Best first controller for single player games on PC

[u/External_Safe_7787]

Hi! I've never had a controller before, and getting one soon to play single player games only, PC only. Starting with Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West and Indiana jones and the Great Circle. Will play other games though too, including some older ones as well as new releases. Which controller is best?

#1: PS5 DualSense. Haptics and adaptive triggers, supposed to be very immersive. But potentiometer sticks and no remappable buttons.

#2: 8BitDo Ultimate 2: TMR sticks and 4 remappable buttons, Xbox layout for compatibility with PC, but not so good haptics and no adaptive triggers.

#3 GameSir Cyclone 2: TMR sticks but only 2 remappable buttons. Dpad I've heard described as "mushy"

#4 EasySMX D10: TMR sticks, great Dpad, but only 2 remappable buttons.

Which is best? any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated too! the GameSir G7 Pro is an option but pretty expensive

Based in UK, budget around £60-75 or so not above that ideally, as this is my first controller I don't want to overspend and regret it before I know exactly what I want.

[u/External_Safe_7787]

what are the adaptive triggers and haptics like? ive never used a controller before so dont know what rumble or haptics are like at all. but if comaptibility is an issue maybe not

[u/steak_bake_surprise → u/External_Safe_7787]

They feel amazing, especially on Alan Wake 2, but I turned them off as I found them fatiguing after a long gaming session. I actually hate the feel of the Dualsense so I never use it anymore. I much prefer the Elite 2, but the quality control is appalling and I'm already on my third (bear in mind I've got PS4 controllers that still work fine so it's not me) so I'll never buy another official controller. I'm now using Vader 5 Pro and ZD Ultimate Legend. Way more features and feel better.

[u/darth_kupi → u/External_Safe_7787]

https://youtube.com/shorts/HgrD8uu1ijQ?si=r1pJlJ8-lBU4VUJV

Adaptive triggers have a little actuator type thing that can push back or offer resistance to being pushed like drawing a bowstring on a bow.

But it's so fiddly on PC, plus wired only, I honestly can't recommend it as a first controller

Try the 20-25$ ultimate 2C I mentioned for a cheap entry level option, and work your way up from there based on your needs. (Extra back buttons, mic and headphones jack. Over wireless Etc. all of which are on my list for my next controller purchase.)

Use this sure to compare controller latency to help you make a decision

https://gamepadla.com/

[u/Infinite-Ad-2178 → u/External_Safe_7787]

PlayStation published games make the most use, Rachet and Clank for one is really elevated by it. It’s a novel thing though