Do pros play wired or wireless?

When it comes to professional gaming, the choice between wired and wireless controllers can be a critical one. Professional gamers are often looking for every possible advantage to improve their gameplay, and controller connection type is no exception. Let's explore what pros tend to prefer and why.

Why Professional Gamers Prefer Wired Controllers

For competitive gaming, especially in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, wired controllers are the go-to choice. Here's why:

1. Lower Latency

The biggest advantage of wired controllers in competitive gaming is latency. Wired controllers offer minimal latency, meaning there’s almost no delay between your input and the game’s response.

• Wireless controllers, especially those using Bluetooth, can introduce slight delays in input response due to the nature of wireless signal transmission. While modern wireless controllers have improved, they can still have a bit more lag compared to wired connections.
• In games where response time is crucial (like first-person shooters, fighting games, or real-time strategy games), even a fraction of a second can make the difference between victory and defeat. This is why pros tend to opt for the predictable, fast response of wired controllers.

2. Reliability

A wired connection is typically more reliable than a wireless one. Bluetooth or other wireless signals can experience interference from other devices or environmental factors, potentially causing drops in performance.

• With wired controllers, you don't have to worry about signal drops or battery issues during intense gaming sessions.
• Pros prefer the stability of a wired connection to ensure no interruptions during critical moments.

3. No Battery Concerns

Another significant benefit of wired controllers is that you don't need to worry about battery life.

• Wireless controllers, while offering the convenience of mobility, require regular charging or battery replacement. If a wireless controller runs out of battery during a match, it can be a game-changing disaster.
• Wired controllers work as long as you’re plugged in, eliminating the risk of running out of power during crucial moments.

4. Consistency

With wired controllers, there is no variability based on external factors. There’s no signal interference or drops, and no need to worry about pairing issues. Wired controllers are plug-and-play, meaning there’s no setup time or troubleshooting.

• For tournaments or professional settings where every moment counts, consistency is key. Pros want to avoid any factors that could introduce uncertainty during their game.

Why Some Pros May Use Wireless Controllers (in Certain Situations)

While wired controllers are the standard for most professional gamers, there are some situations where wireless may be used, particularly in more casual gaming or for certain types of events:

1. Convenience

In non-competitive settings, wireless controllers may be used for their convenience and freedom of movement.

• Casual streamers or pros playing for fun may prefer the comfort and freedom of wireless controllers.
• Tournaments or competitions where the stakes aren’t as high might also allow wireless controllers to be used.

2. Improved Wireless Technology

Wireless controllers have come a long way in terms of latency and battery life. Many wireless controllers now feature low latency and extended battery life, making them more competitive.

• For example, some wireless controllers (like the Xbox Series X controller or PS5 DualSense) have improved response times and a solid connection, which may meet the needs of some professional gamers in certain games or environments.

3. Personal Preference

In some cases, professional gamers may simply prefer the feel or ergonomics of a wireless controller.

• If the controller’s wireless performance is good enough and doesn’t introduce any noticeable delay or connection issues, some pros might choose the flexibility of wireless play for personal comfort.

Which Do Pro Gamers Use?

In summary, wired controllers are generally the preferred choice for professional gamers because of their low latency, reliable connection, and consistency.

• E-sports tournaments, such as those for League of Legends, Call of Duty, and Fortnite, usually require wired connections to ensure that all players have equal conditions and can perform at their best without the risk of connectivity issues.

However, as wireless technology continues to improve, it's possible that we will see more pros integrating wireless controllers into their setups, especially in less competitive or personal gaming situations.

Conclusion

For top-tier, professional competitive gaming, wired controllers are still the best option. They offer the most consistent performance and eliminate the risks associated with wireless technology. However, wireless controllers are becoming more viable, and some pros may use them when the environment allows for it. If you want the best gaming experience with minimal latency and maximum reliability, a wired controller is the way to go.

Looking for a high-performance controller? Check out our gaming controller collection for wired and wireless options to suit your needs!