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
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.
Gonna be quite honest:
The Nintendo Switc Pro Controller is probably the highest quality Controler I’ve ever had in my hands.
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.
This is probably true for most casual use, but after a couple months of constant weekly Smash tournaments, my stick eventually wore down and started drifting. The D-pad is also notoriously mushy and often picks up ghost inputs when moving quickly back and forth.
Both of these issues are fixable with some not so difficult controller modding, but I wasn’t willing to make the effort.
I ended up with the 8bitdo Pro 2 for general use like someone else in this thread suggested and the Nintendo Wii U Pro Controller with an adapter for Smash that has been with me for years now. The only difference is that the Wii U controller doesn’t have the built in accelerometers that the Switch controller and Pro 2 have.
An 8bitdo Ultimate.
There, decision done, express lane service.
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.
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.
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.
Edit: damn, just found out the pro2 has hall effect joysticks
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.
Just checked, looks like they are wired. I get it for certain games, but generally I prefer the convenience of wireless.
I game on PC every day, and I always use a controller. I’ve tried many different controllers over the years, and most of them have had issues right out of the box. Only one controller has been perfect. The razer wolverine v2.
https://www.razer.com/ca-en/console-controllers/razer-wolverine-v2
It is super well built, and has a nice heavy feel that feels great if your hands are slightly larger than average. The thumb sticks are very grippy, have uniform resistance in every direction so you can be super accurate, and have zero stick drift after years of intense gaming. The face buttons have a mouse click feel to them, which I love. I always hated the face buttons on other controllers, including the genuine Xbox Controller, because they felt mushy and have inconsistent press and release.
I’ve tried 8bitdo, they felt cheap and uncomfortable. I’ve tried the Xbox Elite Controller, but it had tons of quality issues. I haven’t tried Scuf, so I can’t comment on that. But this razer controller is by far the best. Once you’ve used these clicky face buttons, you’ll never want to go back to a normal controller.
I highly highly highly recommend it. The only downside is that it’s wired, but they have a more expensive version that is wireless.
Have some experience with Xbox controllers and steam controller
First official Xbox One X controller is absolute shit via bluetooth. Proprietary dongle works well, as long as its on windows - getting it to work under linux is a pain.
As far as compatibility goes Xbox 360 Dualshock with 2,4ghz wireless dongle is the best - dongle identifies as wired controller, it works correctly with everything.
Steam controller works with everything except ergonomics is IMO garbage. Dualshock rules in this area
And don’t even think about connecting anything via bluetooth to android - bluetooth drivers are broken since android 10, causing massive input lag. Use either wired, or Xbox 360 2,4ghz wireless dongle controller
