The best budget controller for PC gaming can be had for just AU$20, if you know where to look

News
By published

You can get two GameSir Nova Lite controllers for the price of one at AliExpress.

Two GameSir Nova Lite controllers on a desk
(Image credit: Future)

The world is lousy with premium gamepads, ranging from the Xbox Elite 2 through to the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, but sometimes you just need a knock-around controller for abrupt couch co-op sessions that you won't need to skip meals to afford. That's what the GameSir Nova Lite is good for.

Dave names it the best budget controller for PC gaming in our buying guide, for good reason. It's cheap (obviously), but it also has one brilliant feature lacking in some premium controllers, which is hall effect sticks. This magnetic approach to thumbsticks means they won't succumb to that most dreaded of gamepad maladies: stick drift.

GameSir Nova Lite wireless gamepad
GameSir Nova Lite wireless gamepad: was AU$45 now AU$20 at AliExpress

The GameSir Nova Lite wireless controller is our favourite budget gamepad. It has both Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, drift-free hall effect sticks, and compatibility across PC, smartphone and Nintendo Switch.

It's the best budget controller, so there are a couple of features you shouldn't expect, such as rear paddle buttons, more than 10 hours of battery life, and for it to mix cocktails for you.

It comes in a range of colours including black, white and pink.

View Deal

AliExpress is a PC Gamer preferred partner (What does this mean?)

The GameSir Nova Lite supports both Bluetooth and wireless functionality (via a dongle) and will work with PC, smartphones and Nintendo Switch, if you have one of those lying around.

It's a great controller in this price range, especially with its connectivity options and hall-effect sticks. Do be aware of what it lacks, though: there are no paddle buttons (ie, rear buttons) and no aux jack (so you can't plug headphones into 'em). Battery life comes in at around 10 hours, which is decent for this price, but be aware in case you need more.

Also, WTF is AliExpress? It's an online marketplace with a huge array of sellers. It's ginormous, but doesn't quite have the profile (yet) of Amazon and eBay. Buying there is safe as there are a bunch of protections, and in most cases returns are free within 90 days. But: do pay attention to seller reviews and carefully look at deals that seem too good to be true.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.