Controller thumb grips are one of the cheapest upgrades you can make to a gamepad. They're small silicone caps that slip over your analog sticks, and players use them for better grip, more comfort and to protect the sticks from wearing out.
But do they actually help? Here's what thumb grips do, what they don't do, how to put them on, and which controllers they fit.
What are controller thumb grips?
Thumb grips are silicone or rubber covers that stretch over the top of a controller's analog sticks. They add a textured surface, and some styles make the stick slightly taller or wider. They don't change anything inside the controller, so they work on any console and in any game.
Do thumb grips really help?
Honestly: they help with feel, not with skill. Here's what you can expect.
What they do
- Less thumb slip. The original stick tops get smooth over time, and sweaty thumbs slide off in long or intense sessions. A textured grip gives your thumb something to hold on to.
- Protect the original sticks. The rubber on stock sticks wears down and can tear with heavy use. A cover takes that wear instead, and replacing a grip costs far less than replacing a controller.
- More comfort. Soft silicone feels nicer on your thumbs than worn plastic and rubber, especially if you play for hours.
- A bit of style. Colored grips are an easy way to personalize a controller, or to tell two identical controllers apart.
What they don't do
- They won't fix stick drift. Drift comes from wear inside the stick module, not from the cap on top.
- They won't magically improve your aim. Better grip means more consistent small movements for some players, but it takes a few sessions to get used to the new feel.
If your thumbs slip, your stick rubber is worn, or you just want your controller to feel fresher, they're worth it. If you're perfectly happy with the stock sticks, you won't miss much.
How to put thumb grips on
- Clean the sticks first. Wipe them with a slightly damp cloth and let them dry so the grip sits firmly.
- Hook one edge over the stick. Tilt the stick to one side and pull the edge of the grip over the rim.
- Stretch it around the rest of the rim. Work your way around until the grip snaps fully over the edge.
- Center it. Press the middle down and check it sits evenly, with no gaps.
- Test it. Rotate the stick in full circles and press it down (L3/R3) to make sure nothing catches.
To remove a grip, lift one edge with your fingernail and peel it off. To clean one, take it off, wash it in warm water with a little mild soap and let it dry completely.
Which controllers do they fit?
Most thumb grips are made for the standard stick size used by PlayStation and Xbox-style controllers. Our 16-piece Controller Thumb Grips fit:
- PS5 DualSense
- PS4 DualShock 4
- Xbox 360
- Nintendo Switch Pro controller
- Other controllers with similar sticks
They don't fit Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite Joy-Con, which have much smaller sticks.
Why a 16-piece set?
Grips do wear out eventually, and they're easy to lose when you take them off to clean. A set of 16 in 8 colors means you can kit out several controllers, keep spares in a drawer, or match colors to your setup.
More ways to look after your controller
- Charge it on a stand, not a loose cable. A dock keeps controllers in one place and stops the USB-C port from wearing out. Our PS5 Cooling Stand charges two controllers while it keeps the console cool.
- Keep it clean. Wipe the shell and buttons with a slightly damp cloth, and brush dust out of the gaps and the charging port.
- Look after the console, too. If your PS5 gets loud, read our guide to keeping your PS5 cool.
Quick answers
Are thumb grips allowed in tournaments?
Generally yes, because they don't add any functions to the controller. If you play in organized events, check that event's controller rules to be sure.
Do thumb grips affect stick sensitivity?
They don't change the stick's electronics. Taller grips can make movements feel slower and more precise because your thumb moves further for the same input, while flat grips feel almost like stock.
Will they damage my controller?
No. Silicone grips simply stretch over the stick and come off without leaving marks.
How long do thumb grips last?
It depends on how much and how hard you play. When the texture wears smooth or the silicone starts to tear, swap in a fresh pair from the set.
Ready for a fresh feel? Grab the 16-piece Controller Thumb Grips, or browse more gear for your setup in Gaming Room.
