Controller Reviews

Controllers & Adapters

Wireless gamepads, arcade sticks, and adapters for retro gaming. Find the perfect controller for your setup.

Top Rated

Editor's Picks

Our highest-rated controllers and adapters

8BitDo Pro 2
9/10
Best Overall

8BitDoWireless Gamepad

8BitDo Pro 2

$49

The Swiss Army knife of retro controllers. Works with Switch, PC, Android, and retro consoles via adapters.

Pros

  • + Multi-platform
  • + Great D-pad
  • + Back buttons

Cons

  • - No analog triggers on Switch
8BitDo Arcade Stick
8.5/10
Best Arcade Stick

8BitDoArcade Stick

8BitDo Arcade Stick

$89

Sanwa-compatible arcade stick with wireless connectivity. Perfect for fighting games and shmups.

Pros

  • + Sanwa compatible
  • + Wireless
  • + Sturdy build

Cons

  • - Stock buttons mediocre
8BitDo Retro Receiver
9/10
Must Have

8BitDoAdapter

8BitDo Retro Receiver

$19

Use modern wireless controllers on your original retro consoles. Available for NES, SNES, Genesis, and more.

Pros

  • + Low latency
  • + Easy setup
  • + Multiple versions

Cons

  • - One controller per adapter

All Controller Reviews

Wireless Gamepad8.5/10

8BitDo SN30 Pro+

8BitDo

$49

SNES-inspired controller with modern features. Great for 16-bit games.

Wireless Gamepad9/10

8BitDo Ultimate Controller

8BitDo

$69

Premium controller with charging dock and Hall Effect sticks.

Wireless Gamepad7/10

Hyperkin Admiral

Hyperkin

$34

N64-style controller with Bluetooth. Great for N64 emulation on Switch.

Wired Gamepad8/10

Retro-Bit Tribute64

Retro-Bit

$29

Modern take on the N64 controller. USB and original N64 versions available.

Wired Gamepad8.5/10

Hori Fighting Commander

Hori

$39

Six-button fighting game pad. Excellent for Street Fighter and similar games.

Arcade Stick7.5/10

Mayflash F300

Mayflash

$59

Budget arcade stick that's easy to mod. Good starting point for newcomers.

Adapter9/10

Brook Wingman XB

Brook

$39

Use PS5/Xbox controllers on original Xbox and Xbox 360.

Adapter9/10

Raphnet Classic Controller to USB

Raphnet

$24

Low-latency adapter for using original controllers on PC/MiSTer.

Wireless Gamepad7.5/10

Hyperkin Ranger

Hyperkin

$29

Wireless SNES-style controller for Switch and PC.

Not Sure Which Controller to Get?

Our buying guide breaks down the best options for every platform and budget.

Read the Controller Guide