8BitDo ultimate with hall effect joysticks. Great value and works perfectly.
this post was submitted on 23 Feb 2025
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Linux Gaming
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I have the 8BitDo Ultimate controller and just store it in the dock when not in use. I've not had any connectivity issues (does Bluetooth & 2.4Ghz), battery life (22hrs), or ever have it just shut off. Also has rumble , motion, and hall effect sticks. The configuration of profiles can be done through a mobile app or Windows/VM.
I also have this controller (and the one that is SNES style) and both work well with my steam deck.
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.
I don't know of any generic controllers, and wouldn't trust them to have consistent hardware between production runs. All the worthwhile controllers I've used have brand names. Having said that...
Logitech makes decent, affordable, basic controllers. My only complaint about the F310 / F710 is that the analog stick dead zones are a little bigger than I like. (Maybe I'm just spoiled by Sony models, though.)
Sony's DualShock 4 v2 and DualSense are great in my experience, and not terribly expensive when they go on sale.
8bitdo Pro2 is very good also for retro-gaming
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".
I recommend the 8bitDo Pro 2 controller. The controller works well on my Linux gaming machine and the things I like about it are:
- Bluetooth or wired connection
- Replaceable battery with up to 20 hours of playtime.
Beat me to it. Outstanding controller, with replaceable parts staight from 8bitDo.
All of these are complaints specific to wireless controllers (auto-shutoff to conserve battery, battery life, some sort or Bluetooth connectivity issue). Have you considered getting a wired, USB controller? Or using your existing one in USB mode, which most wireless controllers support?
I only use wired controllers, however my system (Mint) doesn't acknowledge controller input as standard input, so the screen saver comes on in 20 minutes or my machine goes to sleep after an hour while I play. I haven't figured out how to stop it yet.
You can run caffeine in Terminal while playing the game.
Also: gaming on linux
just an idea I have. to keep my pc from sleeping while streaming content to my other devices, I have a script that uses xdotool to move the cursor 1 pixel to the right and immediately back every 30 seconds if my network adapter has transferred some data. make (or ask chatgpt to make) a script that recognizes some of your controller inputs and then moves the mouse, or it could press XF86_wakeup key (this will cause problems in web excel). also it could trigger by just having the controller plugged in.
8BitDo makes some good controllers, and at least I've never had any issues with my SN30 Pro+ first gen. Some of the older controllers needed special Windows/Mac software to update their firmware and stuff, but I think newer controllers let you put them in flashing mode, mount them as a USB device, and then just drag and drop firmware into them.
I also have a Gulikit KK2 that's been fine. Not a cheap controller, but I'd assume that anything they offer would work too. The Gulikit i've used in bluetooth mode on my laptop and it was fine, tho the 8bitdo i pretty much only use in wired mode. The 8BitDo is cool because it has a removable battery, but you also have the option of using AA batteries too, if you wish.
8BitDo Pro 2 is easily the best pad I've ever used.
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.
I like my 8bitdo controller but I have an older model so can't speak for the more recent ones.
I have a Xbox controller and the Xbox dongle. Needs some driv rs but works really well once connected. Cheaper option is for sure 8bitdo
I have good experience with a play station 4 controller, especially with the steam overlay for configuration.
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 have used Logitech f310 wired and f710 wireless, not bt, without any issues on steam. Not sure about your specific issues though.
I've been using a wired Nintendo pro switch controller on LMDE and have had no issues with it.