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 Ultimate Bluetooth. I use it with the included dongle and it works just fine on my distro (Nobara). Kubuntu should also be fine I guess, just make sure you’re on a recent kernel (6.3+)
The main reason why I’d recommend this over others is that it has built-in macros - which is really handy for some games where you may need to press a complicated button sequence (like in fighting games), and of course, it also has the classic “turbo” feature which is handy for platformers.
The other reason is that the controller also works great with the Nintendo Switch as well as Android, so if you ever decide to game on these platforms you can reuse the same controller.
Edit: I just remembered that when I first got mine, I needed to update the firmware to get it to work correctly. You’ll need to update the firmware on both the receiver (v1.03) and the controller (v1.05). You’ll need to do this one at a time (update the receiver first, disconnect it, then connect the controller directly via USB and update it). Unfortunately the firmware updater tool works only in Windows or macOS, so that’s one drawback I guess. But maybe in the future it could get updated via LVFS/fwupd.
Came here to say this. IMO, the 8bitdo controllers are the best out there.
I second any of 8bits controllers. I have the pro 2 myself, works perfectly when I use Linux.
Agreed. The ultimate is great, and the charging dock is super convenient
I will second this. For sure spend the extra dough on the Bluetooth version, since that one comes with HAL sticks, so it should be much more resistant to drift. Great controller, very comfortable and I dig that it has the option to use a dedicated dongle.
Likewise I use an 8Bitdo Pro 2. Works great for me on Linux, Android, and Switch. Even has gyro support on Switch.
Steam Controller 😭
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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.
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.
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
😂
DK Bongo Drums
Can’t believe Nintendo didn’t make these for the switch
you could have had one on each side it’s so perfect.
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 🎮
Can vouch for this controller, works flawlessly in Linux
Seems to work fine for me on linux over bluetooth. Its a good controller.
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.
The new 8bitdo one with hall effect joysticks is very nice. Has both Bluetooth and a wireless dongle and there’s a hardware switch on the back so you can switch between them on the fly (meaning you can connect two devices and easily switch between)
Anything 8bitdo.
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.
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.
I’ve had really good experiences with PS5 DualSense controllers. They connect via Bluetooth or USB-C and have official support for the Linux kernel. The touchpad also works as a mouse out of the box which is really convenient.
I am using the Xbox One controller. I had to pair it with Windows once to fix a connection problem, but now it’s problem-free. I’m pretty sure that the problem and solution was described on Arch Wiki but I can’t find it now. Basically it was stuck on disconnecting and connecting again until Windows didn’t update its firmware
Xbo controller is great, the dpad is excellent
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.
Personally waiting for the leaked Xbox controller to come out.
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.
