The budget controller space is highly competitive, and the decision often hinges upon the specific features you are willing to accept compromises on. Recently, I’ve come across two controllers that are very well balanced in terms of specs – the GameSir Tegenaria Lite and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wired. They offer “pro” specs like 1000Hz polling rate and Hall Effect joystick sensors.
If you are looking for the best performance-per-dollar wired controller, this is the matchup you want to read.
– PlayStation controller style shape (long, flat, thin body)
– Textured plastic on back half of controller for grip. No rubber. Offers slightly lower grip.
– Feels comfortable to hold, buttons positioned well
– Retro Grey
– Serene White
– MenaRD Collaboration
– Light sticks with low tension. No evident anti-friction ring. Not as smooth and will get a little scratchy soon.
– Feels pretty good
– No Trigger stops
– Low travel distance
– Smooth, but not as smooth as ultimate 2C wired
– Feels average and decent
– Pretty stable and reminiscent of PS5 DualSense controller
– Has some tactile feel, but feels mushy in this comparison
– Excellent central pivot mechanism
– Feels mushy but has enough tactility to not make mis-inputs
– Accuracy is good and performance is good
– Fairly tactile, feels nice. Softer tactility
– Flat button top feels nice to press
– Re-mapable
– Comfortable position and actuation
– Good vibration intensity (can be adjusted)
– Feels nice and moderately detailed
– 1000hz
– good latency numbers. No qualms in experience
Compatible with windows, android, switch
– Cables are a common point of failure in controllers. The cable joints are sufficiently re-inforced, but I would have preferred a detachable cable.
– Wukong Special Edition – $24.99
– Nintendo Switch Pro controller shape (boxy, less flared handles)
– Textured plastic on back of controller for grip. No rubber. Offers better grip.
– Feels less ergonomic for my large hands due to boxy shape. It’s still comfortable, but less comfortable compared to the Tegenaria Lite.
– Mint
– Peach
– Green
– Purple
– Black Myth : Wukong Collaboration (costs $5 more)
– Light sticks with moderate tension. POM anti-friction ring. Significantly smoother and won’t get scratchy.
– Feels nicer than Tegenaria Lite sticks
– No Trigger stops
– Moderate travel distance
– Much smoother
– Feels great
– Very stable and responsive
– Very tactile, feels significantly better
– Central pivot is good in terms of tilting and diagonal inputs, but I don’t like how mobile it is. I prefer a stable central pivot.
– Feels great. There’s a little bit of pre-travel which isn’t ideal imo, but easy to get used to.
– Accurate, with great diagonal inputs as well
– Fairly tactile, feels nice. Sharper tactility
– Rounder button top. Still feels good, but I prefer the flat feel of the Tegenaria Lite
– Re-mapable
– Comfortable position and actuation
– Good vibration intensity (non adjustable)
– Feels nice and detailed.
– 1000hz
– Industry leading latency numbers. No qualms in experience
Compatible with windows, android
– Good for repairabilty. You can use any USB-C cable that you like, which is a plus for traveling and the likes
So which one should you buy?
Choose the GameSir Tegenaria Lite if:
- You prefer a symmetric (PlayStation-style) stick layout
- You prefer a standard, flared shape in terms of ergonomics
- You prefer back buttons to extra shoulder buttons
- You need a controller that also works on the Nintendo Switch
Choose the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wired if:
- You prefer an asymmetric (Xbox-style) stick layout
- You like the longevity aspect of having hall effect triggers and a replaceable cable
- You like the cute colours this comes in
Both controllers are really good choices for budget gaming in my opinion. You won’t go wrong with either. Personally, I prefer the hall effect triggers and detachable cable of the 8bitdo Ultimate 2C Wired. BUT as I’ve said in my full review of the Tegenaria Lite, this controller should last you a year or two as well so it’s not like it’s a bad investment.
Hello! 🥰 I'm Fang.
I like gaming and related tech. I enjoy learning more, and sharing my experiences through my review videos and blog posts. Have fun! 💖
