I’ve got a small backlog of games on my laptop (running Arch Linux with KDE) through Lutris. I usually play with a keyboard and a mouse, but since I sit pretty close to my screen (ik bad habit), it starts getting uncomfortable after a while. So I’ve been thinking about picking up a gamepad for some more relaxed, couch style gaming.
I’ve never actually owned a gamepad or a console before, so this would be my first time. From what I’ve seen on Reddit, a lot of people seem to have good experiences using Xbox controllers on Linux. I just wanted to get some more insight before buying one to make sure I’m making the right choice.
I’m also planning to grab a second controller so my girlfriend and I can play some local multiplayer games together.
Update: I went with 8BitDo Ultimate C wired as it was cheaper and a lot of folks below suggested it over the original Xbox Controller. It worked out of the box. I have only tested it with Marvel’s Spiderman 2 from Fitgirl repacks installed and running via Lutris. Worked w/o any issues.
I do have quite a few different controllers, all work fine on linux for me:
The Stadia Controller is not my favourite, but it still works well. I mainly use the Gulikit and 8bitdo ones, depending on the game and wether my main input is meant to be d-pad or left joystick.
The Steam Controller is unique, but I rarely use it.
Bonus points for the 8bitdo Pro 2, the Steam Controller and the Xbox Controllers using AA batteries instead of relying on built in, proprietary rechargable batteries. Pair them with some good IKEA Ladda rechargables and they are awesome.
The Xbox controllers don’t have built-in chrager circuit, so a separate charger is needed, which is quite inconvenient. Do the others have that?
The Stadia Controller and the Gullikit KK3 Series have built in batteries and therefore come with their own charging circuit.
The Steam Controller does not charge the batteries, you have to use an external AA charger
The 8bitdo Pro 2 comes with a rechargable battery pack that sits in the AA compartment of the controller (similar to the old xbox 360 play-and-charge kits) and can be charged via USB. I don’t know if that charge function is limited to their battery pack, or if it will work with AA rechargables as well. My guess is, though, that it doesn’t, because it would have to somehow identify if the cells are actually rechargable, or if they are just alkaline batteries - trying to charge alkalines can be dangerous.
Allthough persoanlly, I consider using an external AA charger a convenience.
Thanks.
I guess it is if you already have a charger and a few more use cases for separate batteries.