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?
I have an xbox elite pro series 2 that my wife bought me last christmas. I love it. It has a good weight and is a joy in your hands. The triggers have 3 resistance levels. D-pad and thumbsticks are magnetic and easily swappable. Four back paddles can be removed easily if they’re not wanted or needed. It connected to Pop_OS via bluetooth with no issues. I have not tried using the xbox accessories app on Linux because I was able to calibrate it with Steam just fine. Thry’re not cheap but it was worth it.
Edit to add: someone mentiomed drift and I did have a slight issue but was able to adjust for it through Steam. There is also a common complaint that the controllers snap back to center with enough force to actually hit the opposite direction; most commonly noticed in metroidvanias or other 2d platformers where it can make you turn around unintentionally. I was also able to adjust for this with Steam calibration.