The 5 best customizable game controllers of 2023

Whether you're a professional gamer or just a casual but competitive gamer, customizable game controllers will help you gain an edge over your opponents.

Microsoft Elite Series 2

Compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC, the Microsoft Bluetooth Elite Series 2 controller is packed with features that make it the right choice for customizable control.

Experience fluid movement and faster shooting speed. Additionally, you can access custom button mapping and voice commands using the Xbox Accessories App. Save up to 3 custom player profiles and switch between them on the fly, or assign multiple functions to a single button for a deeper level of customization.

With interchangeable joysticks, directional pad (D-pad) and paddles, you can also customize the look and feel of the Elite Series 2. With premium features and battery life At an impressive 40 hours, this is the best customizable grip overall thanks to the sheer level of freedom it offers.

PDP Afterglow Wave

New for 2023, the PDP Afterglow Wave is a wireless LED game controller for Nintendo Switch. Officially licensed by Nintendo, it features 8 RGB lighting zones with 4 preset modes for dozens of brilliant lighting combinations.

Adopting the classic Nintendo Switch layout, the button configuration will be instantly familiar to Switch players. Except for the addition of two fully customizable rear paddles, programmed for more discrete button loadout. Remap all in-game controls to these paddles to enjoy a smoother gaming experience.

This colorful wireless gamepad has a 40-hour battery life and is also compatible with PC. And at a relatively affordable price, this is one of the best wireless customizable controllers you can buy.

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro for PS5

As the next generation truly wireless controller, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro has now been modified for play on PS5. With Razer's HyperSpeed ​​Wireless feature, you can experience ultra-fast and low-latency wireless connections via the USB-A dongle included in this package.

Switch between full-range pulls and trigger presses lightning fast with the HyperTrigger function, experience more responsive button presses thanks to the V2's tactile mechanical buttons. Here, there are 6 remapped buttons to customize your gameplay setup, including two customizable v's and an 8-way microswitch D-pad that lets you feel and hear every directional press.

With Chroma RGB, you can customize the V2's display from a palette of more than 16.8 million colors using the Razer Controller App. With tons of customization options, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro for PS5 has a lot going for it that's worth the high price.

SCUF Instinct Pro Performance Series

The Scuf Instinct Pro Performance Series is one of the best customizable controllers for PC gamers thanks to the variety of gameplay options it offers. This controller features 4 additional paddles on the back, which can be rearranged with up to 16 different functions for a more personal and smooth gaming experience.

A dedicated profile switching function allows you to store up to 3 fully remapped paddle profiles, adding further depth to customization. There are also adjustable instant triggers, allowing you to cancel the trigger pull mechanism and switch to an ultra-responsive click style for greater precision.

Extra comfort is provided with high-performance anti-slip hexagonal grips on the handles. The interchangeable joystick provides an additional means to tailor controls to your liking, making SCUF Instinct one of the best controllers for customizing gameplay on PC.

Sony PS5 DualSense Edge

A super powerful version of the regular PS5 DualSense, the DualSense Edge is equipped with some cool extras to give you an edge over the competition.

In addition to the haptic feedback, responsive triggers, and motion control functions of the standard DualSense, DualSense Edge lets you remap all button functions and create custom profiles that you can switch to instantly. ie. You can also customize the joystick's sensitivity, set and activate dead zones, and adjust the vibration intensity. All of which deliver a smoother and more personal gaming experience.

The controller's user interface allows you to quickly adjust game and chat volume or switch between pre-installed control profiles. You even get three different sets of thumb grips, giving you both gameplay and comfort advantages.

Lesley Montoya

Update 07 December 2023