The year was 2011, I was just 13, and my pockets were about as deep as a kiddie pool. MW3 was the game everyone was playing. And you know how it goes, everyone wanted to be the best quick scoper.

But that year Scuf Gaming launched their first controller and it was a big hype. A gaming controller with back paddles!? Why would anyone want/need that?

Apparently, it makes you better, but at the time I didn’t know how or care why. I just wanted one.

Back then I couldn’t afford one but I was always curious about if they were really worth it or not.

So for the longest time, I was stuck using the standard PlayStation controller.

But a few years back during the pandemic, Warzone came out and I was immediately hooked. So I purchased my first-ever customizable gaming controller.

And let me tell you, folks, once I got a taste of the custom controller life, there was absolutely no turning back!

So in this post, I’m going to tackle the burning question, “Are custom controllers worth it?”. I’ll dissect everything you need to know and share all the nitty-gritty details you need to consider before splurging on a pro controller.

We’ll explore what a custom controller is, its benefits and drawbacks, a comparative analysis against regular controllers, how to choose one, and more. So get ready! We’re about to dive deep into the world of custom controllers.

What Are Custom Game Controllers

You’re probably wondering what customizable game controllers are.

Well, at its core, a custom controller is an ordinary game controller that’s been modified or designed according to the player’s preferences.

It’s like going to a pizza joint and instead of picking up a pre-made pie, you choose to customize it with your favorite toppings, sauce, and crust.

Custom controllers typically start with the same base model as your Xbox or PlayStation controller and even Nintendo Switch, but that’s where the similarities end.

The magic of customization comes in many forms:

• cosmetic upgrades
• choosing vibrant color schemes
• adding personal logos

But the customization isn’t just skin-deep. The real power of a custom controller is in the functionality.

For instance, think back to the late-night gaming sessions, the sweat making your thumb slip off the joystick, or the constant stretching of fingers to reach certain buttons.

With a custom controller, those problems vanish. You can choose the joystick’s material for a better grip, or even reposition the buttons to better suit your hand shape and play style.

The best part is that most custom controllers have additional features not found on standard controllers.

Features such as:

• programmable buttons
• adaptive triggers
• stick tension
• Smart D-pad

So in short, custom controllers are your regular controllers, but amplified to match your needs, both aesthetically and functionally. They take your gaming experience from generic to personalized.

Comparison of Custom Controllers to Standard Controllers

I’ve already mentioned some main differences above, but let’s really compare pro controllers and standard controllers.

	Standard Controllers	Custom Controllers
Cost	$60 – $70	$100 – $400+
Aesthetics	Limited	Near Unlimited
Customizability	Controller addons	Built-in custom options
Durability	Tened to wear out faster	Can last a lot longer
Ease of Use	Easy	Learning Curve

When it comes to features, standard controllers will get you by, but at the cost of performance. If you’re anything like me, you play games for competitiveness so you will want the best equipment for that.

Many features of custom controllers are not available in stock. You will need to purchase them on a custom controller website or you can get by with Xbox’s Elite controller or PlayStation’s Dual Sense Edge.

I think by now you realize that performance is the primary factor for a custom controller. You can personalize them to fit your needs from how many buttons to where they’re placed on your controller.

They typically last longer since regular controllers wear down quicker. A pro controller is modified to handle problems like stick drift by adding stick tension.

And the biggest comparison between a regular controller vs a custom controller is the price. Custom controllers can cost you anywhere from $150-$400+ depending on what you decide to put on it. While a regular controller will be around $70 today.

That’s literally more than half the price.

Benefits of Custom Controllers

There are numerous benefits to using custom controllers, each of them enhancing your gaming experience in unique ways. Let’s break them down:

1. Tailored to Your Preferences:

Remember when I mentioned how my thumb would slip off the joystick during those heated gaming sessions? With custom controllers, you can opt for different materials and textures that enhance your grip. You can even change the position of buttons or joysticks with some controller brands to make it more comfortable for your hands.

2. Aesthetic Personalization:

There’s something really special about holding a controller that’s uniquely yours. Basically, all custom controller sites like the ones from Xbox Design Lab and Scuf Gaming will allow you to change the colors of all the parts of your controller.

3. Improved Gameplay Performance:s:

There were times when I was playing Call Of Duty: Warzone and wished I could shoot faster or slide cancel more easily. Custom controllers came to the rescue here because you can add remappable buttons or paddles that change the commands of whatever button you assign to it. And I had adaptive triggers which implement trigger stops for quicker responses. These features can give you a significant edge in competitive gameplay.

4. Improved Durability:

This was a big one for me. After countless hours spent gaming, my standard controllers started showing signs of wear and tear and stick drift. The buttons became less responsive, and the analog sticks lost their smooth movement. But custom controllers last far longer (assuming you take care of them).

5. Accessibility:

The staple of pro controllers is their remappable back buttons. They allow you to access your face buttons like ‘O’ or ‘X’ on a PS5 controller and ‘O’ or ‘Y’ on Xbox controllers. You can remap your back buttons or paddles to whatever button on your controller including D-pads, or bumpers and triggers.

This makes it so much easier to hit certain buttons in games when you can’t afford to take your thumb off the analog stick.

6. Better Comfort:

Have you ever played for a couple of hours and your hands start to cramp up? I’ve been there too. Comfort is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of gaming.

Some custom controllers like the ones from Battle Beaver Customs, allow you to actually choose where you place your back buttons. This helps because everyone has different hand sizes and learns how to hold a controller differently.

Also, many custom controllers give you the option to remove the rumbles and haptic feedback which will make your controller lighter.

Drawbacks of Custom Controllers

It’s important to acknowledge that while custom controllers have their perks, they also come with a few drawbacks.

1. Cost:

This is usually the first thing gamers notice when considering a custom controller. The price tag can be significantly higher than a standard controller. Depending on the level of customization and added features, these controllers can become a substantial investment. If you’re a casual gamer or on a tight budget, this can be a deterrent.

2. Learning Curve:

While the customization allows for a tailored gaming experience, it also means there’s a bit of a learning curve. New buttons, modified placements, and added features may require some getting used to. I remember when I first switched, I fumbled a bit before getting the hang of it.

3. Maintenance:

With greater complexity comes a higher potential for things to go wrong. Custom controllers, with their added features and unique configurations, can be more prone to specific issues or breakdowns that standard controllers don’t have. Plus, getting them repaired might be more challenging and costly, depending on the manufacturer.

How to choose a custom controller

I think by now you should know if custom controllers are worth it. So I will show you what you need to look out for when choosing a custom controller.

Compatibility

Obviously, you need to ensure the custom controller is compatible with your gaming system. Whether you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, or PC, make sure the controller you’re eyeing supports your platform. Not all controllers work with all systems, and you don’t want to end up with a fancy paperweight.

Custom Builder

When it comes to creating your perfect controller, you want to find a company that has a custom builder. This will ensure you can choose what goes on your controller instead of buying a premade controller with customizations you might not want or need.

Customization Options

Customization is the bread and butter of custom controllers, so you want to explore all your options. Look for builders that offer a wide variety of customization options, from the aesthetics (color, design, material) to the functional (button remapping, stick sensitivity, additional buttons).

Quality and durability

Custom controllers offer a higher level of quality and durability compared to mass-produced controllers.

For example, the DualSense Edge custom Xbox controller has an ergonomic gamepad that improves gameplay comfort and is constructed with a reinforced aluminum frame and high-end components for increased durability.

Microsoft also offers customized gamepads that are more comfortable and have better responsiveness than the standard controller, improving your gaming experience.

But always read reviews and see what people say about the controllers.

Best Custom Controllers on the Market

Normally I recommend going to a website and choosing customizations yourself, but there are quite a few ready-made custom controllers. Here are a few popular ones you might like.

• DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
• Microsoft Bluetooth Elite Series 2 Controller
• Scuf Instinct
• Razer Wolverine V2 Pro
• ASTRO C40 TR

Where To Buy Custom Controllers

There are several places you can look into when you’re ready to buy your custom controller. I also made a list of all of the best custom controller websites. Here are some popular options:

1. SCUF Gaming:

One of the biggest names in the custom controller industry, SCUF Gaming offers controllers for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. They provide a wide range of customization options from aesthetics to functionalities.

2. Battle Beaver Customs:

Battle Beaver offers a high degree of customization for PlayStation and Xbox controllers, including increased thumbstick tension and rear button remapping options.

3. Controller Chaos:

Controller Chaos is known for its extravagant designs and high-quality controllers. They offer customization for PlayStation, Xbox, and even Nintendo Switch controllers.

FAQs

Conclusion

Just to wrap up, custom controllers present a unique way for gamers to elevate their gaming experience, offering a blend of personalization, enhanced performance, and comfort. From aesthetics that reflect your style to functionalities that help you improve your gameplay.

However, it’s essential to remember that they come with their own set of challenges, including cost, learning curve, and potential compatibility issues.

If you’re a hardcore gamer looking for an edge in your gameplay or someone who values a personalized gaming experience, a custom controller could be well worth the investment. But don’t just take my word for it, try a custom controller yourself. Check out the manufacturers mentioned earlier, play around with customization options, and see what suits your gaming style the best.