The best controller for Rocket League will make sure you can aerial faster, dribble more accurately, and flick like the largest of fingers to outperform your competition.
If you've already got one of the best controllers for PS5 and Xbox, then you'll know what you're looking for here. The best controller for Rocket League needs adjustable triggers, extra buttons, paddles, and ideally quick-swap profiles too. There is a lot of crossover with the best PS5 and Xbox gamepads as a result, but we have also included a couple of great options for PC and even Switch in our selection.
So, not only have we looked closely at these kinds of features as well as reviews, prices, and any other additional specs, but we've also got top picks for every platform. With that in mind, it's time to get into it...
Best controllers for Rocket League
- 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
1. PS5 DualSense Edge
Best PS5 controller for Rocket League
Where to buy *
- Amazon - $237.82 / £199.00
- Best Buy - $199.99
- PlayStation Direct - £209.99
* prices are accurate at the time of update
The new titan of PlayStation controllers is the DualSense Edge. It's a fairly pricey controller, which does drop its rating a little in our review, but it is incredibly impressive aside from that, and we believe it can take your Rocket League skills to the next level.
it features, and bear with us here, swappable stick modules, mappable back buttons that are also swappable, adjustable trigger lengths, remappable buttons in general, and quick-swap profiles so you can keep a special setup just for Rocket League. All of these features tick the boxes we mentioned in the introduction, which means you can react quickly and access commonly used commands much easier.
It's also really comfortable, has a decent battery life, and looks great. That last point won't necessarily help you online, but it does add to the overall appeal of the DualSense Edge.
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
2. Xbox Elite Series 2
Best Xbox controller for Rocket League
Where to buy *
- Amazon - $130.77 / £148.50
- Microsoft Store - $150.99 / £149.99
- Best Buy - $179.99
* prices are accurate at the time of update
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.
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent on multiple platforms, including PC
- Comes with replacement buttons and customisable options
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3. Razer Wolverine V2
Best PC controller for Rocket League
Where to buy *
* prices are accurate at the time of update
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.
Reasons to buy:
- Amazing triggers that can improve your speed
- Has a headphone jack for online communication
- Highly rated in StealthOptional's review
Read More: Best gaming headset deals
4. SCUF Instinct Pro
Best competitive controller for Rocket League
Where to buy *
- Currys - £199.00
* prices are accurate at the time of update
Rated highly in our review, the SCUF Instinct Pro is an incredible bit of hardware that'll allow you to completely change the way you play Rocket League for the better.
Aside from coming in a few different colors, which is always nice, it has remappable back paddles and instant triggers, and it works on a variety of platforms too, meaning you can even use it to play Sideswipe.
It also has multiple profiles you can switch between, meaning you can try different ways of playing to find one you like, and set up different profiles for different game modes if you're feeling fancy.
It's also supremely comfortable, which isn't essential, but does help when you're planning on gaming for a long time. If you're into Rocket League and looking for a controller built for the game, we'd say long gaming sessions aren't uncommon, so this one is definitely worth checking out.
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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5. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Best Nintendo Switch controller for Rocket League
Where to buy *
- Amazon - $67.00 / £49.95
- Walmart - $58.99
- Nintendo Store - £59.99
* prices are accurate at the time of update
If you want to get the most out of Rocket League on your Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Pro controller is a solid choice.
This controller is incredibly lightweight, coming in at a mere 250 grams, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go gamers. It also comes with built-in HD rumble technology, which should add that extra layer of immersion while playing.
The Nintendo Switch Pro controller also boasts an ergonomic design and features thumbsticks in the classic Xbox offset position, making it familiar to use for many gamers, and a top pick for Rocket League overall.
Reasons to buy:
- One of the better budget options
- A great, official option for the Switch
Read More: Best video game deals
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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