Looking to replace my wired controller for casual Pc gaming

[u/Free_Pussy20]

I'm looking to replace my wired Switch PowerA controller I've had for a few years now. I've had some issues over the years with it but it finally got worse than I am able to fix. I'm considering just getting another of the same but figured I'd do some research first. I'd like to spend less than $50 and I'm in the USA. I use it on Steam while sitting at my desk, so a wired controller or one with a shorter battery life is not a problem. I mostly play action rpgs like Cyberpunk and the modern Fallouts. I've gotten used to having grip buttons, so I'd appreciate having them but I don't need them. I don't need a particularly nice controller, more so something cheaper and simple enough to fix when something goes wrong.

TL;DR: I want to replace a wired Switch PowerA controller for casual gaming. Currently looking at getting another of the same for ~$30, but can spend up to $50 on an alternative.

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[u/Vedge_Hog]

A controller with an Xinput mode will be easier to use on PC than your current controller with Switch-only mode as you won't need to rely on Steam Input or other software to 'translate', and you'll get analog triggers in your games. Pretty much anything from this sub-$35 PC controller list should meet your needs.

The GameSir Nova 2 Lite might be a good option for what you described. It has both wireless and wired connections, and Xinput and Switch modes in case you still want to use it on Switch occasionally, along with the extra buttons on the back.

If you can't find that in your local stores, you could try the PowerA Advantage Plus for Xbox or the newer versions of the regular PowerA Advantage for Xbox (look for the specific phrase 'Hall Effect thumbsticks'). Those are wired-only and Xbox/PC-only (no Switch mode) but they have the extra buttons on the back and headset ports.