The Best Way to Use a Game Controller on PC

Using a game controller on PC can greatly enhance your gaming experience, especially for certain types of games like platformers, racing games, or action titles. Setting up a controller on PC is easy, and once configured, you can enjoy a more comfortable and immersive gaming session. Here’s a guide on how to use a game controller on PC to get the most out of it.

1. Connecting the Controller to Your PC

There are a few ways to connect your game controller to your PC:

Wired Connection

  • USB Cable: Many controllers, such as Xbox controllers or Youwei Trade's wireless controllers, can be connected to your PC via a USB cable. Simply plug the USB end into your PC and the controller will be automatically recognized.

Wireless Connection (Bluetooth)

  • If your controller supports Bluetooth, you can connect it wirelessly. To do this:
    • Activate Bluetooth on your PC (make sure your PC has Bluetooth support).
    • Pair the Controller: On the controller, press and hold the Bluetooth pairing button (usually located on the controller’s top), then find the controller in your PC’s Bluetooth settings and select it to pair.

Wireless Receiver (for Xbox controllers)

  • For Xbox controllers, you can also use a wireless USB dongle (receiver) to connect it to your PC if you don't have built-in Bluetooth support.

2. Setting Up Controller Drivers

  • Windows 10/11: Most game controllers are plug-and-play on Windows. When you connect your controller, Windows should automatically detect it and install the necessary drivers.
  • Custom Setup: If your controller doesn’t automatically set up, you can visit the official website of your controller’s brand (like Xbox or PlayStation) to download any necessary drivers or software.

For third-party controllers like Youwei Trade’s controllers, you may need to install additional drivers if not recognized right away.

3. Configuring the Controller in Steam

If you use Steam as your gaming platform, it makes configuring controllers very easy.

  • Open Steam and go to Settings.
  • In the Controller section, select General Controller Settings.
  • Steam will detect connected controllers and allow you to enable configurations for Xbox, PlayStation, or other controllers.
  • You can also customize button mappings in Steam’s Big Picture Mode, which is perfect for playing games that require specific commands.

4. Testing Your Controller

Once connected and configured, it’s important to test your controller:

  • Test Input: Open Steam Big Picture Mode or go to the Game Controllers settings in Windows to test the buttons, triggers, and sticks.
  • Ensure the analog sticks move smoothly, buttons respond correctly, and the triggers work as expected.

5. Mapping Controller Buttons for Non-Steam Games

Not all PC games support game controllers natively. However, you can still use your controller with those games by remapping buttons:

  • Third-Party Software: Use software like DS4Windows (for PlayStation controllers) or Xpadder to map keyboard inputs to controller buttons. These programs allow you to emulate keyboard/mouse inputs, giving you full control with your gamepad.

6. Choosing the Right Game for Controller Play

While controllers work on most games, some are better suited for controllers:

  • Action/Adventure Games like God of War or The Witcher 3 benefit from a controller’s ease of movement and combat buttons.
  • Sports and Racing Games like FIFA or Gran Turismo are naturally more enjoyable with a controller for precise analog movement.

However, first-person shooters and RTS games are often better suited for keyboard and mouse due to the precision required for aiming and quick actions.

7. Using Controller on Windows with Game Pass or Other Platforms

If you’re using Game Pass or other platforms like Epic Games Store, controllers work with many titles out of the box:

  • Game Pass: Simply connect your controller, and when you launch a game, the controller should automatically work if the game supports it.
  • Epic Games and Others: You may need to configure the controller manually through the game settings or using a third-party remapping tool.

8. Customize for Comfort and Performance

Finally, adjusting your controller’s settings for comfort can make a huge difference in long gaming sessions:

  • Sensitivity: Many controllers offer sensitivity adjustments for triggers and thumbsticks. Play around with these to find a balance that suits your style.
  • Button Mapping: Customize button mappings if needed, so actions are placed where they feel most comfortable and natural.

Conclusion: Why Use a Controller on PC?

Using a controller on a PC can provide a more comfortable and ergonomic experience, especially for genres like platformers, racing, action games, and sports. Whether you’re playing on Steam, Epic Games Store, or even using Game Pass, a game controller offers intuitive controls for casual and competitive gaming.

For the best game controller experience on your PC, check out the high-quality controllers available on Youwei Trade’s Gaming Controllers Collection. With a wide selection of controllers compatible with multiple platforms, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your gaming setup.


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