8bitdo Pro 2 is very versatile, I’m curious about the Ultimate. I love my SteamController for modern games.
What's your favorite controller?
Submitted 3 months ago by potentiallynotfelix@lemdro.id to games@lemmy.world
Comments
SolarPunker@slrpnk.net 3 months ago
nogooduser@lemmy.world 3 months ago
When I played games on my PC I ended up spending more time configuring my Steam controller than I did playing the game.
A classic example of perfect being the enemy of good.
SolarPunker@slrpnk.net 3 months ago
SC is more of a brother to grow up with than a controller
CodexArcanum@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I’ll controversially say that I really love the Steam controller. Not the steam deck (which is honestly my number 1 if we’re including handhelds) but the original controller intended for use with the steam link device.
It really just needs a right analog stick and it would be great. The lack of one takes it from 10/10 to like a 7/10. It’s so good otherwise, great weight and size, good design. Sensible layout and the big track pads work really well! It was clearly a prototype for how the Deck layout ended up, though I actually like the controller’s big circular pads more than the decks little square ones.
JustEnoughDucks@feddit.nl 3 months ago
The steam controller is absolutely my favorite shape and feel for the controller.
The one big flaw is the plastic bumper mechanism that has broken on 3 of my units, 1 I was able to send back, 1 replaced with PETG 3D printed part which is less clicky, but more durable, and 1 still intact.
Still, I have exclusively used those for years when not playing on Switch
LaserTurboShark69@sh.itjust.works 3 months ago
I’m a steam controller simp. I’ve got 7 of them and will use them until they all crap out or they release a new version
0ops@lemm.ee 3 months ago
The steam deck honestly is my favorite controller. If valve releases a controller that’s the steam deck without a screen I’ll be first in line and I’ll take two please.
Kolanaki@yiffit.net 3 months ago
Used to be the Logitech F310. Simple, reliable, used my preferred layout, inexpensive, and durable.
Then I got a PS5 and experienced the DualSense’s adaptive triggers and I can’t go back.
Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 months ago
I had a Dualsense for my computer just because it has the best D-pad
Then I got Returnal and experienced the haptics and triggers and HOLY SHIT. I tried a keyboard and mouse and the game felt FLAT. It really is incredible! Pacific Drive also takes full advantage of it, the brake trigger feels like and actual car brake and the accelerator trigger rumbles and vibrates with the haptics as you go.
Absolutely fuckin dope.
ilhamagh@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Do you need to do any config to use the adaptive trigger on PC? And I assume it mainly supported on Sony’s first party title ?
Jesus_666@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Honestly, it’s still the F310 for me. I have mine since the early 2010s and it’s still working perfectly. Those things are built like tanks and between XInput and DirectInput are compatible with just about any PC game of the last forty years, no extra software required. Also, they’re dirt cheap.
Honorable mention to the F710, the wireless version. While Windows 10’s USB stack unfortunately broke compatibility with it (causing randomly dropped inputs), Linux does not have that problem.
dwindling7373@feddit.it 3 months ago
I have two and I can’t vouch for the “built like a tank” since one of them once in a while decides to drift around.
Still 110% worth it for the price.
lazycouchpotato@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I had an F310 and I disliked it haha. Never found it to be ergonomic.
potentiallynotfelix@lemdro.id 3 months ago
Me personally, I like the 360 controller the most
Cadeillac@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Have you tried the Xbox One controllers? If so, what do you like better about the 360?
potentiallynotfelix@lemdro.id 3 months ago
I have, I had the day one 2013 controller, it was nice but it developed drift quite fast, and also is harder to repair
Bogusmcfakester@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Not op but the 360 controllers a tiny bit smaller, thumbsticks are shorter and wider which makes aiming easier imo
Nima@leminal.space 3 months ago
I’m currently playing with a wired 360 controller, myself. its old and creaky and kinda scratched up but it works gorgeously still!
potentiallynotfelix@lemdro.id 3 months ago
Me too, it’s aged very well.
KickMeElmo@sopuli.xyz 3 months ago
Steam deck’s controls hands down if that counts. If not, surprisingly I’d have to say my stadia controller. Got one for $20 and it’s fantastic.
smeg@feddit.uk 3 months ago
I love how functional the Deck’s controls are, but I do end up with claw hand after playing for a while
Cadeillac@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I wonder how much the Deck translates to the Steam Controller. I haven’t had enough time with a Deck
Dunstabzugshaubitze@feddit.org 3 months ago
deck is mostly more input options (right stick, d-pad, 4 back buttons instead of 2).
the biggest difference is the placement of the touchpads imho, as i cant use both shoulder buttons and the touchpad on a side without adjusting my grip, but that only mattered in shooters for which i use flickstick on the deck and not the right touchpad.
DarkMetatron@feddit.org 3 months ago
At the moment, my PS5 controller connected to my Linux PC via USB-C. It has perfect support due to official in kernel drivers from Sony and very little lag when used via USB-C.
Cadeillac@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I’m switch to Linux when I get set up again. Fuck the Recall bull shit. Straw that broke the camels back. I had considered controller drivers. Is Xbox One over Bluetooth a thing, or will I need to go with Sony?
DarkMetatron@feddit.org 3 months ago
The XBOX One controller should be fully bluetooth hid compliant and it should work out of the box for at least all the buttons and axis. There are userspace and kernel drivers for the XBOX controller too (xpad and xboxdrv) but I don’t have much experience with them or with bluetooth controller in general.
JDPoZ@lemmy.world 3 months ago
There is no perfect controller…
…But I do have a list of features I would want my perfect controller to have based off all the controllers that have ever been made :
- TMR joystick modules (successor to Hall effect sticks)
- adjustable tension springs and locking mechanism for varied stick cap types
- 6 DOF / gyro sensors + infrared camera (Wii Motion Plus)
- Adaptive haptic triggers (PS5) which can be toggled to hair trigger mode via switches (Xbox Elite series 2)
- multi-touchpad on face (PS5)
- analog face buttons (DualShock 2 controller used this for the Metal Gear games) with customizable “per-button” color assignment / micro OLED or e-ink screens so button graphics can be swapped
- USB-C / 4 wired connectivity + charging
- baseplate contact-charging (PS5 controller has these so you can set them on charging docks)
- hot swappable battery pack + AA battery holder pack or ability to not have a battery on at all when connected via USB-C (Xbox 360 controller had this)
- swappable non-magnetic Zinc-alloy faceplates (PBTails new controller has these)
- removable back triggers with dedicated button assignments (like the Steam Deck’s L4/5 and R4/5 buttons; not just cloned face buttons like Sony and XBox do)
- integrated microphone with hardware toggle (PS5)
- proper “separate keys” d-pad… not the mushy type
- touch-sensitive surfaces for every button and stick (Meta / Oculus Quest controllers do this)
- per-finger-joint touch sensitive grips for each finger segment (Valve’s VR controllers did this)
- the ability to separate the halves of the controller so that each hand could hold one half independently and have them track similar to most standard VR controllers (think combining the switch controllers and Quest controllers)
- NFC communication (Amiibo-stuff for example)
If any single controller did even half of this, they’d easily be the GOAT.
potentiallynotfelix@lemdro.id 3 months ago
That’d be the best controller, but probably like 500 dollars lol
JDPoZ@lemmy.world 3 months ago
If it had all those features and was made with some real quality parts, I would gladly pay 500 bucks for it.
Revonult@lemmy.world 3 months ago
X-Box 360. I have an old official one for my PC. I played Dark Souls with it so it is now ingrained into my body. Also all the years of Halo.
I really dislike the X-Box One controller. Feels too big in my hand and just off.
I fear the day my wired one breaks since they stopped making official wired ones for PC.
chiliedogg@lemmy.world 3 months ago
The d-pad on the 360 controller was garbage. It was the only thing holding it back.
I think they’ve found a great place with the One/Series controllers.
I also really appreciate that with the jump to the Series X/S they didn’t change controllers. They had one that worked that people liked, so they kept it. And it works via Xbox’s proprietary wireless protocol, USB, or Bluetooth, so it works on pretty much anything but a Playstation or Nintendo.
Revonult@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I couldn’t care less about the D-pad. All that matters is how it feels in my hand and access to the primary controls like joysticks, triggers, and face buttons.
Grangle1@lemm.ee 3 months ago
Aside from Microsoft selling it as one, there’s a reason the 360’s contoller design is basically the de facto basis for most PC controllers. It’s the most comfortable one I’ve used for 3D games by far. Everything you need is easy to access. Nintendo lifted essentially the same design for their Wii U and Switch Pro controllers.
deuleb_biezelbob@programming.dev 3 months ago
Xbox 360 was/is peak controller design
ilhamagh@lemmy.world 3 months ago
What made 360 better than series One (i own this one)?
Better ergonomics? It has such negligible difference design wise, and the d-pad looks awful
Ashen44@lemmy.ca 3 months ago
I think it’s mostly nostalgia, and the fact that it was kind of the first iteration of the design all controllers use now. The 360 controller was good but it was really only the start. In my opinion each xbox controller has been a massive improvement over the last.
The series x controller is probably the most well refined controller I’ve used, and the only reason it’s not my pick for best controller is because I’m a sucker for all the fancy tricks of the dualsense.
Feathercrown@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Keyboard and mouse :^)
The Playstation controller is pretty great. I have a PS2 and it still feels nice to use
RabbitMix@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 months ago
not a separate controller but the steam deck controller.
if that doesn’t count then it’s the Stadia controller.
whotookkarl@lemmy.world 3 months ago
My favorite layout so far is on the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Xbox wired controller. It has x/y up between the shoulder and triggers, back buttons for a/b, so you can keep your right thumb on the thumbstick without moving it to hit face buttons a/b/x/y.
VindictiveJudge@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I had one of those. Loved it, but the sticks didn’t last long enough to justify buying another.
whotookkarl@lemmy.world 3 months ago
That’s true, I’ve had mine 2 years and am seeing some up/down drift on the left stick. Not great on the quality but I have used it often, and I can’t find anyone else with that button layout.
Aeryn@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 months ago
Yes! I love this controller, and I never see people talk about it. The mechanical click of the face buttons is so satisfying and consistent to press. Other controllers feel so cheap to me now.
AliasAKA@lemmy.world 3 months ago
How big is this controller? I have wide palms but shortish fingers. From palm to tip of middle fingers like 7.5”, which is low side of male hands, but 4” wide palm which is above average. Makes finding ergonomic controllers difficult. I can reach the middle of controllers without too much difficulty, but reaching lengthwise (eg the shoulder buttons) can be problematic (perhaps why I like the ps4 controller — it’s wide but squat; it just lacks usability with no back buttons, and it only pairs to a single device at a time). I guess a smaller Xbox style controller would work okay for me — is Wolverine worth a try you think?
whotookkarl@lemmy.world 3 months ago
The back buttons are near the middle so if assume it’s more comfortable for bigger hands, I think the v3 wireless version has the back buttons closer to the outside where the controller grip connects to the middle of the controller like the elites, I haven’t tried that style yet but I think that may be better for a shorter grip or hands.
V2: Image
V3: Image
brsrklf@jlai.lu 3 months ago
8bitdo SN30 pro. Small, lightweight, perfect button placement. SNES controller designers knew their shit, just add two sticks and a pair of triggers and you can play almost anything with it.
mudmaniac@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I love this little buddy too. So much so I replaced the ABXY silicon contact pad with replacements from their official website. I love that they sell spare parts, I hate that they gouge me on shipping. So I bought 6 ABXY and 6 crosspad and still have 5 each remaining.
Nima@leminal.space 3 months ago
great little controller. 8bitdo has a knack for small controllers that feel good in the hand.
Tolstoy@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I have been playing videogames since 1992. Went through almost every controller design possible. From the modern ones, I never liked the layout from the playstation so sticked to Xbox. At the moment I’m using a GameSir T4 Kaleid and absolutely loving it. Mechanical buttons and hall effect joystick are very nice. Since I’ve had it only for a year I can’t say anything about reliability. Most reliable Xbox controllers in order are Xbox classic controller S, 360, One. After that every single one is bad IMO. Series controller start to drift pretty fast, same as both elites. So at the moment my most favourite is the Xbox One controller 2nd revision (1708) also known as Xbox one S controller but if the GameSir won’t break for the next couple of years it will be the top one for me.
I hope more first party controllers will get a proper higher tier version with real reliable parts like everything hall effect and mechanical buttons…
djidane535@sh.itjust.works 3 months ago
Switch Pro controller for its asymmetrical layout + gyroscope (it’s so much better for aiming). I’d love to test a PS5 controller but symmetrical layout tend to hurt my hands (it was already the case for the PS3/PS4 controllers, so I have little hope for the PS5 controller).
Ghoelian@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 months ago
I think the gyro and layout of the switch pro controller are good, but it just feels so cheap, and the buttons are way too mushy. Also doesn’t have analogue triggers. The d-pad is pretty terrible as well.
Overall not a great controller imo.
RangerJosie@lemmy.world 3 months ago
PS2. Before all the unnecessary extra expense got added in.
frazorth@feddit.uk 3 months ago
I’m not sure what you are referring to here. The Dual Shock 2 was the standard PS2 controller throughout its lifetime.
Do you mean the OG PlayStation, which had the standard controller, then the dual analogue stick, and finally the Dual Shock with the two analogue sticks plus rumble?
I liked the analogue sticks, loved Katamari. Rumble didn’t add enough.
RangerJosie@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I like the sticks and rumble. By extra stuff I meant like haptic triggers and stuff like that in the newest controllers.
The old standard Playstation controller. With sticks and rumble.
I own a Series S. And I’ve been looking for a PS pattern Xbox controller forever. But I’ve never found one.
VerilyFemme@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 months ago
I really love the current gen controllers. I was using a Series X controller, which has a fantastic weight and feel, but I started experiencing drift. I decided to get a PS5 controller after that, and it’s even better! I use it with my PC, and the touchpad works as a mousepad, which has allowed me to play a LOT of games comfortably on the couch, when I’d normally have to fumble with my mouse and keyboard.
smeg@feddit.uk 3 months ago
N64 controller. Obviously it wasn’t exactly great to use, but its completely unique look is so iconic and that makes it my fave.
potentiallynotfelix@lemdro.id 3 months ago
I grew up with a Wii, and never held an n64 controller, so I always will wonder: How do you hold those? Do you hold it like a regular controller and then reach your thumb out to the joystick in the middle, or do you hold the middle grip and then one of the other outer ones, and have to reach as well? Is it subjective?
dwindling7373@feddit.it 3 months ago
So, there’s more than one answer. When it came out the idea was, and it’s debatable how much Nintendo used this concept as a marketing tool or with a design in their head, tha the controller allowed flexibility. For different games, different sections or different preferences, you could hold the two outer handles, and get a basic SNES type thing, or you could hold the mid and either one of the sides.
I feel part of it was a bit of mistrust, maybe from some early testing or internal, about the accuracy or the familiarity of users with the joystick, the design allows people to opt into it or go for the tradizional buttons.
I recall some weird stuff was supposed to be meant for the full left side combo, so directional buttons + analog stick. That was a bit of a far reach…
So beside all the intentions, 99% of the games were played with your left hand on the middle handle and the right hand on the righ handle. Consider there’s a very comfy trigger button below the middle handle that is mirrored or mirrors the left shoulder button.
lowleveldata@programming.dev 3 months ago
Switch pro controller previously and Xbox controller lately. I especially like the detachable AA batteries of the Xbox controller as I can charge extra batteries separately.
Coelacanth@feddit.nu 3 months ago
I haven’t tried everything out there, but so far nothing I’ve tried is true perfection. The controller I use as daily driver for my PC is an Xbox 360 controller, which I find extremely nice - except for the D-pad. It also lacks the fancy tricks of the PS5 controller - a controller I Iike less for ergonomics but love for stuff like haptic feedback.
LordWiggle@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Stadia controller. I switched my old Xbox 360 controllers for stadia controllers. Chargeable, heavy, ergonomic. Win for me.
greatgizzards@new-reddit.jinomial.com 3 months ago
[deleted]LordWiggle@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I bought them second hand, so didn’t get any money back haha. I thought of cheaping out, but oh how the turn tables. The controllers work perfectly with Steam but they lack input with non-Steam games sadly. And wirelessly connected the vibration doesn’t work while the charging ones connected to my pc go mental, but that’s not an issue for me.
RinseDrizzle@midwest.social 3 months ago
Back in the day, I think it was Logitech or similar who redesigned a PlayStation controller with some minor ergonomic tweaks. It was a masterpiece. This was back in maybe PS2/PS3 era.
Sounds see if any modern versions exist. I’m still a Sony controller purist, having never really fallen in love with Xbox like so many others.
Grangle1@lemm.ee 3 months ago
I think I still have one of those. It was Logitech. I thought it was good unless I wanted to use the thumbsticks or triggers. I always thought the Sony design of putting the thumbsticks down in the lower-middle was really awkward, and for some reason, using the triggers on the Logitech controller sometimes felt a bit painful.
RinseDrizzle@midwest.social 3 months ago
Might’ve just been the glass slipper my hands needed then. Felt like a peak optimization of the sony layout, least in my mitts.
I know several folks who prefer the offset Xbox style, but I always appreciated the more symmetrical design of PlayStation. Thumbs were same height on controller for FPS or fighting genres, which I did a bunch of back then. Didn’t mind offset thumbs for other games like God of War. I think the designer in me also appreciated sony’s cleaner aesthetic as well.
Varyag@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 months ago
Although I grew up with Playstation controllers in my hands, ever since I tried an XBox 360 controller I never went back. I’ve been using XBone controllers on my PC for years now, and I just love the ergonomics of them in my hand, the clicky D-pad, the rounded buttons. I’ve always hated the PS dpad, it hurts my thumb. Now, I probably won’t keep buying “original” XBox controllers, but anything with that shape and feels that comfortable in my hand, will be my choice.
IndustryStandard@lemmy.world 3 months ago
King Kong 3. 1000hz low delay polling rate, great size, good battery life. Great sticks.
Though there are a lot of built in shortcuts which are very confusing.
Gaspar@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 months ago
I have this one too and I love it. All it’s really missing is a way to remap the back paddles to non-controller buttons and it’d be an easy 10/10. As it is, though, 8.5 or 9, still very very good.
Mountain_Mike_420@lemmy.ml 3 months ago
An Xbox one controller. I bought a newer seriesX controller but it developed stick drift almost immediately. My Xbox one controller is going on 6 or 7 years now and is still rock solid. And I play rocket league so you know I am hard on them.
blackris@discuss.tchncs.de 3 months ago
Ducky One 3 TKL + Logitech G305 or the 8BitDo Pro 2, depending on the genre.
tee900@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Index controllers for VR.
Playstation DS4 for flatscreen desktop.
Matriks404@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Mouse and keyboard, optionally a Xbox Controller or similar.
But my least liked one? Probably any PlayStation one, I hate them all.
anarchyrabbit@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Power Glove! Anyone? Anyone?
Bbbbbbbbbbb@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Generally speaking, any xbox one or later generation controller. Theyre all relatively the same.
Real shit though, Xbox The Duke is my favorite
acosmichippo@lemmy.world 3 months ago
i miss the black and white buttons from the mini xbox controller days. still feel like 4 buttons is not enough on the right pad, especially considering how often games use the joystick click which i fucking loathe.
TyrianMollusk@lemm.ee 3 months ago
Get a controller with underside buttons. I also consider stick-clicks an abomination, but it’s great now that there are under-buttons we can hard-remap to L3 and R3.
8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth controller has some awful ergonomics on several things, but the underbuttons are excellent examples.
Cadeillac@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Big handed bastard
Die4Ever@programming.dev 3 months ago
The Duke was so good!
Goronmon@lemmy.world 3 months ago
It’s been funny seeing the Playstation controller slowly morph into an Xbox controller. Which is great because I definitely preferred the Xbox controller since the 360.
I still prefer the offset sticks on the Xbox controller though.