Games @lemmy.world xavier666 @lemm.ee 2mo ago

How to decide what kind of controller one should purchase?

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

You're viewing a single thread.

93 comments

An 8bitdo Ultimate.

There, decision done, express lane service.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Just checked, looks like they are wired. I get it for certain games, but generally I prefer the convenience of wireless.
  
  They come wired and wireless.

93 comments