Controller support labels
On PC, controller support varies by game. The Steam store shows labels on product pages: “Full Controller Support” means the whole game, including menus, can be played with a pad; “Partial Controller Support” means some parts — often launchers, menus or specific modes — still need a keyboard and mouse. Some games list no controller support at all, which is common in strategy titles designed around a mouse.
Look for the button prompts, too. Some games show PlayStation-style prompts automatically when a DualSense or DualShock 4 is connected; others only show Xbox-style prompts. It does not stop you playing, but it matters to many players.
Using console controllers on PC
| Controller | Connection | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Wireless Controller | USB, Bluetooth (newer models), Xbox Wireless Adapter | Uses Microsoft's XInput standard, which most PC games support natively |
| DualSense (PS5) | USB-C, Bluetooth | Adaptive triggers and haptics work in supporting PC games, often only over a wired connection |
| DualShock 4 (PS4) | USB, Bluetooth | Widely supported through Steam Input and many native implementations |
| Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | USB, Bluetooth | Works well through Steam Input; native support outside Steam varies |
Valve's Steam Input translates many controllers into a layout games understand, and lets you remap buttons per game. For games outside Steam, native support is usually best with Xbox-style controllers. If a specific feature such as DualSense haptics matters to you, check the game's official feature list before buying.
Accessibility controllers and remapping
Adaptive hardware such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller and Sony's Access controller for PS5 can help players who need alternative layouts. On PC, full button remapping in the game settings — or through Steam Input — widens what you can use. Many publishers now list accessibility options on their store pages alongside requirements.
PC vs console: the core trade-off
A console is a fixed specification. Every PlayStation 5 has the same processor, the same graphics hardware, 16 GB of shared GDDR6 memory and a fast custom SSD, so developers tune games specifically for it. The Xbox Series X and Series S follow the same model at two performance levels, with the Series S targeting lower resolutions. The Nintendo Switch prioritises portability and a unique library over raw performance. A PC is flexible: you choose every part, can upgrade over time and can adjust settings to taste — but you are also responsible for making sure it meets each game's requirements.
| Factor | Gaming PC | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X|S | Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Your choice; varies widely | Fixed | Fixed, two tiers | Fixed, handheld hybrid |
| Upgrades | Any part | Storage expansion | Storage expansion | microSD storage |
| Settings | Full control | Quality / performance modes in many games | Quality / performance modes in many games | Usually fixed |
| Online multiplayer | Mostly free | PlayStation Plus required for most games | Game Pass subscription required for most games | Nintendo Switch Online required for most games |
| Mods | Widely available | Very limited | Very limited | Not supported |
| Portability | Laptops and handheld PCs such as the Steam Deck | Remote play options | Cloud and remote play options | Built-in |
- High
- Flexibility
- Yes
- Mods
- You
- Maintain it
Choose a PC if…
- You want high frame rates, ultrawide screens or mods.
- You also need a computer for work or creative apps.
- You enjoy tuning settings and upgrading parts.
- Watch out: higher upfront cost for equivalent performance and occasional troubleshooting.
- Low
- Setup effort
- Fixed
- Specs
- TV
- Best on
Choose a console if…
- You want every game to “just work” without checking specs.
- You mainly play on a living-room TV with friends.
- You want first-party exclusives on day one.
- Watch out: paid online subscriptions and no hardware upgrades beyond storage.
A note on PC ports of console games
Many former console exclusives now arrive on PC, including PlayStation Studios titles. Because these games were designed around fast console storage and unified memory, their PC requirements often lean heavily on VRAM and SSDs. Read the requirement tiers carefully and compare them with our RAM & Storage and GPU & CPU guides.