(Image credit: 8BitDo / Xbox / Razer / Hyperkin / Turtle Beach)

Like everyone who tried to buy a Steam Controller on its initial release, I left disappointed. They sold out in around 30 minutes, and I left empty handed.

However, that made me realise that I probably already own the best PC gamepad anyway – several of them, in fact. I recently built my own affordable Steam Machine using a Geekom A7 Max Mini PC and have been testing a selection of different controllers with it.

Five have certainly stood out, including the one I use most often – a variant of the third-party pad I use with my Nintendo Switch 2 as well. So here are my alternatives to the Steam Controller you should check out too.

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All of them work on PC and I've included options at different budgets.

1. 8BitDo Ultimate 2

There are two variants of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 – one for Windows and Android, the other for Switch and Switch 2 as well. Both work with PCs and Steam OS, but the latter has a Nintendo button configuration, so I recommend the Windows one for general use.

The controller comes with its own charging dock and a small dongle to connect to your PC via USB. However, it can also be connected inside the dock itself, for an even neater wireless solution, and as it operates on the 2.4GHz band, it provides low latency gaming.

2. Hyperkin The Competitor

If you really want to reduce your controller latency to zero, you should consider a wired gamepad. And the one I've been most impressed with in recent times is The Competitor from Hyperkin.

Not exactly cheap for a wired controller, but it offers Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers for precise accuracy and stick drift proofing. It also looks and feels like a Sony DualSense, yet with Xbox features, which is cool.

3. Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

I've tested the PlayStation version of the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, which also comes with PC compatibility, but you can get a dedicated PC variant that is specifically listed as supporting Steam OS. It's also cheaper at most retailers.

The pro controller has a whole host of customisable options, including modules you can swap around on pad itself. Fancy your D-Pad on the bottom in Xbox configuration? Just swap the left-hand module. It's all rather neat.

4. Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

Designed for serious gamers and esports, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is a very well made gaming device – hence its beefy price.

You can highly customise its capabilities via a PC app, and there are Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers to ensure accuracy and longevity. I used it over a wireless connection (with the included 2.4GHz dongle), but you also get a 3m cable to ensure zero latency through wired play.

5. Xbox Wireless Controller

I was tempted to include another 8BitDo controller – the Pro 3 with its swappable button layout – but you can't beat the classics.

The Xbox Wireless Controller continues to be one of the very best around, for compatibility and comfort, and it just works. Remember though, unless you want to use Bluetooth, you'll need an Xbox Wireless Adapter poking out of a USB port on your PC or Steam device. Luckily, third-party versions are relatively cheap.