So you already have a list of the best games to play, but what about finding the best of the best Chromebook game controllers? The good news is you might already own a controller that will work, but there are great controllers available to buy that'll also work great. We've found the best options so you can pair the best game controller with the best Chromebook.
Game on your Chromebook with these controllers
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A retro-styled classic
The 8Biitdo SN30 Pro is a perfectly portable controller that's designed to work with Android, Windows, and even Nintendo Switch. I would still stick with the wired version here because it's more reliable and Bluetooth connections are fraught with issues.
Straight from Google
Google launched its Stadia game-streaming service late in 2019, with the tech giant shutting down the service in early 2023. The good news is that the Stadia controller can still be used via Bluetooth, and can easily be paired up to your Chromebook for those intense gaming sessions. Plus, there are three different colorways if you want something other than the traditional white.
Comfortable gaming
Take everything that's great about 8BitDo's SN30 Pro and make it more ergonomic. That's what you're getting with the 8BitDo Pro 2, along with some other features such as customizable profiles and up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge.
An excellent choice
One of the finest controllers on the market today, the DualSense is a great choice for a Chromebook gaming session. It can be connected via USB or Bluetooth and should be an obvious choice for a gamer that has already experienced the DualSense on the PS5.
A solid pick
A versatile controller, the DualShock 4 is a fan favorite among a lot of gamers. When you pair this controller with the included Micro-USB cable, you'll be able to get up and running on your Chromebook. It even works when paired via Bluetooth, giving you multiple ways to get this controller up and running on Chromebook.
Long gaming sessions
Originally released with Android, Windows, and VR in mind, the SteelSeries Stratus Duo works great with Chromebooks. The controller offers over 20 hours of battery life, or you can pair it via the included cable for a more reliable connection. Additionally, the Stratus Duo includes a 2.4GHz dongle in the box for a better overall connection.
Just like the pros
An update to ChromeOS brought support for the Switch Pro controller to be used with Chromebooks. Now, you can take your favorite Switch controller and play your favorite games on your Chromebook! However, it's worth noting that not all of the features (i.e. motion control and HD Rumble) may work when paired.
Ultra-portable gaming
Along with the Switch Pro Controller, updates to ChromeOS brought support for Nintendo's Joy-Cons. You can pair both controllers, or just one, and use the buttons on the inside of the Joy-Con to play your favorite games. The portability of this cannot be understated as you can throw a Joy-Con in the bag, where it won't take up much space.
That familiar feeling
Pairing an Xbox controller with many devices is a common occurrence nowadays and for good reason. If your Xbox controller is from the original Xbox One though, then you'll need to upgrade to the version with the built-in Bluetooth chip. Turn everything on, pair everything up, and get gaming.
What's are the best Chromebook game controllers?
Recent updates have started opening the possibilities of what you can do with gaming on the best Chromebooks. In some instances, the experience is still not as seamless as pairing a controller to your Android phone or PC, but the experience has improved significantly. Having said that, we've tested and connected controllers to a Chromebook that we would not recommend.
If we had to pick just one, we would go with the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro because it's retro, works with Android and PC gaming, and is affordably priced.
Another great pick is the Google Stadia Controller, which comes in three different colors, includes a USB-C cable for wired gaming and can connect via Bluetooth. The 2,000mAh battery is bigger than that of the Sony DualShock 4 controller too, so you'll be able to put in some hours.
Generally, you can use console controllers like the DualSense and DualShock 4 and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers and Joy-Cons. It's also possible to connect your Bluetooth Xbox One controllers to Chromebooks. Thankfully, Chromebooks are able to connect with many different controllers, so pick your favorite and get playing!
