How to decide what kind of controller one should purchase?

Submitted ⁨⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago⁩ by ⁨xavier666@lemm.ee⁩ to ⁨games@lemmy.world⁩

https://lemm.ee/pictrs/image/f0aaee94-7aa0-4450-a94c-a5730e4ed0c3.jpeg

I have a question(s) regarding the various types of game controllers.

I need a wireless controller which supports PC (Steam Linux mainly and maybe Windows someday). While searching online, I see various types

xbox/ps5/switch controllers : These are for their respective consoles
Mobile/PC controllers : These usually connect via wire/bluetooth/2.4 GHz

Source: www.gamesir.hk

However, I see in the product specifications page of the console controllers that they also support PC. And the PC controllers sometimes support some of the consoles. The only real difference between controllers, from a technology perspective, is that is some of them support bluetooth/2.4 GHz.

So I have two questions:

If they are already cross-compatible, why even bother having different types?
How should I decide which type of controller I should buy? It should support PC, console-support is not essential.

Note: I am a novice in game controllers but aware of different network stacks.

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ms_lane@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Microsoft has their own controller protocol, xinput, it only works with xbox and PC

Sony and Nintendo both use BT HID, but add their own non-standard extras to deal with trackpads and gyros, on PC there are drivers to deal with this (inc. w/Linux kernel, extra on Windows)

For Wireless, Sony and Nintendo both use standard Bluetooth, you can pair a Switch or PS4/5 controller straight to a PC (though you will need extra software on Windows)

Microsoft uses either their somewhat proprietary 802.11AC implementation (only works with their dongles - you will need extra software on Linux, fully supported in Windows ootb) or standard Bluetooth, their BT has the highest latency of any of the 3 major controllers, but their 5ghz 802.11AC has the lowest. BT mode requires no extra drivers and will work fine ootb on Linux or Windows. You can’t use a headset plugged into the controller or connected by BT if you’re connecting the controller via BT.

MS has additional trigger rumbling/tension on the Xbox One/Series controllers, in Windows it will only work with MS Store apps - it won’t work on any Steam game :( on Linux it will work, but nothing really supports it either.

Sony has a much better implementation in the PS5 controller, nothing outside Sony published games use it though - but it’s compatible on Windows with additional drivers (DS4Win) (not sure about Linux here)

For Nintendo Switch on Windows you will need BetterJoy (previously, BetterJoyForCEMU) to support switch controllers properly, this also makes a DS4Win style gyro server, so anything that support ds4win will support Switch gyro too.

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- Doodleschmit@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  This comment is how I always hope my info dumps go when someone asks me a technical question about something I have good experience in using. 10/10 comment, love it.
  
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- SatyrSack@lemmy.one ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  
  Sony has a much better implementation in the PS5 controller, nothing outside Sony published games use it though - but it’s compatible on Windows with additional drivers (DS4Win) (not sure about Linux here)
  
  It also does not work wirelessly. The controller itself obviously does, but you will not experience the fancy haptic features unless the controller is connected via USB.
  
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  - garretble@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    How it’s been four years and Sony hasn’t released a dongle to solve this problem is beyond me. Especially now that they are releasing more and more games on pc.
    
    I have my pc in my living room, and while I’d like to just go wireless, I’ve currently decided to compromise with a super long cable just so I can get all the dualsense features.
    
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  - Hylactor@sopuli.xyz ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    I use a ps5 controller on pc and get rumble? Even the weirdo trackpad in the middle works like a cursor.
    
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- 1Fuji2Taka3Nasubi@lemmy.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Also, the button layout on switch controllers is different (A & B is swapped). This mostly matters on emulators, although you can remap the buttons, it can get confusing that they don’t match the games’ instructions on screen.
  
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  - SatyrSack@lemmy.one ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    X/Y are also swapped.
    
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- Carighan@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Yeah this is a solved problem with a lot of third-party systems though like 8bitdo has, since they just allow you to swap modes. Granted, sometimes it’s a bit wonky since for example the Switch won’t support analogue triggers but eh, it works for everything and everywhere, so I’m happy to have a single pad that has everything anybody can utilize.
  
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- xavier666@lemm.ee ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  If I could award this comment, I would have. Thank you, you answered a lot of my questions!
  
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Carighan@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
An 8bitdo Ultimate.

There, decision done, express lane service.

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- gnomesaiyan@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  I second this, great manufacturer. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is my personal preference. It looks like a Playstation and SNES controller did the fusion dance. I liked it so much I bought two: one for my PC and one for my Switch. It has a quality feel to it, excellent tactile response, and feels very comfortable in my hands.
  
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- mp3@lemmy.ca ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  I chose the Ultimate BT variant because you know, Bluetooth and the Hall Effect joystick.
  
  I bought a pack of ABXY buttons with the Xbox color scheme and layout just to make it look like the non-BT variant.
  
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  - hobovision@lemm.ee ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    The Ultimate 2.4 has right now bluetooth and hall effect sensors as well. I couldn’t get it to pair with the switch though I didn’t try super hard. It works on Bluetooth with my Android TV but for whatever reason ignores the customized buttons (I keep accidentally pressing the wing buttons on the bottom) so I use the dongle on the TV.
    
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- ElectricTrombone@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Bingo. I use the 8bitdo Pro for platforming because I like the location of the d-pad. And the 8bitdo Ultimate for games where I need joysticks.
  
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- BlindFrog@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  Second this, just get some thumbstick covers. I have the 8bitdo pro, and I’m getting tired of the joysticks peeling off onto the rest of the controller after a game.
  
  I haven’t had drift on them yet, but if/when I need to replace Old Reliable, I’m looking for hall effect joysticks.
  
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- figaro@lemdro.id ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Just checked, looks like they are wired. I get it for certain games, but generally I prefer the convenience of wireless.
  
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  - BigPotato@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    They come wired and wireless.
    
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MentalEdge@sopuli.xyz ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Don’t buy steelseries.

I like the DualSense controller. Yes, it’s “for playstation” but all controllers work on PC nowadays. Especially on Linux, the driver for PS controllers is in the kernel, and they can work both wired and via Bluetooth.

It even supports using the special features of the DualSense in some games, like the adaptive triggers when playing Rift Apart or Forbidden West.

And the touchpad works as a mouse, which is handy.

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- Sc00ter@lemm.ee ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  I don’t have a ton to add to this, but the Playstation controllers even pair with mobile devices with basically no setup. It’s impressive
  
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- MyNameIsAtticus@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  I had a Dualsense and I loved it. it served me well until it met its end to a can of Soda and my Cat. Now I use my Childhood DualShock 3 to game. It has no where near as many QoL features as its younger brother (like the touchpad). But it’s so fucking durable.
  
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- Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  The haptics and adaptive triggers are AMAZING in Returnal and Pacific Drive, too!
  
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WeLoveCastingSpellz@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
xbox series controller is my fave controller and works flawless with linux

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- YerbaYerba@lemm.ee ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  I use an Xbox controller with Linux. Only issue I ran into was a firmware update for the controller before it would work with Linux. I had to do the firmware upgrade through a Windows VM.
  
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sirico@feddit.uk ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
It’s a driver issue while they support the same connectivity tech a trigger could be an analogue sticks veriticle axis, without driver support the device can’t be read well by the system.

Reccomendation 8bitdo ultimate Works with Linux and Windows you can switch to console it’s mainly setup for switch, Hall effect sticks so no drift.

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- TrousersMcPants@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  I agree with the 8bitdo ultimate, the pro 2 was my favorite controller for a long time but the ultimate is just so reliable.
  
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wesker@lemmy.sdf.org ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
It’s really hard to beat a branded Xbox controller, these days. I was extremely skeptical for a long time, then I gave one a shot, and there’s no going back.

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one_knight_scripting@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
For PC, I would personally suggest looking for a controller with two things. Number 1, Hall effect sensors. Eliminate stick drift entirely with that alone. Number 2, replaceable joysticks. If the sticks last a long time, then the controller is expected to last longer. I just think having a way to replace work rubber is a good thing. Personally, I have loved Gulikit. My controller also happens to work on switch as well. Here is a link of you are interested in checking it out.

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- helenslunch@feddit.nl ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  How does Gulikit have a whole-ass website with zero links to actually buy their products?
  
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  - one_knight_scripting@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
    That is a totally fair question and one that I simply overlooked. Technically you can buy Gulikit through Amazon. I personally appreciate that the cost of it doesn’t go up over like a regular controller. Scuf did me dirty, I had a scuf for all of two months before the lb button fell apart and they refused to repair it. That thing cost me $185. This controller cost me $70.90 and has lasted me about two years. Here is a link to the Gulikit store on Amazon. I do recommend making sure it is from that store. I don’t know anything about it, but there is a AKNES store which sells gulikt controllers. amazon.com/…/BCC8C06B-7BF5-4D6C-A9A0-6290B8091F02…
    
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SomeGuy69@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
If you can get a controller with Hall effect sensor that would be top. Else just get an Xbox series controller and call it a day. If you’re generally ruff with your joystick, you might look into cheaper controller, as all with no hall joysticks might start to drift earlier.

I’m very happy with my xbox series controller but others haveess luck.

The best controller was my original Xbox cable controller. It lasted me 15 years or more.

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HEXN3T@lemmy.blahaj.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
Easy? Xbox Series. Fancy? DualSense. Comfy? Switch Pro. Beeg? Duke.

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- Sebastrion@leminal.space ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  Hotel? Trivago.
  
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stealth_cookies@lemmy.ca ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
If you want wireless, one thing to be concerned about is the latency of the gamepad. gamepadla.com tests many controllers for their latency.

Personally, I’ve just gone with xbox with their PC dongle. I only like controllers with the sticks in the xbox/nintendo configuration and the latency is great with their dongle. I also like that it uses standard batteries so I just keep some rechargables at hand for when it runs out. On the downsides, there is no low battery indication on the controller, so occasionally it just dies in the middle of use.

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- MutilationWave@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  I also use and recommend Xbox controllers. Although I wish I knew about these cool high end brands before I bought. I grew up in a time where all third party controllers were trash, and I carried that opinion for too long.
  
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  - Mac@mander.xyz ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    Unfortunately even the “cool high-end brands” don’t seem to beat the Xbox controller.
    
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simple@lemm.ee ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Weird coincidence, I was asked by multiple friends recently about which controller they should buy too.

Official controllers (ie Xbox, PlayStation) are usually good but many 3rd party controllers tend to be better for PC. Specifically you’re looking for one that has hall effect joysticks, which makes the sticks last way way longer and are of better quality. A lot of these companies also have special software for PC to edit deadzones, profiles, macros, etc.

The best controller on the market IMO is the 8bitdo pro 2. It’s comfy, well-built, works for ages, and has replaceable batteries.

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Neon@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Gonna be quite honest:

The Nintendo Switc Pro Controller is probably the highest quality Controler I’ve ever had in my hands.

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- Carighan@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Yeah. I love my 8bitdo Ultimate for PC use (and it just so happens to be extremely close to the Switch Pro in layout and sizing) but the actual thing is still works better in raw quality. Except no hall effect joysticks but eh, could always mod it yourself if you’re so inclined.
  
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- ladicius@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Support that. MS Xbox controller falls far behind it, and the third party devices are a lot of miss and no hit.
  
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- Tetsuo@jlai.lu ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  I don’t share the positive feedback. The directional pad was especially terrible from the get go.
  
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- catloaf@lemm.ee ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Really? Mine is laggy for some reason, and feels mushy. I can see there’s a firmware update for it when I connect it to a switch, but it won’t update. I hardly ever use it.
  
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lefixxx@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
I refuse to buy anything without hall effect sticks. So that’s limiting enough.

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- BlindFrog@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  Which one(s) have you got? Do you like them?
  
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bokherif@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
I would just go for a PS5 controller. You get type c charging, great haptics and good compatibility (either via Steam or ds4windows). Only issue is the stick drift

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- HeyThisIsntTheYMCA@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  I didn’t care too much about controllers until I used one of those. Fucking amazing controllers.
  
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  - bokherif@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
    Yeah the trigger haptics do not work on PC though, although it’s great on PS5.
    
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- CptEnder@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  Yeah I use a DS5E and it’s a really well engineered controller, and I’ve always preferred the DS ergonomics. Just gotta use DS4Windows tool for some games remapping. But basically really whatever design ergonomic you prefer and buy that, they all support Windows now even Switch Pro.
  
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Copernican@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
Didn’t a Japanese company make a controller with native steam input? Is that controller any good? The thing with 8bitdo and the like is you can’t map back paddles to unique inputs via steam and they only can duplicate face buttons by programming the controller iirc.

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- iz_ok@sh.itjust.works ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  8BitDo Pro 2 is one of the best controllers I’ve tried.
  
  PlayStation Analog Stick Placement
  
  New version has hall effect sticks.
  
  Compatible with everything.
  
  They offer replacement parts.
  
  Decent battery life.
  
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  - Copernican@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
    I’m not a PS layout kind of person. I looked at the more Xbox designed ones, but don’t folks say the ergonomics aren’t great? They have yours wrists or hands almost at parallel angles instead of a more open position based on the grip design? I almost went
    
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  - RonnieB@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
    Unless they upgraded them recently, the triggers feel awful and cheap
    
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  - ByteOnBikes@slrpnk.net ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
    When I was looking, 8bitdo seemed like a major recommendation online in all the forums. You’re like the first person that recommended it in real time.
    
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  - Unboxious@ani.social ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
    Their support sucks though. I had one of their controllers die on me after only 8 months of moderate use and after a way-too-long back and forth they demanded $15 to send me a new controller. Eventually we settled on $5, which is still $5 more than it should have been.
    
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- StrutTower@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  Hori just made one but I think it’s Japan only and I don’t think it has back buttons. The KK3 is my current favorite. You don’t have to use the dongle. Bluetooth and wired work as well but Bluetooth is slow compared to the dongle.
  
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  - tb_@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
    It does have back buttons, which is why it’s unlikely to launch in the west as Scuf (owned by Corsair) is a major patent troll when it comes to those. That’s also the reason for the original Steam controller no longer being released.
    
    The Hori one is launching at the end of this month, if I recall correctly. I might look into importing it once it does.
    
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Kolanaki@yiffit.net ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
There is a tech difference with a DualSense controller that other controllers don’t have, and that’s the adaptive triggers. As far as I am aware, they’re the only ones with that. It’s a cool effect. Makes shooting in games feel more like handling a gun than vibration effects do.

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- Wrufieotnak@feddit.org ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  But is that feature available outside PS5 on a PC?
  
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  - MentalEdge@sopuli.xyz ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    Yes.
    
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  - IsThisAnAI@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    Yes.
    
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noli@lemm.ee ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
I was debating buying an official Xbox controller with wanted back buttons, but the price of the pro controller + quality issues were a turn off.

Ended up picking up a Flydigi Vader 3 pro and I’ve loved it, especially since I got it on sale up for <$50.

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- thesink05@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  I recommend this one too. Has hall effect joysticks as well as tons of buttons. If you get ReWASD then you can do some crazy mapping.
  
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Hylactor@sopuli.xyz ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
I recommend going to a pawn shop. They likely have a variety of late model controllers. You can then hold them and see which speaks to you. I bought a ps5 controller from a pawn shop for like $50 over a year ago and I’ve loved it. I use it over Bluetooth with steam and I get rumble and all that.

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Defaced@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Is you need one with a track pad get a dualsense, otherwise 8bitdo all the way. Best third party controllers I’ve ever used.

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EntropyPure@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Like others said, driver support for console controllers is pretty good through the board.

My suggestion: try them out, maybe in a local store on their demo stations (pretty regular around here at least) or by ordering and returning the one you don’t like.

I personally like the controller layout of the XBox controller more than the PlayStation one. But it comes down to preference. So definitely test drive to find the best suit for you.

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Dariusmiles2123@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
I love the ps5 controller but I’m now kind of scared about stick drift as one of mine had to be replaced because of it.

The second one doesn’t show any sign of this happening, but I’m not so confident anymore although Sony had never disappointed me before regarding quality.

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- Tetsuo@jlai.lu ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  While I don’t have stick drift or very little after 2 years with a dual sense :
  
  The triggers are both very mushy after extended use in rocket league.
  
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carl_dungeon@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
Ps5 controller is Bluetooth, works for me without any special drivers. Has native support in some games for the haptic triggers and touch pad. It’s a fantastic general purpose unit. The Nintendo switch classic NES controllers are awesome for retro emulation too- also Bluetooth. They make NES/SNES/N64 variants- but really the ps5 will handle all those use cases and feel just fine for any modern gaming.

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AliasAKA@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
I’m personally looking for a Hall effect joystick, ps5 style layout, wireless capable, plays nice with Linux game controller. Seems like I’ve seen flydigi as a potential option, and maybe some 8bitdo ones. Maybe scuf?

One major issue I’ve had is my ps4 controller doesn’t have multipoint, meaning it will only Bluetooth pair to a single device at a time. Wanna use it on your phone? Gotta pair it. Wanna use it again on your pc — yep, gotta pair it again. Reaaaaallly annoying.

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- ipkpjersi@lemmy.ml ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  My PS4 controller doesn’t even pair to my Linux desktop, I’ve tried just about everything you can think of but it only works via USB cable. My Xbox 360 controller, Xbox One X, and Xbox Series X controllers all work on Linux just fine and work better on Linux than they would on Windows thanks to xpadneo.
  
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PapstJL4U@lemmy.world [bot] ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
My current focus:

hall effect sensor to avoid stick drift

i prefer the xbox layout for sticks

abxy button layout, because not all pc games support ps buttons

cabel, cuz lighter and no sudden loss of input
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giantofthenorth@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Never buy a PS4/5 or switch controller they are all overpriced garbage they intentionally make for ewaste landfills in 2-4 years.

I really like my gulikit king Kong 2 and they made a elite controller style one with the 3rd version so I’d recommend that. They’re hall effect joysticks which feel real nice and are easy to repair and customize.

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BuboScandiacus@mander.xyz ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Unrelated to the actual question but related to the title: Check if the controller fits your hand size. For example, I don’t like the Xbox controller and much prefer the ps4 ones since they fit in my small hands better.

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pineapplelover@lemm.ee ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
I bought some cheap PS and Xbox controller clones on eBay and they all work amazingly well OOTB on Linux

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sumguyonline@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Bought a wired eswap thrustmaster pro. Refuse to use anything else ever again. Been a default controller that came with the console guy for most of my life before that. An actual game changer. Button pushes always register, the joysticks are damned responsive, and it feels quality with internal parts being made of metal. It was pricey, but it was damn worth it.

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mox@lemmy.sdf.org ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
For Linux, I recommend the DualShock 4 (PS4) and DualSense (PS5) controllers. They have native support (including motion controls) built into the kernel, so you don’t need special drivers. They’re great in Steam, emulators, Wine, and most native linux games. They work in both USB and bluetooth mode. Dead zones are nice and small.

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Grass@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Consoles have used different wireless tech/protocols but mostly use bluetooth now. Bluetooth devices should be able to work on pc but may require extra hassle like non standard protocol and no official drivers if they weren’t intended to be used that way. For the ones that do work the main takeaway is no additional dongle if your system already has bluetooth, but there may be addititonal input latency.

2.4ghz is kinda silly naming because bluetooth and wifi are both 2.4ghz, though wifi also has 5ghz, but it usually refers to presumably proprietary protocol over 2.4ghz and uses a usb dongle. It will generally be faster/lower latency but that isn’t even guaranteed as the 2.4ghz mentioned never refers to any standard.

The latency difference will only be noticible to cats or birds or something unless the controller tries to pass the headset audio to the pc. Bluetooth audio has a noticable delay compared to most ‘2.4ghz’ options, particularly noticable in rhythm games, games with inputs timed to audio cues, voice chats where everyone else has low latency audio and fast internet, and probably other stuff I’m not personally into.

Deciding your controller comes down to a lot of things. If the means exist in your area, try as many as you can to determine your most comfortable size, shape and layout. Other than that you absolutely must do yourself a favour and get a controller with hall effect sticks. The console companies all love stick drift. Don’t be fooled by Sony’s replacable stick controller either, the sticks are always out of stock and if you can solder you can get a regular controller and swap to hall effect yourself, both sticks, when drift starts for like $5 CAD vs $25 for 1 that will eventually die in the same way.

But probably just don’t give m$ sony or nint your money since they all get drift and I have replaced the battery and charge circuit on 8 separate ps4 controllers and drifting sticks on so so many of every big3 console controller. 8bitdo has a few stick and trigger hall effect controllers which I can mostly recommend, I have the hall stick only version of the ultimate controller and several of their older regular stick controllers. They are noted for their very close replica feel of snes dpad and face buttons but the configuration and firmware update software was windows only last I checked. I also quite like retro fighters controllers but all of their hall effect options are on closed preorder pending fulfillment. There are other highly regarded non big3 brands that I haven’t tried that seem to have pretty solid feature set and build quality too.

The used market is also an option. Arrange for testing though, and pass or haggle on drift, charging problems, filth, etc. Ifixit teardown guides for swapping parts or just cleaning the shells and button caps in soapy water with a soft rag. Watch out for devices originally sold with ‘soft touch’/‘smooth grip’/etc finish as all of them have degraded and become sticky even unopened in box by now.

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