this post was submitted on 02 Sep 2024

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How to decide what kind of controller one should purchase? (lemm.ee)

submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

100 comments fedilink hide all child comments

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: https://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.

Edit: Thanks for the amazing response! These are my key takeaways from all the comments

Hall-effect sensors are a must
Default console controllers usually have stick drift
If you need trackpad, take PS5
8bitdo is a reliable brand, as per multiple responses
Most controllers have good support on Linux. But haptic feedback can be a hit/miss as it can be platform/game dependent
There are various connectivity wireless standards. Dongles are the most reliable but you lose a USB port.
Keep track of handsize/comfort and button layout
PS controllers have excellent support on Linux/Steam

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[–] [email protected] 109 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (5 children)

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 (to the controller) 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.

[–] [email protected] 33 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (7 children)

Sony has a much better [trigger rumbling/tension] 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 and its basic rumble obviously do, but you will not experience the fancy haptic features unless the controller is connected via USB.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months 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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[–] 1Fuji2Taka3Nasubi 8 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

Also, the button layout on switch controllers is different (A & B is swapped compared to XBox). 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.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago

X/Y are also swapped.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

If I could award this comment, I would have. Thank you, you answered a lot of my questions!

[–] [email protected] 46 points 3 months ago (6 children)

An 8bitdo Ultimate.

There, decision done, express lane service.

[–] [email protected] 17 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Bingo. Get the Pro also.

I use the 8bitdo Pro for platforming because of the d-pad makes it feel like a SNES controller. And the 8bitdo Ultimate for games where I need joysticks.

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[–] [email protected] 35 points 3 months ago (3 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months 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

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months 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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[–] [email protected] 21 points 3 months ago (1 children)

xbox series controller is my fave controller and works flawless with linux

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

It's a driver issue while they support the same connectivity tech a trigger could be read as 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.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 3 months ago (1 children)

If you want wireless, one thing to be concerned about is the latency of the gamepad. https://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.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (4 children)

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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[–] [email protected] 9 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (3 children)

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. Note that that is the controller I have, but you should definitely look at the different models. My controller has lasted about 3 years now. I used to go through PS5 controllers in about 6 months.

https://www.gulikit.com/productinfo/925509.html

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months 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 have less luck. But my mainboard has Bluetooth, so I can easily connect the controller. Some say you need the adapter, but I don't, probably because it uses the newest Bluetooth version protocols.

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

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

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.

Other than something like that, button layout is a choice. Parallel sticks or off-set sticks. Off center buttons. The way the D-pad functions (rolling style like Xbox or just 4 buttons like PlayStation). Etc.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (2 children)

But is that feature available outside PS5 on a PC?

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Yes. The PC versions of both Forbidden West and Rift Apart had it working when I played.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Yes. On Sony games.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (4 children)

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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[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I refuse to buy anything without hall effect sticks. So that's limiting enough.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Easy? Xbox Series. Fancy? DualSense. Comfy? Switch Pro. Beeg? Duke.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (3 children)

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.

I have a gulikit kk3, but I don't love the dongle and don't love the lack of native steam controller configuration for back paddles. Other than that, the hardware has been good for me.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 3 months ago (5 children)

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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[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

I was debating buying an official Xbox controller with back buttons/paddles, 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.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months 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.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

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 reliability.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (2 children)

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.