this post was submitted on 02 Sep 2024
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I have a question(s) regarding the various types of game controllers.

I need a wireless controller which supports PC (Steam Linux mainly and maybe Windows someday). While searching online, I see various types

  1. xbox/ps5/switch controllers : These are for their respective consoles
  2. Mobile/PC controllers : These usually connect via wire/bluetooth/2.4 GHz

Source: https://www.gamesir.hk

However, I see in the product specifications page of the console controllers that they also support PC. And the PC controllers sometimes support some of the consoles. The only real difference between controllers, from a technology perspective, is that is some of them support bluetooth/2.4 GHz.

So I have two questions:

  1. If they are already cross-compatible, why even bother having different types?
  2. How should I decide which type of controller I should buy? It should support PC, console-support is not essential.

Note: I am a novice in game controllers but aware of different network stacks.

Edit: Thanks for the amazing response! These are my key takeaways from all the comments

  1. Hall-effect sensors are a must
  2. Default console controllers usually have stick drift
  3. If you need trackpad, take PS5
  4. 8bitdo is a reliable brand, as per multiple responses
  5. Most controllers have good support on Linux. But haptic feedback can be a hit/miss as it can be platform/game dependent
  6. There are various connectivity wireless standards. Dongles are the most reliable but you lose a USB port.
  7. Keep track of handsize/comfort and button layout
  8. PS controllers have excellent support on Linux/Steam
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[–] [email protected] 49 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (5 children)
  • Microsoft has their own controller protocol, xinput, it only works with xbox and PC

  • Sony and Nintendo both use BT HID, but add their own non-standard extras to deal with trackpads and gyros, on PC there are drivers to deal with this (inc. w/Linux kernel, extra on Windows)

  • For Wireless, Sony and Nintendo both use standard Bluetooth, you can pair a Switch or PS4/5 controller straight to a PC (though you will need extra software on Windows)

  • Microsoft uses either their somewhat proprietary 802.11AC implementation (only works with their dongles - you will need extra software on Linux, fully supported in Windows ootb) or standard Bluetooth, their BT has the highest latency of any of the 3 major controllers, but their 5ghz 802.11AC has the lowest. BT mode requires no extra drivers and will work fine ootb on Linux or Windows. You can't use a headset plugged into the controller or connected by BT (to the controller) if you're connecting the controller via BT.

  • MS has additional trigger rumbling/tension on the Xbox One/Series controllers, in Windows it will only work with MS Store apps - it won't work on any Steam game :( on Linux it will work, but nothing really supports it either.

  • Sony has a much better implementation in the PS5 controller, nothing outside Sony published games use it though - but it's compatible on Windows with additional drivers (DS4Win) (not sure about Linux here)

  • For Nintendo Switch on Windows you will need BetterJoy (previously, BetterJoyForCEMU) to support switch controllers properly, this also makes a DS4Win style gyro server, so anything that support ds4win will support Switch gyro too.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 months ago

This comment is how I always hope my info dumps go when someone asks me a technical question about something I have good experience in using. 10/10 comment, love it.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Sony has a much better implementation in the PS5 controller, nothing outside Sony published games use it though - but it's compatible on Windows with additional drivers (DS4Win) (not sure about Linux here)

It also does not work wirelessly. The controller itself obviously does, but you will not experience the fancy haptic features unless the controller is connected via USB.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

How it’s been four years and Sony hasn’t released a dongle to solve this problem is beyond me. Especially now that they are releasing more and more games on pc.

I have my pc in my living room, and while I’d like to just go wireless, I’ve currently decided to compromise with a super long cable just so I can get all the dualsense features.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

Yeah this is a solved problem with a lot of third-party systems though like 8bitdo has, since they just allow you to swap modes. Granted, sometimes it's a bit wonky since for example the Switch won't support analogue triggers but eh, it works for everything and everywhere, so I'm happy to have a single pad that has everything anybody can utilize.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

If I could award this comment, I would have. Thank you, you answered a lot of my questions!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Also, the button layout on switch controllers is different (A & B is swapped compared to XBox). This mostly matters on emulators, although you can remap the buttons, it can get confusing that they don’t match the games’ instructions on screen.

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[–] [email protected] 24 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Don't buy steelseries.

I like the DualSense controller. Yes, it's "for playstation" but all controllers work on PC nowadays. Especially on Linux, the driver for PS controllers is in the kernel, and they can work both wired and via Bluetooth.

It even supports using the special features of the DualSense in some games, like the adaptive triggers when playing Rift Apart or Forbidden West.

And the touchpad works as a mouse, which is handy.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

I had a Dualsense and I loved it. it served me well until it met its end to a can of Soda and my Cat. Now I use my Childhood DualShock 3 to game. It has no where near as many QoL features as its younger brother (like the touchpad). But it’s so fucking durable.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

I don't have a ton to add to this, but the Playstation controllers even pair with mobile devices with basically no setup. It's impressive

[–] [email protected] 21 points 2 months ago (5 children)

An 8bitdo Ultimate.

There, decision done, express lane service.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 2 months ago

I second this, great manufacturer. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is my personal preference. It looks like a Playstation and SNES controller did the fusion dance. I liked it so much I bought two: one for my PC and one for my Switch. It has a quality feel to it, excellent tactile response, and feels very comfortable in my hands.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Second this, just get some thumbstick covers. I have the 8bitdo pro, and I'm getting tired of the joysticks peeling off onto the rest of the controller after a game.

I haven't had drift on them yet, but if/when I need to replace Old Reliable, I'm looking for hall effect joysticks.

Edit: damn, just found out the pro2 has hall effect joysticks

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 2 months ago

It's really hard to beat a branded Xbox controller, these days. I was extremely skeptical for a long time, then I gave one a shot, and there's no going back.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

If you can get a controller with Hall effect sensor that would be top. Else just get an Xbox series controller and call it a day. If you're generally ruff with your joystick, you might look into cheaper controller, as all with no hall joysticks might start to drift earlier.

I'm very happy with my xbox series controller but others have less luck. But my mainboard has Bluetooth, so I can easily connect the controller. Some say you need the adapter, but I don't, probably because it uses the newest Bluetooth version protocols.

The best controller was my original Xbox cable controller. It lasted me 15 years or more.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

It's a driver issue while they support the same connectivity tech a trigger could be read as an analogue sticks veriticle axis, without driver support the device can't be read well by the system.

Reccomendation 8bitdo ultimate Works with Linux and Windows you can switch to console it's mainly setup for switch, Hall effect sticks so no drift.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

There is a tech difference with a DualSense controller that other controllers don't have, and that's the adaptive triggers. As far as I am aware, they're the only ones with that. It's a cool effect. Makes shooting in games feel more like handling a gun than vibration effects do.

Other than something like that, button layout is a choice. Parallel sticks or off-set sticks. Off center buttons. The way the D-pad functions (rolling style like Xbox or just 4 buttons like PlayStation). Etc.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 months ago (2 children)

But is that feature available outside PS5 on a PC?

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Yes. The PC versions of both Forbidden West and Rift Apart had it working when I played.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Yes. On Sony games.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Easy? Xbox Series. Fancy? DualSense. Comfy? Switch Pro. Beeg? Duke.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

Hotel? Trivago.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 months ago (2 children)

I would just go for a PS5 controller. You get type c charging, great haptics and good compatibility (either via Steam or ds4windows). Only issue is the stick drift

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

I didn't care too much about controllers until I used one of those. Fucking amazing controllers. I was playing Cyberpunk 2077 the other day on it and when driving you felt it shift gears on the R2. Fantastic use of the haptics.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Yeah the trigger haptics do not work on PC though, although it’s great on PS5.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Trigger haptics can work on PC but it is game by game/implementation by implementation. Returnal works when connected via USB but not wirelessly (unless you enable Steam Input for DualSense, but that completely removes haptic trigger capabilities, turns the touchpad into buttons, and switches to Xbox button glyphs), but Ratchet & Clank works wired or wirelessly (without Steam Input enabled for DualSense). The DualSense support on PC is kind of hit or miss, I wish they'd just standardize a library that offers the base features wirelessly -- the controller is really nice.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

Yeah I use a DS5E and it's a really well engineered controller, and I've always preferred the DS ergonomics. Just gotta use DS4Windows tool for some games remapping. But basically really whatever design ergonomic you prefer and buy that, they all support Windows now even Switch Pro.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 months ago

Like others said, driver support for console controllers is pretty good through the board.

My suggestion: try them out, maybe in a local store on their demo stations (pretty regular around here at least) or by ordering and returning the one you don’t like.

I personally like the controller layout of the XBox controller more than the PlayStation one. But it comes down to preference. So definitely test drive to find the best suit for you.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I refuse to buy anything without hall effect sticks. So that's limiting enough.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

Which one(s) have you got? Do you like them?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (3 children)

For PC, I would personally suggest looking for a controller with two things. Number 1, Hall effect sensors. Eliminate stick drift entirely with that alone. Number 2, replaceable joysticks. If the sticks last a long time, then the controller is expected to last longer. I just think having a way to replace work rubber is a good thing. Personally, I have loved Gulikit. My controller also happens to work on switch as well. Here is a link of you are interested in checking it out. Note that that is the controller I have, but you should definitely look at the different models. My controller has lasted about 3 years now. I used to go through PS5 controllers in about 6 months.

https://www.gulikit.com/productinfo/925509.html

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago

Weird coincidence, I was asked by multiple friends recently about which controller they should buy too.

Official controllers (ie Xbox, PlayStation) are usually good but many 3rd party controllers tend to be better for PC. Specifically you're looking for one that has hall effect joysticks, which makes the sticks last way way longer and are of better quality. A lot of these companies also have special software for PC to edit deadzones, profiles, macros, etc.

The best controller on the market IMO is the 8bitdo pro 2. It's comfy, well-built, works for ages, and has replaceable batteries.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

Ps5 controller is Bluetooth, works for me without any special drivers. Has native support in some games for the haptic triggers and touch pad. It’s a fantastic general purpose unit. The Nintendo switch classic NES controllers are awesome for retro emulation too- also Bluetooth. They make NES/SNES/N64 variants- but really the ps5 will handle all those use cases and feel just fine for any modern gaming.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

Is you need one with a track pad get a dualsense, otherwise 8bitdo all the way. Best third party controllers I've ever used.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

I love the ps5 controller but I’m now kind of scared about stick drift as one of mine had to be replaced because of it.

The second one doesn’t show any sign of this happening, but I’m not so confident anymore although Sony had never disappointed me before regarding reliability.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (5 children)

Gonna be quite honest:

The Nintendo Switc Pro Controller is probably the highest quality Controler I've ever had in my hands.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 months ago

This is probably true for most casual use, but after a couple months of constant weekly Smash tournaments, my stick eventually wore down and started drifting. The D-pad is also notoriously mushy and often picks up ghost inputs when moving quickly back and forth.

Both of these issues are fixable with some not so difficult controller modding, but I wasn't willing to make the effort.

I ended up with the 8bitdo Pro 2 for general use like someone else in this thread suggested and the Nintendo Wii U Pro Controller with an adapter for Smash that has been with me for years now. The only difference is that the Wii U controller doesn't have the built in accelerometers that the Switch controller and Pro 2 have.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

Support that. MS Xbox controller falls far behind it, and the third party devices are a lot of miss and no hit.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

Yeah. I love my 8bitdo Ultimate for PC use (and it just so happens to be extremely close to the Switch Pro in layout and sizing) but the actual thing is still works better in raw quality. Except no hall effect joysticks but eh, could always mod it yourself if you're so inclined.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

I don't share the positive feedback. The directional pad was especially terrible from the get go.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Bought a wired eswap thrustmaster pro. Refuse to use anything else ever again. Been a default controller that came with the console guy for most of my life before that. An actual game changer. Button pushes always register, the joysticks are damned responsive, and it feels quality with internal parts being made of metal. It was pricey, but it was damn worth it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

I 100% agree and you didn't even mention the biggest selling point in my eyes. The joysticks are modular so you can swap them out if they ever get drift. The sticks are extremely high quality but drift is inevitable in most scenarios so it's nice to only need to spend $20 instead of $200 for no more drift.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

xbox series controller is my fave controller and works flawless with linux

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

Consoles have used different wireless tech/protocols but mostly use bluetooth now. Bluetooth devices should be able to work on pc but may require extra hassle like non standard protocol and no official drivers if they weren't intended to be used that way. For the ones that do work the main takeaway is no additional dongle if your system already has bluetooth, but there may be addititonal input latency.

2.4ghz is kinda silly naming because bluetooth and wifi are both 2.4ghz, though wifi also has 5ghz, but it usually refers to presumably proprietary protocol over 2.4ghz and uses a usb dongle. It will generally be faster/lower latency but that isn't even guaranteed as the 2.4ghz mentioned never refers to any standard.

The latency difference will only be noticible to cats or birds or something unless the controller tries to pass the headset audio to the pc. Bluetooth audio has a noticable delay compared to most '2.4ghz' options, particularly noticable in rhythm games, games with inputs timed to audio cues, voice chats where everyone else has low latency audio and fast internet, and probably other stuff I'm not personally into.

Deciding your controller comes down to a lot of things. If the means exist in your area, try as many as you can to determine your most comfortable size, shape and layout. Other than that you absolutely must do yourself a favour and get a controller with hall effect sticks. The console companies all love stick drift. Don't be fooled by Sony's replacable stick controller either, the sticks are always out of stock and if you can solder you can get a regular controller and swap to hall effect yourself, both sticks, when drift starts for like $5 CAD vs $25 for 1 that will eventually die in the same way.

But probably just don't give m$ sony or nint your money since they all get drift and I have replaced the battery and charge circuit on 8 separate ps4 controllers and drifting sticks on so so many of every big3 console controller. 8bitdo has a few stick and trigger hall effect controllers which I can mostly recommend, I have the hall stick only version of the ultimate controller and several of their older regular stick controllers. They are noted for their very close replica feel of snes dpad and face buttons but the configuration and firmware update software was windows only last I checked. I also quite like retro fighters controllers but all of their hall effect options are on closed preorder pending fulfillment. There are other highly regarded non big3 brands that I haven't tried that seem to have pretty solid feature set and build quality too.

The used market is also an option. Arrange for testing though, and pass or haggle on drift, charging problems, filth, etc. Ifixit teardown guides for swapping parts or just cleaning the shells and button caps in soapy water with a soft rag. Watch out for devices originally sold with 'soft touch'/'smooth grip'/etc finish as all of them have degraded and become sticky even unopened in box by now.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

I've been really happy with my gamesir g7 se.

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