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?

  • theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    2 days ago

    I haven’t ever tried a series X/S controller but I had a couple of 360 controllers that lasted through many many years of abuse then moved on to the ‘one’ controllers and the only issue I have had with those is an older micro USB version that I dropped with the cable plugged in and it smash the port off the board inside.

    That issue was my fault so in general I have had very good experiences with them all.

    • Rooster326@programming.dev
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      19 hours ago

      I recommend getting the “wireless” packs. You just drop the controller on the charger and pick it up when you’re done. There are so many.

      They even sell them with extra batteries so you can hot swap if you truly use up the 8 hours up.

      Had the same issue with the ports with Micro UsB. Shite durability but that goes for basically ALL micro UsB all devices

      • theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        16 hours ago

        I did consider it when I broke that port as I used batteries on that controller for a short while but as weird as it sounds I like using it wired.

        Micro USB is utter trash for sure but now with USB C I’m happy. I only had that one time when my own clumsiness ruined that one controller.

        Appreciate the recommendation though :)