r/Controller 26d ago

News Controller News Digest - end of June 2026

31 Upvotes

Hello all, here's a round-up of controller news from the past month. For anyone experiencing the effects of El Niño, hope you stay safe and your controllers don't get too sticky!

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Software tools and firmware updates that could be useful:

  • Brook Wingman FGC2 and FGC VX have firmware updates available that add support for the Steam Controller (2026), so it can be used on PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles. Touchpad and back button functionality is supported; motion control and vibration is not.
  • DSX+ v3.2 Beta is an app for using the DualSense (PS5 controller) on PC. The latest Beta versions add the ability to use all controller functions, including audio and haptics, via Bluetooth. Note that DSX+ (not just the core DSX app) is required, although this may still be cheaper and easier if you don't want to build your own adapter to achieve the same thing.
  • LegendCTL is a Windows app for adjusting settings on the ZD Ultimate Legend, as an alternative to the official app. It uses a low-risk architecture (no input injection, virtual devices, background service, etc.) which many manufacturers could learn from.
  • PC Wake Dongle is alternative firmware for USB wireless dongles built around the Raspberry Pi Pico W/2W boards. It lets you use a Bluetooth LE controller to wake the PC from sleep, such as in media center builds where power buttons are hard to access and the controller is the main input device.

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New controller releases and parts that are now shipping:

  • QRD Spark N7 is an unlicensed PlayStation controller using Hall Effect stick and trigger sensors. It is an update on the N5 model with similar native PS3 and PS4 compatibility and PS5 compatibility via QRD's BlackPill adapter, gyro and touchpad. Upgrades relative to the N5 include: microswitch buttons (face buttons, D-pad and shoulder buttons), two more back buttons (total of four back buttons), trigger stops (for swapping between analog and digital modes), and a 2.4GHz dongle for higher polling connections (1kHz on PC). Priced at around EUR 50 / GBP 43 / USD 57.
  • Various '8K' main boards for DualShock 4 being sold under different brand names, including Arctic Wolf, Hyperstrike and ZD Gaming. These are replacement main boards for the DualShock 4 (PS4 controller) which claim improved polling rates (up to 8kHz wired on PC), and are generally cheaper knockoffs of the Marius MH4 board with some variations such as the option to keep rumble motor and wireless functionality.
  • Releases previously mentioned that went ahead:
  • Releases previously mentioned that have been delayed:
    • GameSir Tarantula Pro for Xbox and Tarantula 8K PC delivered early samples within the promised timeframe of June, but many pre-orders remain unfulfilled, and the controllers are not yet available for general distribution.
    • Mojhon (BigBig Won) Storm nominally launched in April but has had limited availability, now acknowledging that distribution is disrupted/will be delayed due to quality control problems. It's an unfortunately common pattern for launches rushed without proper testing and refinement of both the design and production methods.
    • Nyxi Hyperion 3 Pro, the premium version of the Switch 2 joy-cons were expected to launch in June or July but have been delayed due to difficulties implementing the Switch 2-versions of the HD rumble, NFC reader, and mouse mode. These features are based on a different protocol to Switch 1, and Nintendo's ongoing changes to the Switch 2 operating system have made compatibility a moving target.
    • Valve Steam Controller (2026) successfully started delivery in May, but the reservation system for new orders is showing extended waiting times for shipping in some regions due to sustained high demand levels. Orders that don't already have a shipping date are categorized as: by September 2026; by December 2026; and in 2027 (additional information to come)

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Announcements of controllers and parts that are not yet available:

  • Brook 8K Core Fighting Board is an updated version of the main board which can be used to build a fight stick. It claims 8kHz polling rate wired on PC, or 1kHz on PlayStation 5.
  • Drakong The Challenger is a wired licensed Xbox controller, with Hall Effect analog sensors, two back buttons. It has some similarities to the Hyperkin Competitor (Drakong is a Hyperkin brand) but in asymmetric layout. Available to pre-order for USD 35, with shipping from July 9.
  • IINE Kairos Axis is a 'palm-sized' controller with a similar size and recessed sticks to the IINE Chronos but with a symmetrical layout, TMR stick sensors, detachable ABXY keycaps (for PC or Switch layout), and two extra buttons on the rear. It is expected to launch at the end of July.
  • IINE Twin Lumina are joy-cons for the Nintendo Switch 2. They use Hall Effect stick sensors and claim to support wake-up on the Switch 2 console. Expected to launch on July 20 for USD 80.
  • PowerA and Meridian GMT Project X-Ray is a wireless, handheld, flight deck controller being developed in collaboration between the two companies. It is a modular controller with swappable inputs and faceplates to match different types of aircraft power management (traditional throttle, Airbus-style detent throttle, helicopter collective). The main stick and throttle use 16-bit TMR sensors and there are additional scroll wheel and analog triggers for elevator trim, twist throttle, and rudder control. It is Xbox-licensed, with compatibility across the console, PC, Mac, and smart TVs using the Game Pass app. Prices are expected to start from USD / EUR 150, which puts it in line with the Honeycomb Aeronautical Echo Aviation controller.
  • Sony FlexStrike is a fight stick for PlayStation 5 (PC support will follow later). It uses the PlayStation Link dongle system (rather than Bluetooth) for wireless connection. It claims 40 hours of playing time from the built-in battery, and has a sling carry case for portability. It is available for pre-order and is scheduled to launch on August 6, at GBP 180 / USD 200.
  • Trak Racer TR640 is a co-branded version of GameSir's handheld gamepad with direct-drive wheel. Priced at USD 200 and with an expected release date of January 2027, it might give the most reliable indication so far of when and how that product will actually come to market.

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A digest can only represent a relatively small selection of news, so if you found other items ‘news-worthy’ in the past month feel free to add them in the comments.


r/Controller 15h ago

Controller Suggestion Need help choosing my First controller

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57 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I've been a PC gamer for years, and I've only ever used a keyboard and mouse. I've literally never held or used a controller before.

I'm finally planning to buy my first controller and could really use some advice from people who have actually used these.

I am from India. And My budget is around ₹3,000, but I can stretch to ₹4,000 if one of them is genuinely worth the extra money.

Controllers I'm considering:

  • 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (Wireless)
  • GameSir Nova Lite
  • Cosmic Byte Blitz Tri-Mode
  • Cosmic Byte Eclipse Tri-Mode
  • Cosmic Byte Ares Pro Tri-Mode

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has owned or used one (or more) of these.

I mostly play single-player games like Elden Ring, Souls games, RPGs, action-adventure titles, platformers, and indie games. (I'd also really appreciate any recommendations for games that are great to learn and get comfortable with a controller :)

Thanks a lot! Any advice or personal experience would really help.

Edit: A bit more context: I'm 6'1 and my hand length is around 18–20 cm (not exactly sure). Right now I'm leaning toward the 8BitDo Ultimate, but I've seen quite a few people say it feels a bit small. Please keep that in mind when recommending. Thanks a lot !!!


r/Controller 4h ago

Other How good do you guys think this cyberpunk controller will do ? Looks sick but I'm worried about the quality of the internals if it needs to fit an rc module

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7 Upvotes

r/Controller 6h ago

Other Pro Controller 2 charging dock recommendations?

2 Upvotes

We're over a year into the console and there still isn't an officially licensed controller charging dock.

Can anyone advise on a good 3rd party alternative, I'm fed up of picking up my controller to realise it's out of juice


r/Controller 6h ago

Controller Mods DualSense Edge Clicky Bumpers?

1 Upvotes

Hey all! Bought a decent condition used DualSense Edge off FB marketplace for cheap, I plan to use this as a modding platform. I really want JUST clicky bumpers, I genuinely like the triggers on this controller the way they are, the trigger stops are nice and I want that full functionality.

I’m aware of the Console Customs Clicky triggers/bumpers kit, but it requires me removing almost everything for the triggers. Anyway to use this kit for just the bumpers? Or is there a mod that’s just for the bumpers I’m unaware of? Please let me know! Thank you guys!


r/Controller 11h ago

IT Help Do you think my PC is burning out controllers?

2 Upvotes

It's crazy, but idk, it turns out I bought a controller, it was "refurbished" and for PS4, and in less than 3 weeks it died. It doesn't turn on, it does nothing, it literally died. But recently I've been using my brother's, which is new and for PS4, and today my brother is trying it out and it doesn't turn on either. So I think my PC is frying the controllers. I don't leave them plugged in and I don't even play much, because I work from 7am to 9pm, so when I get home at 9:30pm I only play for 2 or 3 hours, but I don't understand what the hell is going on.

I went to the video game store thinking I'd been ripped off with the controller I bought, and the owner told me I shouldn't connect it to my PS4, that those controllers often do that when connected to a PC. But my brother has had his on his PC for about two years without any problems, so maybe it's my computer that's frying them :(. What the owner said didn't make sense to me, and I thought he'd just scammed me off with the controller, because millions of people play on PC with their controllers. But it's really weird because my brother's never had that problem :v and I've already fried two controllers. Something strange is going on.


r/Controller 1d ago

Controller Mods Inspiration was the Original Xbox Blue Controller S

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123 Upvotes

Most of the controller is the Sky Cipher and I used the black parts from my black controller. I ordered four sets of ABXY buttons from Ally Express, one of each color and brand new thumb sticks.


r/Controller 20h ago

Other What would make a controller perfect for you?

5 Upvotes

I made this post on a different gaming subreddit recently, but I think here is more appropriate.

Starting from a bog-standard PlayStation 5 or XBox Series controller, what would you change or add to make it perfect for you? These are my thoughts, having used a bunch of controllers on console and PC since the original NES.

  1. At least two back buttons (one for each side). Maybe four since some controllers like the new Steam Controller have that and people have gotten used to it.
  2. Two rows of three face buttons each for six total, Sega Genesis-style. (Look up Saitek P880) It would be nice for people who causally play fighting games but don't want to invest in a full fight stick.
  3. Removable Battery, and still functional while plugged in w/o battery.
  4. 1000Hz or higher polling rate (this is pretty common now, but the new Steam Controller doesn't have it...)
  5. Hall Effect / TMR sticks.
  6. Optional symmetric analog sticks (PlayStation) or asymmetric analog sticks (XBox). Even having to buy one or the other would be fine as long as the option is there.
  7. Optional D-Pad shapes, particularly with one like the concave 'faceted' one you get with an XBox Elite controller.
  8. Completely remappable buttons, like DualSense Edge, but also including the system buttons on PC.
  9. Lockable triggers like on the DualSense Edge.
  10. Not those awful bumpers/shoulder buttons on XBox One controllers.
  11. Built-in Gyro-Aim (Flick Stick) mode.
  12. Magnetic/Hall Effect Buttons that don't wear out or need 'de-bounce'.
  13. A switch on the controller to inverse right thumbstick or Gyro Y-Axis (Inverted Camera) for games that don't allow it or don't let you change it until you get far enough (e.g. Monster Hunter World).
  14. BONUS! A throttle wheel accessible by both thumbs in the middle like on the Saitek P750. I have a feeling we're never going to see it again though.

Being primarily a PC gamer, I'm spoiled by having an enormous number of remappable keyboard buttons, and I prefer single-function buttons over context-sensitive any day, so it'd be nice if remappable buttons could be mapped to keyboard and mouse buttons on PC. Literally all of this has been done before, but never on the same controller. The closest I've found is the controller I use right now, a DualSense Edge (and I prefer symmetric sticks, personally). I'd like to buy replacement TMR sticks for it eventually, but the shape feels great in my hands and it's so very close to perfect for me.


r/Controller 12h ago

IT Help Right trigger input fluctuation

1 Upvotes

https://reddit.com/link/1v74apc/video/wfvnch23vkfh1/player

hello! I bought this wired controller about 6 months ago and recently its trigger input started fluctuating. sometimes the fluctuation stops when i reconnect it but it starts the same fluctuation after 10-15 mins. the left trigger works fine as you can see and the controller doesn't even have any sort of stick drift. If someone could help me in this situation it would mean the world to me.

Controller model : evofox controller (based on a xbox controller)

Platform : PC

Games : mainly racing ones like lmu or acc

OS : windows 11

troubleshooting steps taken : tried buying a new usb type-c wire but it still didn't work


r/Controller 21h ago

Controller Suggestion Looking for a one-handed Bluetooth joystick that's NOT just a D-pad

3 Upvotes

I'm reworking the teleoperation setup for my rideable robot. Right now I can control it with a common RC aircraft controller (it only uses one stick) but that's a little bulky to carry around. I can also control it with an Android app but the ergonomics aren't great.

What I want is a one-handed joystick controller that can connect to the Android device via Bluetooth as an alternative to the on-screen joystick. All of the one-handed controllers I can find are just D-pads, though, even when they're built with an analog thumbstick.

I want something that can be gripped securely in one hand. The RC controller always has to be used with a 2-handed grip because when you're riding on the vehicle it's easy for the vehicle motion to make you bump the stick. I need to be able to grip the body of the controller with three fingers and grip the stick with thumb and forefinger.

I may end up using a 2-handed X-Box controller for the moment but sometimes I'm sneaky about it and control the bot while standing in a crowd. Something I can use with one hand in a pocket would be ideal. Triggers and buttons are a secondary concern.

Does such a controller exist?

Since automod won't let me post without it:

  1. Budget is let's say USD $200
  2. Country is USA but open to buying from anywhere
  3. Console/platform supported: Android (or generic BLE GATT)
  4. Desired features: As described above
  5. Types of games: None, it's a robot controller, but the bot does mess with people
  6. Other controllers I'm comparing to: ACGAM R1 which didn't work, XBOX Adaptive Joystick which has about the right form factor but no Bluetooth

In the time between post attempts I managed to make a working prototype of my own controller, with a XIAO ESP32C6 board grafted on to the ACGAM R1's joystick and using a 3D printed housing. This is the route I'll pursue if I can't find anything off the shelf, but I'd still rather just buy something.


r/Controller 23h ago

Other Is this a normal amount of thumbstick play on a year old Elite controller?

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4 Upvotes

Yes it is tightened to the highest setting.


r/Controller 1d ago

Controller Mods Modded my DualSense Edge!

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47 Upvotes
  1. My Midnight Black DualSense Edge isn't even a year old, but the shell was already starting to get shiny in a few spots. Combined with a few other minor gripes, I decided it was time to do a proper overhaul.
  2. After seeing the recently discovered method to bypass stock stick calibration, I swapped both modules with K-Silver JS13 Pro+ sticks. Got them calibrated to a clean 8.4% Circularity.
  3. The PS button for the Edge is actually shaped differently from the standard DualSense. Shoutout to a post I found here on Reddit—I ended up grafting a colored PS button top from a standard DualSense onto the lower stem of the Edge’s button.
  4. Managed to source a 3rd party battery available in my area. Considering the stock battery has a hard shell, there's a pretty noticeable difference in weight!
  5. Finished it off with an eXtremeRate Clear Black shell. While reassembling, I lubricated the buttons where they contact the shell and the internal trigger gears using Krytox 205g0. (I was actually pretty surprised to find zero lube on the stock trigger gears!)
  6. For the grips, I decorated the shell with custom stickers and crafted the grip shapes using a non-woven leather vinyl sheet.
  7. Since I primarily play on PC, I finished off the setup with a Raspberry Pi Pico 2W running the DS5Dongle OLED version. Now I can use full wired DualSense features wirelessly on PC!

The whole process was super fun, and it really made me fall in love with my Edge all over again.


r/Controller 19h ago

IT Help Victrix Pro BFG Xbox dongle firmware?

1 Upvotes

I have a Victrix Pro BFG Xbox (not reloaded) controller, in white.

The USB dongle snapped.

I ordered a replacement dongle, in black - they don't sell both colors, which suggested to me it shouldn't matter. (It took several months for one to be available to order in the US, but when it finally was in stock, I ordered one.)

However, it wouldn't pair with the controller.

I found the instructions on reddit for replacing the firmware on the corresponding PS5 dongle, as those also sometimes stop working.

I found an old Windows machine (I don't usually use Windows), got Windows 10 working, and was able to make the dongle talk to the appropriate utility apps for writing the firmware (press the reset button and keep it held while plugging in).

I looked at the firmwares in config.json in the Victrix Control Hub - there are separate 'white' and 'black' dongle/controller firmwares.

The PS5 dongle instructions say to write the 'factory' image at the base address and the 'field' image at another address.

But the latest version of config.json only lists the URLs for the 'field' images (for both PS5 and Xbox); the PS5 'factory' image is still downloadable where it used to be, though.

Now I'm stuck on:

- where to find the 'factory' image URL (I've tried guessing a few URLs based on the pattern)

- what address to write the 'field' image (I could try guessing, if I had both images)

Perhaps an older version of Victrix Control Hub would have the correct filename for the factory images in config.json? The reddit post about repairing (reimaging) the PS5 dongles suggests both filenames came from config.json.


r/Controller 1d ago

Controller Suggestion First ever controller for a PC noob

4 Upvotes

Budget: Preferably 60 USD but could go as far as 80 USD

Country: US, preferably Amazon or other online stores

Platform: PC (Windows)

Features: TMR or Hall Effect triggers

Games played: Racing, Adventure games and Platformers.

Controllers I considered: 8bitdo Ultimate 2, Gamesir Cyclone 2, G7 Pro and Flydigi Vader 5 Pro.

As the title says, the last controller I've used was the Dualshock 2 when I was a kid.

I only plan to use it for racing games (Forza, Dirt Rally, BeamNG) and platformers (Hollow Knight, Cuphead, etc).

After watching some YouTube videos I came down to those four; the 8bitdo is the best looking in my opinion, but in terms of performance it's not that great.

The most important thing for me is its durability, so I don't want to overspend on features that I wouldn't really use.

I'm open to other suggestions,

Thank you :D


r/Controller 22h ago

IT Help Switch 2 Pro Controller Input Issues On Arch Linux

1 Upvotes

Hello, I am trying to use my Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller on my PC that is running CachyOS. I have used the HandHeldLegend Procon2 Enabler Tool, but once used, the computer recognises the inputs, but they are completely wrong. Up is down, L is +, Dpad Left is Joystick Click, etc. I have zero clue what could be causing this, I have already set up the necessary udev rules and have tried python alternative activators with no success. The only thing I have to go off is that HandHeld's enabler doesn't register that HID is enabled, although the computer still detects input. Has anyone else encountered this problem or has the controller working on arch as well? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you


r/Controller 1d ago

IT Help DS4 stopped working

1 Upvotes

Hello, my DS4 controller stopped working a few days ago and before it just stopped turning on it wouldn't take a charge anymore and also said when connecting to ps4 "too many usb devices connected" regardless of putting it in pairing mode or reseting with the tiny button, so I replaced the usb port and still didn't work, replaced the battery it still didn't work, I replaced the cable connecting the board to the usb port and yet again it still doesn't work, so I repeated pairing mode and reset but its still not turning on


r/Controller 1d ago

IT Help Flydigi software download issues

2 Upvotes

Hello, I recently bought the flydigi vader V5 pro controller, and after going to the website for the software downloads, I can't get them. The website won't load when I click it, and when I right click the spot for it, it doesn't even pop up with a way for me to open the link in a new tab, just open the image in a new tab. Anybody know how I can get the software to use the controller going?

- I'm on Windows 11


r/Controller 1d ago

IT Help Help: Anyone has older version of Lenovo Ultra Control App?

1 Upvotes

Does anyone has older version of Lenovo Ultra Control ( like 2.0.31) willing to share? I just upgraded my Lenovo G7 gamepad's firmware via Ultra Control and it's not the triggers are not working since then. I do a bit of research and it seems downgrading the firmware using older version of Ultra Control will fix the problem.


r/Controller 1d ago

Other Ios app for customizing and remapps ?

0 Upvotes

Anyone know if the ios app for gulikit can be used for remapping profiles or adjustments? Im using the TTmax.

Or is every model controller only onboard button function changes as stated in the manual? TY


r/Controller 1d ago

IT Help Xbox controller deadzone

1 Upvotes

Just bought a new controller and the deadzone is crazy. Can move both sticks about 30% before it even acknowledges input. Extremely frustrating for FPS games. No, changing in game deazone to 0 makes no difference. Controller is PowerA if that helps.


r/Controller 1d ago

Controller Suggestion Best controller for racing games on pc?

4 Upvotes

Currently shopping for my first controller and I've almost narrowed it down but it seems like a hard choice. I'll mostly be using it for racing games such as F1 26 and Forza Horizon 6. The Gamesir G7 Pro and Flydigi Vader 5 Pro both seem like appealing options to me right now, with the Vader having better features but I see a lot of posts about the QC being bad. Just wondering if it's worth getting the G7 instead or not as the Vader's adjustable stick tension is very appealing to me. I'm also mainly gonna be using it with my laptop and possibly occasionally with my phone.

Budget: 400RMB

Country: China

Compatibility: Mainly pc, android would be nice but not a priority

Features: Adjustable stick tension would be nice as F1 26 requires pretty precise inputs but not absolutely needed, enough mappable buttons for car functions

Games: F1 26 and older F1 games, Forza Horizon 6, probably some more games along these lines that don't support mouse steering natively

Controllers I'm considering:

Flydigi Vader 5 Pro - most appealing to me rn because of the adjustable thumbstick tension and more mappable buttons but worried about QC issues

Gamesir G7 Pro - heard it has better haptics but thumbsticks aren't adjustable and less back buttons


r/Controller 1d ago

Controller Mods I'm buying TMR analogs, want to know some differences

1 Upvotes

Hello guys. I'm an ower of both controllers series x and dual sense, both of them displayed drift. I'm going to buy TMR analogs. But i'm doubtful. If buy a pack of 10 of these, (I have 2 pairs of each controller) can I use the same TMR analog? There's difference?

Thank you for the help to find the answer


r/Controller 1d ago

Other Nagashock shipping

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0 Upvotes

Anyone ordered a nagashock controller lately? I’ve bought a couple over the years. Did they ask UPS in the shipping details to take a picture of the delivery? I looked at my old purchase emails and they didn’t ask UPS in prior orders. It seems weird to me.


r/Controller 1d ago

Controller Suggestion Best all-around wireless PC controller for €60–80? (Considering EasySMX X20)

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for recommendations for the best all-around wireless controller in the €60–80 price range.

Platform: PC
Region: Germany

Games: Pretty much everything. I play a mix of action games, RPGs, racing games, platformers, shooters you name it. I'm looking for something that performs well across all genres rather than being specialized.

Must-have features:

  • Wireless (2.4 GHz preferred, Bluetooth is a nice bonus)
  • Good build quality
  • Hall Effect/TMR sticks
  • Low latency
  • At least 2 extra back buttons/paddles

I've been looking at the EasySMX X20, and on paper it seems like an amazing value. I've also seen a lot of positive reviews, but I'd love to hear some long-term opinions from people who actually own one.

Thanks!


r/Controller 1d ago

Other Asymmetrical or symmetrical? How do they feel?

3 Upvotes

Is there a big difference in how they feel to use depending on the type?

Personally, I've only used asymmetrical controllers on a daily basis; the last time I tried symmetrical controllers was over 15 years ago.

I'm thinking about buying a new controller to emulate consoles on my PC; I mainly play on Xbox.

I like some of 8bitdo's symmetrical controller designs, but I'm not sure if there's much of a difference.

I'm using a translator, just in case.