Can I Use a Controller on a Gaming PC?
Lennon Byatt
If you’re thinking about moving from console to PC gaming, you might have one important question:
Do I have to start using a keyboard and mouse?
No.
You can absolutely use a controller with a gaming PC.
In fact, for some games, you may prefer it.
Here’s what you need to know.
Recommended 1440p Gaming PC Specifications
For the best balance of performance and value, we recommend:
| Component | Recommendation |
|
CPU
|
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
|
|
GPU
|
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
|
|
RAM
|
32GB DDR5 6000MHz
|
|
Storage
|
2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
|
|
Motherboard
|
B650
|
|
PSU
|
750W 80 PLUS Gold
|
This specification is capable of running modern AAA games at high frame rates while providing plenty of headroom for future releases.
Browse AWD-IT's latest AMD Ryzen Processors:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/cpu-processors/amd-cpu.html
You Don't Have to Give Up Your Controller
One of the advantages of PC gaming is choice.
You can use:
- A keyboard and mouse
- An Xbox controller
- A PlayStation controller
- A third-party PC controller
- Different controls for different games
You aren't locked into one option.
If you’ve spent years playing on a console and feel comfortable using a controller, you can continue using one when you move to a gaming PC.
Which Controllers Work With a PC?
Most popular modern controllers can be used with Windows gaming PCs.
Xbox Controllers
Xbox controllers are a particularly straightforward option for Windows gaming.
Depending on the controller and PC, you can normally connect using a USB cable, Bluetooth or Xbox Wireless.
A lot of PC games also use the familiar Xbox-style A, B, X and Y button prompts, making the experience easy to understand.
PlayStation Controllers
PS5 DualSense controllers can also connect to a Windows PC using USB or Bluetooth.
Many PC games support PlayStation controllers, although support for features such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback depends on the individual game.
So if you already own a PS5 controller, you don't necessarily need to buy another controller just because you've moved to PC.
Most popular modern controllers can be used with Windows gaming PCs
Wired or Wireless?
Both are perfectly valid.
Wired
Connect your controller using a USB cable and, with supported controllers and games, you can often get started almost immediately.
It also means:
- No batteries to worry about
- No wireless connection issues
- No need to charge while playing
Wireless
If your gaming PC has Bluetooth, compatible controllers can often connect wirelessly.
Some controllers also have their own wireless adapters.
This gives you more freedom if you're sitting further away from the PC or gaming from a sofa.
When choosing your first system, it's worth checking whether the PC has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as these aren't necessarily included with every motherboard.
Other games are designed much more heavily around keyboard and mouse
Does Every PC Game Support a Controller?
No, and this is worth knowing.
Many modern games have excellent controller support, particularly titles that are also available on consoles.
Games such as racing titles, sports games, platformers and third-person adventures often feel completely natural on a controller.
Other games are designed much more heavily around keyboard and mouse.
The good news is that stores such as Steam usually show whether a game has controller support before you download or buy it.
Average FPS vs 1% Low
Here’s a simple example:
| Gaming PC | Average FPS | 1% Low |
|
PC A
|
160 FPS
|
65 fps
|
|
PC B
|
145 FPS
|
110 FPS
|
At first glance, PC A looks faster because it has the higher average FPS.
But PC B maintains much stronger performance during demanding moments.
For someone actually playing the game, PC B may therefore provide the smoother and more consistent experience.
This is one reason AWD-IT's existing performance guides sometimes refer to maintaining strong 1% lows alongside average FPS.
Bigger Numbers Don’t Always Mean Better for You
This is an important one.
A higher model number can often mean a newer or more powerful product, but that doesn’t automatically mean it is the right choice for your setup.
If you only want to play games at 1080p, you may not need the same hardware as someone gaming at 4K.
Likewise, someone playing competitive games has different priorities from someone mainly playing slower single-player titles.
The best gaming PC is not always the one with the biggest numbers.
It’s the one that matches what you actually want to do.
Which Is Better: Controller or Keyboard and Mouse?
There isn't one correct answer.
It depends on the game and what feels comfortable to you.
Controller Can Be Great For:
- Racing games
- Sports games
- Platformers
- Fighting games
- Third-person adventures
- Relaxed single-player gaming
Analogue sticks and triggers can make things such as steering or controlling movement feel more natural.
Keyboard and Mouse Can Be Great For:
- First-person shooters
- Strategy games
- Simulation games
- Games with lots of shortcuts
- Competitive titles requiring precise aiming
A mouse can provide extremely precise aiming, while a keyboard gives you access to a large number of individual controls.
But you don't have to choose one forever.
But you don't have to choose one forever
Background Downloads Are Easy to Miss
Modern games receive large updates, and your launcher may continue downloading additional content while you’re playing.
Windows, Steam, Discord, cloud storage and other applications can also be active in the background.
If your performance suddenly feels worse after installing an update, open Task Manager and check whether anything else is heavily using your:
CPU, RAM, storage or network connection.
Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one.
Best Sim Racing Setup for Beginners: Start With the Essentials
You don’t need a full cockpit immediately. A well‑chosen beginner setup helps you develop skills faster and keeps costs under control.
1. Steering Wheel and Pedals (Top Priority)
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Beginner tip: Focus on force feedback quality rather than raw power.
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Creators in attendance
Stacked lineup
Experience zones
Arcades · Sim rigs · PCs
Tech on display
Latest gen builds
Verdict
Showroom certified
Pick Your Tier
We've named each tier after a tournament stage, because let's be honest, that's exactly the kind of thing we'd do. Find your budget and dive in.
Group Stage
Round of 32
Quarter Final
World Cup Final
Don't Forget Your Monitor
Your PC can produce hundreds of frames every second, but your monitor also needs to be capable of displaying high refresh rates for you to fully benefit from them.
A smoother combination of strong FPS, consistent frame delivery and an appropriate refresh rate can make games feel significantly better.
If you're unsure what Hz means, read AWD-IT's guide to why monitor refresh rate matters, or browse the latest gaming monitors.
A smoother combination of strong FPS, consistent frame delivery and an appropriate refresh rate can make games feel significantly better.
Expected Gaming Performance
|
Game
|
1440p High
|
1440p Ultra
|
|
GTA 6 (Predicted)
|
120 FPS
|
90 FPS
|
|
Cyberpunk 2077
|
120 FPS
|
95 FPS
|
|
Black Ops 7
|
180+ FPS
|
150+ FPS
|
|
Fortnite
|
240+ FPS
|
200+ FPS
|
Performance will vary depending on drivers, game updates and graphics settings.
1440p Gaming
1440p provides a sharper image than 1080p but requires additional graphics power.
The AWD-IT Ares Ryzen 5 RX 9060 XT Gaming PC is a suitable option for players who want higher graphical settings, stronger frame rates and the ability to move into 1440p gaming.
Players targeting high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K should look towards graphics cards such as the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT
High-End Gaming
Players targeting high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K should look towards graphics cards such as the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT.
These cards provide the additional performance needed for demanding modern games, detailed graphical settings and higher-resolution monitors.
Browse AWD-IT’s range of RX 9070 XT gaming PCs.
Should You Pair Radeon with Ryzen?
A Radeon graphics card does not need an AMD Ryzen processor, but pairing the two can create a well-balanced all-AMD gaming system.
The most important consideration is balance. Your processor should be powerful enough to support the graphics card, while sufficient RAM, SSD storage and cooling will help the entire system perform reliably.
You can explore AWD-IT’s AMD Ryzen and Radeon gaming PCs for complete systems using both technologies.
You Can Swap Whenever You Want
This is one of the best parts.
You could play Call of Duty using a keyboard and mouse, then launch a racing game and pick up your controller.
For many supported games, switching between the two is as simple as moving the mouse or pressing a button on the controller.
PC gaming gives you the freedom to use whichever control method works best for the game you're playing.
What Else Do You Need With Your First Gaming PC?
Technically, the PC itself is only part of your setup.
You'll also need a display and some way of controlling it.
A typical setup might include:
Gaming PC + monitor + keyboard + mouse + headset
And then a controller if you want one.
You don't need to buy everything at the most expensive level either.
If you're starting completely from scratch, AWD-IT's gaming peripherals include keyboards, mice, headsets and other accessories to complete your setup.
Moving From Console Doesn't Have to Feel Completely Different
Switching to PC gaming comes with plenty of new things to learn.
There are graphics settings, different game stores, PC components and a lot more customisation.
Your controls don't have to be another thing to worry about.
If you're comfortable with a controller, start with a controller.
You can learn keyboard and mouse later if you want to.
Or never switch at all.
That's your choice.
The Simple Answer
Yes, you can use a controller on a gaming PC.
Xbox controllers, PlayStation controllers and many PC-specific controllers can work with Windows.
Some connect with a cable.
Some connect wirelessly.
And many modern PC games are designed with controller players in mind.
Moving to PC doesn't mean relearning how to play games from scratch.
It simply gives you more ways to play them.
If you're making the move for the first time, explore AWD-IT's range of gaming PCs and gaming peripherals to see what you need for your first setup.
Related Guides
- Best SSD for Gaming in 2026
- Best Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
- Best CPU for RTX 5070
- What Is Resizable BAR?
- How Much RAM Do You Need for Gaming?
- GTA 6 PC System Requirements (Predicted)
