If there's one thing I'm sure of this November, it's that there will be some great Black Friday controller deals going around. It's going to still be tough to get full systems, graphics cards, and especially memory and storage at big discounts, but there will be peripherals going for a song. That's particular exciting because things have been changing in controllers over the past year, and previous models are still quality, but will likely have big discounts attached to them.
When it comes to the key high-end technology of today, such as TMR sticks and Hall effect triggers, that isn't necessarily the preserve of the super-premium $200 controllers. Companies such as GameSir and Easy SMX have brought these features down into the mainstream and you can find some of the best PC controllers sporting them for bargain prices right now.
Where to find the best Black Friday controller deals
- Amazon: All the pads you could ever want
- Walmart: Solid controllers, series savings
- Best Buy: Big name pads with big value discounts
- Newegg: Big savings on big brand controllers
Black Friday controller deals
 "GameSir Nova Lite")
It's incredible to think you can spend so little and get a stick drift-resistant wireless controller that doesn't completely suck. Luckily for the GameSir Nova Lite, it does all of the above and manages to feel good and light in the hands, too.
Key specs: Wireless (Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz) | Asymmetric | Hall effect
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 "8BitDo Ultimate 2C")
We've already raved about Hall effect joysticks and how they spell the end for the dreaded stick drift. In this wireless gaming controller, they're a welcome feature, but this handful of gaming hardware packs a few quirky surprises too. For instance, there are extra bumper buttons.
Key specs: Hall effect sticks, triggers | 2.4G wireless | 19 h battery
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 "8BitDo Ultimate 3-mode")
Though not the latest Ultimate controller to date, it is the best-priced right now, and with a cute included charging dock and stick-drift-resistant sticks, it's sure to last you a long time. The only real caveat to me is the 250 Hz polling (200 Hz wireless), which is better than Sony and Microsoft, but it means a 4-5 ms response time to your device.
Key specs: Wired and Wireless | Hall effect joysticks and impulse triggers | 2 back paddle buttons | 3.5 mm jack | up to 250 Hz polling | 250 g
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 "EasySMX X05 Pro")
The X05 Pro doesn't look like a budget controller. It uses Hall effect for the thumbsticks, which makes it resistant to stick drift. Moreover, it's wireless and comes with a charging dock. It's an easy pick even at full price.
Key specs: Wireless (2.4 + Bluetooth) | HE sticks
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 "Xbox Wireless controller")
It may be vulnerable to stick drift (and that's a big downside), but it's hard to deny the quality on show with Microsoft's Xbox controller. Textured grips, clicky buttons, a nice weight and feel: it's got everything you need, ergonomically speaking.
Key specs: Wireless | Asymmetric sticksPrice watch: Best Buy $69.99 | Amazon $54
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 "Scuf Valor Pro (wired)")
This is the best wired controller for PC gaming because it's just so damn satisfying to use. Everything about it screams quality, from the clicky DPAD to thunky back paddles. And it's fairly modular and customizable, too.
Key specs: Wired (USB-C) | Hall effect thumbsticks | 260 gPrice check: Amazon $109.99
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 "Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K")
With a great feel, superb specs, and a bunch of remappable buttons, the Wolverine V3 Pro 8K is not only viable as a competitive choice, but comfy enough for everyday use.
Key specs: Up to 8,000 Hz | TMR thumbsticks | Hall effect triggers | included carry case | Wireless and wired | 20 hour battery life (with 1,000 Hz polling)
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Perfect as a starter or low-budget option with a list of useful features like 6 programmable buttons, Lightsync RGB effects and a ton of customisation via Logitech's G Hub software, this mouse proves that you don't need to go fancy to get a great gaming peripheral. Key specs: Wired | 8,000 DPI | Right-handed Price check:Best Buy $39.99
With a solid build quality, good compatibility and sweet design, the Glorious GHS is a thoroughly middle-of-the-pack budget gaming headset, but is a bit of a steal with a third off. Key specs: 40 mm drivers | 20 hz - 20 kHz | 255 g
The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is our favorite budget wireless mouse—it's nothing fancy, but it's lightweight, has great battery life, and uses a killer sensor. The only thing to note is that this deal isn't necessarily that out of left field—the G305 hasn't been at full price for a while, but it's still worth snagging if you need a nice budget option with no frills. Key specs: Wireless | 12,000 DPI | Right-handed Price check: Best Buy $49.99
Already reasonably priced, who could say no to this charming rodent at a deep discount? Offering precision and durability with buttons rated for 10 million clicks—plus an array of fetching colours—this remains a great budget pick for good reason. Key specs: Wireless gaming mouse | Hero sensor | 12K CPI | 5 programmable buttons | 99 g weight | 200 hour battery life
This mouse might be a few years old, but we scored it highly in our review in part thanks to that lovely ergonomic design. It also has some lush underglow RGB that's sure to tempt even those who usually hate RGB lighting. Key specs: Wired gaming mouse | 26K DPI | 11 buttons | 100 g
This is a substantial discount on a tried and tested Logitech gaming mouse, with a large amount of customisation. The G502 Hero uses the Hero 25K sensor for accuracy, 11 customizable buttons, and comes with five removable weights to adjust the feel for even the pickiest of competitive gamers. Key specs: Wired | 25,600 DPI | Right-handed Price check:Best Buy $69.99
The Razer BlackShark V2 X is a remarkably good gaming headset, so much so that we'd say it was absolutely worth its full asking price, never mind the $20 discount you'll find here. Razer's 50 mm titanium drivers are nicely punchy and capable of plenty of volume without distortion, it's well-made, comfortable to wear all day, and the mic is pretty good, too. Plus, it's got a green cable, and we all know that pop of colour makes wired gaming headsets better by default. Key specs:50 mm drivers | Wired | Cardioid microphone
Logitech has been cranking out decent budget gaming headsets for a while, but this one's actually more of a mid-range set with a very healthy discount. The black and blue colorway won't be for everyone, but with 7.1 surround sound, a flip-to-mute mic, and DTS Headphone:X 2.0 support, this is certainly a whole lot of headset for the cash. Key specs: 50 mm drivers | 20-20,000 Hz | Closed-back | Wired Price check: Best Buy $49.99
If you're wondering why you might pay a little more than the Razer headsets above for, well, another Razer headset, the answer is comfort. Don't get me wrong, the BlackShark V2 X is a comfy thing to wear, but the plush, cushy memory foam cushions of the Kraken are well worth considering if you're looking for as much all-day usage as possible. It still sounds great, too. Key specs: 40 mm drivers | 20-20,000 Hz | Closed-back | Wired Price check: Best Buy $59.99
We gave this mouse an 85% in our review, praising its very low weight, huge battery life, and super-responsive feel. It doesn't have quite as many fun extras as competitors and can be a bit of a fingerprint magnet, but it is a super solid choice at this price. Key specs: Wireless | 26,000 DPI | Symmetrical Price check:Best Buy $99.99
We found this headset to be very comfy in our review, with a balanced sound that still manages to keep a decent whack of bass. Our major drawback was the MSRP, but at $58 this set of cans is well worth a look. Key specs: 53 mm drivers | 15-25,000 Hz | Closed-back | Wired Price check: Best Buy $57.99
These earbuds might not be ideal just for gaming (their low-latency mode is pretty poor), but for listening to music and more casual gaming, they're great. They have a great sound profile, sit comfortably, and look pretty snazzy, too. Key specs: Bluetooth 5.4 | 42.5-hour battery life (9.5 from earbuds) | 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response
This KTC pick is a budget pick, and it knows it. The 100 Hz refresh rate is just okay; a VA panel means less good viewing angles and color accuracy, but it's a solid enough gaming monitor, and the cheapest I'd actually recommend right now. Remember to use the code "LDSF246" for the full discount Key specs: 24-inch | 100 Hz | 1 ms | VA
This controller is comfy, responsive, and all its various buttons, sticks, and triggers feel very high-quality. There's little to dislike about the Valor Pro unless you really don't want to keep that cable. This is a great price for a Scuf controller, too. Key Specs: Wired USB Type-C | Xbox, Windows | Hall effect thumbsticks
With a $50 discount, this is the highest refresh rate 1080p monitor you will find at its price point. It's also IPS, which offers better viewing angles and colours than VA and comes with a solid response time too. Key specs: 23.8-inch | 200 Hz | 0.5 ms | IPS
With a strong battery life, super comfortable fit, and nice, airy materials, the Asus ROG Pelta is a bit of a belter. At its usual price, it's still a very good offering, but $45 off makes it an instant recommendation. Key specs: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and USB-C connectivity | 90-hour battery life
With a hurtling-fast refresh rate and snappy response rate, this IPS panel from MSI is a solid competitive pick for just under $100. Key specs: 24-inch | 200 Hz | 0.5 ms | IPS
You might not like the VA panel and its low brightness, but you'll surely like the speed and price tag. 250 Hz, 0.5 ms pixel time, and adaptive sync will all help to ensure you get super-silky gaming. Key specs: 25-inch | 250 Hz | 0.5 ms | VA Price check: Best Buy OOS | Micro Centre OOS
Available Coupons & Deals
Black Friday controller deals in the UK
Where are the best Black Friday controller deals in the UK?
- Amazon: Big discounts on top-brand controllers
- Overclockers: A whole bunch of controllers to choose from
- Scan: Gamepads from just £15
- Box: Controllers for everyone
- Currys: Controllers from as little as £20
- Argos: Good prices on budget to high-end controllers
 "GameSir Nova Lite")
This gaming controller remains our top budget pick for good reason. In our review, James was particularly impressed by just how much GameSir cram into such an affordable package, highlighting the controller's Hall Effect sticks and 2.4 GHz connectivity.
Key specs: Hall effect thumb sticks | 2.4G wireless | 10 h battery
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 "GameSir Nova Lite 2")
An upgraded and improved version of the Nova Lite, this controller sets the standard for what you can score for a relatively slim amount of money. Hall effect everywhere and a mechanical D-pad.
Key specs: Hall effect joysticks + triggers | 2.4G wireless | 1000 Hz polling
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 "8BitDo Pro 3")
Though a little on the narrower side, this well-balanced controller remains comfortable to play through long sessions. A 20-hour battery life, plus the option to game while you charge (even without using the included dock), ensures this gamepad won't leave you high and dry when you need it most.
Key specs: TMR sticks | Hall effect triggers | Swappable ABXY Buttons | Charging dock | 2.4 G wireless | 20h battery
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 "Razer Wolverine V3 Pro")
A superb controller that's sufficiently endgame for most players. Every button and trigger offers excellent feedback and it features Hall effect sticks for improved stick drift resistance.
Key specs: Hall effect joysticks | 2.4G wireless | mecha-tactile buttons
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