I don’t need anything special or pricey, just a basic controller that does basic controller things.
I’ve tried a few generic controllers, but they have issues with bluetooth, battery life, and automatically shutting off too early from idling.
Does anyone know of any generic controllers that don’t have these issues? I don’t mind if the battery life isn’t the same or better than official controllers, but they shouldn’t straight up lie about the capacity. It should be illegal.
Update: I ended up going with a generic PS4 controller from Walmart. The brand is Yuoy, which I am unfamiliar with but I’m willing to see for myself how good their controller is.
This is the one I got https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/5486552170 and so far I am satisfied. It’s a bit heavier than the other generic controllers I have, which I hope is a sign of a bigger battery. The d-pad isn’t quite as good as the legendary Sony d-pads, but I’m getting used to it. It’s not nearly as bad as the 360 or logitech d-pads, for example. I think it’s pretty good.
I’m also not having the issue with it turning off after 5 minutes of idle time. So far, it hasn’t turned off at all from idling. I’m not sure if there’s no auto-shutoff at all, or it may just be respecting my Steam setting to have it shut off after an hour of idle time. I don’t feel like testing it right now.
So far, for $17 this controller seems to be acceptable. I’d still like to shut off the touchpad, but that’s not really the controller’s fault.
I will continue testing and update this if I have any issues. As it stands right now, I’m looking forward to getting another one and hope it’s the same.
Update: I am having issues reconnecting the controller after I disconnect it with bluetooth. I need to go through the re-pairing process by holding the share button (select) and the PS button. The controller shows up as connected for a few seconds, then goes back with the other disconnected devices saying the connection failed. This is a big issue. I will try to see if I can find an easy fix, if not then this is enough to make me return the controller.
Here’s a video documenting the issue: https://freediverse.com/w/2DVMHpkjaA4rcX8WqhuKts
2nd Update: I decided to try another one from the same brand, but with a different D-pad. This is the controller I got https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wireless-Controller-for-PS4-Remote-Game-Joystick-Compatible-with-Playstation-4-PS4-Slim-PS4-Pro-PC-Blue-Crystal/5355337991
It’s still $17, but the D-pad is better and most importantly, I’m not having the re-connection issues I was having previously. I guess the issue really is with the specific controller.
Since this one is slightly different than the previous, I’m going to end up returning the previous one and getting another one of these. I want to see if there is any consistency among the ones with this kind of D-pad.
It sucks how difficult it is to find compatible hardware for a good price, but I’m willing to go through the effort so that more people can know that we can be getting products for cheaper.
I am going to continue testing to see if any issues crop up. Otherwise, if I don’t update this then you can assume this controller is The One. For $17, it’s the best deal I can find for Linux gaming controllers.
Batocera has a good list
https://wiki.batocera.org/supported_controllers
Otherwise, I would consider that Linux is not the limit/cause of incompatibility and most will work out of the box just fine.
https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-best-pc-gaming-controller-gamepad
I’ve had pretty good success with a number of 8bitdo controllers. The wireless ones have a few different wireless “profiles” for compatibility with multiple devices, but after figuring that out, it’s pretty smooth sailing. They take several minutes to turn off from idling, and it won’t “idle” if you’re holding it (i.e., if there’s any activity on the gyroscope).
I have the SN30 Pro and the Zero 2, both have great battery life and work well on Linux (I’m using Mint). And they work wired as well.
8BitDo ultimate with hall effect joysticks. Great value and works perfectly.
I like my 8bitdo controller but I have an older model so can’t speak for the more recent ones.
I have used Logitech f310 wired and f710 wireless, not bt, without any issues on steam. Not sure about your specific issues though.
Using Logitech F310 without problems for years. I think F710 was the wireless version of it but I didn’t use it so no idea.
Not generic, but I’ve been using Xbox Series controllers with LMDE. They were plug n play and work flawlessly out of the box. I’ve used them with both bluetooth and wired and have had no problems with emulation and steam. You’d probably save more buying a used xbox controller for about $30-$50 than trial and error with cheaper off-brand gamepads
He asked for generic. 🙄
I bought an Xbox series controller, it’s too small, the triggers are too stiff, not very impressed, the separately sold rechargeable battery pack is lame. Bought a DualSense on sale and it is better in every way. Haven’t touched the Xbox controller since. It really feels like they cut corners on quality to encourage sales of the ridiculously overpriced Elite controllers.
I also enjoy dualsense and there is definitely quality there, but I could not get it to work with a handfull of emulators on linux for some reason. I’m sure there could be some tinkering to do to get it working but I’ve just been using xbox series for plug n play
I have good experience with a play station 4 controller, especially with the steam overlay for configuration.
It might seem laughable that so many people are shilling for 8bitdo but as an owner of three of their controllers and two of their keyboards: yes they are that good.
I disagree.
It is laughable.
I wanted to get some tonal context so I could better understand your reply here so I read some of your other comments.
I regret wasting my time.
If you want to go as cheap as possible while retaining usable status, I’d recommend generic Xbox 360 controllers. You can get deals on two of them in a set for sub-$20 and they’re usually fine functionally. They will have cheap sticks and poor build quality, but they take AA or the Play N Charge packs and their 2.4ghz dongles they come with work on Linux perfectly for every “brand” I’ve tried.
If you want a nice non-Xbox/PlayStation controller, as others have said: get an 8BitDo.
Don’t bother with anything else. I’ve bought plenty of generic Switch controllers, off brand Xbox or PlayStation controllers, etc. They all lead to pain, connection issues, and frustration. ESPECIALLY if they’re Bluetooth. You might be OK if they come with a dongle for 2.4ghz, but even those are spotty sometimes and often have range issues.
I have a cheap Bluetooth controller that works perfectly for me, although to be fair I almost never use a controller so it gets used a couple hours in a month lol. The brand is gamesir and I got it for $20 or so with no issues on Linux using either the Bluetooth mode or the 2.4GHz adapter over the past couple years
Go with a Nintendo Switch controller that works with PC like:
https://a.co/d/6cxE7qn (~$20)
There’s dozens and dozens of them and I’ve never had a problem with any of them. They all seem to just “magically work”.
Speaking from experience, generic Switch controllers on Linux often suck. Many off-brand controllers use crap Bluetooth modules that will only connect half the time. I’ve tried two or three. Get a wired controller, 8BitDo, Xbox, or PlayStation controller.
I love the 8bitdo Pro 2. No connection issues in either Xinput or DirectInput mode. Battery life is great and it can run on the included battery pack which will charge via USB-C or AAs that will actually extend the battery life.
If you’re cool with a 2.4ghz adapter via USB, the gulikit kk3 max has been awesome. It’s an Xbox controller clone with 4 paddles, can be used on switch, and has hot swappable buttons for switch as well, all for about 80 bucks.
It’s got hall effect sticks/triggers.
It has Bluetooth as well, I just haven’t tried it. Better response times and range with the adapter so that’s what I use.
Warning: QA isn’t the best, I have had one come in with vibration issues, but returning it and ordering another was a price well paid.
