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 3 months ago* (last edited 3 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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[–] BuboScandiacus@mander.xyz 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Unrelated to the actual question but related to the title: Check if the controller fits your hand size. For example, I don't like the Xbox controller and much prefer the ps4 ones since they fit in my small hands better.

[–] nickiwest@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

This.

My husband swears by his Nintendo Pro controller, but he also has historically liked Xbox controllers.

Those options are too large to be comfortable in my hands, so I tend to go for undocked JoyCons and PlayStation controllers because they are better fits for me.

I use a PS4 controller for PC gaming. I definitely wouldn't buy a specific controller for my PC without actually holding a sample in my hands first.

[–] BuboScandiacus@mander.xyz 2 points 3 months ago

Pro tip: Buy silicone ergonomic grips for your joycons, they’ll stay small but your palms will be able to rest on them instead of floating in the air