this post was submitted on 09 Jul 2024
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Hello all, I'm looking to buy 4-8 controllers for some couch coop games and haven't found any clear winners so far. I'm leaning 2.4Ghz as I've heard problems about bluetooth controllers disconnecting on the steam deck and always appreciate less latency. I also don't need any fancy features like gyro or touchpads, just the generic xbox-like style would be great. Also my last problem is that every one I've found requires a dongle per controller, to which I'm wondering if 4-8 dongles next to each other would cause interference?

In essence: if anyone has recommendations on controllers for couch coop games on the steam deck where the main priority is connection stability, it'd be much appreciated!

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[–] simplymath 5 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (2 children)

I have 4 of the 8bitdo controllers (various Bluetooth models) and games have varying levels of support for them. Sometimes all the controllers show up as 1st player, but mostly steam handles it fine. I've also use Microsoft branded controllers in the past with 0 issues, but then you're locked into to that as mixing those with playstation or 3rd party ones can lead to the same player mapping weirdness. Also, the Xbox variety needs a 2.4Ghz dongle to work with the deck, but I've found this to be superior to Bluetooth in crowded environments.

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

I have an 8bitdo, but I needed to learn how to use xboxdrv to get it working and map the buttons correct (nintendo style vs playstation). But now it works well. Unfortunately havent gotten the paddles to work at all with this method, but I hear that isnt possible if its connected as a generic usb device.

[–] simplymath 4 points 2 months ago

Yeah. the extra paddles seem to be restricted to 8bitdo's configuration software which doesn't work on Linux, as far as I know.

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

The microsoft dongle seems to be the most stable experience, only concern is it looks like it requires the xone driver which hasn't had a release in two years unless I'm mistaken?

[–] simplymath 2 points 2 months ago

I used the old 360 dongle and controller for years. I'm not sure the driver needs to be updated regularly. It's just buttons?