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:

If they are already cross-compatible, why even bother having different types?
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

Hall-effect sensors are a must
Default console controllers usually have stick drift
If you need trackpad, take PS5
8bitdo is a reliable brand, as per multiple responses
Most controllers have good support on Linux. But haptic feedback can be a hit/miss as it can be platform/game dependent
There are various connectivity wireless standards. Dongles are the most reliable but you lose a USB port.
Keep track of handsize/comfort and button layout
PS controllers have excellent support on Linux/Steam

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[–] [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.