The best of cheap game controllers

Also required for the practice of video games, joysticks are indeed at the heart of the experience lavished by this media. Reasons to procure new are multiple replace a faulty controller, in offering family members and friends to play together, and then to equip a new machine (console, phone, PC, etc.) . The problem is that formal models have a high price indeed justified a fine build quality, the presence of multiple functions and a rarely faulted finish. Surpassing even the price of a new game, these levers are not bought on a whim. Fortunately, other levers exist cheapest video game and that's the subject of our top below. therefore less expensive models,which do not offer all the options of official controllers but which represent a really interesting alternative to equip yourself without compromising your budget.

our selection

Etab wireless controller (Switch, PS3, PC)

• Aliexpress

  € 15.38

  SEE

Another model that tries to mimic the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, this version developed by Etab is rather pleasing to the eye.

Like many other controllers in our top, the choice of color is quite wide, which is always nice.

Note that this controller is also compatible with a PC, a PS3, a Smart TV, a tablet or a phone running Android.

In terms of functions, we find in particular a turbo mode and the essential vibrations.

• Beautiful lines

• A good price-performance ratio

• Compatible with many devices, besides the Switch

• The charging cable is not supplied

ShirLin wireless controller (Switch, PC)

• Aliexpress

  € 14.60

  SEE

The Pro controllers for Nintendo Switch are of high quality but unfortunately their price is quite high.

This unofficial model can therefore do the trick with the presence of a turbo button as well as a vibration system.

The controller is supplied with a charging cable and on the design side, it is not bad at all, even if we do not find the finish of the official model.

Note that it is possible to use this accessory on a PC as well.

• A rather successful look

• The basic functions are there

• A nice variety of colors available

• Not as pretty and functional as Nintendo's Pro controller

Petehill Wireless Controller (PS4)

• Aliexpress

  € 16.60

  SEE

Showing lines extremely close to the official PS4 controller, this model is very complete.

There are indeed all the usual functions: wireless connection, touchpad, vibrations, built-in speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as the essential Share button (to share video captures and screenshots).

As for recharging, it is possible simply via a standard micro-USB type charger.

We also appreciate the presence of about fifteen colors available.

• Very close to the official rendering

• Many colors available

• All the key functions are present

• The symbols on the buttons are slightly different (although this does not affect readability in any way)

Gtippor wireless controller (PS4)

• Aliexpress

  € 17.03

  SEE

This model is based on a design strongly resembling that of the original DualShock 4.

The only differences are in the details (like the presence of slightly different symbols for the main buttons).

The touchpad is present, as is the integrated light bar and vibrations.

With a plethora of choices in terms of colors, the Gtippor gamepad is intended only for the PS4.

Indeed, it is not compatible with another console or a PC.

• A very correct finish

• Very large choice for colors

• A look very close to the original PS4 controller

• Only works on PS4

Ftieux wireless controller (PS5, PS4, PC)

• Aliexpress

  € 25.28

  SEE

The official controller of the PS5, the DualSense, is a concentrate of technology with its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

We do not find any of this in this model but for the price displayed, it can stand out as a good auxiliary controller with its wireless connection and its vibrations.

The touchpad is also present with two small light bars on each side.

Note that it is possible to use this model on a PS4 or on a PC.

• A successful angular design

• PS4 and PC compatible

• Vibrations that lack tone

• The specificities of the DualSense are absent

Tectinter wireless controller (PS3, Android system)

• Aliexpress

  € 17.47

  SEE

This wireless controller is intended primarily for the PS3 but it is also supported by smartphones and tablets running Android system.

It is also possible to connect it to a PC.

In terms of connections, you have the choice between a wireless and wired function (USB adapters are included in the pack).

In addition, this offer includes a support to be installed on the controller in order to clip your mobile phone.

• Several colors available

• Different types of connections possible

• A wide choice of compatible devices

• The name of the buttons is based on the Xbox controllers, which can be confusing at first.

Data Frog Wireless Controller (Xbox One, PC, PS3)

• Aliexpress

  € 18.02

  SEE

With a look relatively close to the official Xbox controller, this wireless model made by Data Frog shows off sober but elegant colors.

Besides various modes (including an energy saving mode), there are the essential vibrations and all the basic functions.

Besides the Xbox One, this controller can also connect to a PC or a PS3.

Same thing if you own a tablet or phone with an Android system.

Very appreciable versatility.

• A very pretty controller

• Energy saving mode

• Compatible with PS3, PC and Android

• Multidirectional cross a little less flexible than that of the official model

GameSir F4 Falcon Controller (iOS Phone, Android)

• Aliexpress

  € 23.11

  SEE

• Rakuten

  € 28.98

  SEE

• Amazon

  € 33.02

  SEE

• ManoMano

  € 43.08

  SEE

Compact and easily foldable, this accessory clips onto your smartphone for a grip close to a portable console.

No need for installation or other complicated settings, the connection between the F4 Falcon and your phone is instantaneous.

What to perform without worry on hits like PUBG or Call of Duty.

Various modes (turbo, burst movement, etc.) can give you a hell of an advantage on the battlefield.

The device is simply recharged via USB.

• Easy to carry

• Several very practical functions

• Compatible with Android phones and iPhones

• Does not replace a real controller

What are the pros and cons of buying a cheap gamepad?

Getting a gamepad at a particularly attractive price also means dealing with real advantages and sometimes some inconvenience. Nothing too bad but you just need to be well informed before proceeding to the checkout (as our selection above allows). There are many advantages with, first and foremost, a much cheaper entry ticket. Two to seven times cheaper (on average), unofficial controllers are very accessible and it is therefore easier to equip, not only for oneself but also for the whole family. These models are also compatible, most of the time, with several systems, which is very practical to switch from a PC to a PS3 then on a tablet running Android system (to take just this example). The disadvantages, meanwhile,are also a reality, but you just need to take them into account upstream so as not to be disappointed once the equipment is in hand. Unsurprisingly, some very expensive functions are sometimes absent subscribers. The most telling example in this area is certainly the official controller of the PS5, the DualSense. The one that succeeded the DualShock 4 is a concentrate of technology with its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Fatally, we cannot find all these features with an unofficial controller sold for around twenty euros, instead of the 70 euros (on average) requested by Sony for a DualSense. If the design of the unofficial controller will often try to come close to the lines exhibited by the manufacturer's model,we must therefore keep in mind that the interior of the beast does not house the same rooms. Another point that can disappoint if you do not inquire beforehand: the finish of the object. Without being ashamed or hideous, the look of unofficial controllers does not always compete with the design of controllers coming out of the factories of Sony, Nintendo or Microsoft. We therefore find everything: an assembly of parts of dubious quality but also frankly successful and well-developed models. Here again it is advisable to be well informed before heating the credit card.Nintendo or Microsoft. We therefore find everything: an assembly of parts of dubious quality but also frankly successful and well-developed models. Here again it is advisable to be well informed before heating the credit card.Nintendo or Microsoft. We therefore find everything: an assembly of parts of dubious quality but also frankly successful and well-developed models. Here again it is advisable to be well informed before heating the credit card.