I wondered if anyone had any experience with a controller that they used while docked? If the 20-30 8bitdo is as good as a one of the premium controllers, id prefer to save some money, since I don't own a console. If thought I'd ask the community, to see if anyone had any experience to share!
The 8BitDo Ultimate controller 2.4ghz version is the best for the steam deck. They released a cheaper version if you don't need/want the dock. RetroGameCorps has a video comparing all the different versions of this controller since it is a bit confusing.
If you prefer 2D games and primarily use the d-pad then the 8BitDo Pro2 controller is best for this. Note this is only a Bluetooth controller and for fast pace games you will notice some input lag on the steamdeck. I bought a 15ft usb cable to just plug it in and play on the couch. I haven't tried 8BitDo's wireless dingle with it to know if this removes the input lag. I might try that this evening to find out.
I love this controller but I find I need to use its phone app to swap the button config from Switch to PC each time I go between, which is annoying. maybe i’m doing it wrong.
does it have a mode that enables both gyro and analog triggers? I have a pro+ and you can set it to switch or xbox so you can have gyro or triggers but not both, it's annoying
I got the Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro a little while ago for the hall-effect joysticks and am liking it so far. Haven't used it a bunch with my Deck, but when I did, it worked well. It's $60, though, so maybe too pricey.
I use two old Google Stadia controllers (RIP!). When the service shut down, Google reimbursed everyone for their purchases, so the controllers were essentially free to me. They also released a webpage-based service to convert them to Bluetooth instead of WiFi which is super easy to do.
The controllers are great and you can pick them up pretty cheap on eBay etc. now that stadia is closed. They work seamlessly with the deck.
I didn't even know it had a gyro... Does the 8bitdo have gyro? And does it work well with the steam deck? I haven't used gyro controls much in general but did find them super helpful for aiming when playing through Half Life 2 again on the deck itself.
8bitdo is an amazing company. Can't recommend their controllers enough. Browse their website, they have a lot of options at varying prices: https://www.8bitdo.com/
I fully agree with the 8bitdo recommendation.
I have an 8bitdo Pro 2 controller, and I love it. I love that it is easily customizable, I love that I can use it on multiple devices (Quest 2, Nintendo Switch, PC/Deck), I love that it comes with a rechargable battery but can also be used with AA batteries.
Build quality feels great and it can often be found for around $30-40.
Pro 2 is my second favorite controller, right below the Steam Deck's built-in controller. It's plugged into my PC at all times. I'm hoping for a model with 2.4g connection at some point. Basically I want the Ultimate's features in the Pro 2's shell.
I really enjoy my 8Bitdo Pro 2. I think that's one of the best controllers for $40-$45. I also have the SN30 Pro that I keep in my bag along with a small USB-C hub so my friends and I can play party games at their house. If you're willing to look at the $80 range, the Ultimate Pro is a really nice controller. You want to make sure you check what it's compatible with, though I can confirm it works on with the Steam Deck as long as the dongle is plugged in.
EDIT: I almost forgot. There is a $30 8Bitdo Ultimate controller. The only real catch is it's wired, but should be a great pick for the price. Kevin Kenson and Wulff Den on YouTube has covered all of these controllers.
I also use the 8bitdo Pro 2, it fits very well in my hands and has the correct joystick layout. The battery life on it is insane compared to a Dualshock 4 (other controller I've used quite a lot and can compare to).
My only issue with it is that I wish the buttons on the bottom weren't useless and could be mapped to something - even the official application does not allow you to send any other keypresses through them than what is standard.
Also works over bluetooth, none of that dongle nonsense.
There are LOADS of better suggestions than this, but I’ve been using the Google Stadia controller after converting it to BT mode and it’s honestly excellent. It’s got Xbox face button labels, but Sony Trigger labels so it’s just like the steam deck default controls. It feels great, rumble is really strong, and it has a pretty good battery!
But other people are suggesting things like 8BitDo ultimate controller and Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro which are probably better and definitely easier to get ahold of.
Does anyone have any experience with controllers that aren't noisy? When playing in a quiet room, my wife finds the clicky noises from my xbox controller very annoying.
I know you said not ms, but I still use a 360 controller with the wireless adapter. You can get them with an off brand adapter for 30 bucks all in on ebay since they are so old at this point. Best controller feel imo.
Can you plug a USB controller into it? If so I would recommend a Logitech F310 cuz they're cheap, have both x input and direct input, and are durable as hell.
i'd recommend the 8bitdo pro2 but it can't enable gyro and analog triggers at the same time, for that reason I mainly use a ps4 controller when docked, you can set it up to enable gyro when pressing L2 so you get better aiming, it works great
the 8bitdo controllers would be way better if they had a ps4 mode