With the Black Ops 6 Beta in full swing, it's the perfect time to ensure your gaming setup is primed for the full release. More specifically, it's a good time to look at your current gamepad and decide whether it really can give you that competitive edge. If not, don’t worry—we’ve compiled a list of top controllers that can elevate your Black Ops 6 experience.
When it comes to first-person shooters (FPS) like Black Ops 6, a great controller is all about customization. Features like adjustable trigger stops, swappable thumbsticks, and mappable back buttons, as found on the Xbox Elite Series 2, all contribute to improving your speed to react to in-game actions, and your ability to fire accurately when it matters most.
Naturally, factors like price and platform compatibility are important when choosing the best controller for you too. However, having already taken these into account along with the must-have features, there's no need to panic. Simply sit back, relax, and explore our picks for the best controller for Black Ops 6.
- PlayStation DualSense Edge - best pick for PlayStation players
- Razer Wolverine V3 Pro - best alternative for Xbox
- PowerA Advantage with Lumectra - a superb budget-friendly choice
- Xbox Elite Series 2 - top pick for PC Call of Duty gameplay
- NACON Revolution 5 Pro - an excellent option for the PS4 gamers
Credit: Sony
PlayStation DualSense Edge
Best PS5 controller for Black Ops 6
- Amazon - $197.00 / £199.00
- Best Buy - $199.99
- PlayStation Direct - £209.99
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the DualSense Edge
The DualSense Edge is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to dominate on the battlefield. With mappable back buttons giving you quick access to those must-have controls, and trigger stops that cut down the time it takes to pull the trigger, you’ll feel like you have the edge in every firefight.
What really sets the DualSense Edge apart is how customizable it is. You can swap out stick modules and caps to dial in the exact precision you need to land those crucial shots. What's more, you can save all your fine-tuned settings as profiles and switch between them in next to no time. Whether you’re gearing up for a fast-paced run-and-gun session or settling in for a strategic match, you’ve got the perfect setup ready to go.
Bottom line: the DualSense Edge is a well-reviewed, top-tier controller that brings everything you need to take your Black Ops 6 experience to the next level. Plus, with a handy headphone jack, you can plug in your favorite headset, dive into the action, and start racking up wins like it’s second nature.
Credit: Razer
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
Best Xbox controller for Black Ops 6
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
If you're on Team Xbox, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is definitely worth a look. It's pretty much on par with the DualSense Edge, packing in similar features aimed at boosting your FPS gameplay, and it's priced around the same too.
Starting at the top: the Razer Pro HyperTriggers. These can be individually tuned for nearly instant response with zero travel time, and they’ve got built-in haptics to amp up your immersion. Just below, you'll find four additional buttons to map to commonly used or complicated commands, while the front of the controller features Hall Effect Precision Thumbsticks that are built to reduce drift and provide customizable sensitivity.
The Wolverine V3 Pro also features HyperSpeed Wireless technology for ultra-low-latency gameplay, so you won't have to stress about lag messing up your gunfights when playing wirelessly. Plus, it comes with Mecha-Tactile buttons and a nifty carry case, so you can take it on the go and dominate the competition in Black Ops 6, no matter where you are.
PowerA Advantage with Lumectra
Best budget controller for Black Ops 6
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the PowerA Advantage Controller
If you’re on the hunt for a solid budget controller that won’t break the bank but will still give you a competitive edge, look no further than the PowerA Advantage with Lumectra. This controller is a hidden gem for FPS players, and I can personally vouch for its performance, having put it through its paces myself.
Even though the PowerA Advantage is more affordable than many high-end controllers, it doesn’t skimp on the essentials. It’s equipped with mappable back buttons that you can customize to suit your most-used controls—perfect for those quick reloads or tactical slides. Plus, it features adjustable hair-trigger stops, allowing you to fine-tune your trigger response. Want your aim to be a bit more deliberate than your firing? No problem, you can tweak each trigger independently.
The real showstopper here is the Lumectra RGB lighting. Not only does the controller itself light up, but it also comes with an additional strip accessory to really make your setup pop. Sure, RGB lighting won’t improve your K/D ratio, but it can definitely add to your gaming station. Let's be honest, we all love a bit of flashy lighting, especially when it pairs so well with a powerhouse console like the Xbox Series X or top-tier desktops if you're more of a PC gamer.
Credit: Microsoft
Xbox Elite Series 2
Best PC controller for Black Ops 6
- Amazon - $142.33 / £149.13
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Xbox Elite Series 2
While it might seem surprising that an Xbox controller is often considered the best gamepad for playing Black Ops 6 on PC, there's a logical reason behind it. Microsoft not only produces the Xbox controllers but also the Windows operating system that powers most gaming PCs. This synergy means the Elite Series 2 offers seamless compatibility with Windows, making it an ideal choice for PC gaming. Moreover, its design and features are perfectly tailored for first-person shooters, making it a top pick for games like Black Ops 6.
With swappable stick caps, trigger stops, and mappable back buttons, this gamepad is all about giving you that edge in precision and speed—key ingredients for dominating in fast-paced FPS games such as Call of Duty. Additionally, it comes with rubberized grips which come in handy when you’re in the heat of battle, making sure your controller stays firmly in hand when things get a little tense. And if you’re someone who likes to fine-tune every aspect of your gameplay, it comes with an additional tool that lets you adjust the tension of the thumbsticks to suit your style.
Adding to its appeal is its impressive 40-hour battery life, meaning it’s ready for marathon gaming sessions without needing to constantly recharge. And even with whispers of an Elite Series 3 on the horizon, the Series 2 still stands out as one of the best choices for serious PC gamers looking to excel in Black Ops 6. It’s a premium option that’s hard to beat when it comes to enhancing your gameplay experience.
Credit: NACON
NACON Revolution 5 Pro
Best PS4 controller for Black Ops 6
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the NACON Revolution 5 Pro
If you're gearing up for some serious action on your PS4, the NACON Revolution 5 Pro is one of the best controllers you could get your hands on. Even though it’s fully compatible with the PS5 and PCs, this controller truly shines on the good old PS4, especially for intense shooters like Call of Duty.
One of the standout features is the Hall Effect technology. This helps eliminate stick drift, which means your aim stays on point without any annoying deviations. Plus, this technology helps with longevity, so if you ever decide to upgrade to a PS5, you won’t have to say goodbye to your favorite controller.
The NACON Revolution 5 Pro is loaded with customizable options too. You've got trigger stops for faster shooting, mappable back paddles for those all-important quick actions, and multiple profiles so you can switch up your settings depending on the situation. What's more, it comes with interchangeable weights and different thumbstick lengths, so you can tweak the controller to fit your style perfectly.
One thing that often gets overlooked is the controller's asymmetrical layout. It’s not what you typically find on PlayStation controllers, but that’s exactly why it’s a game-changer. Stealth Optional has given it high praise, especially because this layout is often considered more comfortable for long gaming sessions. And let’s be honest, when you're grinding through Black Ops 6 matches, comfort is key. It might just give you that extra edge you need to dominate the battlefield.
Explore some of the best controller deals over at our friends at Gfinity to see if any of these great devices are on sale.
