I need a wireless controller for my linux laptop (Kubuntu 23.04).
I don’t care how it connects (bluetooth dongle). I just want one that works. The most intense game I play is stardew valley.
8BitDo SN30 Pro works great. I’m using the Xbox edition that’s meant to only work on Android with Game Pass thanks to xpadneo drivers
I haven’t had any issues with my DS4s (PS4 controllers), and I’ve heard good things about DS5s. I’ve also used XBox 360 controllers with a dongle.
You could also look for Stadia controllers in case you can find a good deal. Stadia was discontinued, but they can be updated to work like regular controllers, at least through the end of the year. I don’t have any direct experience with them though.
I like the dualsense5 controllers for the PS5. The trackpad is a handy feature to have.
8bitdo Ultimate 2.4 Ghz, it connects with a dongle, but if you update the firmware you can use Bluetooth as well, even though they don’t advertise it. You can also go with the Ultimate C 2.4 Ghz which doesn’t have the back buttons or mappable buttons (I don’t even know if 8bitdo’s Ultimate software works on Linux) to save some money.
I use a DualSense, an 8BitDo Pro2, and a Switch Pro controller.
My favourite by far is the DualSense: motion control works (unlike the 8BitDo), and the touchpad is really useful to control the mouse cursor in menus. The buttons are also shorter and real more reactive. It’s on the bigger size, which may or may not be a good thing for you. I have smaller hands, so for me it’s not as comfortable as the 8BitDo, but it’s definitely bearable, and I still use it over my 8BitDo Pro2.
The Switch Pro controller is a pain in some games (last time I tried, it was so bugged it was unusable with Dead Cells), and I don’t see any real advantage it would have over an 8BitDo Pro2. Maybe the motion control? I don’t know if it works or not, I have never tested it.
I love the switch pro, but the trigger buttons being straight up buttons is a deal breaker for some games. DualSense is goat, and target has occasionally had them on sale for $45.
Oh, yes, I forgot that. It’s been a while I have touched my Switch.
DS5 is probably the best you can choose. The build quality is good and they work fine with Linux via Bluetooth. Also it is not some exotic choice and is widely supported.
The Xbox controllers are also working fine, but they are lacking the gyro and touchpad. Also the build quality wasn’t great when I used one the last time (A button not registering every press and wonky d-pad). They are a bit cheaper, but also much worse imo.
You should be able to use pretty much any Bluetooth controller just try to avoid the Bluetooth low Energie LE controller my stadia controller that i resenty bought doesn’t work on many distos Nobara no problem if you use arch forget it
Can’t comment on Linux compatibility. But on my windows PC I use a Gulikit King Kong 2 Pro. Really like it so far, no major issues, pretty good battery life.
Linux compatibility is flawless. +1 for this controller 🎮
Seems to work fine for me on linux over bluetooth. Its a good controller.
Can vouch for this controller, works flawlessly in Linux
@TxTechnician Xbox One S controllers work pretty well on Bluetooth. I can connect 4 controllers at the same time but more than 2 is not really stable. And if you don’t mind some tweaking, they work better with https://atar-axis.github.io/xpadneo/.
I also used Logitech F310 without any problem. Oh, and steam controller works well too.Three PCs two different containers. I cannot get Xbox controllers to work with Linux over Bluetooth.
@TxTechnician interesting, are you sure your controllers support BT? I’ve been successfully using them with both of my laptops and steam deck. The key configuration can be a problem but xpadneo solves that. I love their ergonomics.
Well, now I remember that I couldn’t connect one of the latest generation controllers to one of my laptops. It needed BT LE and the laptop didn’t support it. But One S controllers are fine.
I know they work with windows. Maybe it is the bt version.
Personally waiting for the leaked Xbox controller to come out.
Steam Controller 😭
I never got to try it, but ever sense getting the SteamDeck I’ve really wanted them to come out with a steam controller 2, that has all the inputs of the Deck
I used to have a couple steam controllers, but they had a weird shape to them. I could never figure out how to hold them comfortably. They seem to have figured it out with the steam deck though - mine is plenty comfortable. If valve releases a controller that’s basically the steam deck without a screen I swear to god I’ll be the first in line.
Depends on hand size maybe? The steam controller for me and one of my friends was simply instantly completely comfortable. Something like dual shocks are way too small and give hand cramps. SC feels like it was made for my hands lol
I’m sure it does. You’re not the first person I’ve heard say that the steam controller was the only one that felt right. My hands are medium size, if anything on the small side, I’m right in the steam deck/Xbox controller zone
I would jizz through the roof if they did that. I have repetitive stress injuries that massively limit my gaming and the touchpads are a godsend in first person games. I set it up to act like a trackball with inertia so instead of holding a direction to turn I could just flick that way and “catch” it when it got to the right spot. Seems like a PITA but after about five minutes you completely forget it was ever weird.
Mix that in with the motion control and you can get really accurate shooting.
When I had a Deck I set it up the same way and… yeah, perfection. Just chop the middle out of the Deck and give it to me, baby. Uh huh. Uh huh.
Xbox Series X controller with the Windows Adapter: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/accessories/adapters/wireless-adapter-windows it’s the standard for computer controllers. Used by over 50% of the market. With the Linux Xone driver, it has some pretty good Linux compatibility but you just have to ensure you set it up correctly. You can also use the Xbox Series X controller to use Bluetooth but it comes with the drawbacks of higher latency and less range. If you plan on doing that use the xpadneo driver instead.
The Playstation 5 controllers are the next popular and the next ones I would recommend. They have less driver support on Linux for some of the more fancy features such as the touchpad and sixaxis do not work over wireless.
I’ve used a few controllers. Generally, controllers with direct input have worked the best. My favorite controller to use is the Dual Sense controller(PS5). The Switch controller also works right out of the box. Xbox controllers seem to be hit and miss. If you do want an Xbox style controller, consider the 8bit-do ultimate controller, as it has a dinput mode. Avoid the Bluetooth variant, as the 2.4ghz mode is xinput only.
The Xbox one is good and it’s the standard layout on PC, so this is probably your pick.
I love my Steam Controller since is very customizable and a pretty unique hardware, but it may require config steps.
8bitdo stuff is usually good but pay attention on layout buttons.
Never tested a PS controller on PC but Steam should allow to play some game with the PS buttons on screen.
Dualshock 4 is great.
If you’re not gonna use it often and want a cheaper one, the Logitech F710 (wireless version of the f310) is great, just don’t use it for your submarines
😂
