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Gaming controllers have come a long way over the decades, with these devices being loaded with technology that helps make games more immersive than ever before. While every console includes a controller right out of the box, there's no harm in having a few extra in your household. In anticipation of Amazon Prime Day 2022, we've rounded up a selection of the best controllers that you can get your hands on right now. Some of these controllers are on sale, while others aren't discounted just yet. You'll notice that the controllers that aren't on sale yet are first-party controllers for Switch and PS5. Prime Day typically brings deals on all first-party controllers, so we expect to see some discounts next week. We've included them on this roundup now for that reason. We've also featured a bunch of great third-party controllers that are receiving nice discounts right now, including gamepads from Razer, 8BitDo, PowerA, and more manufacturers. For more deals ahead of Amazon Prime Day which runs July 12-13, you can check out GameSpot's other roundups:
Nintendo Switch Pro controller
Deals expected on Prime Day While it's not on sale right now, previous Prime Days have seen Nintendo's superb controller get a decent discount. If you've yet to buy one, then you're missing out on a well-designed piece of Nintendo technology that's perfect for almost every Switch game. One clever piece of design on the controller--aside from the attractive transparent shell--are the larger face buttons that make it perfect for younger members of the family to use.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con
Deals expected on Prime Day One of the big draws of the Nintendo Switch are the Joy-Cons, detachable controllers that can also feature motion-sensing technology. Available in a wide range of colors and themes, there's also a number of games that they can be used with that promote a social atmosphere. While each Switch has two Joy-Cons included by default, you can never go wrong by buying more of them. We expect Joy-Con controllers to be on sale during Prime Day.
Hori Split-Pad Pro controller
$50 ($60) The regular Joy-Cons are great, but they do have a tendency to cause some hand-cramps after awhile. Hori's Split Pad Pro fixes that issue with a set of controllers that feature familiar ergonomics. This particular set has a Pac-Man theme to it, but if you're not a fan of Bandai Namco's iconic mascot, there are plenty of other options to choose from. It's definitely possible that all Split Pad Pro models will be on sale during Prime Day.
NexiGo Gripcon controller
$45 ($60) Designed for the Switch and the Switch OLED, the NexiGo Gripcon features a 6-axis gyro function, dual motors for vibrations, and mappable back buttons. Even better, you can choose between sleek black, traditional red and blue, and relaxing green and blue color schemes. It's similar to the Split Pad Pro but has a more compact design.
PowerA Enhanced wireless controller
Up to $15 off select models The best thing about PowerA's line of Switch controllers is the different designs, many of which are based on popular Nintendo franchises. But you're also getting a reliable wireless controller with a traditional design, and it's more affordable than the Switch Pro controller. All PowerA Enhanced controllers have mappable back buttons and great battery life.
8BitDo Pro 2
$47.50 ($50) While only on sale for a slight discount right now, this particular Switch controller is one of our favorites. Perfect for retro enthusiasts, the nostalgic design of the 8BitDo Pro 2 also packs in a wireless setup, rumble vibration, motion controls, USB-C, and a 20 hour rechargeable battery. It's also usable on PC, Android, and iOS. For a version of the controller that has an even stronger retro flavor, check out the SN30 edition. This one has SNES aesthetics, and internally it has clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, wireless Bluetooth, rechargeable battery, home and screenshot Buttons. and a USB-C connector.
PDP Afterglow controller
$45 ($55) Nothing is more attractive than a transparent shell controller, and even though the regular Switch Pro controller does fit that bill, the PDP Afterglow goes a step further with its clear-plastic shell. Not just a good-looking piece of technology that lets you see everything inside of it, you can also gaze at custom LEDs, a strong battery life, and plenty of wireless range.
PDP Faceoff
$45 ($55) If you'd prefer something less naked, the PDP Faceoff packs all of the tech of the Afterglow into a package that has a very stylish shell. The designs are easy on the eyes, and come in a range of colors that vary from serene blue to vibrant red. There's even an Animal Crossing-themed shell, and if you're a collector, you can purchase each faceplate and easily swap designs on the controller.
Sony DualSense controller
DualSense controllers usually get a discount during big sales day, so there's a good chance that Sony's amazing peripheral will be available at an irresistible price. One of the most technologically advanced controllers on the market today, the DualSense has an impressive selection of haptic feedback technology that can add new layers of immersion to any game. It comes in various colors, it can also be used on PC, and there's nothing else quite like it on the market today.
Xbox Wireless Controller
$49 ($60) Microsoft's first-party controller is always discounted during big sales, too. Multiple color options are actually already discounted right now. While it doesn't have the same level of immersion that the DualSense has, the current Xbox controller excels at providing supreme comfort for your hands, a solid battery life, and durable materials that can handle the stress of multiple gaming marathons on console and PC. Plus, it's also available in multiple eye-catching colors.
Razer V2 Chroma controller
$130 ($150) Razer has a flashy option for Xbox and PC users in the form of its V2 Chroma controller. A glossy black device with some in-your-face green LED piping, the chunky design also throws in four extra triggers, two remappable buttons, hair-trigger shoulder buttons, and hyper-responsive actuation with a cushioned touch. The face buttons and triggers mimic the sound and feel of clicking a mouse, which is pretty darn cool.
PowerA Fusion Pro 2 controller
$63 ($90) For when you're not yet ready to live with the gnawing dread of knowing that you'll have to interrupt your gaming session so that you can recharge your controller batteries, there's always the wired controller that PDP offers. This one has a lengthy cable, three-way trigger locks, mappable buttons, and magnetic impulse triggers for added feedback.
Amazon Luna controller
$40 ($70) Prime member-only deal The Amazon Luna controller is a fine piece of technology for cloud and PC gaming. It reduces roundtrip latency by 17 to 30 milliseconds when connected via Cloud Direct, but it can also be used via Bluetooth and USB modes. Low-friction thumbsticks, a comfortable textured grip, and wireless gameplay powered by 2 AA batteries makes for a comfy controller as well, especially when you're looking to hop into some Luna games via the Fire TV app.
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