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 xavier666@lemm.ee to c/games@lemmy.world
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

  1. xbox/ps5/switch controllers : These are for their respective consoles
  2. 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:

  1. If they are already cross-compatible, why even bother having different types?
  2. 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

  1. Hall-effect sensors are a must
  2. Default console controllers usually have stick drift
  3. If you need trackpad, take PS5
  4. 8bitdo is a reliable brand, as per multiple responses
  5. Most controllers have good support on Linux. But haptic feedback can be a hit/miss as it can be platform/game dependent
  6. There are various connectivity wireless standards. Dongles are the most reliable but you lose a USB port.
  7. Keep track of handsize/comfort and button layout
  8. PS controllers have excellent support on Linux/Steam
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[–] Mac@mander.xyz 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Unfortunately even the "cool high-end brands" don't seem to beat the Xbox controller.

[–] MutilationWave@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (2 children)

I read this thread and I saw 8bitdo recommended a lot and I've seen them recommended elsewhere. The hall effect sticks seem to be the gold standard.

My main issue with the Xbox controllers (mine are for Xbox one) is the d-pad. It's not terrible but it's not even as good as say a super Nintendo controller for fighting games and retro games in general.

[–] SplashJackson@lemmy.ca 4 points 3 months ago

8bitdo ultimate v2 via dongle is alright except it disconnects by itself every now and then and refuses to reconnect unless you walk right up to the dongle and try turning the controller on a few times.

[–] Mac@mander.xyz 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Same and the reviews seem good but not great. Cheap feel, mushy buttons, trigger issues when used long term, and the sticks not being ultra-precise.

Seems like a good controller but if I'm going to buy another one I want to buy a great controller.