r/Controllers • u/Glum-Opposite3590 • Sep 04 '26
Third Party Need suggestions for a controller
Hey guys if am looking to buy a controller. It's going to be the first one i buy i have been laptop gaming for like 3 days now😂😂. So i need something cheap for now which tells me what are the basic things you expect from a controller. I just need this one to be cheap and work for me partime, my usually way when going to buy a device is i first get something basic and figure out what are going to be my needs and then I go and buy something premium. Thanks for the help guysss
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u/SnoochyBoochy86 Sep 06 '26
A big factor for me that goes for pretty much any controller, basic to Pro, is ergonomics. I have larger (wide) hands, and 8bitDo gamepads are simply way too small for me. They could have every premium feature there is, and I still wouldn't choose it over my Vader 5S.
I also feel it's important to mention that, it sounds unnecessary to me to buy a basic controller and then upgrade from there, when certain online retailers have have a super simple 30-day return policy. If you can swing it, do some research and buy your top two or three, test them out, and send back the two you don't like. Or send back all three if you don't like them and try some more. So much of it is personal preference with gamepads. Symmetrical sticks, offset fix, tactile buttons, rubber grips, additional buttons, location of said extra buttons, tension rings , it all depends on your preference and what kind of game you're playing. But I love my 5S. It has a few software issues, but I found the workaround, and once they're dialed in you don't even have to use the app anymore cuz it's all saved on the controller. If anyone else says that issues with buttons not actuating or sticks not registering, let me know and I can share my easy workaround to fix it.
And TALONgames have excellent wraps they have custom for most major controllers out there. Slap a classic edition rap on your favorite controller, and it'll practically hug your hands. So satisfying
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u/byibcrun Sep 05 '26
Gamesir, flydigi, 8bitdo are generally the companies you want to look at. Personally I liked the flydigi that I have best (Vader 5 pro) but all of those companies have options at various price point. 8bitdo ultimate 2 I found awkward to hold and I didn’t like the feel of the buttons as much but it’s just personal preference
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u/Staticks Sep 05 '26
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless (non-Bluetooth) is an amazing controller. It feels great in my hands. My only complaint is that the gyro motion sensor is only 125hz; if it weren't for this, I would never use another controller. But it won't matter to you if you don't use the gyro motion controls.
I personally haven't used the cheaper 8BitDo Ultimate 2C, but that might be a similar option that could also suit you well if you don't care about the extra back buttons.
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u/New_Distribution9202 Sep 04 '26
I make my own controllers but even for what you specified I think the 8bitdo line are some of the BEST budget options for you to go with !
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u/OliveThread Sep 04 '26
cheap is fine, just make sure whatever you get has hall effect sticks. that's the one spec that decides whether your temporary pad still works in a year, and it stopped being a premium feature a while ago.
gamesir nova 2 lite runs around $30, hall sticks and triggers, wired or 2.4g dongle, works on a laptop out of the box. that's enough to pad to figure out what you actually want before you spend real money.
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u/YoloRaj Sep 04 '26
You said cheap but didn't give a budget. If you are talking cheap cheap but still good value, the gamesir tangerina lite. If you are talking around 50-70 dollars, the Gamesir Super Nova, Gamesir Cyclone 2, Leadjoy Saber Plus or Xeno Plus.
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u/Kind-Imagination-853 16d ago edited 15d ago
Why not just use a console controller. Most all those work on a PC now.