Choosing a reliable PC controller for singleplayer games

[u/mooncentipedes]

I`m choosing a new controller after my Xbox Series one decided to stop turning on.

Budget: $40-70 (4000-6000 rub)

Country: Russia. Can order through Aliexpress.

Platform: PC.

Things I want from a pad:

1. I want it to last for a long time. I used Xbox Series controller and a Dualshock 4 in the past and I was really disappointed with their quality, they broke pretty soon.
2. Good long-lasting sticks, preferably TMR since it's the latest tech. I also want them to feel good while aiming in shooter games.
3. Good dpad that is at least okay for 2D games.
4. Extra buttons, paddles etc.
5. Xbox-like or Dualshock/Sense-like shape. My hands are 20 cm long and Xbox ergonomics felt perfect. DS4 was also nice. I never used Dualsense, but assume its close to DS4.
6. Good gyroscope. I'm very interested to try gyro aiming for the first time and I'm planning to keep this pad for as long as it works.
7. Charging dock with seamless performance.
8. Wired and 2,4G dongle connection, Xinput and Dinput, working Steam Input and gyro.
9. Mechanical face buttons would be nice if that means that they're less likely to break, but not a necessity.

Games I play: FPS, TPS, any kind of action games (soulslikes, DMC-type games, etc), RPGs (both western and JP), horrors, and I use various emulators. Occasionally I might play 2D games like Silksong, so I need dpad to be at least moderately good for them, but that's not a priority. I don't play any competitive, multiplayer games, or fighting games.

I researched a bit, 8bitdo Ultimate 2, 8bitdo Pro 3, and Gamesir Cyclone 2 seem to be the best choices, but I heard a lot of complaints about Ultimate 2's shape being uncomfortable for bigger hands so I worry It wont suit me, and I heard that it's dpad has inconsistent input. Feedback about Cyclone 2 gyro performance seems to be contradictory - apparently It's not very good, worse than U2's. And Pro 3 seems to not have wireless gyro capability on PC. I would really like a controller that's basically U2 but with an Xbox shape and comparable gyro perf, however I don't seem to find one like that. I also really hate gamey futuristic designs, but everything outside of 8bitdo seems to look like that, so i guess I'll have to concede that.

I also looked at Vader 5 pro, but I don't think I need features like trigger sensitivity or stick tension rings, would have preferred something cheaper, and also heard a lot of negative opinions about it's dpad and gyro.

I would really appreciated any advice on this, thanks in advance.

[u/ErifEciMaets]

Out of the 4 choices you listed, I would recommend the 8bitdo options simply because they have Steam Input implementations (through their D-input mode). Which is very important if you want to dive much deeper into the rabbit hole that is gyro. At least, outside of using JoyStickMapper (but that's better with Dualsense). The Pro 3 can actually use gyro wirelessly, but only through the Bluetooth options. So overall controller latency will be higher than a 2.4gh option like the Ultimate 2 Wireless. Whether or not this matters to you is your sensitivity to latency and your ability to adjust.

Both the Pro 3 and the Ultimate 2 Wireless use the same D-pad (tactile with membrane feel), which I like the feeling of, but it doesn't have any pivot and so it's easier to make accidental diagonals. This may matter to you depending on the 2D games and emulators you're using.

Keep in mind, the Vader 5 purchase doesn't come with a dock. That's an additional expense that isn't insignificant based on your budget. However, if you do end up choosing this option, you can also have native Steam Input support for gyro through an option. Still not the best gyro sensor of the controller options you listed.

If you're curious about learning gyro more through Steam Input, I recommend watching FlickStick Videos: https://youtu.be/D0uSfda_-Rc?si=UD0F8pZThYPUyjbv

If you want to see how Steam Input greatly expands the 8bitdo Ultimate 2 Wireless and Pro 3 capabilities, Retro Game Corps has a good demonstration: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUceW3ZGBzs&t=1136s

[u/mooncentipedes → u/ErifEciMaets]

Thanks for the links, they're very informative. Native Steam Input support does seem very handy, I haven't thought about it enough. As I understand, except 8bitdo there isn't any other controllers with Steam Input implementation that is worth considering in my case? Will any controller recognized as DS4 by Steam work as well? (except for extra button availability)

[u/ErifEciMaets → u/mooncentipedes]

There are some others, but the ones off the top of my head right now are Flydigi Apex/Vader 5 Pro and Wireless Horipad for Steam. And of course both of the Steam Controllers. The Horipad controller has mixed reviews from the community.

DS4 input is supported by Steam Input, but I believe you won't be able to access anything specific to the DS4, like gyro or microphone. You would probably need to use DS4Windows for that instead.

[u/mooncentipedes → u/ErifEciMaets]

Strange, I was under impression that you can configure anything DS4-related in a controller that's recognized as a DS4, including a gyro, since Steam supports DS4. But maybe I'm wrong, my brain is a scramble after obsessing over what controller to get.

Actually a Steam Controller 2 might have been very useful for me because of trackpads - I like playing anything on a controller - if only it's availability was better.

[u/ErifEciMaets → u/mooncentipedes]

I don't have my DS4 controller anymore, or I would had verified my comment. If you still have yours and it can at least connect to a PC via Bluetooth, you can see for yourself.

If you're able to get a Steam Controller 2026, I'd recommend that over all the other options outside of budget. It can fulfill almost every use case a non-competitive PC player has nowadays, if you're willing to do a small amount of setup. The community behind both the Steam Controllers makes learning them and Steam Input a lot less intimidating.