Summary
The debate between keyboard and mouse versus controller has been around forever. Dedicated PC gamers won’t budge from their beloved WASD keys, while controller users cherish the analog stick and buttons. It’s not about one being better than the other; both have their pros and cons.
Most PC games come with built-in controller support, but it’s clear they’re designed with a keyboard and mouse in mind. On the flip side, some games take a different approach, promoting the use of controllers for a more seamless gaming experience. Certain game developers are considerate of controller users in the PC gaming realm.
Updated on June 17, 2025, by PJ Molloy:Many iconic console games have finally made it to PC over the past couple of months, and wouldn’t you know it, they’re much better played with a controller. We’ve updated the list with the most notable examples.
Nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a breathtaking remake of the legendary PS1 JRPG. Revisit the epic battle between mercenary Cloud Strife and the vengeful demigod Sephiroth, now featuring real-time combat, a revamped story, and a mesmerizing open world to explore.
While certain minigames work great with a keyboard and mouse, you’re much better off using a controller when exploring or marching into combat. The bindings on the gamepad allow for the most accessible and console-accurate experience, and it saves you the trouble of having to remap the keys.
Initially a PS5-exclusive, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 swung onto Steam in January 2025. When Manhattan is terrorized by ferocious villains like Venom, Kraven the Hunter, and The Lizard, it’s up to Peter Parker and Miles Morales to once again save the day.
As a Sony-published title, the gameplay was designed with a DualSense controller in mind. While it’s certainly playable with a keyboard and mouse, you’ll have a much easier time juggling the camera, web-slinging, and combat with the more comfortable layout provided by a PlayStation gamepad.
If you like Dragon Ball, then Sparking Zero is right up your alley. Set in the Budokai Tenkachi series, this 3D fighter pits you against iconic heroes and villains from the shows and movies. Everything from the fast-paced combat to the stunning animations is top-notch, making it a must-play for anime fans.
Much like other 3D fighting games, this one is best played with a gamepad. Not only is it more comfortable for racking up combos, but it also saves your keyboard from taking a beating due to rapid-fire inputs. You don’t want any keys falling off, after all.
From the director of Persona 5, Metaphor: ReFantazio is an epic medieval JRPG with all the social simulation, dungeon-crawling, and visual novel segments you know and love from other Atlus titles. Take control of Will, who must raise an army and enter the Royal Tournament to win the title of heir to the throne.
While it’s certainly possible to play with a mouse and keyboard, using a controller feels better overall, especially when moving the camera. It makes exploration much easier to do, so make sure to pick up a gamepad before heading into dungeons.
You know a controller is essential when the title screen threatens you with violence if you use a keyboard. The first thing you see when starting Super Meat Boy is a randomly selected message demanding you plug in a gamepad. Needless to say, you should probably listen to it.
Super Meat Boy is notoriously one of the hardest platformers ever made, featuring devilish level design, extremely precise jumps, and deadly obstacles galore. Accuracy, comfort, and near perfection are vital to reaching the end credits. Pick up a controller if you want to stand a chance.
Any fan of racing games will tell you to pick up a controller before getting behind the wheel. The case in point is Forza Horizon 5. This high-speedopen-world adventurehas you zooming through the streets of Mexico in search of missions and races to compete in. Like most racers, you’ll have a much better time if you bring along a gamepad.
For starters, using an analog joystick allows for more control over your speed. Even the subtlest changes in acceleration or breaks can mean the difference between first and last place, which is much harder to pull off while using keys. Not to mention, a controller provides much smoother steering, which is also vital to winning challenges.
Pizza Tower made a big splash for several reasons, including its goofy sense of humor, Wario Land-inspired platforming, and art style reminiscent of ’90s cartoons. But above all else, this indie platformer is famous for its arcade-style score attack system, which ranks you based on your combos and point count. To get that almighty P-rank, you’ll need a controller, for sure.
Obtaining a high score requires nothing less than perfection. Not only must you complete two laps around the level within a strict time limit, but you must also keep your combo going by constantly pummeling enemies and grabbing every collectible in sight. That kind of precision is much easier to perform with a joystick and buttons.
Yakuza 0 is so much better with a controller that even Sega is vocal about it. When booting up the game, you’re greeted with a disclaimer saying, “Real Yakuza use a gamepad.” Granted, some minigames work just fine with a keyboard and mouse. When it comes to combat, however, you might want to grab your controller before heading into battle.
Firstly, button-mashing is generally more comfortable with a joystick and buttons than constantly whacking your poor keyboard. Second, the game was designed with gamepad support in mind, making the mouse and keyboard seem more like a finicky afterthought than a helpful alternative. If you want to conquer the criminal underworld, make sure you do it with a controller in hand.
Stray is upfront about controllers — you will have a better gaming experience using one. There are several chase sequences where timing and accuracy are crucial. One wrong move with a mouse could result in you becoming zurk food.
It’s possible to play with the keyboard and mouse, but in this case it might be best to listen to B12 (the developers, not the drone) and go with a controller for smoother gameplay. Your nerves and hands will thank you for it.
If you’ve played any Dark Souls game on a console, you’re familiar with their challenging nature, even with a controller. Now, picture playing them on a PC – you have to map the keys and remember them. If you’re not accustomed to it, it’s not ideal. Games like these are typically better suited for a controller due to quicker reflexes and responses. You might miss a key when using a keyboard, leading to your demise.
While it’s possible to play these games with a mouse and keyboard, it can be quite tough. Although achievable, you’ll likely have a better experience using a controller.
