Controllers
Controllers have quietly become the most contested category in gaming hardware, with Hall-effect sticks, back paddles and remappable profiles now available under $100. PixelLoadout covers first-party pads, pro-tier controllers and cross-platform third-party options.
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What's in this category
Controllers have quietly become the most contested category in gaming hardware, with Hall-effect sticks, back paddles and remappable profiles now available under $100. PixelLoadout covers first-party pads, pro-tier controllers and cross-platform third-party options.
Who this is for
Console players considering a pro controller, PC gamers who play both mouse-and-keyboard and gamepad titles, and anyone frustrated by stick drift.
What you'll learn
How Hall-effect sticks eliminate drift, which pro controllers actually justify their price, how to remap profiles for competitive shooters, and what to look for in a third-party pad.
Featured buying guides
Buying guides coming soon
New buying guides for this category are currently being prepared by the PixelLoadout Editorial Team.
Latest reviews
Reviews coming soon
New product reviews for this category are currently being prepared.
Latest comparisons
Comparisons coming soon
Head-to-head comparisons for this category are on the editorial roadmap.
Explore Controllers
Dedicated pages for each sub-topic will be published as content is prepared.
Popular articles
Popular articles being ranked
Once a broader set of articles is published in this category, the most-read pieces will appear here.
Beginner guides
Beginner guides being written
Introductory pieces for readers new to this category will land here first.
Best products this year
Roundup being finalised
Our editorial best-of roundup for this category will publish once individual reviews are complete.
Frequently asked questions about controllers
Are Hall-effect sticks worth paying extra for?
Yes if you've experienced stick drift before, or plan to keep the controller more than two years. The magnetic sensors don't wear the way traditional potentiometers do.