I’ve got a small backlog of games on my laptop (running Arch Linux with KDE) through Lutris. I usually play with a keyboard and a mouse, but since I sit pretty close to my screen (ik bad habit), it starts getting uncomfortable after a while. So I’ve been thinking about picking up a gamepad for some more relaxed, couch style gaming.

I’ve never actually owned a gamepad or a console before, so this would be my first time. From what I’ve seen on Reddit, a lot of people seem to have good experiences using Xbox controllers on Linux. I just wanted to get some more insight before buying one to make sure I’m making the right choice.

I’m also planning to grab a second controller so my girlfriend and I can play some local multiplayer games together.

Update: I went with 8BitDo Ultimate C wired as it was cheaper and a lot of folks below suggested it over the original Xbox Controller. It worked out of the box. I have only tested it with Marvel’s Spiderman 2 from Fitgirl repacks installed and running via Lutris. Worked w/o any issues.

  • impudentmortal@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6·
    24 days ago

    I love my 8Bitdo Ultimate controller. It’s comfortable to use and holds a decent charge. Having a charging stand is really useful too. If you have multiple non-PC devices, I would recommend getting the Pro version so that you can use Bluetooth. Otherwise, the USB one will work well.

    Only other minor negative is that the d-pad is a little mushy so I will occasionally hit the wrong direction accidentally. So not the greatest for fighting games.

    If you don’t need the charging stand, there are cheaper USB only controllers too.

    Lastly, if you want to try to improve your posture, my family bought some chair restraint straps for my grandma who kept tilting in her chair. The ones I linked aren’t what we got her but they were the cheapest I could find. You may also want to get your eyes checked. Could be the reason you’re leaning forwards so much is because you can’t see as clearly as you think.

  • Nibodhika@lemmy.worldEnglish
    8·
    24 days ago

    I have lots of different controllers, and have had even more through the years. My personal recommendation is the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, should be plug and play either on wired, wireless or Bluetooth on most modern distros, comes with a stand for charging so you never have the issue of picking the controller and being out of batteries, has Hall-Effect track pads so you won’t get drift with time, has 2 extra back buttons which are configurable on steam. Plus specifically against each other major controller:

    Pros over Xbox controllers:

    • No need to install any driver
    • Batteries included

    Pros over Playstation controllers:

    • Most games show ABXY glyphs
    • sonofearth@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      2·
      24 days ago

      Thanks. Unfortunately this one’s on the expensive side and I am not a hardcore gamer. I think I will go with the ultimate C wired as it is in my budget as well as seems to work with Linux (atleast via steam; got mixed reviews with Lutris from some folks in the comments).

      • Nibodhika@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        24 days ago

        Fair enough, the ultimate 2 is the same price as the Xbox and Playstation, so I guess those are also outside your range. The ultimate 2C wireless is only $5 more than the wired, I think that’s a good benefit for that price difference, but even the wired should be good since 8BitDo does good hardware.

        • sonofearth@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
          2·
          24 days ago

          The ultimate 2 is over 100$ more expensive than the ultimate c wired and 50$ more than the official Xbox one. (All of this in rough ₹ to $ conversion) Interestingly, I just searched Amazon and I had to scroll down quite a bit to find the 2c wireless which is actually cheaper than Ultimate C wired (at 81% discount like wtf?!), so now I might go for that one. Thanks.

          Edit: Sorry that 2C was just for the Nintento Switch. The reviews mentioned it didn’t support PCs. So now the actual 2c is 20$ more expensive than the Xbox. Now I am confused to put in the extra and go for the ultimate 2 lol.

  • demonsword@lemmy.worldEnglish
    5·
    24 days ago

    The regular PS4 controller works fine. Works well in steam, lutris, retroarch and the few native games I own, never had any (unsolvable) problems with it.

  • magic_lobster_party@fedia.io
    2·
    24 days ago

    I’ve been using the same base Xbox One controller for a while. It was easy to set up for Linux. Just had to install some extra package but after that it was good to go.

    Out of all the mainline console controllers, Xbox One’s is my favorite. They really nailed it with that one.

  • MalReynolds@piefed.socialEnglish
    5·
    24 days ago

    I have an 8bitdo and like it as well, one thing to consider tho is Steam Controller 2 is “extremely close”, might be worth holding out for that to drop atm, the original is pretty legendary and 2 seems based on steamdeck layout.

    • sonofearth@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      24 days ago

      Does 8bitdo work well with Lutris? I saw a video posted 5 years ago where you had to add Lutris to Steam and launch it from there for the controllers to work.

      • MalReynolds@piefed.socialEnglish
        2·
        24 days ago

        Sorry, don’t use Lutris, either Steam or straight to Bottles. But I’ll guess yes, with the dongle it comes up as a normal XBox controller unless you jump through hoops to get extra buttons going.

  • stealth_cookies@lemmy.caEnglish
    2·
    23 days ago

    Xbox controllers can be a bit unreliable on Linux in my experience. I’ve got an 8BitDo Ultimate 2C wireless that I quite like. They are way cheaper than an Xbox controller, have hall effect joysticks, and low measured latency.

    • Acidbath@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      23 days ago

      i recently purchased a 8bitdo controller and just want to mention that although it’s an amazing controller, I did have trouble getting the software to work in order to rebind buttons. just a heads up!

      Other than that, great controller, feels nice, most of them are cheaper than official xbox or ps controller, happy with my purchase

  • Suck_on_my_Presence@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    24 days ago

    I’ve been using an Xbox pro controller for a while on my Mint setup, just plugged in. I can’t get the Bluetooth to connect and I assume it’s because I need to update the drivers for the controller via Windows. 🤷 Whatever.

    But my controller bit the dust somewhat recently, so I grabbed a PS5 controller this time and it works right out of the box, no issue. I haven’t tried the Bluetooth to be honest because I’m so used to playing plugged in, but meh. The little trackpad thing on the PlayStation controller also works well as a mouse trackpad when I’m far away from my PC (like if I have it running in the living room instead of at a desk).

  • DesolateMood@lemmy.zipEnglish
    9·
    24 days ago

    I would recommend grabbing a third party controller since for some reason ($$$), none of the big three consoles make first party controllers with hall effect sticks. Search on Amazon for “Xbox hall effect controller” and 99% of the results will work fine. Off the top of my head, I know 8BitDo and GameSir are reputable brands

    • hissing meerkat@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      2·
      24 days ago

      I have a couple Beitong Asura 2 Pro+s with hall effect sensors. They work great and haven’t worn out like the litany of xbox and ds4 controllers that preceded them.

  • mesa@piefed.socialEnglish
    2·
    24 days ago

    I’ve had good luck with generic Logitech and ps4 controllers, at least on steam + Linux.

    • prole@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      1·
      24 days ago

      If you are broke, then go for the generic Logitech. But otherwise, I would recommend staying away. My experience has been that they actually made playing games less fun because they are so shoddy.

      Play a couple dozen hours with a XBone or DS controller, and you will understand why they are more expensive.

      If I’m going to be holding this thing for potentially hundreds of hours, I’m gonna get something that’s comfortable and works well.

  • schnurrito@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    2·
    24 days ago

    I don’t think there’s much difference. Any standard USB gamepad should work equally fine. I find the Xbox layout more comfortable than the PlayStation one, but this may be different for different people.

    • Chloé 🥕@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      9·
      24 days ago

      can second 8BitDo, their stuff is awesome

      for 2D games (or games that are played with a d-pad rather), their Pro line is also very good! i have the Pro 2, and it works fantastic with Linux. idk about the Pro 3 but i can’t imagine it would be much different, and i heard the d-pad on that one is even better

      • caseyweederman@lemmy.caEnglish
        3·
        23 days ago

        Third. I swear by them (and got their keyboard too, in Family Basic colors, and mouse in NES colors).
        The moment they put out a keyboard in Atomic Purple, I’m throwing a bunch more money at them.

    • LiveLM@lemmy.zipEnglish
      6·
      24 days ago

      This is also my recommendation.
      Even if you don’t care about any of the extra features, the fact that you get TMR Sticks, a charging dock and 2.4g dongle included makes it a better purchase than any Xbox controller