Best Gamepads for Google Pixel Slate
The Google Pixel Slate is one of the most powerful Chrome OS machines on the market, and in between your emails, spreadsheets, and homework, you might want to find some time to play a few games on its impressive hardware. For the ultimate gaming experience, however, we recommend picking up a gamepad. Here are a few of our favorites.
Best of the best
SteelSeries makes some of the best Bluetooth controllers around, and the Nimbus is a fine example of the company's prowess. The pressure-sensitive buttons feel great to the touch and are highly responsive, the battery aims to offer over 40 hours of use, and it uses Bluetooth 4.1 for connecting to the Pixel Slate. Plus, it just looks darn good.
Throwback
Want a splash of retro for your gaming controller? The N30 Pro from 8Bitdo is a great-looking gamepad that's bound to scratch your nostalgia itch. The classic button layout works well for a lot of games, the controller is super lightweight, and a 1-2 hour charge gives you 18-20 hours of gameplay.
Ergonomics at their finest
This may not be the sleekest gamepad around, but boy does it work well. The rugged grips on both handles provide the precise control you need in the heat of a battle, and all of the buttons are responsive with matching blue hues just about everywhere you look. There's even a companion app that comes with it to ensure compatibility with all of your games.
Simple and affordable
Whether you're on a budget or just want a controller with a design that's not so in-your-face, the G-Pad from Marticom is a good budget option that's bound to please. Its buttons are laid out well and easy to press, the matte plastic feels great even during long gaming sessions, and at just $13, your wallet will be thanking you.
Step up your game
Don't care about looks and just want something that'll help you come out on top every match? You'll want to pick up the Bigaint controller. The design harkens back to older Xbox controllers with a button layout that'll be instantly familiar to so many players. You should see around 15 hours of battery life per charge and the vibration feedback just might knock your socks off.
Party like it's 1990
Another great retro controller from 8Bitdo is the SN30. Modeled after the classic SNES controller, the gray and purple color scheme is a pure joy to look at, and the retro buttons will transport you right back to your childhood. It may not be as ergonomic as some of the other controllers on our list, but it's definitely one of the best-looking by a long shot
If money isn't an object and you want the best combo of style and function, it's hard to do better than the SteelSeries Nimbus. It's the one I'd probably pick, but then again, $45 is a lot to spend on a game controller. The Matricom G-Pad is a really great choice for those that are on a budget, and if you want something that'll stick out among everything else, the 8Bitdo SN30 is a no-brainer.
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Joe Maring was a Senior Editor for Android Central between 2017 and 2021. You can reach him on Twitter at @JoeMaring1.