racing games, drivers can tell not just that they are offroad, but exactly what type of surface they are riding on. Along the same lines, with varying tension, adaptive triggers can simulate the sensation of tiring during a basketball game as it becomes more difficult to run down the court. The end result of both of these features is more immersive gameplay and players feeling like they are connected to the action.

The DualSense also has some audio-related features not normally seen on other controllers. The device itself has a built-in speaker, so if a pit crew wants to communicate during a race, a racer may hear it from the controller instead of a TV or headset. For more conventional capabilities, there is a microphone headset jack on the bottom of the DualSense with a mute button to avoid any unintentional chatting during multiplayer action.

Without a doubt, the battery life of the DualSense is disappointing, even compared to similarly priced controllers like the Xbox Core Controller and Nintendo Switch Pro. Turning off the touchpad LED can preserve some juice, but otherwise, the DualSense will need recharging after only 4–6 hours. In addition, while most gamers find the DualSense ergonomically acceptable, it’s quite a bit larger and heavier than the PS4’s DualShock.

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Despite disappointing battery life, DualSense revelations like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers make sports gamers feel like they are on the court themselves, or piloting vehicles around the most famous racetracks. The DualSense is the best PS5 game controller for gamers who want to experience a next-generation peripheral without investing in a pro-grade device.

The Switch Pro Controller was Nintendo’s first attempt to make a controller that could keep up with the likes of the PlayStation’s Dualsense/Dualshock lineup and the Xbox controllers, including the Elite Series. The only real thing that can be deemed as somewhat shocking is how much the Japan-based console manufacturer got right in the first go. Most popular sports games for the Nintendo Switch are multi-platform and designed for a traditional game controller, making the Pro Controller an even more necessary upgrade.

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The Switch Pro Controller has exceptional battery life, feels compact but secure to grip, allows button remapping directly via the console, and comes at a price that makes its competition blush. All in all, it serves buyers well for sports gaming on the Switch or PC, be it FIFA or just a casual round of Mario Kart. One can only wish for more stable support on other platforms, such as mobile phones (Android version 10 and up do have some support for the Switch Pro controller via Bluetooth, however).

For PlayStation and PC gamers who want a fully customizable controller with hot-swappable button layouts, look no further than the PDP Victrix Pro BFG wireless controller. While it doesn’t have the haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers like its main competitor, the DualSense Edge, this controller makes up for it with its unrivaled customization ability and is also marginally less expensive. In the retail box, buyers will find 14 components for swapping out the D-Pad and analog sticks with hardware offering different dimensions and grips.

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A buyer can easily get 20 hours of gameplay with this controller, and with fairly consistent firmware updates from PDP, the device only promises to get better with time. The Victrix Pro BFG is also the best controller for PC users looking for a modular controller with a default PlayStation button layout.

For hardcore racing sim fans who rely on steering wheels, developing a controller for racing games almost seems like a crime. On the other hand, if anyone could accomplish this feat successfully, it’s Thrustmaster which is one of the most successful manufacturers of racing wheels and pedals. In reality, the wired eSwap XR Pro Controller is not an entirely new creation, as it has performed admirably as a high-end fully modular controller for quite some time. This edition not only has an exterior design celebrating Forza Horizon 5, but it ships with a racing wheel module that can take the place of an analog stick.

It’s doubtful that the miniature wheel which can rotate 95 degrees will convince all sim racers to ditch their other expensive gear. Still, with some practice, it can provide finer control over turning angles than typical D-Pads or thumbsticks. To avoid any disorientation when turning the wheel module, Thrustmaster has intelligently implemented a recentering system. The manufacturer has also included additional mini sticks and a D-pad in the box, so the eSwap XR Pro Controller is appropriate for all types of games.

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Thanks to top-notch build quality and a near-endless amount of customization, the eSwap XR Pro Controller has a well-deserved reputation for an esports-grade controller. Any gamer who thinks that the buttons feel mushy on a standard controller will appreciate the mechanical keyboard-inspired switches on this Thrustmaster device. These buttons provide a clicking response to inputs and are rated to last far longer than the switches on traditional controllers.

The eSwap XR Pro Controller is primarily designed for use on Xbox consoles and PCs. As a wired peripheral, there are of course no concerns over battery life and the controller ships with a removable braided 10-foot cable with a Micro USB connector. PC gamers can take advantage of the ThrustmasterX app for an extensive amount of button remapping, most significantly with the 4 rear paddles.

Although the eSwap XR Pro Controller is no threat to the racing wheel, pedal, and cockpit industry, it provides a more practical solution for casual racing fans. With the recent release of Forza Motorsport on the Xbox and PC, this racing-oriented peripheral is even more in demand. The eSwap XR Pro Controller is the best controller for PC and Xbox racing fans who lack the money and space to invest in serious simulation equipment.

If a buyer isn’t willing to spend the money on a powerful Asus ROG Ally or Steam Deck, then streaming games from a PC or console to a mobile phone makes sense. The Razer Kishi V2 controller is GameRant’s current choice for the best mobile controller for sports games. Despite its competition in the form of the Backbone controller, the Kishi V2 seems to edge it out slightly despite its drawbacks – the lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a Nexus app that could benefit from some improvements.

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All in all, the Kishi V2 has a better feel and superior ergonomics compared to the competition. The Kishi V2 is a more premium device with responsive controls and is especially appealing to Android users with few high-end controller options out there. Its ability to remap buttons and quality internal hardware upgrades such as micro switches and console-tier triggers make it a no-brainer for mobile gaming with sports titles. Just make sure to pick the right version for a specific mobile device; The iOS and Android versions are separate and not swappable, thanks to their different connectivity ports. The Razer Kishi V2 is the best mobile controller for PC game streaming services like Steam Link or console alternatives such as PS Remote Play.

Don’t Enter the Arena Without the Right Controller

The popularity of professional sports like basketball, football, and soccer shows no signs of slowing down in North America or across the globe. Very few gamers will ever experience the thrill of competing in top-tier sports leagues. As a result, playing sports video games is often the next best thing. However, just as real athletes need the best equipment to succeed, sports gamers require controllers that allow them to control the virtual action with precision. When shopping for a controller for sports titles, remember to focus on these factors first:

Platform

For Xbox and PC gamers, there is no better controller candidate than the Xbox Elite Series 2. This wireless device features rock-solid build quality, an industry-leading 40-hour battery life, and a healthy amount of physical customization and button remapping. PlayStation gamers could purchase the equally feature-packed DualSense Edge, but many buyers will appreciate the innovative haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the standard DualSense. Finally, there aren’t as many premium options for the Nintendo Switch, but the Switch Pro Controller is an excellent wireless controller with strong battery life and reassignable buttons.

Wired vs. Wireless

Most of the controllers on the above list are wireless-capable like the pro-grade Scuf Instinct Pro which offers trigger sensitivity modes specific to sports and racing games. The low-latency wireless connections of modern controllers mean that gamers make few compromises with cord-free devices. Even so, buyers can save money with the wired GameSir G7 SE which boasts Hall Effect analog sticks that resist strict drift.

Button Layout

Sports games are a diverse genre and consequently, gamers can benefit from some unusual controller layouts. The Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro is an extreme example of how unique a controller can be, with a wheel module that makes steering in racing games more practical.

Deciding on a controller that’s intended for a specific platform doesn’t necessarily dictate button layout. PlayStation gamers who prefer the asymmetrical analog stick layout of Xbox controllers should consider the Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 3.

Customization

If a fan of sports titles wants to design their own custom controller, PlayStation users won’t find a more appealing target than the PDP Victrix Pro BFG. This controller loses features like rumble motors but is one of the most modular peripherals on the market with a staggering number of swappable D-Pad and thumbstick components.

There is no reason to have to take a timeout because of a failing game controller. No matter what a gamer’s favorite sport is to simulate on the PC or console, there is the perfect controller out there for any gaming setup. MORE: Best Retro Gaming Controllers in 2023

FAQ

Q: What is the best controller for sports games that I can buy in 2023?

Depending on the platform you wish to game on, several options exist. In our opinion, however, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller edges the competition considerably with compatibility on multiple systems and excellent battery life.

Q: What is the most premium game controller in the world?

The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is as good as it gets for premium controllers with powerful customization potential, stylish looks, and a tank-like construction.

Q: Which is better for gaming, wireless or wired controllers?

Both wireless and wired controllers are good for gaming. Power users and esports professionals do favor wired controllers for better input latency but for casual use, wireless controllers are more than acceptable. And with time, they continue to get better and use low-latency tech to get a polling rate of as much as 1000Hz, making them extremely accurate and lag-free.