I have a question(s) regarding the various types of game controllers.
I need a wireless controller which supports PC (Steam Linux mainly and maybe Windows someday). While searching online, I see various types
- xbox/ps5/switch controllers : These are for their respective consoles
- Mobile/PC controllers : These usually connect via wire/bluetooth/2.4 GHz
Source: https://www.gamesir.hk
However, I see in the product specifications page of the console controllers that they also support PC. And the PC controllers sometimes support some of the consoles. The only real difference between controllers, from a technology perspective, is that is some of them support bluetooth/2.4 GHz.
So I have two questions:
- If they are already cross-compatible, why even bother having different types?
- How should I decide which type of controller I should buy? It should support PC, console-support is not essential.
Note: I am a novice in game controllers but aware of different network stacks.
Edit: Thanks for the amazing response! These are my key takeaways from all the comments
- Hall-effect sensors are a must
- Default console controllers usually have stick drift
- If you need trackpad, take PS5
- 8bitdo is a reliable brand, as per multiple responses
- Most controllers have good support on Linux. But haptic feedback can be a hit/miss as it can be platform/game dependent
- There are various connectivity wireless standards. Dongles are the most reliable but you lose a USB port.
- Keep track of handsize/comfort and button layout
- PS controllers have excellent support on Linux/Steam
Microsoft has their own controller protocol, xinput, it only works with xbox and PC
Sony and Nintendo both use BT HID, but add their own non-standard extras to deal with trackpads and gyros, on PC there are drivers to deal with this (inc. w/Linux kernel, extra on Windows)
For Wireless, Sony and Nintendo both use standard Bluetooth, you can pair a Switch or PS4/5 controller straight to a PC (though you will need extra software on Windows)
Microsoft uses either their somewhat proprietary 802.11AC implementation (only works with their dongles - you will need extra software on Linux, fully supported in Windows ootb) or standard Bluetooth, their BT has the highest latency of any of the 3 major controllers, but their 5ghz 802.11AC has the lowest. BT mode requires no extra drivers and will work fine ootb on Linux or Windows. You can't use a headset plugged into the controller or connected by BT (to the controller) if you're connecting the controller via BT.
MS has additional trigger rumbling/tension on the Xbox One/Series controllers, in Windows it will only work with MS Store apps - it won't work on any Steam game :( on Linux it will work, but nothing really supports it either.
Sony has a much better implementation in the PS5 controller, nothing outside Sony published games use it though - but it's compatible on Windows with additional drivers (DS4Win) (not sure about Linux here)
For Nintendo Switch on Windows you will need BetterJoy (previously, BetterJoyForCEMU) to support switch controllers properly, this also makes a DS4Win style gyro server, so anything that support ds4win will support Switch gyro too.
This comment is how I always hope my info dumps go when someone asks me a technical question about something I have good experience in using. 10/10 comment, love it.
It also does not work wirelessly. The controller itself and its basic rumble obviously do, but you will not experience the fancy haptic features unless the controller is connected via USB.
How it’s been four years and Sony hasn’t released a dongle to solve this problem is beyond me. Especially now that they are releasing more and more games on pc.
I have my pc in my living room, and while I’d like to just go wireless, I’ve currently decided to compromise with a super long cable just so I can get all the dualsense features.
I use a ps5 controller on pc and get rumble? Even the weirdo trackpad in the middle works like a cursor.
I also have a PS5 controller, as far as I understand, haptic feedback is not humble, it is a resistance in the triggers (L2 and R2) só a game can make pull the trigger be harder of softer depending on the situation.
I don't know how many or which games uses it seem how many games still does not correctly display PS controller icons and etc and fallback to the MS iconography.
As far as I know haptic and maybe the mic/phone are the only things that does not work over BT. But I also think I read that some things that does work with BT does not work over USB
Ah, interesting. That sounds pretty negligible, feature wise. Might be fun on a racing game or something I suppose.
It’s fucking AMAZING.
I got a Dualsense controller because it looked comfortable. Then Returnal came out and I experienced the haptics and triggers… Absolutely insane. Even the lil controller speaker makes satisfying sounds on a perfect reload, or when you pick up certain things.
You’re right about driving games, though—playing Pacific Drive with it is completely awesome. The triggers vibrate on rough terrain along with the haptics, and the brake trigger feels like you’re actually pressing a car brake down.
I wouldn’t recommend either of those games WITHOUT a PS5 controller after trying it. They would feel so… flat. I’m looking forward to playing more games that support the triggers and haptics.
Haptic is different than the adaptive triggers, it’s like a way more 3D rumble. If you have a Dualsense controller, I HEAVILY recommend Returnal if you’d like to really feel the haptics and triggers. It’s AWESOME.
Pacific Drive is another game that takes full advantage of the haptics and triggers. They really being the game to life.
It does need to be plugged in, though.
Wow I didn't know. Do you know if it work Linux the way you described? Even if using USB
Also, the button layout on switch controllers is different (A & B is swapped compared to XBox). This mostly matters on emulators, although you can remap the buttons, it can get confusing that they don’t match the games’ instructions on screen.
X/Y are also swapped.
Yeah this is a solved problem with a lot of third-party systems though like 8bitdo has, since they just allow you to swap modes. Granted, sometimes it's a bit wonky since for example the Switch won't support analogue triggers but eh, it works for everything and everywhere, so I'm happy to have a single pad that has everything anybody can utilize.
If I could award this comment, I would have. Thank you, you answered a lot of my questions!