GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller For Xbox
The G7 SE Controller is a licensed Xbox controller featuring Hall Effect sticks and tons of customization options. With two extra buttons and four on-board profiles, remapping the button layout is quick and easy. The GameSir Nexus app allows for further customization of the controller’s haptic feedback and input sensitivity. The only Xbox controller to have Hall Effect joysticks, this wired controller is one of the most cutting-edge options available.
PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller for PS5
PDP’s Victrix Pro BFG wireless PS4|5 controller delivers on a lot of promises but at a high price. Completely modular and packed with high-end specs, this wireless PC controller is ready for pro gaming across multiple genres.
For those looking for options outside the mouse and keyboard combo, the market is filled with manygaming controllersthat can greatly enrich your gameplay. But controllers come in two configurations: wired or wireless. Both controller types typically offer support for multiple platforms, such as PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, while some options are limited to one system.
Both options also have their respective pros and cons, which should be strongly considered before making a final decision. Controllers are an important part of one’s set-up, which includesgaming TVs,gaming soundbarsfor better audio quality, chairs, and desks. As such, choosing the right one that matches your needs is important. To help players torn between both options make an informed decision, Game Rant has compared both wired andwireless controllersto determine which is better for gaming.
Both wired and wireless controllers offer different perks to different players, which can make it difficult to decide which is the best fit for them. You can get controllers made directly from platforms like the Xbox Core Wireless Controller and Playstation 5 Dualsense, or explore the burgeoning third-party controller segment.
Pricing
The first noticeable difference between a wireless controller and a wireless one is the gulf between the prices of both products.Wired controllersare typically more affordable than their wireless counterparts mainly because they don’t come with batteries or wireless technology. If these features are a must-have, then it’s worth going after a wireless gaming controller that packs the much-needed extra offerings. However, they tend to cost a lot more. If you’ve got a generous budget, then it’s worth checking out the wireless controller section through online sites or in-person stores. If you do, you’ll likely find options such as theXbox Wireless Elite 2, which features a high-end design along with features intended to give competitive gamers an advantage over rivals. It currently goes for $189 when not on sale, putting it out of reach for many gamers.
However, buying a wired gaming controller is a terrific decision if you’re looking to save some money. What’s more, you can get some decent options like the GameSir G7 SE and the HyperX Clutch Gladiate for below $50, with compatibility across different platforms, like Xbox and PC. Only go for a wireless controller if you’ve got the funds to match your desire for an enhanced gaming experience or don’t mind saving up for a while.
Latency
If you’ve ever grown frustrated with your gameplay because the in-game character was too slow to move from one point to the other, there are a couple of potential culprits. It could be your TV, the internet connection, or even your controller unless it’s a wired one. When using a wired controller to play a competitive game likeApex Legends, you’re unlikely to experience high input lag from the controller because it lacks the wireless technology that would have caused a delay between hitting a button and the action that follows. With wired controllers, your inputs and in-game movements are like clockwork, allowing you to face your opponents about being too slow to react.
A major gripe about wireless controllers is their susceptibility to latency issues, which can ruin one’s gameplay experience. However, this issue has largely been resolved with first-party manufacturers, such as Microsoft and Sony. This just makes wireless controllers more expensive, as choosing a third-party option may save you money, but leave you with serious latency issues. When you pick up a budget wireless controller, there’s a possibility of your in-game character moving slowly, which could cost you big time when trying to earn your stripes atForza Motorsportor any racing game. In this case, a wired controller causes less heartache than a wireless one, making it an excellent choice for competitive titles.
Convenience of Use
Unlike wired controllers, wireless controllers aren’t always plug-and-play. This means that you may need to complete a set-up process that can range from easy to frustrating, depending on the hardware. Most wireless controllers connect to consoles and PCs via Bluetooth, a process that can easily be dampened by pairing issues. This problem gets worse when you have to connect multiple wireless gamepads to the same system. PC gamers seem to face this issue the most due to frequent driver updates. Even the Steam Deck, ahandheld gaming PC, often has issues with connecting with the Xbox controller.
Of course, some common troubleshooting methods involve restarting both controller and console, updating the controller’s firmware version, or simply trying again until it clicks. Not many gamers have the patience to try the aforementioned remedies simply because they can’t get their controllers to work. Unlike their wireless counterparts, choosing to play in wired mode means that it’s pretty much plug-and-play right out of the box. You don’t have to struggle with pairing the wired controller. This makes them a great choice for players looking to conveniently connect to the console/PC and then play.
Battery Life
If you use a wireless gamepad, then you should know that it’s good for a couple of hours before needing a charge. What’s more, the battery life significantly dips if the controller has RGB lighting.RGB controllersaren’t exactly known for great battery life, so you might want to consider this the next time you’re close to buying one. If you’re keen on owning a wireless controller like the PS5 Dualsense, then a great way to ensure that your gamepad is sufficiently charged is by getting a PS5 controller charger which acts as an efficient way to store it.
Of course, you could opt to use it while it’s charging, but then that eliminates the very idea of not being tethered when being used, a convenience that wireless controllers are known for. Perhaps the biggest perk of wired controllers is that they don’t have batteries, making them a joy for players who want to play for extended sessions without being interrupted by a low battery alert. Simply plug it in and focus on completing the missions in a single-player game or grinding to upgrade your level in a competitive shooter title.
The Verdict
Although their pros and cons have been discussed above, it’s worth mentioning that both are great options that should satisfy gamers depending on their preferences. Wired controllers offer significantly better advantages, with users free from battery concerns and latency issues. However, wired gamepads can have cable management issues which can cause tripping hazards because they’re tethered to the PC or console. Another issue with them is that they have a limited range of movement, meaning you can’t sit too far from the screen to play.
Wireless gamepads are the direct opposite, with users able to sit further from the screen and still play. You can also hook up multiple controllers and play without worrying about cable clutter. Provided players have different tastes, there will always be a market for both options. If you prefer playing without worrying about battery, latency and have a limited budget, a wired controller is your best bet. Go for a wireless controller if money is not an obstacle, and you love gaming without being limited to a certain range of movement.
FAQ
Q: What are two advantages of a wireless controller?
Wireless controllers offer a wider range of movement and don’t use wires which translates to excellent cable management.
Q: Can I use a wireless controller on my phone?
Yes. you’re able to pair a wireless controller to your smartphone through Bluetooth. The pairing process is easier with recent models like the Samsung S24 Series and Google Pixel 8 lineup.
Q: Can you use two wireless controllers on PC?
Yes. You can hook up multiple wireless controllers on PC though you may want to turn off the Bluetooth functionality on other nearby devices to avoid pairing issues.
