Best controller for Mortal Kombat 1 – top pad and fightstick picks

We check out the best controllers for MK1, whatever your preference

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Now that we’re finally ready to test our strength yet again in the world of Mortal Kombat, we’ve picked out the best controller for Mortal Kombat. Or kontroller if you prefer. We’ve put a strong focus on those looking for the best controller for PC, taking a look at some specialized pads for fighting games while we’re at it. Important to check out the best controller settings for MK1 too so you get comfortable using your chosen input device.

With the MK1 release date now here, and the online stress test previously giving us early access, this list of our favorite pads will hopefully allow you to take your Mortal Kombat game to the next level. For a fighting game like MK, precision and comfort is key. Let’s get to it.

Best controller for MK1: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Compatibility

Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC

Weight

345g/12.1oz

Buttons

Standard Xbox layout +4 programmable paddle

Connectivity

Xbox Wireless, USB Type-C, 3.5mm stereo headset jack

Wireless range

15-20ft

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Pros

• Comfortable to hold
• Easy compatibility with PC
• Four programmable back paddles
• D-pad is great for fighting games

Cons

• Relatively expensive

Our top pick has to be the high-end Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. If you’re a fan of Xbox controllers, this is the pick of the bunch and offers a premium feel which is hard to beat. Whether you’re going to be playing MK1 on Xbox or PC, you’re good to go with easy compatibility. Whether you’re simply enjoying the story or want to enjoy the more competitive side of the genre, this pad is perfect.

You’ll find that the controller feels responsive, and the 4 back paddles offer you additional ways to map your controls for maximum comfort. One key aspect of this Xbox Elite controller is the D-pad: the concave shape feels comfortable to play with and is perfectly responsive for fighting game fans that value the accuracy over the analog stick.

Best wired controller for MK1: Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

Combatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Weight

13.4 ounces

Buttons

Standard Xbox layout + 6 multi-function buttons, and 2-stage trigger paddles

Connectivity

Wired

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Pros

• Super tactile button presses
• 6 additional multi-function buttons
• D-pad feels responsive
• Interchangeable thumbstick caps

Cons

• Wired only

Next up is the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, which is an excellent choice if you want a high-end option featuring RGB lighting. We’ve picked it as our best wired option, which is great if you don’t want to deal with battery life or simply aren’t bothered by a cable. One of the best things about this controller is the tactile and responsive buttons and D-pad, which feel great for an input-heavy game such as Mortal Kombat.

Yet again you get extra functionality over your standard controller here with 6 additional remappable buttons on top of the familiar Xbox controller layout. That’s four extra triggers and 2 remappable bumpers to allow you to setup your controller just how you like it, including two paddle-like trigger stop-switches, though these admittedly come in handy more for shooters.

Best fighting game controller for MK1: HORI Fighting Commander Octa

HORI Fighting Commander Octa

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

Weight

12.2 ounces

Buttons

Six-button layout, micro switch buttons, adjustable D-pad., 2x triggers, 2x bumpers

Connectivity

Wired

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Pros

• Officially licensed by Microsoft
• Customizable profiles
• Six-button layout great for fighting games
• Adjustable D-pad

Cons

• Not ideal outside of fighting games

Next up we’re going to take at something a little more specialized – the HORI Fighting Commander. This particular model features a octagonal analog stick gate for more accurate directional inputs. One of the stand-out features though which sets it apart from more mainstream options is the six-button layout on the face of a controller, which is more akin to arcade-style controllers.

As you can see, this is a great option for fighting games in general and Mortal Kombat is perfectly suited for this kind of control scheme. There are still 4 bumpers/triggers on the top of the controller in case that’s your preference, but the classic 6-button style is great if that’s what you’re used to. This controller even features up to four profiles to tinker with in the companion app. You can switch between them using the profile button on the controller itself.

Best arcade stick for MK1: MAYFLASH F500

MAYFLASH F500 Arcade FightStick

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

Weight

6.56 lbs

Buttons

8-button arcade layout, turbo functions, X input / D input switch

Connectivity

Wired

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Pros

• Excellent compatibility
• Not too light or cheap
• 8-button layout useful any fighting game
• Responsive and durable

Cons

• Not practical in other genres

For die-hard fans of the good-old fashioned arcade stick, the MAYFLASH F500 fightstick is just what you need for Mortal Kombat 1. We’ve picked this out due to its fantastic value for money and wide-ranging compatibility with just about any platform you like. Although MK1 performs perfectly well on a more conventional console controller, the classic style is hard to beat for some.

In the world of arcade sticks, customization can get expensive, so it’s nice to see Mayflash providing a simple solution which is ready to plug in and play. It features an 8-button layout which means it’s great for any fighting game of your choosing, and a robust ball-top stick for long-lasting use. Overall, a great value arcade stick for that classic feel.

Best controller for Mortal Kombat 1: honorable mentions

Now we’ve gotten through our main picks, we want to include a couple extras that didn’t quite make the cut. Especially for those of you looking for a controller for PS5 or with a PlayStation layout familiar to them. Thanks to Steam’s excellent controller implementation, getting a DualSense controller working on PC is nice and simple, so you can opt for one if you’re used to this kind of control scheme but will be playing Mortal Kombat 1 on PC.

If the PS5 Sony DualSense controller doesn’t cut it for you, maybe it’s worth taking a look at the DualSense Edge. It’s a premium pick which improves the feel and functionality to really make you comfortable in the world of MK1. On the flip side, we also recommend the PowerA Enhanced wired controller for a budget Xbox option if you don’t want to splash out on a more high-end pad.

Best controller for Mortal Kombat 1 FAQs

Do you need an arcade stick for Mortal Kombat 1?

Despite Mortal Kombat’s arcade roots, it isn’t necessary to use a fightstick to enjoy the game. It works perfectly well on a more modern style controller and largely comes down to personal preference.

Can you play Mortal Kombat with a controller on PC?

Yes, controller functionality is easy on PC. Xbox controllers have long been a go-to thanks to their easy functionality with Windows, but now PlayStation-style options work just as well, especially with additional support from Steam.