Implementations of the disclosure describe smart controls for video game controllers that may track and store information related to their use (e.g., actuations) over time to keep track of their expected remaining life. The smart controls may removably couple to a video game controller and be replaced by other smart controls. In implementations, a smart control may include: an actuation component; a sensor to detect actuation of the actuation component in response to movement of the control; a memory to store information associated with the detected actuation; and a casing to house the sensor and memory.