The best controller for Rocket League can help you aerial faster, dribble more precisely, and pull off flicks with finesse, giving you the edge over your competition. If you’re already using one of the top controllers for PS5 and Xbox, you know the key features to look for—adjustable triggers, extra buttons, paddles, and quick-swap profiles. While many of the best Rocket League controllers overlap with the best PS5 and Xbox gamepads, we’ve also included great picks for PC and Switch players.
We've carefully evaluated these controllers based on features, reviews from our experiences as well as gamers in general, prices, and extra specs to bring you the top choices for every platform.
Best controllers for Rocket League - Quick list
- PS5 DualSense Edge - best controller for the PS5
- Xbox Elite Series 2 - a great Xbox gamepad
- Razer Wolverine V2 - a top pick for PC
- SCUF Instinct Pro - a great choice for competitive gameplay
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - the ideal choice for the Switch
click to enlarge
+ 5Sony DualSense Edge
Best PS5 controller for Rocket League
- Amazon - $199.00 / £197.50
- PlayStation Direct - $199.99 / £209.99
- Best Buy - $199.99
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Sony DualSense Edge
The DualSense Edge is PlayStation's top-tier controller, and while its high price tag slightly impacts its overall rating, as touched upon in our review, it’s undeniably impressive. Designed to elevate your gaming, especially in titles like Rocket League, it boasts a range of advanced features. These include swappable stick modules, mappable and interchangeable back buttons, adjustable trigger lengths, remappable buttons, and quick-swap profiles, allowing you to tailor setups for specific games. These features ensure faster reaction times and easier access to essential commands, giving you a competitive edge.
Comfortable to hold, with solid battery life and sleek aesthetics, the DualSense Edge isn't just functional—it's a joy to use. While its looks won’t boost your online performance, the enhanced ergonomics and customization options can take your gameplay to the next level, making it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers.
TL:DR - Reasons to buy:
- High comfort and control with an ergonomic design and customizable parts
- Built for the PS5 by Sony
Read More: Best controller deals
click to enlarge + 5Xbox Elite Series 2
Best Xbox controller for Rocket League
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Xbox Elite Series 2
For those playing on Xbox, we think the Elite Series 2 controller is definitely worth considering for Rocket League.
This controller is built for performance and offers hair trigger locks, adjustable thumbstick tension, and a wrap-around rubberized grip. You're also getting high customization options with a set of remappable paddles, six varying thumbstick sizes, and two D-pad choices, allowing you to adjust easily to your desired playstyle.
The Elite Series 2 also includes a rechargeable long-life battery offering up to 40 hours of gameplay, which adds to the plethora of reasons why it's an excellent choice for Rocket League and gaming in general. For now, it's a top contender, although that could change once we find out more about the release of the Elite Series 3, a potential follow-up to this stunning Xbox gamepad.
TL:DR - Reasons to buy:
- Excellent on multiple platforms, including PC
- Comes with replacement buttons and customisable options
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click to enlarge + 5Razer Wolverine V2
Best PC controller for Rocket League
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Razer Wolverine V2
Razer is renowned for producing top-tier gaming accessories, and the Wolverine V2 controller is a prime example of its expertise.
Designed for speed and precision, the Wolverine V2 features Razer Mecha-Tactile Action buttons and hair-trigger locks, ensuring hyper-responsive actuation. Gamers can also take advantage of advanced customization options too thanks to the additional front-facing remappable buttons.
Moreover, the Razer Wolverine V2 includes a 3.5mm jack, enabling compatibility with a wide range of gaming headsets or headphones for more immersive Rocket League experiences.
TL:DR - Reasons to buy:
- Amazing triggers that can improve your speed
- Has a headphone jack for online communication
- Highly rated in StealthOptional's review
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click to enlarge + 5SCUF Instinct Pro
Best competitive controller for Rocket League
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the SCUF Instinct Pro
The SCUF Instinct Pro is a game-changer for Rocket League, offering features that can significantly enhance your gameplay. With remappable back paddles and instant triggers, this controller allows you to customize your controls for a more personalized experience. Plus, it works across various platforms, so you can even use it for Rocket League Sideswipe.
One standout feature is the ability to switch between multiple profiles, letting you experiment with different playstyles or set up specific profiles for different game modes. This versatility makes it easier to find what works best for you.
Comfort is another strong point of the SCUF Instinct Pro, making it ideal for long gaming sessions—something Rocket League fans are no strangers to. If you're serious about the game and want a controller tailored for the best experience, this one is definitely worth considering as highlighted in more detail in our review.
TL:DR - Reasons to buy:
- Quick swap profiles make it easy to set up
- Works on mobile too
- Rated 4.5/5 by us in our review
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click to enlarge + 5Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Best Nintendo Switch controller for Rocket League
- Amazon - $69.24 / £49.95
- Walmart - $57.95
- Nintendo Store - £59.99
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
For the best Rocket League experience on your Nintendo Switch, the Switch Pro controller is a top choice. It's lightweight at just 250 grams, making it ideal for gaming on the go. Plus, its built-in HD rumble technology adds an extra layer of immersion, enhancing the overall gameplay.
Designed with ergonomics in mind, the Pro controller features thumbsticks in the classic Xbox offset position, offering a familiar feel for many gamers. While it doesn't feature enhancements like mappable back buttons, it does have two linear resonant actuators, each with independent HD Rumble capabilities to give a similar Joy-Con feel.
So, as a go-to option for Switch-based Rocket League players, it's hard to look past Nintendo's Pro gamepad.
TL:DR - Reasons to buy:
- One of the better budget options
- A great, official option for the Switch
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some questions you might encounter while on the hunt for the best controller for Rocket League...
Is a controller worth it for Rocket League?
Yes. Look, some people love keyboard and mouse for Rocket League, and that's okay, but a controller is the way to go for the vast majority of people. It just allows more precise control than the four directional buttons of a keyboard.
Plus, with some of the more advanced controllers, you can assign buttons to things like specific directions of air roll and powerslide, or even play around with how you jump and boost to allow you to aerial better.
What are the best controls for Rocket League?
There are no correct or incorrect control bindings for Rocket League. That being said, something all players should do is bind the directional air roll to their bumper buttons to help perform aerials, which are paramount if you want to beat the best at the game.
Some players like to move the jump and boost buttons too, so have a play around, or check out the key bindings of some of the pro players and see whether or not their controls fit and feel comfortable for you.
What are the benefits of using a wired controller for Rocket League?
Using a wired controller to play any game means a more stable connection and virtually zero input lag, which is crucial for competitive gameplay where every millisecond counts. This stability ensures that your actions are registered instantly, providing a more responsive and seamless gaming experience. Additionally, wired controllers eliminate the potential interference and connectivity issues that can occur with wireless controllers.
Another significant benefit is that wired controllers do not rely on batteries, so you never have to worry about running out of power during a game. This ensures uninterrupted play, allowing you to focus entirely on your performance without the distraction of monitoring battery levels.
Is a keyboard and mouse or a controller better for Rocket League?
Choosing between a keyboard and mouse or a controller for Rocket League largely depends on personal preference and play style. Controllers are generally favored by most due to their analog sticks, which are familiar to many gamers and can be easier to use to control things like aerial maneuvers. The triggers on controllers also allow for better control of acceleration and braking, plus the button layout is often more intuitive for performing quick actions like boosting, jumping, and air rolling, which are essential for advanced play.
On the other hand, some players prefer using a keyboard and mouse because they find the digital inputs on a keyboard to be more precise for certain actions, such as quick turning and aerial adjustments. The mouse can offer finer control for camera movement, providing an advantage in situational awareness. However, the lack of analog input for movement and acceleration can make it more challenging to achieve the same level of finesse as with a controller, which is why the majority of the Rocket League community, including professional players, tend to lean towards controllers.
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