CH Products Flightstick Pro Joystick

Bottom Line
A high-quality, well-made joystick with a good range of motion and comfort.

Pros
Compatible with Windows 98 through 10. Plug and play installation is required. Four push buttons, one eight-way point-of-view hat on this model, and 22 programmable functions via the Control Manager software. Roomy head space for customizing. A comfortable grip ensures a firm grasp of the scope throughout extended viewing sessions while out in the field.

Cons
Some users were having difficulties utilizing USB. There is no twist axis on the joystick.

Check Price

iNNEXT SNES Retro Gamepad Joystick

Bottom Line
These retro video gamepads are a low-cost blast from the past that may be used with numerous classic gaming systems and emulators.

Pros
It is compatible with many retro gaming operating systems, including RetroPie, Lakka, and ChamaleonPi. Windows 98 through 10 and some Linux installations are supported by this software. The buttons are pretty sensitive. It comes with two controllers to fit in your bag. At a low price, it has a lovely appearance.

Cons
The attachments are a little short, at only 5 feet (extension cables will be required). The controllers were considered cheap. Buttons may get stuck from time to time.

Check Price

Mayflash Arcade Fight Stick Joystick

Bottom Line
It's a fantastic fighting game stick for new and seasoned gamers that can be customized to get the most out of it.

Pros
This PC gaming controller is designed for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. It has arcade-style lever and button positions. Turbo capabilities are supported. It has a solid construction and rubber feet to keep it in place. Modular design means that it's easy to upgrade or repair if necessary. Sensitive buttons and smooth joystick control make it a pleasure to use.

Cons
When utilized with an Xbox or PlayStation, you'll need an Xbox or PS controller plugged into it. Under the restrictor plate of the joystick is a square area, which should modify to improve motion range.

Check Price

Logitech G Gamepad

Bottom Line
A PC gamepad with Xbox button aesthetics and support for various games.

Pros
It is a wireless gaming mouse. It works with Windows XP, Vista, and 7. Users claim it also works with 8, although you may need to download the driver from the Logitech site. USB plug-and-play compatibility. There are ten buttons and an eight-way D-pad on this rodent, all of which can be programmed to do different things in different games.

Cons
Some buyers feel that the D-pad on the triggers was stiff and poorly designed. Some buyers also say the triggers stopped working within a few weeks of purchase.

Check Price

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick

Bottom Line
A good, high-quality flight stick with a complete feature set, but some users felt the buttons were insufficient.

Pros
This gaming controller has many features. It has dual-system aerodynamics control, adjustable resistance, and internal memory. It is also very comfortable to use and easy to map. Plus, it has a weighted base and detachable throttle control. It also has twelve buttons and five axles that are all programmable.

Cons
A disadvantage of this design is that installation is time-consuming. Some people felt that additional buttons or a more consistent feel would make this option superior.

Check Price

HOW WE TESTED

We suggest these goods based on a thorough study process that seeks to cut through the clutter and locate the best items in this market. We spend hours digging into the elements that matter with the help of specialists to provide you with these choices.

Buying guide for
The Absolute Best PC Joysticks

Nothing is more frustrating than finding out you aren't really in the game for serious PC gamers. The finest PC joysticks become almost a part of you, instantly allowing you to transport to an alien landscape, a World War II battleground, or a stunning fantasy view in search of conquest, level up, or a few additional gold coins for that invisibility cloak you've been eying. But with the right joystick, you can play any PC game as intended and be in total control. No muss, no fuss, just supreme gaming satisfaction.

PC joysticks may provide a more immersive experience while being more comfortable and safe to use. On the other hand, choosing the right PC joystick for your system might be difficult.

Our Buying Guide will teach you what to look for when buying a PC joystick. From kinds to controls, we go through everything you need to know about selecting the best PC joystick for your needs. We also cover what to expect from it and several of our favorite picks so that you may get started.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Operating system

We're talking about gaming devices for PCs, so if you have a Windows-based computer, there's a high probability that it'll function with them. However, if you have an older version of Windows on your computer, you may run into some issues. First and foremost, verify that any PC joystick you're thinking about would work with your system by checking the requirements.

Some PC joysticks can operate with other operating systems, such as Mac or Linux, allowing you to utilize these gaming devices on a more significant number of computers.

Type

A PC gaming device with a traditional Xbox or PlayStation controller layout is called a "PC gamepad." Several PC gaming devices are known as "PC joysticks." While there is room for debate between categories, these can generally be divided into three distinct device types: gaming pads, flight joysticks, and fight sticks.

Gaming pads: Gaming consoles like the Xbox or PlayStation often come with these. These two-handed controllers generally include buttons and other gaming features comparable to those of popular console controllers.

Flight joysticks: These gaming devices are designed for single or two-handed usage in games that mimic aircraft or spacecraft. Some have two separate components to manage flight and throttle with different hands.

Fight sticks: Fight sticks are often employed for retro gaming on old game emulators and are generally made as a tabletop gadget with controls that are easy to understand for anybody who has ever played classic arcade games.

Wireless vs. Wired

USB connection is one method for connecting a USB PC joystick to your computer. They might be related (typically via USB) or wireless. This is a question of taste, but each method has advantages and disadvantages, such as whether you want to deal with cables or batteries. We'll go through this in more depth later on.
For PC joysticks, keep an eye on the length of the device's cable; some of these can be short (for example, 5 feet).

Durability

Your PC joystick is going to get a lot of use. From the demands of a virtual war to the furious attack on an alien battlegroup, it will put through your PC joystick its paces. While all these gadgets are primarily constructed of plastic, some are sturdier than others. All elements of a PC game controller, from the casing to the buttons and switches, can be put under stress during gameplay. Here are some tips to ensure your joystick lasts through all those heated gaming sessions.

Note: Gaming equipment from well-known manufacturers is often more durable than those from lesser-known businesses, although this isn't always the case.

Assembly/Installation

Most PC joysticks are ready to use right out of the box, and installation is as simple as connecting them to your computer. However, some PC joysticks need little or no assembly before being used, while others necessitate downloading software or a disc.

A PC joypad might also have a programming option, allowing you to customize the controls and triggers to your liking. This setting is generally not required and is for individuals who enjoy "tinkering under the hood" with their technology.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can change several settings in the controller software to fine-tune aiming with a PC joystick, and the game's setting may also be altered.

Revuubuddy

FEATURES

Controls

The types and quantity of controls on your PC joystick are determined mainly by the kind of gadget you buy. In general, any levers, switches, or buttons should operate efficiently and be responsive to touch (some joysticks allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the controls).

The following are the most typical controls on various gaming device types:

Gaming pads: Gaming pads frequently include a D-pad that adds to the user's control over the game.

Flight joysticks: A flight stick is a gaming device that controls the orientation of your plane in mid-flight, as opposed to a joystick that contains only the yaw. These joysticks generally include several flight controls, including pitch and roll control (for going backward or forward and left or right) and more sophisticated Z-axis twist controls (used to mimic airplane ailerons). There are a few different types of flight sticks on the market, varying in price and features.

Vibration

Consider getting a PC joystick with vibration or feedback to enhance your gaming experience. This feature causes the gadget to vibrate when you drive over rough terrain with your tank, take enemy fire, get ambushed, or perform other activities that game developers may add to a game.

Comfort

Gamers spend a lot of time playing games, so any PC joystick you buy should be comfortable to hold and operate for lengthy periods. When designing a gaming gadget, the essential point is that it is well-balanced and ergonomic enough that you won't get hand pain (or worse) when using it.

Quantity

You can sometimes purchase a pair of controllers as a set, which is more frequent with gaming pads. The bottom line is that you should know how many gaming types of equipment you're paying for.

A PC joystick has buttons and controls that allow for more programmable choices. However, they might be too complex for inexperienced users.

Revuubuddy

PRICING

Inexpensive: In the $10 to $30 price range, PC joysticks are usually in the shape of essential gaming pads similar to those available with Xbox and PlayStation consoles. These are generally connected and sometimes have a more traditional appearance for classic gaming using emulators.

Mid-range: You can find a variety of PC joysticks in the price range of $30 to $100. This includes high-quality gaming pads (often wireless), fight sticks, and flight joysticks, some with simple HOTAS systems. You can also find pairs of gaming pads in this price range.

Expensive: PC joysticks in the $100 to $200 and higher price ranges are worth considering by serious gamers. You'll find high-quality fight sticks and HOTAS flight joysticks here. PC joysticks at these prices offer outstanding durability and more programmable features, allowing players to customize their devices as they wish.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1967, Ralph H. Baer developed the first video game, the joystick.

Revuubuddy

TIPS

• Purchase a USB extension cable. Because some PC joysticks have short lines, it's challenging to use the joystick comfortably. If you have one of these, get a USB extension cable.
  
• On a tabletop-based joystick, look for feet. Buy one with rubber feet or suction cups if you use a flight stick or HOTAS system. When lining up for a strafing run, they assist in keeping the joystick in position.
  
• Adjust the sensitivity. You can adjust the sensitivity of your controller to a point where it's completely straight as you get used to it. Then, as you become more comfortable with it, gradually increase the sensitivity until you're satisfied.
  
• Choose a PC joystick type you're comfortable with. If you have significant expertise playing on a console, such as the Xbox or PlayStation, you may be better off choosing a PC gaming pad that looks and functions similarly to your previous one.
• Consider purchasing a gaming steering wheel. A gaming steering wheel is another PC gaming device designed for automobile driving or racing games that you can try. These usually come with additional controllers for gas, brake, clutch, and shift levers.

FAQ

Q. Is it better to use a wired or wireless connection?

A. When selecting between a wired and wireless joystick, there are certain things to consider. A wired joystick implies you'll have to deal with cables all the time, but you won't have to stop your game from replacing the batteries or charging the gaming device.

Its cable length doesn't restrict a wireless device, and you won't trip over any. However, if the gadget uses batteries, this will be an ongoing expenditure, and recharge time might cause delays in your game. Some users have reported minor lag problems with specific wireless devices.

Q. Do you want to buy a gaming pad or a flight joystick?

A. It depends on the sorts of games you play the most. If you usually play Microsoft Flight Simulator or another type of flight game, a flight joystick might give you a more realistic experience.

A gaming pad, on the other hand, is a good choice for more extensive gaming. This may be used with everything from first-person shooters to role-playing and retro games, making it an excellent choice if you're into side-scrollers or other classic titles.

Q. Isn't it true that I can game with my keyboard and mouse?

A. Yes, you definitely can, and some gamers manage to play games entirely with a mouse and keyboard. Some games, such as Shooters and Strategy Games, are often easier to play with a keyboard and mouse. A flight joystick (like the one shown below) adds considerably more to the experience of playing something like a flight simulator or a classic scroller.

CH Products Flightstick Pro Joystick

Bottom Line
A comfortable, versatile joystick with a wide range of movement.

Shop Now

iNNEXT SNES Retro Gamepad Joystick

Bottom Line
Retro gamepads are a cheap blast from the past that may be used with various retro gaming systems and emulators.

Shop Now

Mayflash Arcade Fight Stick Joystick

Bottom Line
This is a great fighting game stick for both novice and advanced players. You can also modify it to get the most out of the experience.

Shop Now