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 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by [email protected] to c/games
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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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[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 weeks ago

I game on PC every day, and I always use a controller. I've tried many different controllers over the years, and most of them have had issues right out of the box. Only one controller has been perfect. The razer wolverine v2.

https://www.razer.com/ca-en/console-controllers/razer-wolverine-v2

It is super well built, and has a nice heavy feel that feels great if your hands are slightly larger than average. The thumb sticks are very grippy, have uniform resistance in every direction so you can be super accurate, and have zero stick drift after years of intense gaming. The face buttons have a mouse click feel to them, which I love. I always hated the face buttons on other controllers, including the genuine Xbox Controller, because they felt mushy and have inconsistent press and release.

I've tried 8bitdo, they felt cheap and uncomfortable. I've tried the Xbox Elite Controller, but it had tons of quality issues. I haven't tried Scuf, so I can't comment on that. But this razer controller is by far the best. Once you've used these clicky face buttons, you'll never want to go back to a normal controller.

I highly highly highly recommend it. The only downside is that it's wired, but they have a more expensive version that is wireless.