this post was submitted on 02 Sep 2024
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How to decide what kind of controller one should purchase? (lemm.ee)
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by xavier666@lemm.ee to c/games@lemmy.world
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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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[–] one_knight_scripting@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

That is a totally fair question and one that I simply overlooked. Technically you can buy Gulikit through Amazon. I personally appreciate that the cost of it doesn't go up over like a regular controller. Scuf did me dirty, I had a scuf for all of two months before the lb button fell apart and they refused to repair it. That thing cost me $185. This controller cost me $70.90 and has lasted me about two years. Here is a link to the Gulikit store on Amazon. I do recommend making sure it is from that store. I don't know anything about it, but there is a AKNES store which sells gulikt controllers. https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/BCC8C06B-7BF5-4D6C-A9A0-6290B8091F02?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ast_store_VJNBFMTJC962ENMFECCM

On an unrelated note, if you have joy cons with stick drift (who doesn't have these) then Gulikit also sells just the stick modules so you can fix it for good.