Using your Console Controllers with your PC

With many PC gamers converting from console gaming, we often have customers hoping they can make the transition easier by hanging onto their existing controllers - we're glad to say that they can!

Why would you want to use a controller?

Each new generation of console has seen a new version of controllers that ship with the console - sometimes there are also premium editions available. With lots of money, research and development going into the design, technology, ergonomics, battery capacity, and end usability for all ages and hand sizes: they're a great fit for gaming.

A lot of games are made for a controller of some type; with the gradual and precise movements that a keyboard or mouse button just cannot provide. Enabling your character to walk or move slowly (instead of jog/run with a keyboard) or turn a vehicle's wheels slightly (instead of the keyboard which results in full-lock steering until key release). For games with a big focus on shooting or Real-Time Strategy games we will always prefer a keyboard and mouse, but for just about any racing game, and sometimes even single-player adventure type games; we'd prefer sitting back and using a controller.

Xbox

The good people at Microsoft have a pretty detailed page on how to get up and running with an Xbox controller for Windows: https://support.xbox.com/en-AU/help/hardware-network/controller/connect-xbox-wireless-controller-to-pc

The above page explains how to connect with a compatible USB cable, wirelessly, and with Bluetooth.

If you like the sound of an Xbox controller, but don't have an Xbox or controller yet, you can buy one: https://evatech.com.au/product/7997/microsoft-pc-xbox-wireless-controller-gamepad

PlayStation

You might be thinking it's not going to be easy to use a PlayStation controller with Microsoft (who make Xbox) Windows PCs – and you would have been right a few years ago, but thankfully there's very little standing in the way these days, whether Microsoft likes it or not.

DualShock 4 (PS4) Controllers

PlayStation have information on how to get a PS4 controller working with compatible devices, including PCs: https://www.playstation.com/en-au/support/hardware/ps4-pair-dualshock-4-wireless-with-pc-or-mac/

A compatible USB cable will have you connected in no time, and Bluetooth is almost as easy to pair if your PC has Bluetooth functionality, which thankfully most PCs do these days!

DualSense (PS5) Controllers

Once again PlayStation provide details on how to get up and running with a PS5 controller on your PC: https://www.playstation.com/en-au/support/hardware/pair-dualsense-controller-bluetooth/

You can connect via a compatible USB cable, or Bluetooth.

Please note, some features may not be supported:

• adaptive triggers available when supported by the game
• haptic feedback available when supported by the game & may require USB connection
• built-in mic & speaker available on Windows PC when supported by the game
• headset jack feature requires a wired connection on PC

Nintendo

Switch Pro Controllers

Using a compatible USB cable, getting up and running with your PC is as simple as connecting both ends of the cable.
For Bluetooth/wireless connectivity, you'll have to turn the Pro Controller on, press & hold the Sync button at the top of the gamepad until the indicator lights begin flashing. Open up the Bluetooth settings on your PC, search for and pair the Pro Controller.

Switch Joy-Cons

While these can be paired with a PC via Bluetooth just as above, each Joy-Con identifies as a separate controller; making them work together can be difficult, so we don't recommend this.

Conclusion

That just about wraps up this how-to article. There are of course a great number of PC controllers made by various companies that function a lot like console controllers, often for less money, and no connectivity messing about. But, since you're reading this, if you already have a console controller around, you may as well try, plus you're already familiar with the feel of it.

Checkout some other gaming peripherals (such as gaming controllers) which you may prefer!

We hope you enjoy the better graphics and frame-rate on PC with your console controller!