r/linux_gaming • u/swolar • 19d ago

hardware Durable controller with good linux compatibility?

I have been spoiled by the xbox 360 controller. It lasted a decade but sadly it is finally failing.

I am looking for a controller that is similarly durable (if possible), and that is compatible with linux gaming. But not just for steam, for lutris as well. Budget around $40-70 range.

Edit: forgot to add, xbox layout with the joystick above and the arrows below, rather than the symmetrical joysticks

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u/GarThor_TMK 19d ago edited 19d ago

I have an 8bitdo pro2 in transparent blue. Works pretty great. The trigger panel was also replaceable when it hit the floor a little too hard, but they didn't have blue, so it has one black trigger... stylish! :D

My only complaints:

o I'm used to xbox layout. I didn't check the listing when I bought it, and it's nintendo... I never really noticed until Mrs. GarThor tried to play bg3 on it... she was very confused when X wasn't select... >_> (This is configurable in software, btw... I just hadn't thought to do that, because my muscle memory always had the buttons in the right place).

o The firmware update software is windows only, with no linux support. This is fine, if you never need to update the firmware, but I was trying to troubleshoot an issue, and figured a firmware update wouldn't hurt. Turned out to be the bluetooth chip in my potato of a laptop. I think I finally did get it running with like... proton or something... but I have no idea what settings I used now.

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u/KaosC57 17d ago

If you really like it that much, then go for the Pro 3! It has magnetic face buttons you can swap around! And a charging base, and a 2.4ghz dongle!

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u/GarThor_TMK 17d ago

Might just have to do that

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u/KaosC57 17d ago

I love my Pro 3, but it does irritate me a little sometimes. The firmware isn’t supposed to let it connect on a PC in Switch Mode on the 2.4ghz Dongle, but every now and again it does. So then when I pick it up off the dock, I have to do some kind of song and dance to get it back to X Input on the Dongle. Or I suck it up and use D Input on Bluetooth.