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5 Best VR Controllers for Immersive Gaming

Shop Oculus, PlayStation, and more must-have VR controllers.

Young man in virtual reality goggles, vr glasses headset with joystick

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Ready to take your experience to the next level? Virtual Reality headsets are your best bet. With VR, you get to step directly inside the action of your favorite games. And these days, graphics can be so realistic that it feels like you’re actually there. Which basically means that you can go on an epic adventure without leaving your chair (by the way, if you need a new chair read our list of most comfortable gaming chairs).

For a truly immersive experience, you’ll need great controllers. Handheld VR controllers allow your body to control the action. Most controllers are only sold with headsets, but if you’re looking to replace or upgrade your current setup, you’re in luck! We put together a list of great VR controllers that you can purchase individually. And for more gaming content, read our selection of best gifts for gamers.  

HTC SteamVR Base Station 2.0 & Vive Controller

HTC’s Vive controller is the envy of the virtual reality gaming world. The premium controllers are extremely precise, thanks to a separate base station camera that tracks your every move. Set up the base station in the room where you game and the camera follows you, so you don’t have to worry about cords. The built-in vibration adds to the experience. You haven’t truly experienced VR until you’ve done it like this.

HTC Vive Controller

Right now, the HTC Vive and its base station are available in a bundle on Amazon. It’s a great deal, but if you already have a base station, you can save some money and get the controller on its own.

PlayStation Move Twin Pack (PS4)

PlayStation users should check out these wireless controllers, which are compatible with the PSVR headset. A camera in the console tracks the motion of the pink spheres, allowing you to enter the worlds all of your favorite PS4 games. They’re not the most technically complex option, but they work great if you already have a PlayStation.

Oculus Touch

The Oculus Touch controller for the Oculus Quest 2 is one of the most sought after controllers on the market. The precision is comparable to the Vive, but these are a lot lighter. Unfortunately, they are only sold with the complete headset. If you’re dying to get your hands on the controllers, Amazon has some great gently used options to check out.

Genuine Official Samsung Galaxy Gear VR (2nd Version) Motion Controller

The ultimate budget VR controller. The wireless controller for Samsung’s Galaxy Gear VR headset comes with a built-in trigger, making it perfect for shooting games. For only $30, it does a good job of mimicking the wireless VR gaming experience, and it’s a good way to test the waters before buying something pricier.

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