In its latest issue, Stiftung Warentest tested 18 controllers, including a 3 million click test, and found that standard controllers, including those from third parties, are sufficient for most gamers.
A total of 18 wireless controllers for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1 and 2, and PC were tested. In addition to first-party devices, third-party devices such as 8BitDo, NAcon PDP, and Power A were also included. The devices ranged in price from €32 to €210.
"For many gamers, the controllers that come with the consoles will be perfectly adequate," says Martin Gobbin, technology expert at Stiftung Warentest. "More expensive devices mainly offer better personalization. They are more worthwhile for ambitious gamers. It's good to see that many models also work with Windows, Android, or iOS. But not all of them – gamers should do their research before buying."
For the endurance test, the testers used a specially built machine to rotate a stick on the controllers one million times and click a button two million times. Not all devices survived this test, nor did they survive the drop test. Overall, one of the more expensive controllers received a “very good” rating and eleven models received a “good” rating, including some inexpensive standard devices.
Two controllers for people with physical disabilities were also tested outside of the competition. Stiftung Warentest attested to many useful options for inclusive gaming.
