A gamer is nothing without the right controller leading the way, and this year, we have a wide variety of devices in our Best Controllers 2025 list. Now more than ever, companies are aiming their peripherals at more than one system, making gaming controllers more versatile than ever.
However, controllers are also one of the most reviewed devices on CGMagazine, so to land on our Best Controllers 2025 list, they have to have something special. Whether it is big names like Razer bringing the latest and greatest features, PB Tails brining flare and style at an affordable price, PowerA putting the power in their devices or GameSir marrying them all together, we have chosen some of the coolest controllers you can find to head into 2025 with.
PB Tails Crush Controller
Keeping up with the fun aesthetic options PB Tails is known for, the PB Tails Crush controller comes in a variety of colour variants, with the basic design of the gamepad said to be inspired by the Porsche 550 Spyder line of luxury cars. In other words, PB Tails definitely gets a check for creativity. I was sent the Redline Rush variant from their Gem series, which features a shiny red finish that goes nicely with the Gem and supercar aesthetic PB Tails promises. It should be noted that all variants of the Crush controller feature a magnetic faceplate that can easily be swapped out and that those interested in other colour options can purchase additional faceplates from PB Tail’s website.
Of course, a controller isn’t all about its aesthetics, and thankfully, the PB Tails Crush series delivers a solid-feeling experience that feels similar to first-party offerings, particularly the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Unlike the former, however, PB Tails offers hall-effect joysticks, which promise longevity thanks to contactless friction through the use of magnets, ensuring no risk of controller drift over time. Of course, I can’t practically test out this controller feature in a reasonable window; however, in the month or so I had the device, I’ve found it just as responsive and tactile as it was when I first received it.
The PB Tails Crush Controller is a feature-packed controller that does everything it sets out to do very well for a price that doesn’t break the bank.
- Advanced Ergonomics: The Crush Controller features a sleek, screw-free exterior with no visible screw holes, ensuring a smooth appearance that is easy to clean. This design not only enhances the controller’s aesthetic but also guarantees a premium feel and fatigue-free gaming, even during extended play sessions. The ergonomically shaped contours are meticulously crafted for comfort and optimal hand positioning.
- Unlimited Customization: Tailor your Crush Controller to your personal style with our magnetic MagCase, interchangeable joystick caps, and customizable RGB lighting. Adapt your controller’s aesthetic and functional aspects to suit your mood and gaming preferences anytime.
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch
On the face, the Enhanced Wireless mirrors the Pro’s button and stick layout with a few notable differences. The thumb grips on the Enhanced Wireless have a much more pronounced, rubberized cover, making them much more comfortable and providing a better grip even after hours of playtime. Additionally, the start, select, screenshot and home buttons are also more pronounced making it much easier to locate without looking down at the controller.
The lack of dependence on additional software is perhaps one of the best features of the Lumectra controller. While there are some other RGB and programmable button-enabled controllers on the market, many require cumbersome software support to leverage all of the features. PowerA has made a smart decision with the Enhanced Wireless, making it easy to manage its features without the need for additional support.
The Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra is a budget-friendly, feature-rich wireless controller solution for the Nintendo Switch. While it does lack a couple of the official Nintendo Pro controller features, it makes up for it with a solid price point and its own list of impressive customization.
- Multi-Zone RGB Lighting – Customize your controller with 24 different colors, 4 individual lighting zones and 3 fun lighting modes for thousands of color combinations
- Advanced Gaming Buttons – Get an edge over the competition with two mappable buttons you can program on the fly, mid-game—no system settings to configure
Gamesir Kaleid Xbox Wired Controller
The Gamesir Kaleid features Hall effect sticks and triggers, providing incredible precision and response. Users can switch between hair trigger and analog trigger mode via the onboard button combination or through the Gamesir app (more on this later). The aforementioned face buttons feel great and have a nice tactile response when used. Additionally, the sticks include a rubberized grip finish, much like the official Xbox controllers we are accustomed to.
Another interesting feature of the Gamesir Kaleid is the inclusion of a four-zone RGB edge light under the outer shell. This RGB system supports the full RGB lighting spectrum allowing for some beautiful customization. With multiple levels of brightness and multiple display effects to choose from, there is plenty of opportunity for customization of your Kaleid controller.
The Kaleid Xbox Wired Controller is a solid option for budget-conscious gamers. With great performance and excellent customization, it’s a controller worth considering.
- 🎮 Multi-Platform Compatibility: The GameSir Kaleid works seamlessly with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, and Steam, delivering a smooth and lag-free gaming experience without battery anxiety.
- 🎮 Hall Effect: Featuring Hall Effect sensing sticks, the GameSir Kaleid offers anti-drift performance and exceptional durability. The precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide enhanced control for precise in-game actions.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Controller
The Wolverine V3 Pro offers Hall Effect thumbsticks to help reduce drift. These magnetic switches help reduce friction and, in turn, wear and tear of the sticks. They offer a fully customizable experience thanks to increased precision and customizable dead zones and sensitive settings via the Razer Controller app. In testing, the thumbsticks feel great to use, and the adjustable sensitivity on a thumbstick level allows the user to cater the sticks to the exact feel and response they want. It’s an extra level of customization that leans into the Pro design Razer is trying to achieve with this iteration of the controller.
As for connectivity, like the previous generation, the Pro line offers both wired and wireless modes. Wireless is achieved thanks to an included Hyperspeed dongle that helps streamline and prioritize the controller’s communication reducing the time it takes for the controller to communicate with the console and PC. It works well and is an extension of Razer’s Hyperspeed technology built into many of their current-generation gaming mice.
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is an excellent update to the Pro controller line. Responding to much of the critique given the V2 Pro release, Razer has taken the feedback seriously and created an excellent Controller in the Wolverine V3 Pro.
- 4 MOUSE CLICK BACK BUTTONS & 2 CLAW GRIP BUMPERS — Enjoy the same ultra-responsive actuation found in Razer’s top gaming mice with 4 buttons built into the controller’s ergonomic, rubberized handles—topped with 2 claw grip bumpers for even more control
- PRO HYPERTRIGGERS — Set the triggers for instant actuation with zero travel time or ultra precise analog control—be fully immersed in the action and feel every trigger pull with integrated haptic vibrations
