Xbox president Sarah Bond has responded to questions about Microsoft’s decision to shut a number of much-loved studios this week, insisting it was about ensuring the Xbox business remains healthy for the long-term during what she called “this moment of transition.”
Microsoft shocked the gaming world when it announced the closure of Redfall and Prey developer Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within developer Tango Gameworks, and more in devastating cuts targeted at Bethesda owner ZeniMax.
Microsoft bought ZeniMax Media, the parent company of developers like Bethesda, Arkane, id Software, and more, in 2021 for $7.5 billion. Since then, it has bought Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard for $69 billion.
In an email to staff sent by Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, Microsoft blamed the cuts on a “reprioritization of titles and resources.” In the email, first reported by IGN, Booty said: “we are making these tough decisions to create capacity to increase investment in other parts of our portfolio and focus on our priority games.”
Microsoft has faced widespread criticism from the development community and Xbox fans following the move, with many pointing out that Hi-Fi Rush was a critically acclaimed and, according to one Xbox executive, hugely successful release.
“You know, the last year or so in video games, largely the industry’s been flat,” Bond replied. “And even in 2023, we saw just some tremendous releases, tremendously groundbreaking games. But still, the growth didn’t follow all of that. A lot of that’s related to our need to bring new players in and make gaming more accessible. But all of that has been happening at the same time that the cost associated with making these beautiful triple-A blockbuster games is going up, and the time it takes to make them is going up.
“And so, so much of our focus as Xbox is about how we do things to help the industry all up, while also ensuring that our brand, everything that we do, is there through this moment of transition.”
“It’s always extraordinarily hard when you have to make decisions like that.
Bond was then asked directly about this week’s decision to close ZeniMax studios. Responding, she pointed to the industry’s current failure to meaningfully grow its audience, and a desire to ensure Xbox survives this “transition.”
“You know, it’s always extraordinarily hard when you have to make decisions like that,” Bond said. “I’ll go back to what I was saying about the industry. And when we looked at those fundamental trends, we feel a deep responsibility to ensure that the games we make, the devices we build, the services that we offer are there through moments, even when the industry isn’t growing and when you’re through a time of transition. And the news we announced earlier this week is an outcome of that, and our commitment to make sure that the business is healthy for the long term.
“But that said, our commitment to having our own studios and working with partners to have games large and small, we’re a platform where you can play GTA, but you can also play Palworld, where you can play Call of Duty and you can also play Pentiment, that doesn’t change. And frankly, our commitment to Bethesda and the role that it plays is part of Xbox and everything we do.
“It’s actually been pretty fantastic. I don’t know if you’ve gotten a chance to check it out. The Fallout TV show was on Amazon and it’s been great to see people fall in love with that universe, but also what it’s done for the games themselves and people going back and exploring everything that’s inside of that. There’s some other great things that are coming from our studios later this year. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. I was a big Indy fan growing up. It looks like you were two, so you should check that out.
“But really right now for us and our teams, our focus is on the people impacted and doing everything that we can do to help them through this hard transition.”
Bond was then asked specifically about the closure of Tango Gameworks in the context of Hi-Fi Rush’s success, and how it can be possible that a studio behind an award-winning, apparently commercially successful title can be closed just over a year from release.
Here’s Bond’s response:
“You know, one of the things I really love about the games industry is it’s a creative art form. And it means that the situation and what successes for each game in the studio is also really unique. There’s no one size fits all to it for us. And so we look at each studio, each game team, and we look at a whole variety of factors when we’re faced with making decisions and tradeoffs like that. But it all comes back to our long term commitment to the games we create, the devices we build, the services, and ensuring that we’re setting ourselves up to be able to deliver on those promises.”
“We look at each studio, each game team, and we look at a whole variety of factors when we’re faced with making decisions and tradeoffs like that.
Bond’s answer here is already going viral for failing to properly address the issue at hand. As IGN has reported, Xbox leadership held a town hall meeting with ZeniMax staff on Wednesday, May 8, and during it attempted to answer key questions around the decision to close Bethesda studios. IGN understands Booty told staff the closure of Arkane Austin was not about the failure of last year’s disastrous Redfall, rather about the future prospects of the studio. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier has reported that ZeniMax was under pressure to make significant cuts, and chose Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin because they were in the process of pitching projects that would have required increased investment, rather than studios already working on greenlit games. One person in attendance at the meeting told IGN that the suggestion was that because these studios were currently pitching new games, they had the weakest legs to stand on when it came to picking who to cut.
In the town hall meeting, Booty reiterated that Hi-Fi Rush was a success, but, according to a person in attendance, staff were told the factors for that success had changed in the year since, and so the studio’s prospects had lowered. As has been reported, Tango Gameworks had pitched Hi-Fi Rush 2 as a follow-up project. IGN understands the Hi-Fi Rush 2 pitch was rejected in part because it was deemed too expensive.
Underpinning all of this is concern about the overall health of the Xbox business and the wider gaming industry. Microsoft, currently worth more than $3 trillion, faces declining revenue year-over-year for its gaming business when Activision is taken out of the equation, as well as stagnant Game Pass subscriber growth. Sales of Xbox consoles have collapsed at a time when development costs are rising. Add this to reported increased internal scrutiny on Microsoft’s gaming business following the Activision Blizzard acquisition, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Image credit: Bloomberg Live / YouTube.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Former Microsoft senior PR lead Brad Hilderbrand has blogged about the recent closure of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin, making a familiar case that Microsoft’s gaming division are now expected “to cut expenses to the bone” in the wake of the wildly expensive acquisition of Activision Blizzard and amid slowing growth of the Game Pass subscription business. In Hilderbrand’s view, Game Pass will likely never be sustainable or profitable. Microsoft’s only chance on this front, he says, is “to put all the world’s biggest games on the service” – namely, Call of Duty, which still earns hundreds of millions annually in direct sales, or GTA 6, which, hahahaha.
Developer Innersloth has shared a new roadmap for Among Us covering the remainder of 2024, even if a good chunk of the year has already passed.
As you can see, we already got The Fungle, and coming soon the game are “new roles”. Beyond this point, there are plans… “in no particular order” for a better lobby filter, prettier lobby settings, cosmetics, collabs, and a bunch of quality-of-life changes.
The PlayStation 5 is one of the best gaming systems you can purchase in 2024, but the console is nowhere near cheap. Starting at $399, the PS5 is a purchase you will need to plan for. If you want to play titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Stellar Blade, you need to own the system. Beyond games, PS5 is also great for streaming 4K content to your TV. Luckily, you can find some discounts or bundles on PlayStation 5 consoles throughout the year if you know when to look.
Below, we’ve compiled the best times you can buy a PlayStation 5 throughout 2024 and beyond. From holidays to sales events, there are quite a few opportunities to pick up the console. Each retailer offers different deals and discounts, but we’ve outlined the events you need to pay attention to. The best time to buy a PlayStation 5 is when it is discounted or bundled with a free game, so keep these dates in mind to get the best deal possible.
When Should You Buy a PS5?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Overall, your best bet to purchase a discounted PlayStation 5 is Black Friday or Cyber Monday. The annual holidays occur just after Thanksgiving in November, with Black Friday 2024 currently set for November 29. This event mainly refers to in-store deals, with major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target participating. Some of the best PlayStation 5 offers will only be available in stores on Black Friday.
The other major sales event alongside Black Friday is Cyber Monday. This event is set annually on the Monday following Black Friday, which is Monday, December 2 this year. Cyber Monday focuses on electronics and is exclusively available online. Following last year, we expect to see major PlayStation 5 deals on this day.
Nowadays, the sales event extends from a few weeks before Black Friday to a few weeks after, which ultimately spans the entire holiday season. Major PlayStation 5 bundles are usually up for purchase around this time of year, so you can expect great discounts alongside dozens of discounted games. If you are operating on a budget for the PlayStation 5 consoles and games together, Black Friday is the best time of year by far to pick up a console.
Amazon Prime Day
Prime Day is also an excellent time to purchase a PlayStation 5. Since the sales event falls on the second week of July, any PlayStation 5 discount from Independence Day sales will likely still be available for Prime Day. Alongside this, many PS5 games are likely to be priced low as part of the sale, so you can pick up more games as well.
Other retailers besides Amazon will also hold sales around Prime Day, so this only increases the chance that a PlayStation 5 deal will be available. Sometimes, this means an extended 4th of July sale or a surprise weekend sale. If you’re not in a rush to purchase a PS5, Prime Day 2024 is a great time to buy one.
There’s also Prime Day 2, which takes place in October. This event has been the kickstarter for Black Friday deals in recent years, so you can expect to find PlayStation 5 consoles at a great price here.
Around Major Releases
Sony tends to make console bundles for some of its major releases. This also extends to third-party exclusives like Final Fantasy XVI. Sony tends to discount these PlayStation 5 bundles around the releases of major titles, as it incentivizes customers to pick up a system and check out the new game. Additionally, you can find these PS5 bundles on sale once the included game has been out for a few months, as Sony looks to clear inventory of the bundle. Last year the biggest bundle available came with a copy of Spider-Man 2.
Throughout the Summer
Another great time to buy a PlayStation 5 is summer. Following the major gaming events like Summer Game Fest, Sony and other companies usually hold sales events to celebrate the summer This includes deals on games, accessories, controllers, and consoles, which includes PlayStation 5. The PlayStation Summer Sale usually starts around July and runs through August, making it a great time to buy video games as well.
Late summer is also a great time, as retailers tend to begin preparations for the Fall season. Inventory on older console models is cleared, leading the way for new bundles. PlayStation 5 consoles and other items will likely be available discounted at this time.
PlayStation 5 Pro Is on the Horizon
If you are thinking about purchasing a PlayStation 5, keep in mind that we are currently almost halfway into the console’s lifetime. Nowadays, consoles tend to last anywhere from six to eight years. PlayStation 5 released in November of 2020, meaning we’re already over three years into the cycle of this generation. It’s also worth noting that a new PlayStation 5 console could be on the horizon.
PlayStation 5 Pro, a new console featuring better hardware capabilities, is rumored to debut sometime during the holiday season of 2024. If a console of this caliber interests you, then it might be best to wait for this device to release. At the same time, waiting for the PS5 Pro will likely bring even further PlayStation 5 discounts. Sony could even cut the price of the standard console. Overall, this still makes the Black Friday time period the best time to purchase a PlayStation 5, as the PS5 Pro will be available to purchase.
Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium. His favorite series include Xeno and Final Fantasy.
Following this collection’s announcement earlier this week, it’s now been confirmed VGP will be handling the physical distribution in North America. Pre-orders are now live (thanks for the heads up, Nintendo Everything).
Game developer Mob Entertainment is partnering with Legendary Entertainment to create a movie based on its toy factory horror hit, Poppy Playtime.
Legendary is developing the video game-to-movie adaptation with producers Don Murphy and Susan Montford from Angry Films. Details on its plot and cast have yet to be revealed. No release date has been confirmed.
Poppy Playtime centers around Playtime Co., a once-great toy manufacturer that fell from grace after everyone inside its factory disappeared. Players take control of a former employee who finds themselves sucked back to the factory long after the disappearances, and it doesn’t take long for them to discover that the toys seem to be more playful this time around.
Poppy Playtime released its free-to-play first chapter in 2021, with two more chapters adding to the story in 2022 and 2024. Mob says that its horror-puzzle gameplay, lore, and twists have managed to draw in more than 40 million players across PC, mobile, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation devices as well as on Roblox. It’s become so popular that some characters, like Huggy Wuggy and the Smiling Critters, have popped up across retailers in the form of collectible figures, plush toys, and costumes.
“When we first started this journey, we followed our passion and created a series of games and brands with the purpose of inspiring and entertaining. We’ve always dreamed big and are thrilled to have created something that has captured the hearts of tens of millions around the world,” Mob Co-founders Zach Belanger, CEO and Seth Belanger, CCO said in a joint statement. “This movie deal is a great logical next step in the growth of our transmedia entertainment company.”
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.
Cat’s Eye: How to Navigate the World of Little Kitty, Big City
Shan Horan, Social Media Manager and Philippa Warr, Narrative Designer at Double Dagger Studio
Summary
Enjoy this guide to help you think more like a cat and get the most out of your shenanigans in Little Kitty Big City.
Is there anyone more curious than a cat? We don’t think so!
Little Kitty Big City is available now for Xbox, Windows, and with Game Pass.
Little Kitty Big City is an open-world exploration game which lets you play as an adventurous — and willful — little cat. You’ll make your way back home eventually, but not before you find distractions aplenty, a cast of quirky animals to befriend and so much mischief to get into! But we know it can be hard to let go of human ideas like “responding to emails” and “not tripping people up to see what’s in their briefcases,” so here is a little guide to help you think more like a cat and get the most out of your cat shenanigans.
Engage Your Curiosity
Is there anyone more curious than a cat? We don’t think so! In the world of Little Kitty, Big City, there are always new places, people, and collectibles to discover. You just have to stay curious to find them all, and the best way to stay curious is to keep asking yourself questions! What’s under that wall? What happens if I tread painty paw prints all over this human’s art canvas? Will this thing smash when I push it off a ledge? Finding the answers is a vital part of being a little cat.
Interact With Humans
If you’ve ever met a cat, you’ll know that they each have their own unique personality and their own way of interacting with humans. Being a cat in Little Kitty, Big City is no different — how you interact with the people around you is up to you. Are you feeling a little mischievous? Time to trip an innocent pedestrian by weaving between their legs in a very unhelpful way and then steal their phone! Feeling in need of affection? You can rub against those human legs instead and give a little purr. Humans eat that stuff up. And if you’re feeling annoying, you can meow meow meow the day away! Who doesn’t love a very noisy cat following them around for no reason?
Navigate The World
Cats are graceful (sometimes), small, can climb ivy walls, squeeze into tight spaces and always land on their feet! Since you’re no longer a clumsy human in this game, all those tiny little spots you never thought you’d be able to fit into are now open to you as a little kitty. From the rooftops to ground below, all the vents, awnings, cars, and fences are your domain. Except those big puddles. Let’s just stay far away from those…
Express Yourself
As you explore the city, you will meet other cats who will offer new ways to immerse yourself in the mind of a cat. You’ll learn crucial kitty emotes like how to make muffins, have a biiiiig stretch, take naps, sits where you fit, and even gag at gross smells or unpalatable tasks! These gestures are an invaluable part of your toolkit for self-expression and can be combined with Kitty’s extensive wardrobe of collectible hats to create the perfect reaction to a situation.
Try the Sunflower hat with the biiiiiiig stretch for Kitty’s attempt at the traditional Sun Salutation yoga flow. Follow that up by swapping to the Crab hat and making a yuck face in the greengrocer’s – you must protest her lack of seafood. Then round off the day by donning the Sheriff’s hat and lashing out with a paw swipe at a board game. How else will the humans know that you’re not into chess?
Relax
Humans don’t understand how hard cats work to find the perfect nap spot. In fact, if cats didn’t spend so much energy looking for new places to sleep, perhaps they wouldn’t be so sleepy in the first place…? But that’s a topic for a different blog! What you need to know for Little Kitty, Big City is that, when you find a good nap spot, you want to get in there immediately, and in whatever pose fills the space. After all, when a nap is at stake, who cares which way the humans say your spine and limbs are “supposed” to be facing!
Will you make your way home or will you explore what the big city has to offer first? I mean, getting home is obviously your main priority. Obviously. Well, it’s one of your priorities. Maybe more of a guideline… It’s definitely on your To-Do list somewhere! But first? Exploration!
After Microsoft unexpectedly announced it closed Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks, some wondered whether the previously announced physical version of the game would ever see the light of day. But don’t worry — despite Tango Gameworks’ closure, Limited Run Games is still planning to release a physical edition of the studio’s final project.
Limited Run Games’ official X/Twitter account replied to one comment that suggested that the company would not move forward with a physical release of Hi-Fi Rush due to Tango Gamesworks’ closure. Limited Run responded that this was not the case and that a physical release “is a go,” but no further information, such as a release date, was disclosed.
Did we forget it, though? Unless we say otherwise, Hi-Fi Rush is a go!
— Limited Run Games (@LimitedRunGames) May 9, 2024
Bethesda Softworks confirmed last March that it was teaming up with Limited Run Games to release a physical version of the game. The news was part of a bigger announcement: Xbox announced that four of its once-console exclusives, including Hi-Fi Rush, would be released on other platforms, with Hi-Fi Rush getting ported to PlayStation 5.
Limited Run’s confirmation comes as Microsoft has been under scrutiny for closing four Bethesda Studios, including Tango Gameworks and Redfall developer Arkane Austin. Following the news, reports have emerged with new details, such as Tango Gameworks pitching a sequel to Hi-Fi Rush before its closure, as well as information that in a town hall meeting held this week, Xbox executive Matt Booty reportedly told staff that smaller games like Hi-Fi Rush are important, despite it closing the studio just a day prior.
Aside from Tango’s closure, Hi-Fi Rush’s physical edition is important for another reason: the ongoing discussion of the gaming industry’s push further into digital. Despite Xbox boss Phil Spencer claiming that he is still “supportive” of physical media, leaked documents noted that an updated Xbox Series X console did not show a disc drive visible on the device.
Another factor to consider is that Hi-Fi Rush uses copyrighted music. With Tango Gameworks closed, it’s unclear what could happen to Hi-Fi Rush’s digital version on a service like Xbox Game Pass once the music licenses expire.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
Many gamers argue that PC gaming is the way to go, but some games just feel better with a controller. This is where the best PC controllers for gaming come into play, pairing the raw power of a gaming PC with a controller that can often offer a more immersive gaming experience.
Using a controller with your PC can also be a great way to make the transition from console to PC gaming If you’ve just made the switch, choosing one of the best PC controllers can help ease that transition, so you don’t immediately have to master the best gaming keyboards and mice.
If you’re still not quite convinced about making the switch from keyboard and mouse to a gamepad, you can check out the range of options available to you. You never know, you might be surprised how well these PC controller scan complement your existing gaming PC setup – and find them here in the UK.
If you’re searching for a controller with a quality design and ample flexibility in how you use it to game on your PC, the Xbox Core Controller is a solid place to start. Microsoft has created an ergonomic controller that’s easy to hold onto thanks to added grip on the side, rear, and triggers. Of course, it has a familiar Xbox layout, while the majority of its buttons are remappable, and the D-Pad is even more tactile than the Xbox One iteration.
There’s plenty of versatility in connecting the Xbox Core Controller to your PC with a wired USB-C to eliminate input lag and Bluetooth as a wireless alternative. There’s also a low-latency wireless option available if you have an Xbox Wireless adapter for PC. It even includes a 3.5mm jack for your headset, limiting the number of wires running between you and your PC. However, it’s powered by AA batteries, which seems a bit archaic for 2024; but nonetheless it gives you gameplay usage of up to 40 hours. At the end of the day, it’s worth it.
2. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
Best Budget PC Controller
Pros:
Affordable
Wide choice of colors
Cons:
It’s wired
The PowerA Enhanced wired controller is a strong option, ditching wireless connectivity in order to hit a low price point under $40—and it’s often on sale for much less. Sure, you won’t get Bluetooth to get in some action on your gaming phone, but the removable Micro USB works great with your PC right out of the box. And since you’re tethered to your computer, you’ll never need to worry about finding batteries in your junk drawer every few months.
The controller itself doesn’t stray too far from the shape and feel of Microsoft’s own Xbox controller, though it’s slightly lighter, lacks those rubberized grips, and is a tad bit flimsier. However, you get two vibration motors to feel the action and all the buttons you need for your games. It even takes a page out of the Xbox Elite Controller’s book: on the underside of the PowerA Enhanced controller, you’ll find two small buttons that can serve as shortcuts to face buttons.
Are you a devout keyboard and mouse gamer who imagines yourself rarely using a gamepad? The Logitech F310 is the perfect option for you, as it only costs around $20, but it includes everything you need for your occasional cravings to use a controller. This option delivers dual joysticks, bumpers and triggers, four standard face buttons, and an eight-directional D-Pad, while ten buttons are programmable to customize the gamepad to your needs.
Now, is the Logitech F310 something you’ll want to be using all the time? Probably not, as its short, nubby grips don’t make for excellent ergonomics, and the joysticks aren’t 100 percent accurate. But that shouldn’t matter for short bursts, and the controller will make your life significantly easier when driving vehicles in games like Grand Theft Auto V or Battlefield 2042. It’s also strictly wired, connecting via USB, though it’s plug-and-play and delivers low input lag for the fastest possible actions.
The plug-and-play nature of the Turtle Beach Recon Controller is perfect for anyone looking to add a wired controller to their PC. It connects via a detachable USB-A cord, and there’s even a headset port on the controller, helping to limit the wires cluttering your PC setup. Turtle Beach takes it further by including their Super Human Hearing to enhance subtle audio cues and audio controls for volume, game and chat mix, and mic monitoring, all on the gamepad itself.
You’ll get quickly up to speed in games with the familiar X-box style layout of the Turtle Beach Recon Controller, so you’re all set for Xbox Game Pass games and the wide assortment of titles available on Steam. Two back paddles are on the gamepad for quick actions, while on-the-fly button remapping is also available with four different profiles preloaded on the Recon, which you can reconfigure to your liking. Finally, the textured finishes on most controls and rubberized grips make for a secure handhold.
The Sony DualSense Controller makes it simple to connect to your PC using Bluetooth, which means it’ll also be a solid option as a phone controller for mobile gaming. However, if you’re looking for a more stable connection with less latency, you can always plug it in via a USB-C for a wired option. And unlike the Xbox Core, when you use it wirelessly, you get a rechargeable battery, though the battery life leaves much to be desired.
The Sony DualSense changes the aesthetics of the DualShock, making for a sleeker, easier-to-grip gamepad that still offers a similar control scheme and symmetrical analog sticks. Steam support is on the controller, while advanced haptics and adaptive triggers work on PC using a wired connection. With more PlayStation-exclusive games ending up not so exclusive thanks to PC ports, full DualSense functionality on PC makes for the best way to play those games.
If you’re after a controller that offers the familiar Xbox design but amps up its capability, you can’t go wrong with the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. This model features four rear paddles that can have their own actions or change the function of the face buttons, while all of the buttons on the gamepad are remappable. The D-pad, back paddles, and analog sticks are also all magnetically swappable, and you still get the tunable triggers we loved on the original Elite.
The Elite Series 2 controller adds the rechargeable battery that the Xbox Core controller lacks and lasts an impressive 40 hours on each charge. In addition to Xbox Wireless, if you’ve got an adapter, there’s Bluetooth, making it easy to pair with your PC or smartphone. You’re good to go when you’d rather have a low-latency wired connection, too, with a USB-C available.
With retro looks and modern functionality, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is an awesome option for playing classic games on PC — and new games, too. The face of this 8BitDo model gives you the sense of using a classic SNES controller, but the experience should be exponentially better thanks to a modern ergonomic design, quality buttons, and vibration. It also supports a range of platforms and can connect to your PC over a wired USB-C or Bluetooth for 20 hours.
On the 8BitDo Pro 2, you’ll find standard Nintendo-style controls, though you can remap the buttons to match in-game controls. Meanwhile, you get PlayStation-style symmetrical analog sticks and two back paddles that let you keep your thumbs on the sticks. Customization also allows you to do any necessary button remapping, swap sticks behavior and axes, or adjust the trigger actuation depth, and there are even motion controls.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is a unique controller thanks to its “Connected Command Display.” It’s a compact, full-color screen directly on the controller that displays phone notifications and lets you make on-the-fly setting adjustments like swapping between ten different profiles, fine-tuning the vibration intensity, and modifying RGB lighting. You can even program the RGB lighting to change colors to indicate phone notification alerts or low battery.
Display and RGB lighting aside, the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is one beast of a gamepad, featuring an Xbox layout with tactile micro switches and hall-effect, anti-drift thumbsticks–drifting has plagued some Turtle Beach controllers. You’ll also find trigger locks and four mappable buttons on the underside for flexibility in how you play. Turtle Beach’s offering is wireless, so there’s a 2.4GHz dongle for a lag-free connection to your PC or Xbox, and Bluetooth support is handy for your gaming phone.
If you play a good deal of arcade or fighting games, do yourself a favor and pick up a fight stick, and for PC, the Razer Kitsune is a standout option. Rather than including a typical stick on the controller, it has a leverless design offering buttons that move in a full range of directions. Though that may take getting used to, there are advantages, including a quicker input speed–milliseconds matter in fighting games—along with better accuracy and easier execution of certain moves. Beyond the directional controls, you get all the other buttons you need to KO opponents on this PlayStation-licensed device.
The Razer Kitsune is an ideal size, letting both hands rest comfortably on it while being light and compact enough to carry around at tournaments. That said, the controller still feels sturdy and durable, and the buttons have responsive and surprisingly quiet optical switches. If you’d like a different feel, those buttons are hot-swappable. Razer also includes a flashy light strip around the edge of the controller and a tournament lock to prevent you from accidentally getting disqualified.
10. Gran Turismo DD Pro
Best PC Racing Wheel
Pros:
Highly customizable
Profile switching
Cons:
Some games required compatibility mode
PCs are the place to experience simulation racing games, letting play some very serious—and sometimes seriously obscure—racing games, and you can also connect multiple displays and ultrawide screens. For an even more immersive experience, you need a solid racing wheel, and Fanatec’s Gran Turismo DD Pro is what professional racers and enthusiast sim racers use. As the name might suggest, the direct drive wheels connect a large motor directly to the steering wheel for much better control and force feedback.
If you’re looking for performance, the Gran Turismo DD Pro delivers, giving you a whopping 5Nm of torque, but it can go up to 8Nm with the separate 180 Boost Kit. You’re bound to feel the pull of every turn and the shock of every bump! The wheel features an easy-to-use interface with familiar controls, unique 5-way directional sticks, and RevLED, while a steel two-pedal set completes this epic PC racing wheel.
11. Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro
Best Racing Controller
Pros:
Eye-catching design
Modular
Cons:
Back buttons aren’t particularly great
If you’re big into driving games, then the Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro is one of the best PC controllers you can get your hands on. That’s if you don’t plan to invest all of your hard-earned cash on a racing wheel. Fun, comfortable, and modular, this controller is far more portable than a racing wheel, and offers almost just as much satisfaction.
Heck, even if you don’t play driving games, the Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro is still a versatile option. Compared to the Elite Series 2 controller, the back buttons aren’t much to shout about. However, the longer body compliments the bumpers and triggers to ensure accessing all the buttons you need is less effort, and you don’t have the strain of holding them down uncomfortably when playing for extended periods of time.
12. Scuf Instinct Pro
Best Customizable Controller
Pros:
Lots of customization options
Feels solid to hold
Cons:
Not quite as good as the Elite
Looking for a customizable controller for your PC but don’t want something from Microsoft or Sony? Enter the Scuf Instinct Pro. No, it’s not on-par with the Elite 2 controller, but it certainly gives it a run for its money. And, if you’re into customizing your controller, you can do this almost endlessly, with cosmetic and physical customizations galore!
But, aside from customization, the Scuf Instinct Pro offers a sturdy yet comfortable controller for you to enjoy. The buttons are responsively clicky, and can be used across various consoles, including Xbox Series X and PC.
Upcoming PC Controllers
The most notable PC controller due to release in 2024 is the Elite Series 3 controller. While no release date has been confirmed, it’s likely we’ll get more information towards the end of the year.
How to Pick the Best PC Controller
Choosing the best PC controller for gaming can seem like a daunting task given the options available on the market. However, it’s easier to nail down the right choice by assessing what kind of gamer you are, what types of games you play, and whether you want to use your controller across other devices.
One of the biggest factors to consider is the ergonomics and comfort of the controller. Since you’ll likely be using it for extended gaming sessions, it’s crucial to pick a controller that feels comfortable in your hands. Look for controllers with well-placed buttons, responsive triggers, and a shape that fits naturally in your hands.
Next, think about the types of games you’ll be playing. Different genres may benefit from specific controller designs. For instance, if you’re into racing or flying simulators, a controller with analog sticks and precise triggers might be ideal. On the other hand, if you’re primarily playing fighting or platformer games, a controller with a good D-pad and responsive face buttons could be more suitable.
Another important factor to consider is compatibility. While many PC controllers are designed to work seamlessly with Windows PCs, it’s always a good idea to double-check compatibility with your specific gaming setup.
Wireless vs. wired is another decision you’ll need to make. Wireless controllers offer the convenience of untethered gaming but may require batteries or frequent charging. Wired controllers, on the other hand, provide a reliable connection but can clutter your gaming space with cables.
While you’re thinking about the best PC controller, don’t forget to consider additional features and extras. Many controllers come with programmable buttons, vibration feedback, or even customizable lighting effects. While these features may not be essential, they can enhance your gaming experience and provide added value for your money.
FAQs
Is PC Gaming Better With a Controller? Compared to a keyboard and mouse, some gamers prefer using a controller and find it easier to play games with one. However, it’s really down to personal preference. A controller, however, is definitely more versatile and easier to transport should you wish to use it on other devices.
Do All Xbox Controllers Work on PC? Using a USB cable, you can connect an Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S controller to your PC. However, an Xbox controller with Bluetooth, providing your PC has Bluetooth, will work just as well, too.
Can I Use a PS5 Controller on PC? Yes! The PS5 DualSense controller works wirelessly and wired on your PC (if it supports Bluetooth).
Can you play any PC game with a controller? Not all PC games are designed to work well with a controller. If you’re playing games on Steam, you can visit the store page to see if the game is compatible with a controller before buying the game. However, other platforms, such as Epic Games, do not list if the game is compatible with a controller, but you can often find out which games support a controller with a quick Google search.
Where to Get the Best PC Controller in the UK
It is unsurprising that the Xbox controller tops the list here, but you’ve actually got a couple of options depending on whether your laptop or PC is Bluetooth enabled. If you’ve got Bluetooth to use, you won’t need the PC adapter USB, and can simply pick up an Xbox One controller, or even a PlayStation DualShock 4 to avoid the extra cost. But, if you want to consider all your options, here are the best PC controllers available in the UK. Don’t see the controllers below? Click here.
IGN’s tech freelancer Danielle Abraham contributed to this buying guide.
Tech expert Kevin Lee contributed to this guide. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
