Best Game Pass Games to Play with a Controller

29 January 2026

Alright fellow gamers, grab your controller, sink into your comfiest gaming chair, and let’s talk about something beautiful—playing on Game Pass with a controller in hand. Whether you’re rocking an Xbox pad on your console, or you’ve jury-rigged it to your PC like some mad scientist, the undeniable truth is: gaming feels different (read: better) with a controller. Especially when the game was practically made for it.

So, which games are the crème de la thumbstick crème? I’m glad you asked, because I’ve gone deep into the Game Pass vault (read: played too much) to bring you this totally non-biased, controller-worshipping list of epic titles.

Let’s press A to start, shall we?

🎮 Why Play With a Controller?

Okay, keyboard warriors, don’t come at me just yet.

There’s just something magical about the tactile feedback of thumbsticks, the satisfying click of bumpers, and the oh-so-perfect triggers that a controller brings to the table. For certain genres—platformers, racing games, couch co-op shenanigans, you name it—controllers reign supreme.

Also, let’s be honest: when you’re sprawled across the couch like a potato with dreams, a controller is your best friend. No one lounges with a keyboard and mouse. That’s serial killer behavior.

🚀 Top Game Pass Games That Shine With a Controller

Ready to dive into the button-mashing goodness? Here’s the list of the best Game Pass games that you'll absolutely want to play with a controller. Some are cozy, some are chaotic, but all are controller-compatible joyrides.

1. Forza Horizon 5

Genre: Racing / Open World Vibes

If you’ve ever dreamed of screaming through the streets of Mexico in a $500,000 hypercar with not a traffic light in sight—you need Forza Horizon 5 in your life. This game is basically a playground for car lovers and adrenaline junkies. The controls? Smooth as melted butter.

Using a controller here gives you precise analog steering, perfect for hairpin turns and off-road chaos alike. Plus, it’s just not the same slamming into cacti with a keyboard. Trust me.

Hot tip: Turn off the driving assists for a real thrill. Or leave them on if you drive like I text. No judgment.

2. Hades

Genre: Roguelike / Action

If you haven’t played Hades yet… first of all, who hurt you?

This is a fast-paced, mythology-drenched roguelike where you play the angsty but lovable Zagreus as he tries to escape dad's fiery basement (aka the Underworld). It's all about dashing, slashing, and looking cool while doing it.

On a controller, it’s fluid, responsive, and you’ll feel like a Greek god of stylish combat. The keyboard might get the job done, but with a controller, this game sings. Like, ancient choir-sings.

3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Genre: Metroidvania / Platformer / Emotional Gut Punch

This game is art. Like... it should be in a museum or something. But instead, you can play it with a controller and weep softly at its beauty.

The platforming mechanics are tight, and pulling off complex combos with a controller makes you feel like a precision ninja sprite. It's a game that rewards the rhythm of your thumbs. Pro tip: have tissues nearby. You’ve been warned.

4. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Genre: FPS / Couch Co-op Goodness

It wouldn’t be a Game Pass list without Master Chief showing up, right? Whether you’re jumping into the OG campaign with a buddy or going online to get pancaked by teenagers with lightning reflexes, Halo with a controller is iconic.

And let’s face it—Halo was born on Xbox. It practically demands a controller. It’s like trying to eat spaghetti with a spoon. Possible? Sure. Ideal? Absolutely not.

5. Celeste

Genre: Indie Platformer / Personal Growth Simulator (kind of)

This one’s deceptively tough but endlessly rewarding. Celeste isn’t just a pixelated mountain climb—it’s a metaphor for anxiety, perseverance, and sticking it to your inner demons. Deep, right?

Using a controller here isn’t just preferred; it’s a necessity. The tight controls and delicate jumps require finesse, and face it, you're not pulling that off with WASD. No way.

6. Psychonauts 2

Genre: Action-Adventure / Brain-Bending Platformer

This game is like if Tim Burton directed an episode of “Hey Arnold!”. Weird? Yes. Brilliant? Also yes. You play as Razputin, a junior psychic spy, hopping into people's minds and solving their problems... usually by beating up their inner demons.

The art style + humor = chef’s kiss. Using a controller to glide, float, and hurl telekinetic objects feels intuitive and satisfying. Plus, there's something cathartic about smashing someone’s mental baggage with a psychic punch.

7. Stardew Valley

Genre: Farming Sim / Life Sim / Therapy in Pixels

Okay, hear me out. Farming with a controller? Absolutely yes. Navigating menus, planting crops, fishing, wooing all the single villagers—it just feels smoother.

This cozy little masterpiece is perfect for controller lounging. Sit back, zone out, and live your best pixelated farm life. Bonus points if you name your farm something completely ridiculous. (Mine’s called “Yeet Acres.” Don’t judge.)

8. Dead Cells

Genre: Roguelite / Hack-n-Slash Chaos

Dead Cells is the kind of game that doesn’t hold your hand. It drop-kicks you into danger and expects you to figure it out. You will die. A lot. But it’s so fun, you’ll just keep running back for more.

A controller makes the combat feel like a symphony of violence. The jump-dodge-attack rhythm syncs perfectly with a thumbstick and buttons. Keyboards just don’t let you dance the same way.

9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Genre: Beat ‘Em Up / Nostalgia Overload

Feel the need for a little retro chaos? This game is pizza-fueled, co-op madness, and it’s practically begging for a couch full of friends (and pizza...obviously).

Using a controller here is half the nostalgia trip. Remember arcade sticks? This is the next best thing. Mash, kick, repeat. Cowabunga, baby.

10. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Genre: JRPG / Street Soap Opera / Karaoke Simulator

This game is bonkers in the best way. It's a turn-based RPG with heartfelt stories, wild characters, and side quests that’ll have you questioning your real life.

Controller support is perfect for navigating the vibrant streets and weird minigames, especially when you're too busy giggling your way through a chicken-managing real estate plotline. No, really. That happens.

🛋️ Bonus Round: Couch Co-Op Controller Hits

Because what's better than gaming with a controller? Gaming with friends who also have controllers and questionable competitive spirits.

Here are a few co-op friendly gems on Game Pass to keep the combo moves and friendship-ending betrayals coming:

- Overcooked! 2 – Chaos in the kitchen. Shouting guaranteed.
- It Takes Two – A wild romantic therapy ride in game form.
- Gang Beasts – Like fighting jelly beans with legs. Hilarious.
- Castle Crashers – Hack-and-slash. Bright colors. Absolute chaos.

Invite friends. Lose friends. Laugh about it later… maybe.

🎯 Controller Tips for Maximum Comfort

Let’s not forget the real MVP of controller gaming: comfort. Here’s how to make your controller-powered Game Pass sessions even better:

- Charge it up: Running out of battery mid-boss fight? That’s pain.
- Get grippy: Thumb grips or controller skins = better control + style.
- Big screen, big vibes: Playing on a TV with a Bluetooth controller? You’ve arrived.
- Don’t forget snacks: But maybe don’t Cheeto-finger your analog sticks. That’s just messy.

🕹️ So, Which Game Will You Press Start On?

Game Pass is packed with gems, but not all games are created equal when it comes to controllers. The ones we’ve listed here? Pure ergonomic joy. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll curse the air when you miss that last platform for the 15th time. And through it all, your controller will be right there with you—your trusty, button-clicking sidekick.

So go on, fire up Game Pass and let your thumbsticks do the walking.

And if anyone asks why you haven’t answered your texts lately… just say you're “training your reflexes.” Sounds cool. Totally legit.