(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

If you’re here, then you likely already know that mini PCs are an excellent way to play video games without having to spend as much money on a full-blown desktop or laptop. If you’re not inclined to use a keyboard, then you need a reliable controller to game effectively.

Thankfully, any controller that works for a Windows laptop or desktop will work on a Windows mini PC. I’ve rounded up our absolute favorite options so you can get the best gaming controller for your mini PC setup.

Xbox Wireless Controller

Best controller overall

When it comes to choosing a reliable controller for your computer, I always recommend the Xbox Wireless Controller first. It offers a comfortable layout that most fingers can easily use, has a good weight to it, and connects wirelessly to computers via Bluetooth. There are several colors to choose from, but I particularly like (and own) this purple one.

GameSir Nova Lite novaWireless

Best budget controller

Now, if you’re more interested in getting a good mini PC controller that doesn’t cost too much, you really can’t do better than the GameSir Nova Lite. Despite its low cost, it still provides a USB-A dongle, so you can use it wirelessly with your computer, and it even has Hall Effect joysticks that don’t drift. You can get it in several different colors, including this light blue.

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless

Best premium controller

Several people here on the Windows Central gaming team absolutely love the Wolverine V3 Pro, and it’s no wonder, given its top-tier features. It’s certainly pricey, but this purchase gives you a wireless controller with Hall Effect joysticks, customizable triggers and buttons, a comfortable layout, and very responsive controls.

GameSir G7 Pro Wireless

Best controller with charging dock

Keeping your controller charged up is important if you want to be able to jump into a game at any moment. That’s where buying a gamepad like the G7 Pro, which comes with a charging stand, is incredibly useful. It offers TMR Sticks, Hall Effect Triggers, and a 1,000Hz polling rate, and can last around 10 hours. There is also a wired version if you want a similar experience at a lower price.

Game on your mini PC with a reliable controller

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The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is a fantastic premium gamepad with Hall Effect joysticks. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)

One thing I’ve learned over my years of PC gaming is that you really do need a reliable controller if you want the best gaming experience possible.

Sure, there are plenty of cheap controllers on the market, but some of them are designed horribly, aren’t very responsive, tend to drift quickly, or might regularly drop the wireless connection mid-game.

First and foremost, I always recommend the Xbox Wireless Controller. Its well-spaced buttons, stable Bluetooth connection, large joysticks, and solid weight make it an excellent choice for playing on your mini PC.

Now, if you’d like something that doesn’t dig as much into your wallet, then I recommend the GameSir Nova Lite, which is a far more affordable wireless controller with Hall Effect joysticks.

Anyone looking for the best experience available today and doesn’t care about price should check out the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. It offers Hall Effect joysticks, six remappable buttons, extremely responsive buttons, and a comfortable layout.

Can you use a controller on a mini PC?

Yes, you most certainly can. You just have to make sure the controller you pick is compatible with your kind of mini PC. Any controller that works on Windows computer should work on a Windows mini PC.

Should I use a controller or a keyboard for PC gaming?

There are tradeoffs when using a controller rather than a keyboard during PC gaming sessions. Controllers have fewer buttons and usually aren’t as precise when it comes to aiming, but they tend to be designed for ergonomically comfortable, compact use with smooth thumbsticks and sometimes vibration.

Meanwhile, keyboards offer far better aiming for competitive play, there are more buttons, and these buttons can be far more responsive if you have a good product. However, keyboards can take more time to learn how to use and, for some, they aren’t as comfortable or convenient to use as a controller.

Some also argue that controllers are better suited for platformers, racing games, and fighting games, while keyboards are better for first-person shooters, strategy games, and MMOs. In the end, it really comes down to preference and game compatibility.

Is GameSir a good controller brand?

Yes, we have tested and reviewed several GameSir products over the years and highly recommend this company’s controllers for gaming.

What is a USB wireless dongle?

USB-A and USB-C wireless dongles provide a wireless connection to their intended devices when they are plugged into a computer’s port. They provide a less expensive means for a controller to work without needing cables.

Are Hall Effect or TMR thumbsticks better?

Hall Effect and TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) joysticks are both good in that they both prevent stick drift from happening. However, TMR is largely considered better since it is more precise, require less power, and offers higher polling rates.

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Self-professed gaming geek Rebecca Spear is one of Windows Central’s editors and reviewers with a focus on gaming handhelds, mini PCs, PC gaming, and laptops. When she isn’t checking out the latest games on Xbox Game Pass, PC, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck; she can be found digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. She’s written thousands of articles with everything from editorials, reviews, previews, features, previews, and hardware reviews over the last few years. If you need information about anything gaming-related, her articles can help you out. She also loves testing game accessories and any new tech on the market. You can follow her @rrspear on X (formerly Twitter).