this post was submitted on 19 Oct 2023
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I need a wireless controller for my linux laptop (Kubuntu 23.04).

I don't care how it connects (bluetooth dongle). I just want one that works. The most intense game I play is stardew valley.

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[–] [email protected] 18 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (5 children)

8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth. I use it with the included dongle and it works just fine on my distro (Nobara). Kubuntu should also be fine I guess, just make sure you're on a recent kernel (6.3+)

The main reason why I'd recommend this over others is that it has built-in macros - which is really handy for some games where you may need to press a complicated button sequence (like in fighting games), and of course, it also has the classic "turbo" feature which is handy for platformers.

The other reason is that the controller also works great with the Nintendo Switch as well as Android, so if you ever decide to game on these platforms you can reuse the same controller.

Edit: I just remembered that when I first got mine, I needed to update the firmware to get it to work correctly. You'll need to update the firmware on both the receiver (v1.03) and the controller (v1.05). You'll need to do this one at a time (update the receiver first, disconnect it, then connect the controller directly via USB and update it). Unfortunately the firmware updater tool works only in Windows or macOS, so that's one drawback I guess. But maybe in the future it could get updated via LVFS/fwupd.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago

Came here to say this. IMO, the 8bitdo controllers are the best out there.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

I second any of 8bits controllers. I have the pro 2 myself, works perfectly when I use Linux.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

I will second this. For sure spend the extra dough on the Bluetooth version, since that one comes with HAL sticks, so it should be much more resistant to drift. Great controller, very comfortable and I dig that it has the option to use a dedicated dongle.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Agreed. The ultimate is great, and the charging dock is super convenient

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Likewise I use an 8Bitdo Pro 2. Works great for me on Linux, Android, and Switch. Even has gyro support on Switch.