I currently use keyboard and mouse or a Dualshock 4 controller for most games, but i’m tired of so many games being really terrible with my controller. For example, Cemu swaps the two triggers with the two axes of the right stick. So i’m considering just buying a new controller that will hopefully be easier to make work.

I was thinking about getting an Xbox controller, but i’ve never been an Xbox guy so i have no idea what controller is good for gaming on Linux. I assume most of them are good for Windows, but i don’t use that. While looking up some differences between 360 and One, Reddit reminded me that other controllers than PlayStation/Xbox/Nintendo exist, like the ones from 8BitDo.

What i’m looking for in a controller is:

  • I usually prefer using the Dpad to the sticks, but something that won’t easily develop drift problems is still important to me.
  • I like being able to use my controller over a wire instead of just wireless, so bluetooth or a dongle is nice but a wired connection is essential.
  • Generic cords are more convenient than ones that are proprietary or just weird (it took me so long to figure out my Wii U pro controller uses mini-USB), though i understand that what’s still common changes with the times and i can’t expect an old controller to use USB-C. Something that’s easy to replace if it breaks is really what i want for the cord.
  • And i also have a Wii U, so something that can connect to that as a Wii U pro controller, Wii classic, or GameCube (natively or via Bloopair/Koopair) is nice but not essential.
  • I have Steam, AntiMicroX, and Input Remapper and i can use them to fix inputs for some games, but not all games.

So what controllers do you all use? What’s good and will actually work for most games that have controller support at all?

    • tomatoely@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      1·
      4 days ago

      can confirm, great controller for its price. Using it on arch linux with the 2.4 usb dongle and its plug and play

      • JTskulk@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        Are you able to check the battery life? I’m also on Arch (Endeavour).

        For the others looking for a gamepad, I’m blown away by how good this is. I bought a cheap logitech gamepad because I didn’t want to give Microsoft money even though the logitech one doesn’t even have a vibrating motor. My hands would hurt after using this thing. The 8bitdo feels great, the joysticks are accurate and sensitive, the rumble and wireless is great, the triggers require less force to squeeze. There’s a feature where you can set buttons to repeat when held or constantly repeat on the fly. I’ve already been making good use of this. There’s also 2 extra programmable shoulder buttons. Honestly the only thing I don’t like about it is the light that’s on when charging, but that’s easily fixed.

        • tomatoely@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          2·
          1 day ago

          I’ve only been able to check the battery when connected to my android phone via Bluetooth. I don’t really mind not knowing the exact percentage as the red light that indicates low battery is good enough for me. But otherwise I agree on it being an excellent choice for its price. Not having to worry about drifting is great, puts all of my previous ds4 I’ve had to shame