Games

Unrelated to the actual question but related to the title: Check if the controller fits your hand size. For example, I don't like the Xbox controller and much prefer the ps4 ones since they fit in my small hands better.

Have some experience with Xbox controllers and steam controller

First official Xbox One X controller is absolute shit via bluetooth. Proprietary dongle works well, as long as its on windows - getting it to work under linux is a pain.

As far as compatibility goes Xbox 360 Dualshock with 2,4ghz wireless dongle is the best - dongle identifies as wired controller, it works correctly with everything.

Steam controller works with everything except ergonomics is IMO garbage. Dualshock rules in this area

And don't even think about connecting anything via bluetooth to android - bluetooth drivers are broken since android 10, causing massive input lag. Use either wired, or Xbox 360 2,4ghz wireless dongle controller

I bought some cheap PS and Xbox controller clones on eBay and they all work amazingly well OOTB on Linux

For Linux, I recommend the DualShock 4 (PS4) and DualSense (PS5) controllers. They have native support built into the kernel, so you don't need special drivers. They're great in Steam, emulators, Wine, and most native linux games. They work in both USB and bluetooth mode. Motion controls work. Touchpad works. Rubmle works. Dead zones are nice and small.

The only features I'm not sure about are the DualSense haptics and adaptive trigger feedback. There was work happening on those when I last looked a couple years ago; I haven't checked recently.

A few people have reported lag with certain bluetooth adapters. I haven't seen it with any of the hardware I've used, but if you encounter it, you can always get a different bluetooth adapter or exchange the controller for some other model.

Didn't a Japanese company make a controller with native steam input? Is that controller any good? The thing with 8bitdo and the like is you can't map back paddles to unique inputs via steam and they only can duplicate face buttons by programming the controller iirc.

I have a gulikit kk3, but I don't love the dongle and don't love the lack of native steam controller configuration for back paddles. Other than that, the hardware has been good for me.

If you want wireless, one thing to be concerned about is the latency of the gamepad. https://gamepadla.com tests many controllers for their latency.

Personally, I've just gone with xbox with their PC dongle. I only like controllers with the sticks in the xbox/nintendo configuration and the latency is great with their dongle. I also like that it uses standard batteries so I just keep some rechargables at hand for when it runs out. On the downsides, there is no low battery indication on the controller, so occasionally it just dies in the middle of use.

Never buy a PS4/5 or switch controller they are all overpriced garbage they intentionally make for ewaste landfills in 2-4 years.

I really like my gulikit king Kong 2 and they made a elite controller style one with the 3rd version so I'd recommend that. They're hall effect joysticks which feel real nice and are easy to repair and customize.