Best Game Controllers

Saitek X52 Flight Control System (Around $100)

Best joystick. For flight-simulator fans, the Saitek X52 game controller has a main joystick control and a separate throttle controller, and it's the top joystick in reviews for both PC and Mac gamers. The customizable buttons allow for optimum configuration for each game, and reviews say its simple software makes set-up a breeze. The Saitek joystick includes four fire buttons, 3D rudder twist and an eight-way hat switch. The throttle provides two additional fire buttons, a scroll wheel and mouse controller.

Saitek Cyborg EVO (Around $35)

Basic joystick. The Saitek Cyborg EVO is a more basic model than the Saitek X52 game controller, with a single joystick unit (the X52 also has a separate throttle). The Cyborg, however, is very flexible -- and it is one of a handful of joysticks that also works well for left-handed gamers. The Cyborg has five fire buttons, an eight-way hat switch and 3D twist. It is compatible with both PC and Mac computers.

Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 Vibration Feedback (Around $30)

Cordless gamepad. If you're a fan of sports games or action games, reviews say this Logitech gamepad is the best basic game controller for PC gaming. The Logitech is a favorite of both expert reviewers and owners, who praise its comfortable ergonomics. The vibrating gamepad has ten programmable buttons, which allows maximum play control for each game. The Rumblepad 2 is PC and Mac compatible.

Logitech MOMO Racing Wheel (Around $85)

Steering wheel game controller. The top-rated Logitech MOMO Racing Wheel comes with six buttons, two pedals, a shifter knob and two paddle shifters. It has force feedback on the 10-inch wheel. Another nice feature is that it can remember your settings for different games, so your profile is saved for the next time you play. In PC Magazine's tests, the MOMO steering wheel performed "superbly."

Thrustmaster Ferrari GT Rumble Force (Around $50)

Budget steering wheel. Although reviews say the Thrustmaster Ferrari GT Rumble Force isn't the best steering wheel, you get a lot of bang for the buck. The pedals tended to slide around a bit, but the "understated" vibration feedback is a nice touch. It is significantly less expensive than the Logitech MOMO and is compatible with both PCs and PS2 game consoles.