So you already have a list of the best games to play, but what about finding the best of the best Chromebook game controllers? The good news is you might already own a controller that will work, but there are great controllers available to buy that'll also work great. We've found the best options so you can pair the best game controller with the best Chromebook.
Game on your Chromebook with these controllers
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A retro-styled classic
The 8BitDo SN30 Pro is a perfectly portable controller that's designed to work with Android, Windows, and even Nintendo Switch. Back in the day, this controller suffered from some annoying Bluetooth issues. Thankfully, those issues have been solved, and the most recent version even includes Hall Effect joysticks.
Incredible value
Although there are more controllers than you can shake a stick at, the GameSir Super Nova stands out for a number of reasons. Besides just being a great controller, it's also packed with a bunch of features while also being compatible with just about everything. In addition to the 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, and swappable magnetic face plates, the Super Nova even includes a charging dock that can handle the connection to your Chromebook.
Comfortable gaming
If you were to combine everything about the first two picks on this list, give it a familiar design, toss in a few extras, and we have the 8BitDo Pro 3. This is the company's latest controller and offers enough features that listing those features would be an article all of its own. Just know that you're getting the best controller that 8BitDo has ever made, and that sweet GameCube theme is too irresistible.
An excellent choice
One of the finest controllers on the market today, the DualSense is a great choice for a Chromebook gaming session. It can be connected via USB or Bluetooth and should be an obvious choice for a gamer that has already experienced the DualSense on the PS5.
A solid pick
Well, it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that the maker of one of the best Chromebooks also makes a compatible controller. Yet that's exactly what we have with the Acer Gaming Controller GC501. It might not be as feature-rich as some of the others on this list, but it's the only one to come with the "Works with Chromebook" official certification.
Long gaming sessions
Originally released with Android, Windows, and VR in mind, the SteelSeries Stratus Duo works great with Chromebooks. The controller offers over 20 hours of battery life, or you can pair it via the included cable for a more reliable connection. Additionally, the Stratus Duo includes a 2.4GHz dongle in the box for a better overall connection.
All-in-one
Pretty much all of the best controllers for Chromebooks also work with your favorite Android phones and tablets. But the Backbone Pro takes this up a notch, as you can slot your phone right in, connecting via USB-C. However, thanks to the USB-C passthrough port on the bottom right, you can plug the Backbone Pro into your Chromebook, picking right up where you left off.
Sometimes you need a wire
Although wireless controllers reign supreme, not everyone is the biggest fan. On the bright side, there are plenty of great wired controllers for Chromebooks, too, such as the GameSir Tegenaria Lite. This controller looks like a DualShock 4 merged with an original PlayStation controller. It's budget-friendly (under $20), and has a bunch of nifty features including Hall Effect sticks, a 1000Hz polling rate, mappable back buttons, and more.
That familiar feeling
Pairing an Xbox controller with many devices is a common occurrence nowadays, and for good reason. If your Xbox controller is from the original Xbox One, though, then you'll need to upgrade to the version with the built-in Bluetooth chip. Turn everything on, pair everything up, and get gaming.
What's are the best Chromebook game controllers?
Recent updates have started opening the possibilities of what you can do with gaming on the best Chromebooks. In some instances, the experience is still not as seamless as pairing a controller to your Android phone or PC, but the experience has improved significantly. Having said that, we've tested and connected controllers to a Chromebook that we would not recommend.
If we had to pick just one, we would go with the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro because it's retro, works with Android and PC gaming, and is affordably priced.
Another great pick is the GameSir Super Nova, which is available in two colors but sports a magnetic faceplate that you can swap out with a different one later. The Super Nova is great for long gaming sessions, thanks in part to the ergonomics, but also because of the 15 hours of battery life.
Generally, you can use console controllers like the DualSense and Xbox Core Wireless Controller. This is also true for Nintendo's original Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Cons. However, it seems that Nintendo has locked down the Switch 2 Pro Controller to the point that it won't work even when plugged into a Chromebook. Thankfully, Chromebooks are able to connect with many different controllers, so pick your favorite and get playing!
