My old DUALSHOCK PC controller (opens in new tab) did not die easily. After years of abuse at my hands, I was stuffed into that controller, but after years of playing "Soulsborne" and other first-person shooters, maybe that wasn't so surprising to me. Luckily, it was right around the time the PS5 and Xbox Series S were released.

In the back of my mind, I remembered how the original Xbox controller felt in my hands. It was sturdy, like industrial equipment, and I could almost feel my teeth rattling when it vibrated. Given that his previous controller had broken, durability was of paramount importance. You don't want to add to the expense of a new PC controller every couple of years, especially if you don't have a compatible gaming console.

So I opted for the Xbox wireless controller, a purchase I don't regret. I currently own a PS5 and a DualSense, and I don't find them to be as sturdy and straightforward as the competition. Sure, the PS5 controller has fancy haptics that work in some of the PlayStation to PC game ports, but they don't always map in the most accurate way and often feel as intrusive as the touchpad is a feature on the PC .

If you're looking for a PC gaming controller that will last for years, the Xbox Wireless Controller is worth the investment. As you might expect from its name, the controller is Bluetooth wireless and works with Android and iOS if you play mobile games. Unfortunately, the promotion only applies to the Carbon Black or Robot White, but nothing beats the Classic.