Play better: four Pro controllers for PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One in the test

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Matthias Kreienbrink

If you buy a console, you usually get the right controller included with it. For most players, this standard model is completely sufficient. Because games that appear for the respective platform are tailored to these controllers.

But even when it comes to the arrangement of the analog sticks, the players are divided: Is it better if they are positioned next to each other again at the Playstation? Or should they be staggered like Xbox gamers know? A decision for a console is always a decision for a certain controller layout.

In order to allow players more individualization, both the console manufacturers themselves and third-party manufacturers offer so-called pro controllers. These are equipped with more buttons that create more allocation options and can usually be programmed individually. There are also gamepad variants in which the analog sticks can be moved.

These Pro models are not only suitable for players who are looking for more comfort, but also for those who have more ambitions and want to play competitively, for example in e-sports tournaments. For players for whom every movement, every shot has to be right and who want to hold a tool in their hand that is precisely tailored to them.

We took a close look at four controllers of this type. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Which price is really justified? And what customization options do the devices offer? If you don't want to invest directly in a new controller, you will also find an inexpensive alternative at the end of the article.

Xbox Elite Series 2 (usable with Xbox One and PC, 180 euros)

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The Xbox Elite Series 2 comes with all kinds of interchangeable components - no other of the tested Pro controllers offers that much

Matthias Kreienbrink

With the first controller in the Elite series, Microsoft set the standard in the field of pro controllers a few years ago. The Series 2 represents another significant further development. For example, the resistance of the analog sticks can be changed - this can help, for example, in racing games to get around the curve even better.

The path length of the analog trigger can be set in three stages - this is important in order to be able to shoot faster in a shooter, for example. The controller can now also be connected to the PC via Bluetooth. The Xbox Elite Controller 2 also has a built-in battery that can be charged via the included charging station and lasts about 40 hours.

Like its predecessor, the Series 2 offers all sorts of modification options: The analog sticks and the digicross can be exchanged, and up to four so-called paddles can be attached to the back, which can be operated with the index and middle fingers - but there is a risk that you will use them Unintentionally presses keys in a heated battle. All buttons on the controller, which can be used wirelessly, can be programmed via the app and thus individually adapted.

Conclusion: The Xbox Elite Series 2 has become the new gold standard of pro controllers. It is not a bargain, but it lies comfortably in the hand, is easy to use and can be adjusted down to the smallest detail.

Razer Wolverine Ultimate (usable with Xbox One and PC, 180 euros)

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Unlike the Elite Series 2 controller, the buttons on the back could not be accidentally pressed here - they are too difficult for small hands to reach

The biggest difference between the Razer Wolverine Ultimate and the Xbox Elite Series 2 can be seen at a glance: At the bottom of the front there are four buttons that can be used to mute the microphone or adjust the volume. In addition to the four extra buttons on the back, there are two more buttons on the top of the controller between the triggers, which are very easy to use. So the Razer Wolverine Ultimate has six additional buttons.

The controller also offers exchange options for the analog sticks and the digicross - but only one concave and one convex stick and thus significantly less than the Microsoft model. The buttons can be programmed via the app, just like the RGB light that is typical for Razer and that glows around the Xbox logo. Unfortunately, the controller can only be used with a cable.

Conclusion: Although the Razer Wolverine Ultimate offers more buttons than the Xbox Elite Series 2, it offers fewer customization options. The six extra buttons offer many options for individual adjustment, but the four buttons on the back can be difficult to reach for people with small hands. Given the same price, we'd give the Elite Series 2 an overall preference over the Razer Wolverine Ultimate.

Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro (usable with Playstation 4 and PC, 140 euros)

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The matte controller lies very comfortably in the hand, but unfortunately the four buttons on the back are hardly distinguishable

Some users of the Playstation 4 are annoyed that the two analog sticks of the classic Dualshock 4 controller are not offset. You complain about an uncomfortable hand feeling. The Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro provides a remedy: The analog sticks, which can be equipped with either concave or convex surfaces, are not on the same level and therefore offer a real alternative. The so-called amplitude of the analog sticks can also be lengthened or shortened by using metal rings of different thicknesses. This can shorten the reaction time in a shooter, for example.

There are four additional buttons on the back of the controller. However, these are difficult to distinguish with the index and middle fingers and so it can happen that players press the wrong key - this can sometimes make the difference between winning and losing. At the touch of a button, you can choose between four button profiles, each of which can be configured via the PC. The weight of the controller can be changed with small metal weights. It can be used wirelessly, but also wired.

Conclusion: The Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller is worth a look, especially because of the staggered arrangement of the analog sticks. Another factor that makes it pleasant to hold in the hand is the pad's matt finish. At the same time, however, the buttons on the back are difficult to distinguish and the paths of the analog triggers cannot be changed. For the comparatively low price, it is still a very decent Pro Controller.

Razer Raiju Ultimate (usable with Playstation 4 and PC, 200 euros)

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The Raiju distributes its four additional buttons on the top and back of the controller - an advantage over the Nacon Revolution

No adjustable weight, no possibility to change the amplitude or position of the analog sticks - instead analog triggers with adjustable path length, much more comfortable extra keys: The Razer Raiju Unlimited offers features that the competition from Nacon does not have, but also has disadvantages.

Two additional buttons that can be easily reached with the index fingers are located on the top. Two more, large buttons are on the back, which can be pressed with the middle or ring finger. The four action buttons have a pleasantly short click path, which can be particularly advantageous in fighting games. Unlike the Nacon controller, the digicross can also be exchanged. The Razer Raiju Unlimited can be used wirelessly and wired.

Conclusion: Especially after a long playing time, it is noticeable that the Razer Raiju Unlimited lies very comfortably in the hand and that the extra buttons in particular are easy to reach. That and the adjustable trigger way make it a little better than the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro - but it also costs significantly more.

Dualshock 4 back key attachment (usable with Playstation 4, 40 euros)

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The extension piece can simply be plugged into the Dualshock 4, and an audio input is still available on the underside

If you don't want to buy a new controller or can't afford it, you should look at this addition for the Dualshock 4. It costs 40 euros and supplies the standard controller of the Playstation 4 with two additional buttons on the back and a small touchpad with which the buttons can be programmed.

When gripping the Dualshock 4, the middle fingers are securely on the new buttons and enable easy pressing. The ergonomics hardly change as a result of the attachment.

Conclusion: If it is enough to have two more keys available, we recommend the back key extension. Especially players who annoy the use of the L3 key could think about the investment.