1mo ago

Gamepad for linux

Hello lemmings, I'd like to buy some sort of gamepad I can use on my PC (running opensuse tumbleweed linux).

Since my youth I'm a die hard keyboard & mouse player, but since I'd like to try co-op with my wife I'd need second device. What is currently considered a good buy? Should be good in terms of price/quality ratio. I don't want to spend a lot on a thing with questionable future, might as well end up being ultimate dust collector. On the other hand I don't want to buy ultra cheap POS that would have terrible build and insta drifting joypads.

Wireless is a plus, but should have its own USB receiver (box PC without bluetooth).

Last thing: I'm based in EU, so should be available there.

Thank you very much!

40 comments

I'm a big fan of my 8bitdo gamepads. They have 2.4ghz USB ones that work really well on Linux (steam deck or desktop).
I have the Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller
And I paid about 25€ for it. My other main gamepad is an old google stadia controller which also works really well.
- I have four different 8Bitdo controllers and they run great!! Highly recommend
- My other main gamepad is an old google stadia controller which also works really well.
  FYI if you have bluetooth sync issues you just have to factory reset it by holding down Assistant and Capture for 6 seconds then pair again.
  :)
- I second this recommendation! Steam sometimes shows that the controller isn't supported completely/at all, but I haven't had issues - except one game (can't remember which), but disabling Steam Input for that game fixed that too.
- Do the extra bumpers, R4 and L4, actually do anything? I have the older version of this, where the extra buttons are on the back of the gamepad, and they only let you map the buttons to buttons that are already on the gamepad, like Start or X. So, kinda useless.
  
  Normally on a controller, that's up to you. Linux will report button presses. Games might or might not have configurable gamepad bindings -- they almost always used to do so before controller layouts were standardized, but in 2024, it's often common to just have a fixed layout or maybe an option for it. You can also set up software yourself that could use it.
- Second for 8bitdo. I have the sn30 pro. It has hal effects joystick’s advs rumble. It’s the bees knees.
- I've narrowed my options and 2C is one of the contenders. The bad is it's almost impossible to get one in my country... I believe Amazon would be solution, but I'd rather avoid it.
  
  Same for me, I found it on proshop, they ship to my country. I think the 2c has gotten an update, maybe you can find that one!

The boring answer is going to be an Xbox controller – as that’s what most PC games and Steam have mappings for. I assume those play nice with Linux?
- Yep they work great and they're ubiquitous. Xbox360 gamepad might be cheaper than one from a newer console model. I finished Elden Ring with one 100% on Linux.
  
  I'm using a PS4 controller since my Xbox controllers are an older design that doesn't use Bluetooth. With Steam mapping the controls across in everything from UI symbols to functionality, it works spectacularly.
- The slightly less boring answer is an Xbox series x/s controller with an armor x pro or just the armor x strikepack.
  The "strikepack" slots into the battery door slot and has a usb-c rechargeable 1300mah battery, four programmable rear buttons, and the ability to function as an xbox, playstation or switch controller.
  The pro version also has a gyroscope input for playstation and switch controller modes or can be set to convert onboard gyro to joystick input (with lots of manual settings you can tweak if needed) so you can use gyro to aim or steer in games that don't support it/xbox.
  My only gripe is the usb dongle needs decent line of sight with the controller.
  https://shop.bigbigwon.com/products/bigbigwon-armorx-pro-wireless-back-button-for-xbox-series-x-s-controller
- This is what I am using. I have a cheap USB bluetooth dongle and use an xbox controller. Playing Lords of the Fallen with it and it's been perfect. It really is a "it just work" situation.
- Can't speak to Xbox Series controllers, but Xbox One controllers on Linux are a mess in terms of the drivers situation. Running 'em over USB with xpad, the default kernel driver is fine, but you might need to install xone or xow to get them working wirelessly with the dongle, or xpadneo for Bluetooth. Maybe other people have had a better time but it's a total fucking headache IME.
  
  I've been using an Xbox one controller on pop os and never had any issues personally. I just use a regular USB Bluetooth receiver. Sometimes it takes a bit to connect when I turn it on but that's about it.

8BitDo Ultimate but make sure you buy the Nintendo Switch version because it's the only one with gyro. You could also just buy a DualSense.

Pretty much any USB controller will work. Don't normally need any special software support, and USB specifies the protocol, unless you've got some kind of oddball features on the thing. You can't go too far wrong.
Of the ones that I've used, I've currently settled on the 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth (there's also a non-Bluetooth Ultimate controller that they make, but it doesn't have Hall effect thumbsticks, which I want). Only downside is that it's only available with a Nintendo face button layout, whereas I'd prefer the Xbox face button layout. They do sell replacement buttons, and Steam lets you flip the layout for games using Steam Input. Works with both USB and Bluetooth, and it comes with a charging cradle if you use it wirelessly.
- You might want to check for software support if there are any programmable features.

The Logitech F310 (wired) and F710 (wireless) are ok. The F710 has a big 2xAA battery compartment which is uncomfortable for some.
Save your receipt, because Logitech's warranty is better than their construction. I destroyed my first F710's control pad on my second play of Crosscode, but they sent me a new one.
Do not use either one to operate a manned submarine.
- I have an F710 which I used and enjoyed for years, but it uses a proprietary 2.4 GHz protocol, and at some point, something wireless near me started interfering with it -- occasionally, it'd stop responding to me for a second, which was frustrating in action games. I didn't see the problem with Bluetooth controllers.

I've had a Gamesir Nova Lite since September, and I strongly prefer playing games with a controller whenever possible so I've used the heck out of it, and I've had no problems. I really like how the buttons and joysticks feel and it's supposedly got hall effect joysticks. I only use it on Bluetooth so not sure how it is with the dongle, but it has one. It's on Amazon and they've got their own site to order from that does worldwide shipping. For the $25 I spent on mine, it's a lot nicer than you'd expect from the price, I'd assume it's similarly cheap in the EU. Retro Game Corps did a side by side video with an 8BitDo a while ago. The company marketed the shit out of it to influencers, but it's legitimately good. (It doesn't have a headphone jack and gyroscope, fyi, in case you care about that.)
- I have been using the Nova Lite for a month now with no issues. I only use the dongle and it works well on both linux and windows. It is availible on MaxGaming for 23.90€.
  
  How is the build quality of these? They're available locally for me, for decent price, but reviews are mixed bag. Some say it's the cheapest and shittiest piece of plastic with questionable durability, others say it's decent...

I'm a big fan of the 8BitDo Pro 2. Best pad I've ever used.
- Second this. I have used a lot. Imo better than the switch pro and the ps5 controller at least. I use it a lot for competitive games.

Try the Xbox controller.

I like DS4 because it has gyro. You can bind it to mouse in antimicrox or steam and have very organic precision aiming
Haven't used DS5, though
And since I've went through a few "non-big-corp gamepads", unfortunately I'd suggest the big-corp ones. They do last longer

Most controllers should work, if getting an Xbox one controller pay attention that it has Bluetooth connection (not all of them do, I think the first ones didn't). If getting a PlayStation controller the glyphs might not match on most games.
- For the Xbox One Gamepad I had to update the firmware to use the Bluetooth, which was only possible with an Xbox or a Windows Computer, which I both don't have. I had to use a friend's computer for this.

Razer wolverine is wired but the best controller I've ever owned. 8 years and counting.

I use a PS5 controller for some time and it works perfectly great with every function available out of the box due to the official, Sony engineered, controller module in the stock Linux kernel.
It can be used wired, which I do most of the time, or via Bluetooth.

Logitech F310.
I've been using these for almost as long as I've been using Linux (10+ years). Plug and play and a good length on the cable. No vibration but that wasn't essential for me.
(PS there IS a wireless model / version but I've never used it - Logitech F710).
Best of luck.
- I've used the Logitech F710. Can recommend it, good stuff!

The PS5 DualSense controller is my favorite. It's touchpad reduces the frequency I need to reach for the mouse and keyboard which is great for the htpc
- Second this, and all functionality worked over USB right out of the box. Didn’t have to config my Arch (btw) install at all. Literally plug and play. Easier than all the fiddling I had to do with windows.

I have a Trust GXT 590, nothing special, but works well enough for about everything with about everything. It can do both Bluetooth, USB-Dongle and USB cable (iirc)

Gulikit make some good pads with hall effect sensors (and aftermarket hall effect sticks for things like the steamdeck). Dunno if they make versions with their own receiver tho.

Honestly I'm a huge fan of Sony's Dualsense controller. It's got a whole bunch of features that are sometimes lacking in other gamepads. A trackpad, gyro, audio in/out, analogue triggers with force feedback. Unfortunately, as far as I know, it only connects via Bluetooth or USB.

40 comments