You won't find a better gaming controller under $30 than the GameSir Nova Lite 2 right now

GameSir Nova Lite 2 gaming controller on a pink deals background — (Image credit: GameSir)

The high-end controllers are great, with their massive polling rate, firm feel, and extra buttons, but you don't need to spend that much to get a good experience, and GameSir has proved that time and time again. In fact, I tried the very first GameSir Nova Lite a handful of years ago, and it's still an excellent little controller for the price.

If you are looking for an upgrade or a second controller, the GameSir Nova Lite 2 is currently down to $26 on Amazon. That's only a light discount, but a light discount on a budget controller is pretty sweet.

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If you're wondering what the major differences are between the Nova Lite and Nova Lite 2, the Nova Lite 2 quadruples the polling rate (up to 1,000 Hz), adds two back paddles, and has a rounded D-Pad, sort of like the type that Xbox pads have. That means it's more responsive and more customizable, and looking at both on Amazon, the Nova Lite 2 is only a few dollars more. My money would be going on that upgraded pad.

One thing both the Nova Lite and Nova Lite 2 are missing is a 3.5 mm jack. That means you will want a wireless headset if you plan on using the controller far away from your gaming rig. The first Nova Lite doesn't feel like a more expensive controller, thanks to plastic materials, but it is super easy to use and has a wide range of connectivity options.

With my time with the Nova Lite, I can say it's a comfortable controller under the palms, and the buttons are satisfyingly clicky. It might creak with pressure, but it's easy to hold onto.

If you're on a budget, I can't think of a single controller I'd personally pick over the Nova Lite 2 right now. In fact, until you get up to the $50-or-so range, where Easy SMX's best offerings lie, I wouldn't be looking elsewhere.

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Best PC controller 2026

1. Best overall:
GameSir G7 Pro

2. Best budget:
GameSir Nova Lite

3. Best high end:
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC

4. Best for couch
Steam Controller (2026)

5. Best wired:
Scuf Valor Pro

👉Check out our full PC controller guide👈

James is a more recent PC gaming convert, often admiring graphics cards, cases, and motherboards from afar. It was not until 2019, after just finishing a degree in law and media, that they decided to throw out the last few years of education, build their PC, and start writing about gaming instead. In that time, he has covered the latest doodads, contraptions, and gismos, and loved every second of it. Hey, it’s better than writing case briefs.