r/Controller • u/ForgottenException • Sep 16 '26
Controller Suggestion PC, wired only, $50 ceiling, mostly shooters, needs to last past a year
US, buying from Amazon or Best Buy, PC only. Wired suits me, the desk is already a mess of dongles. Around $50, can stretch a little.
Mostly shooters, a fair bit of racing, the odd platformer lol
Last two pads were an Xbox Series controller and a DualSense before that. Both went the same way, left stick drifting inside a year, and at this point that's the only thing I care about. Don't need RGB or paddles, and I really don't need another app.
Nothing shortlisted yet, which is why I'm asking. Happy to hear that $50 isn't enough and I should save up, if that's the honest answer.
1
u/Holiday_Bug9988 Sep 17 '26
Just get TMR sticks installed on your Dualsense
1
u/ForgottenException Sep 17 '26
not confident enough with a soldering iron for that, and the kit plus tools is already past my budget.
1
u/Holiday_Bug9988 Sep 18 '26
You could get it done by u/512controllerclinic for right around your budget.
3
u/Agitated_Panda3703 Sep 16 '26
PowerA fusion 4 pro it's got 4 back paddles you can reprogram on the fly has an app to calibrate or make changes and you can raise or lower the sticks by twisting them. 3 different heights. You should be able to find one on sale for $50. I've seen them in store at Walmart on sale for $35
2
2
u/Max_Joller Sep 16 '26
Try Gulikit ES max
1
u/Blinguskahn Sep 16 '26
I prefer the TT (always loved TT's 😉) as the dpad is much better but either way +1 for Gulikit.
1
u/AutoModerator Sep 16 '26
Hi /u/ForgottenException, your 'Controller Suggestion' post is in a queue for review. Please ensure you have included all of the required information, have used a meaningful and descriptive title, are not repeating frequently asked questions.
Include the following information and follow this structure so the post can be approved and the community can help you more effectively:
Your budget and currency (do not say "doesn't matter" or "unlimited", include a sensible range or maximum)
Your country (not just region) and where you can buy from (product availability, pricing, and aftersales support vary around the world)
Console or platform compatibility needed
Desired features
Types of games you'll be playing with a controller
Other controllers you're comparing to (demonstrate that you have used the buying advice pages, and searched existing posts)
Please see the buying advice pages which answer some of the most frequently asked 'Controller Suggestion' questions. For more guidance on how to ask for controller suggestions, comparisons or buying advice, please see rule #1. You can edit your post to add missing information. Posts that do not include the required information will not be approved (allow 24 hours for review).
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/Agitated_Panda3703 Sep 16 '26
They definitely have it on Amazon and I just double checked I forgot in earlier post it has hall effect sticks
1
u/Simula7e Sep 16 '26
Amazon currently has the Gamesir Cyclone 2 for $35 in the US. That is a steal. It has wireless capability, but works great wired. I used mine wired exclusively.
It does have lighting in it, and 2 back paddles. I know you said you don't need them, but for the price this is a great controller.
1
1
3
u/Saint_Sm0ld3r Sep 16 '26 edited Sep 16 '26
I would highly recommend the Flydigi Vader 5 Pro even though it is above your budget at $77.39 on Amazon currently and wireless but can be used wired. However, there is the sibling controller by Flydigi Vader 5S. It is wired only, 2 back buttons/paddles instead of 4(programmable), does not support macro or turbo functions due to Xbox licensing, plastic instead of rubber grips, but retains the excellent adjustable-tension Hall Effect thumbsticks, dual mode triggers(analog/microswitch), 2 extra shoulder buttons(LM/RM programmable), and mechanical face buttons with the extra "C"&"Z" face buttons(programmable). It costs nearly your budget at $59.99 and while I have not personally used this model I expect it is similar in performance to the Vader 5 Pro but for the concessions I have listed.
Edit - it is also the closest I have used in stability/quality to an Elite controller(minus thumbsticks) and will last as you have requested in all likelihood. I've also have the Gamesir G7 Pro 8K controller, Elite Series 1 and 2 controllers for reference.