Discussions and news about gaming on the GNU/Linux family of operating systems (including the Steam Deck). Potentially a $HOME away from home for disgruntled /r/linux_gaming denizens of the redditarian demesne.
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Doesnβt have a shit QC (8bitdoβs are apparently like that)
Can't confirm. I own 3 controllers, a keyboard, a numpad and a mouse by 8bitdo. None of them have any hardware issues. Only issue is that the software is meh and Windows/Mac-only. But it's a plug-and-play controller, so you really don't need the software unless you want to do stuff like define macros (which you can just use Steam input for).
Yeah, 8bitdo's also have official SteamOS support too, which is a plus point.
I have two 8bitdo controllers and they're both great. I'm not sure what makes you think they are shit. I've only ever heard good things and that's been my experience. I intend to get a third one to replace my dying ps3 controllers.
I owned both GameSir and 8bitdo controllers. All my GameSir ones have fallen apart (stick drift, trigger broke off), while the 8bitdo ones are still alive despite my kids' best efforts.
I have two 8bitdo ultimate 2c controllers (the cheaper Xbox style controllers) and they've been great. The only thing they're missing is RGB, other than that they tick every box. I use them for my steam deck and on my bazzite PC and they work flawlessly, have held up very well in the ~8 months of regular use they've seen. My one (minor) gripe is battery life. A charge lasts several days, but my Xbox one controllers lasted about a week, sometimes more when I was using them. They're USB-C, charge pretty quick, and you can use them while they're charging so it's not a big deal but still worth mentioning
+1 on that. I own an old SN30 pro+ and a new ultimate 2c (which has amazing value for 30$). Both are flawless.
I've owned 3 different 8bitdos, and they have some of the best QC on the market.
With that, the ultimate 2 is a brilliant wireless 2.4g controller with a dock. Works out of the box, no config required.
May I ask what QC means? I have the ultimate 2 with dock too, pretty good. Only issue is how the modes are handled, as it does not remember last mode change.
Quality control
Yeah 8bitdo is good in my experience, you can return it anyway if it's sussy on arrival. Works with everything, steam input or not
Thanks for the return idea! Do you perhaps use the Ultimate 2? If yes then how does it fit for your hands if yours are big?
I own a couple of 8bitdo Ultimate 2, they're excellent and seem to tick all the boxes, but they're on the smaller end I guess.
I just got a 8bitdo ultimate 2c they go for 30 bucks and I swear it is better than my Xbox gamepad, thy come in fun colors have extra triggers amazing hall effect sticks good face buttons. Bluetooth AND dongle. I can't stress this enough it is purple.
I can confirm the ultimate 2C is awesome.
Did you manage to get extra buttons working? I thought no driver could handle those buttons (tried xpad and xone).
Really? My 8bitdo outlived any other controllers I have owned, minus some features lacking
8bitdo, no other better answer
The 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless 2 has been perfect for me and fits all your criteria.
I know they had QC issues with their dpads on their earlier controllers but it seems they've long fixed that as I don't see people reporting it anymore on their subreddit.
I have a ton of 8bitdo stuff and have never had any issues. They're my favorite controllers.
I really like the ps5 dualsense controller and had no issues whatsoever in Linux. Works really well. I'd even say better than in windows.
Do you feel better response times on Linux compared to WIndows?
I don't feel any particular lag, neither in windows nor linux, when using Bluetooth (compared to usb): to me they feel almost the same. But it should be noted that I almost never play games where you would notice more.
In my experience, though, Bluetooth generally works better in linux than windows, esp. pairing and connecting.
Anyways, steam does an excellent job in making the controller work in games, also those that don't officially support.
In the past, I have owned: an xbox controller (and I hated it) , other cheap controllers (and they broke). The ps5 for me works very well, it appears to be good quality, the battery lasts long and is rechargeable via usb c.
It's pricey but it's good.
But I don't know how it compares with the steam controller.
The PS5 controller battery is my primary complaint about it.
It lasts like 6-8 hours where my ancient xbox elite controller still goes for 40ish hours of gaming between recharges.
Obviously both last more than usually necessary but forgetting to charge the PS5 controller is way more annoying.
I use a Dualsense controller and it's great. It feels as responsive on my desktop as it does on a real PS5.
Though I mostly use it to play old PokΓ©mon games through emulators and occasionally Bloodstained
I have a Gulikit KK3 Pro (NS38) and a KK2T (NS09), both are great and while I got them for free in giveaways, they go around 40β¬.
The KK2T is Bluetooth only, the KK3 Pro came with a dedicated 2.4GHz dongle (but Bluetooth is available as well)
Both have the Xbox stick layout, but the button layout is Nintendo (they are also switch compatible). Apparently, the buttons can be replaced, but I couldn't find a place that has the Xbox button layout in stock - at least not in my specific colorways.
The KK2T is plain black without any LEDs, the KK3 Pro I got is DMG Gameboy themed: Beige plastic, pink buttons and LED rings around the sticks that have different lighting modes (reactive to stick movement, solid, reacting to trigger pulls etc.)
Strong recommendation for Cyclone 2. I've been so happy with my first one that I'm about to order a second one.
Excellent ergonomics. The RGB you asked for. Works perfectly with my CachyOS and Bazzite setups out of the box. Premium metal charging stand included. Excellent clicky switches including changing triggers to micro switches. Hall effect triggers. TMR sticks. 2 back buttons.
This is available brand new on eBay for Β£30 in UK. You won't be disappointed.
Just an xbox controller?
It just works
I have 4 8bitdo Ultimate 2C gamepads. 2 Nintendo layout and 2 Xbox layout. They feel better than the Series X standard gamepad I had before. My oldest is 2 years old. Durable for me but I don't smash the buttons and sticks anywhere near as hard as possible like I've seen other people do when gaming. Like video game road ragers
8BitDo work well with my Steam Deck
And on Bazzite too.
I have the 8bitdo 2c with PC dongle. The only game I had issues with is No Mans Sky, but those problems do occur on Windows as well. I like them better than my Xbox controllers.
I'm still a huge fan if my DualShock 4. I've been using it for a long time now, and the battery life is still good. The track pad also comes in handy shockingly often since it acts like a normal track pad for the mouse.
if you want an alternative to the List, I have had really good experience with the Anbernic RG pro. I had a little bit of a problem getting started with it, but after you update the firmware for the controller itβs been working perfectly for me and is a outstanding controller for the price.
I seem to have minor compatibility issues with most controllers on my EndeavourOS PC, but it seems to vary more with the games than with the different controller brands themselves. Seconding 8BitDo being pretty tough though.
Now the real question is, has anyone designed an open source controller (not fightstick/hitbox), that is purchasable? Like Ploopy or Tindie or something?
I have larger hands and have the Cyclone 2. Fantastic controller and my daily driver. I didn't like the clicky face buttons but they've grown on me. Happy to answer any questions. No real issues across Linux or Windows.
I have the GameSir Cyclone 2 and love it.
It's only a little outside your price range, but have you looked at the steam controller? I haven't gotten it yet, but reviewers are raving about it
