The Xbox and PS5 first-party controllers are probably the best gamepads you can get your hands on, were it not for stick drift. Even though many newer controllers now feature anti-drift Hall Effect and TMR joysticks, the folks at Sony and Microsoft don’t seem to give a hoot.
Luckily, the third-party controller market is more alive than ever. 2024 was a remarkable year for controller fans, as Hall Effect gamepads became more affordable, and we saw a glimpse of the future with TMR sensors. 2025 has also started on a high note, with brands like GameSir and Scuf already announcing newer controller models featuring these incredible drift-free joysticks.
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Below are our top picks for Hall Effect and TMR gaming controllers. We’ve reviewed most of these controllers at Game Rant, so you can confidently bid adieu to stick drift.
6
8BitDo Ultimate 2C
Platform: PC, Android, iOS
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C is the first truly budget gaming controller to bring drift-free joysticks to the market. At just $30, it undercuts first-party controllers by a massive margin while offering durable Hall Effect thumbsticks and the lowest latency for a wireless controller. If you love playing competitive shooters and racing games, the Ultimate 2C is an excellent drift-free gamepad that won’t break the bank.
As a budget controller, there isn’t much going on for it, but it still offers a few neat tricks. The Ultimate 2C supports a 1000Hz polling rate both over wired and wireless. There’s rumble vibration for added immersion, and you can combine turbo with the two extra, remappable shoulder buttons to pull off some insane combos. While it doesn’t support further customization via software, you can calibrate the buttons directly on the controller.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C supports Windows and Android via Bluetooth and a 2.4G dongle. It has a stunning two-tone finish with different pastel color options, including a purple model currently on sale for 15% off. 8BitDo has since released a cheaper wired variant and another wireless model with motion control specifically made for the Nintendo Switch.
5
GameSir G7 SE
Platform: Xbox, PC
Official Xbox controllers are notorious for developing stick drift. Even the premium Elite Series controller uses potentiometer joysticks, meaning you could still end up with stick drift after spending over $150. Fortunately, third-party Xbox controllers have come a long way. Priced under $50, GameSir’s G7 SE wired controller brings along Hall Effect thumbsticks, which not only offer a drift-free experience, but also excellent accuracy compared to standard controllers.
When we reviewed the G7 SE, we found it superior to much more expensive wired and wireless controllers thanks to its highly responsive and accurate Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers. Its extra features, like back buttons with physical stops to prevent accidental activations as well as the ability to switch between analog and digital hair triggers, make it a solid controller for many gamers. You can pick up this model with membrane face buttons or the newer GameSir G7 HE, which comes with clicky and durable microswitch buttons.
4
GameSir Cyclone 2
Platform: PC, Switch, Android, iOS
The Cyclone 2 is another solid PC controller that’s immune to stick drift. GameSir put in a lot of work to make it perfect for PC and Switch, with features like a gyro, TMR sensors, a 1000Hz polling rate, and immersive rumble motors. It’s also affordable, coming in at $56 with a charging dock included.
The biggest draw for this controller is that it uses TMR sensors on its joysticks. In our Cyclone 2 review, we found the TMR joysticks to be more accurate than Hall Effect joysticks. The face buttons and D-pad also have a really satisfying click, and you can switch between Hall Effect triggers and micro triggers depending on what game you want to play.
Unless you need more than two back buttons or adjustable stick tension, there’s not much to complain about the Cyclone 2. That said, if you like quiet membrane buttons, the 8BitDo Ultimate is another great drift-free PC controller in the same price range that comes with a charging dock.
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Flydigi Apex 4
Platform: PC, Switch, Android
Flydigi may not be as popular as brands like Razer, but it is making a strong play in the pro-level controller market with its Apex 4. This controller offers a feature-rich experience for FPS gamers, including four remappable back buttons, mechanical face buttons, an 8-way D-pad, and a 1,000Hz polling rate. At $160, it presents a competitive price point, particularly when compared to options like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, which retails for around $200 or more.
What makes the Apex 4 stand out from other pro controllers is its extensive customization and extra features. It offers immersive force feedback triggers, similar to the PS5’s adaptive triggers, adjustable joystick tension, and even an LCD screen to display customizable GIFs. It’s fully compatible with PC and features a familiar and comfortable Xbox-style shape. However, some gamers have complained about the weight, and the software may not be as intuitive.
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Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
Platform: PS5, PS4, PC
If you’re a PS5 gamer who prioritizes precision, durability, and loads of customization options, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a strong choice. The Hall Effect sensing joysticks and triggers are the biggest upgrade over Sony’s DualSense Edge, and it offers even more impressive features. This pro controller includes three sets of replaceable thumbsticks, an extra D-pad, and interchangeable weights, providing multiple ways to dominate games, comfortably.
While the DualSense Edge has the immersive haptics going on for it, which the Revolution 5 Pro doesn’t support on PS5 games, the durability and accuracy of Hall Effect sticks, along with the sheer number of hardware customizations, solidify the Revolution 5 Pro as a solid contender for competitive gamers. You can still enjoy vibration feedback with PC and PS4 games and gain a competitive edge with other pro features like remappable micro-switch paddles, and trigger stops.
Buy the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
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Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
Platform: Xbox, PC
When Razer announced the $200 Wolverine V3 Pro, it came as a surprise, as not many were expecting it, the market already having been saturated with affordable Hall Effect controllers. However, it still holds a place among esports gamers as the first wireless Xbox controller with anti-drift thumbsticks. This controller supports both wireless and wired connections to PC and Xbox Series X|S, with the wired connection offering a faster 1000Hz polling rate.
In addition to Hall Effect sticks and triggers, the Wolverine V3 Pro offers six extra programmable buttons, mouse click trigger stops, mechanical face buttons, and an 8-way D-pad — features that can provide a significant advantage in fighting games. However, some early users of the Wolverine V3 Pro reported experiencing connectivity issues and stick drift out of the box. Updating to the latest firmware or adjusting the deadzone to around 2 solved the issues.
During our hands-on review of the Wolverine V3 Pro, we did not encounter any of these issues, and in fact named it one of the most advanced controllers ever made.
Buy the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
What Causes Stick Drift in Controllers?
Standard controllers, such as the official Xbox controller and PS5 DualSense, use potentiometers within the analog joysticks to measure their position. Over time, these potentiometers can wear out, resulting in the controller registering movements even when you’re not touching the stick.
The newer wave of Hall Effect and TMR controllers instead use magnetic fields to measure joystick position. Since there is no wear from physical contact, controllers with Hall Effect or TMR sensors are immune to stick drift and offer precise levels of accuracy during gameplay.
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