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.
Yeah I was looking at that as a lot of folks mentioned the brand. The wireless is super expensive, even more than the original xbox controller. But the wired one is literally half the price.
I wouldn’t use bluetooth due to input delay, but the 2.4Ghz wireless dongle 8bitdo sold separately at the time I was buying Pro 2 controllers was plug and play on Linux. Same goes for their Arcade Sticks.
If wired is okay then yeah that’ll work well. I always try to list flaws in stuff I own as well, so: Pro 2 the input method sliding switch on the rear of the controller is the weak spot in the design. If you frequently use that it’ll eventually cause spotty connection issues according to complaints I’ve read over the years. The D-Pad isn’t something you’d want to use for fighting games, but I love it for retro. Very NES-like.
Mine very rarely leave xinput so it’s been fine for me.
Its wireless is much more compatible, supporting several different connection methods for use with different proprietary systems, and is just generally a better and more capable device. They’re worth every penny, IMHO. 8bitdo’s quality changed my opinion on gaming controllers that had developed after years of being frustrated by cheap, wonky, second-rate, third-party garbage controllers like MadCatz and Logitech that used “features” to cover for the fact that they were cheaply made, overpriced, and deeply inferior. 8bitdo controllers are the only ones I trust anymore. Even Nintendo apparently can’t be trusted to make quality controllers for their own systems anymore. But 8bitdo can.
This. It costs more but you will have a controller that will last years. Have used 8bitdo pro2 for a couple of years after rage quitting the Nintendo pro whatever it is named to switch for its worthless d-pad. Recently picked up a 8bitdo pro3 and yes, it cost a lot but it will probably be my only controller for many years now. Buying something that breaks after a year will cost you more in the long run. It’s expensive to be cheap.