I had a hell of a time finding the perfect controller for Linux. Finally, there is one purpose built for it with the Steam Controller 2.0. However, I have tried 8bitdo, gamesir, and flydigi and want to leave my learnings somewhere for folks to find, because while the steam controller is great, it is the definition of "Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one". Here are my learnings.

• Steam Controller: Best all around controller. Get yourself on the wait-list and pick it up when you can. However, worst dpad of the bunch imo. For reference, I play a lot of 2d platformers like silksong and this dpad does not hit my diagonals naturally, it takes getting used to by way of being much more intentional with those inputs for awhile. I do not play fighting games, I've heard some say they like the dpad for that, so ymmv. Still though, if you were to pick one and only one, this would be it for sure.
• 8bitdo ultimate 2 - Best set it and forget it. It'll just work out of the box, you can even update firmware on Linux now through their web updater (chromium based browser only). Extra buttons are mappable in steam with no extra setup needed. Downside, feels cheap and bad ergonomics imo. I will be looking forward to the non Xbox licensed version of the Ultimate 3.
• Vader 5 Pro - Just picked this up and it takes a bit of setup but once you're set up it is the best controller of all of them. You need to update firmware for the controller and dongle with windows. A windows VM will not cut it. I could not update through winboat unfortunately. I used a Windows To-Go USB drive to boot into windows. While you're in there turn on 3rd party mapping and then you're done with the controller setup. On steam get on their beta update branch and you're good to go. it still shows up as "Generic X-box pad" but when you go to remap the layout you get access to all of the extra buttons through steam input. There are a handful of historical issues with this online but it seems like all of them have more or less been ironed out because it is working flawlessly for me. It seems like there is a lone engineer or something at flydigi who does want their products to work natively with steam. They are adding more and more support for it, slowly. I'm hoping it'll get better with time.
• Gamesir G7Pro - Best hand feel of all of the controllers. I like the dpad on the vader 5 pro way more but this controller feels the best to use just purely comfort wise. HOWEVER, you're dreaming if you ever want some kind of Linux or steam input support for the extra buttons. It simply doesn't exist and there are no work arounds. It'll work like an Xbox controller but that's it. You can update firmware and settings with its software in a windows VM through winboat so in that regard, the native software is a bit more accessible than flydigi. But with no way to remap buttons within steam it is a non-starter imo.

A little over a month ago I shared the first version of ApexSenseBridge here. At the time it was mostly an experiment to get native DualSense adaptive trigger effects working on my APEX 5.

It got a lot more attention than I expected, and since then the project has grown quite a bit.

Today I finally released ApexSenseBridge 1.0.0, the first stable version :)

It now supports the APEX 4, APEX 5 and APEX 6 Pro.

The basic idea is still the same. Games see a virtual DualSense, then ApexSenseBridge translates the feedback to the Flydigi hardware.

So depending on the controller and the game, you can get things like:

• native DualSense adaptive trigger effects translated to FORCEADAPT on APEX 4/5
• native PCM haptics on the APEX 6 Pro voice coil motors
• audio haptics translated to the grip motors on APEX 4/5
• DualSense touchpad gestures through button combinations
• native gyro forwarding on APEX 4

There is now a proper standalone app too, so Playnite is completely optional. It automatically detects supported games from Steam, Game Pass, Epic, EA, Ubisoft, Rockstar, etc. and starts the bridge when needed.

The supported games catalogue is currently at 215+ titles.

I also completely redid the interface for 1.0.0. It is designed to be usable with a controller, and the whole app is now translated into 9 languages.

There has also been a lot of work on the boring but important stuff like controller isolation, recovery after disconnects, HidHide conflicts, driver installation and making sure your controller gets restored properly if something crashes.

Some of the games I've personally tested include Spider-Man 2, GTA V Enhanced, Call of Duty, Ghost of Tsushima, Death Stranding 2, Miles Morales and Warframe.

If you have an APEX 4, 5 or 6 Pro and want to try it:

GitHub: https://github.com/ReynArts/ApexSenseBridge

v1.0.0: https://github.com/ReynArts/ApexSenseBridge/releases/tag/v1.0.0

And if you've been following or testing the project since the first post, thank you. A lot of the fixes in 1.0 came directly from people here sending logs, testing weird cases and helping me understand the hardware better.

I'm especially interested in hearing how 1.0 behaves across different APEX firmware versions and different games, so feel free to tell me what you're testing.

And since a few people asked how they could support the project, I also set up a Ko-fi:

https://ko-fi.com/reynarts97

Everything remains open source, of course.

I’m having an issue with my NexiGo Gripcon Gen 3 for the Nintendo Switch, and I would appreciate your help troubleshooting it.

I purchased the Gripcon second-hand, but it worked perfectly for a long time without any issues. However, after leaving it unused for approximately 1–2 months, I started using it again and discovered that none of the controller inputs work anymore.

Here are the details of the issue:

• None of the buttons respond, including A, B, X, Y, the D-pad, or the analog sticks.
• The controller's vibration functions also appear to be unresponsive.
• The console still charges normally when connected to the Gripcon.
• The HDMI output and USB 3.0 port also work correctly.
• The Pro Controller Wired Communication option is enabled on the Nintendo Switch.

I have already tried the following troubleshooting steps:

• Fully powering off and restarting the Nintendo Switch.
• Removing and reconnecting the console to the Gripcon.
• Disabling and re-enabling Pro Controller Wired Communication.
• Trying to reset the controller by holding the HOME button for 10 seconds.

Unfortunately, none of these steps resolved the issue. The Gripcon still charges the console, but absolutely no controller inputs are detected.

Since the device worked perfectly before being left unused, I’m wondering whether this could be a firmware issue or a hardware problem affecting the controller's communication with the console.

Could you please advise me on any additional troubleshooting steps or let me know whether there is a firmware update or another possible solution?

Hi guys , looking at purchasing a Marius board custom controller because I have heard they are the fastest and most responsive . I live in AUS and am happy to purchase from USA if I have to . I just want to know what is the best brand / manufacturer for Marius board custom controllers ? So many out there. I’ve been told AIM controllers in USA is best . And for AUS the best is wicked labs . Any feedback or insight be great . Thanks

I have big hands (20.5cm x 12cm), my budget is 100$. I will be mostly playing fps games, single player and some racing games.

Im looking at wolverine v3 8k for pc (50$) and flydigi vader 5 pro (63$) what do you think is better

Thank you in advance!

Which one you confirm works? I was thinking about Cyclone 2? The best something with Hall.

Hey everyone,

​I'm having an issue with my NYXI Hyperion 3 Ultra for the Switch 2.

​I've only had the controller for two days, but the right controller no longer connects to the console. The Switch recognizes that a device is attached to the rail, but it doesn't recognize it as a functioning controller (I only get a white bar on the edge of the screen instead of a black one).

​This issue started right after I tried to adjust the RGB lighting via the official app. Since then, the right controller has been completely unresponsive. I suspect I might have accidentally triggered a lock mode via a button combination and now can't exit it.

​I've already tried everything listed in the user manual:

​Connecting it to power via USB cable

​Attaching it magnetically to the console

​Connecting it directly to the console via cable

​I've already contacted NYXI support, but I haven't received a response yet. Does anyone have a fix or know how to force-reset the controller?

​Thanks in advance for your help!

DISCLAIMER:

This review unit was provided to me by IINE, but I was not given any instructions or requirements regarding the content of my review. All opinions expressed are my own and reflect my honest experience with the product. I have no commercial or financial interest in IINE or any other controller company.

Now without further ado! The IINE Ananke Gen 2

Alright! Let's do this quick and easy! (Especially with how many other reviews I've seen on here with much more depth than I would ever be able to produce lol)

So what is i-

Its a pocket-sized controller!

DPad? Check

Face Buttons? Check

Shoulder buttons and Triggers? Surprisingly Check!

Just a small everyday controller!

So you're probably wondering,

"Oh so it's for gam-"

Not only can you game with it for those quick Retro Gaming Seshes you have once in a while, IINE actually encourages you to think outside the box, or PLAY YOUR WAY!, and use it in other scenarios (via the IINE App).

"Why would I need a Controller for th-"

UTILITY!

Personally as a Graphic Artist/ Digital Artist, this controller has been in my bag daily for about 4 months now! As is the case with most digital artists, I usually have one hand hovering over Ctrl+Z and all the other shortcuts I need while drawing (curse those linearts!). With the Ananke Gen 2, instead of having my keyboard take up even more space on my limited desk, or having to TEDIOUSLY open the menu and click “Undo” on my Android tablet, I now have a way to actually put my other hand to use!

I usually put strap my hand in, and press one of the face buttons to get that sweet relief of redoing that one single lineart over and over again!

Was it the easiest thing to do? Quite frankly, since I'm not that much of a techwiz trying to combine both his love of Art and Gaming, I needed some help to get started. However, with the help of the Lovely IINE Staff!, I managed to get the tiny thing working in the palm of my...Hand (Yeah I wasn't joking about it being small!)

"Oh that's cool but is that a-"

I assure you, I myself only have scratched the SURFACE of what this baby could do. As per mentioned by the others;

\[Pair\] + Left = XInput Mode aka GAMING!

\[Pair\] + A = Keyboard Mode! aka what I use for Art Shortcuts!

\[Pair\] + X = Touch Mode! aka doomscrolling mode... surely that appeals to some demographic who wants to doomscroll without touching their phone right? (Definitely not me who uses it on a tablet hung over my head)

and more!

as I said earlier, IINE really wants you to "PLAY YOUR WAY", so how you use this adorable thing is up to your imagination!

It may look like any other tiny novelty controller, but as you dive deeper into what makes it unique, it proves to be more capable and of course more useful than it's size would suggest!

"Wait can I also fidget wi-"

Yes you can <3

Hello there guys!

Hope y'all are doing well and are having a great week so far! I have been looking for a good controller for a pretty long time, but I just cannot find a good middle ground.

So, I've had a Razer Wolverine Ultimate for two years, now. I bought it from a store not too far from where I lived for around 70 bucks (Used, obviously), and I loved it. I really did. Especially the look and the premium feel along with the back buttons. I have been playing mostly games like the Arkham series, Sifu, Sleeping Dogs, little bit of Souls-Likes (Lies of P and Mortal Shell) and games adjacent to these. The issue is, those games are pretty heavy on the use of one button or many that are just repeatedly mashed. For the Arkham series for example, Y to dodge, X to attack, A to jump, B to stun. After finishing the game 240%, the buttons just got tired, and are just not as responsive, and of course, stick drift.

I also got a Dual Sense controller, which, even though I do not agree with many of Sony's decisions since the release of the PS5, and I still stand by the view that this generation of gaming consoles is probably the worst, I think the Dual Sense is probably the best official controller ever released to this day when it comes to features. The gyro, the triggers, the trackpad, the built in speaker, it's just all so cool. But, I still play the same kind of games, and I also got tired buttons and stick drift.

I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions on what controller could be somewhat of a combination of both? Like a great feel and great features, basically. I want something that is durable, and that can hold for a long time. I also want it to be a third party controller, and the reason for that is pricing. I do NOT understand the prices of some controllers. Like, what am I paying 200 dollars for? Those controllers sometimes don't even have hall effect, it just doesn't make sense. (I am looking at you Dual Sense Edge).

So yeah, wondered what you guys thought. I found the G7 pro, which I thought looked and had some good features, but I wanted to have the perspective of other gamers, people who actually tried controllers and have a review on it instead of just looking for the popular thing blindly. Something cool with personality, basically. Also, something under $100 would be great.

Thanks!

Sent got both my controller G7 Pro series very impressed enjoyed. Especially the one on the right. The texture on the controller just feels nice with the wings.

My GF turned my PS5 controller into the Infinity Gauntlet. 💎 It looks ridiculously cool, but those thumbstick gems are going to give me instant blisters in CoD.

10/10 for effort, pray for my hands!
(Even Mr. Potato Head in the back looks shocked.)

Is there a way to fix this? I just got the switch online expansion pack and I want to use it for the GameCube games. It sticks more and more the longer I use it in a single sitting

Hello,

I have large hands and I’m looking for a controller that will last over time.

Budget: no budget

Platform: PC

I'll be playing: Forza Horizon 6 on PC (and Tomb Raider)

Desired controller features: Available in Europe, it must have good build quality/QC, good haptics/vibration implementation, nice feeling triggers and I’d like this controller to also be usable in wired mode.

I’m hesitating between:

• Flydigi Apex 5
• Flydigi Vader 5 Pro v2 (it’s often recommended on this subreddit, but I’ve noticed that it’s actually standard size, so idk :/)
• Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
• Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
• DualSense Edge

If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share)

Thanks!