How to Connect Controller to PC: Every Controller, Every Method

We test our games with controllers constantly — making sure Granny's Rampage feels good on gamepad is part of our development process. Every controller connects to PC differently. Here's every method for every major controller.

Xbox controllers (easiest)

Xbox controllers have the best PC compatibility because Microsoft makes both Xbox and Windows.

Xbox Series X/S controller (wired): Plug USB-C cable into controller and PC. Done. Windows recognizes it instantly. No software needed.

Xbox Series X/S controller (Bluetooth): Go to Windows Settings → Bluetooth → Add Device. Hold the pairing button on top of the controller (small button next to USB port) until the Xbox button flashes rapidly. Select "Xbox Wireless Controller" on your PC. Connected.

Xbox Series X/S controller (wireless adapter): Buy the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows (~$25). Plug it into USB. Hold the pairing button on the adapter, then the pairing button on the controller. This provides slightly lower latency than Bluetooth and supports multiple controllers simultaneously.

Older Xbox One controllers: Same process. Newer models have Bluetooth, older models (before 2016 revision) require the wireless adapter or USB cable.

PlayStation controllers

DualSense (PS5) wired: Plug USB-C cable into controller and PC. Steam recognizes it natively in Big Picture mode. Most modern games support it without additional software.

DualSense (PS5) Bluetooth: Settings → Bluetooth → Add Device. Hold the PlayStation button + Create button (small button near D-pad) simultaneously until the light bar flashes. Select "Wireless Controller" on your PC.

DS4Windows (optional but helpful): Download DS4Windows (free software) for additional customization — touchpad mapping, light bar control, gyro support. Not required for basic use but adds features.

DualShock 4 (PS4): Same Bluetooth pairing process (hold PS + Share button). Also works wired via micro-USB. Steam native support works for most games.

Important note: Some games only recognize Xbox controller inputs natively. Steam's controller configuration (Settings → Controller → General Controller Settings → PlayStation Configuration Support) translates DualSense/DualShock inputs to Xbox inputs automatically. Enable this if a game doesn't recognize your PlayStation controller.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Wired: Plug USB-C cable into controller and PC. Steam recognizes it with "Switch Pro Configuration Support" enabled in Steam controller settings.

Bluetooth: Settings → Bluetooth → Add Device. Hold the sync button on top of the Pro Controller until the lights flash. Select "Pro Controller" on your PC.

Gyro and motion controls: Supported through Steam Input. Enable "Switch Pro Configuration Support" in Steam's controller settings.

Note: The Switch Pro Controller uses DirectInput rather than XInput. Some older games may not recognize it without Steam's controller translation layer. Always launch games through Steam when using a Switch Pro Controller.

Third-party and retro controllers

8BitDo controllers: Connect via Bluetooth or their included USB adapter. 8BitDo makes some of the best third-party controllers for PC — the Pro 2, Ultimate, and SN30 Pro+ all work excellently. Their USB adapter also lets you connect Switch Joy-Cons and Wii controllers to PC.

Generic USB controllers: Plug and play. Most generic controllers use DirectInput. Some games require XInput — use Steam's controller configuration or x360ce (free software) to translate.

Retro controllers (SNES, Genesis, etc.): 8BitDo and Retroflag make USB versions of classic controllers. Plug in, they work as standard USB gamepads.

Troubleshooting

Controller not recognized: Try a different USB port. Front panel USB ports sometimes have connection issues — use rear motherboard ports.

Bluetooth won't pair: Make sure the controller isn't connected to another device (console, phone). Most controllers can only pair with one Bluetooth device at a time. Forget the controller from the other device first.

Game doesn't recognize controller: Launch the game through Steam with the appropriate controller configuration support enabled. Steam's translation layer fixes most compatibility issues.

Input lag on Bluetooth: Use a wired connection or the manufacturer's wireless adapter instead. Bluetooth adds a few milliseconds of latency.

Stick drift: Not a PC connection issue — this is hardware wear on the controller's analog stick. Clean with compressed air or replace the stick module.

What we recommend for PC gaming

Best overall: Xbox Series X/S controller. Plug and play, every game supports it natively, affordable.

Best features: DualSense (PS5). Adaptive triggers and haptics work in supported PC games (mostly Sony ports). The premium feel is excellent.

Best retro: 8BitDo Pro 2. D-pad is superior for 2D games, platformers, and fighting games.

What we make at Choost

We test Granny's Rampage with Xbox and PlayStation controllers to ensure gamepad support works smoothly. Our bullet heaven gameplay translates well to analog stick movement. For more PC content, the best gaming keyboard, best gaming mouse, and best budget gaming pc posts have more.

The shortest version

Xbox: Plug USB or pair Bluetooth. Works instantly. PlayStation: Plug USB or pair Bluetooth (hold PS + Create/Share). Enable PlayStation Configuration Support in Steam. Switch Pro: Pair Bluetooth or USB. Enable Switch Pro Configuration Support in Steam. If a game doesn't recognize your controller: Launch through Steam with controller support enabled.