Sony's DualSense remains a solid PC controller, but at $74 it lacks features now common among third-party rivals, such as TMR joysticks, rear paddle buttons, and multiple onboard profiles. Tom's Hardware points to two alternatives that undercut the DualSense on price while adding those conveniences, making them attractive for PC gamers who are unhappy with Sony's recent platform decisions.
The GameSir G7 Pro, discounted to $64, is positioned as the pick for most PC gamers. It weighs far less than premium first-party controllers like the Xbox Elite or DualSense Edge, yet includes four remappable buttons, a charging dock, and a 2.4GHz connection with a 1,000Hz polling rate. Its optical micro switches and Hall Effect triggers can be toggled to a hair-trigger mode, and it supports up to three onboard profiles.
For retro fans, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is a cheaper option at $42, styled after a Super Nintendo controller but with modern dual Hall Effect sticks and two back paddles. It switches natively between several platforms over Bluetooth or wired USB, though it lacks the 2.4GHz wireless mode found on the G7 Pro. The source notes that a newer Pro 3 model is available for $60 with upgraded TMR sticks, but the Pro 2 remains a solid budget pick.