So the other day I finally broke my Steam Link out of the box after a year, and while it was neat and all, I still had to sit next to my computer because the XBox 360 is too close to link the controller to the PC. So then that raised the question: If I was to buy a controller just for PC gaming, what would I get? I would mostly use it for exploration games I assume, having become spoiled by the precision of my mouse for first-person shooters. What are you guys running?
Best PC Controller
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figmentPez
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My favorite is the Steam Controller. It's highly versatile, and especially great for 3rd person action games with both driving and shooting (Saints Row, Batman: Arkham City, Red Faction Guerrrilla, etc.) It's lack of a real D-pad makes it less than ideal for 2D platformers, IMO, though some disagree. See my thread on the Steam Controller for more; with enough practice touchpad & gyro has become nearly as fast and accurate as mouse for me.
Also high on my list are 8Bitdo's line of products. I'm really looking forward to the SN30 Pro+, which got delayed until 2019. Hopefully the Plus version will add analog triggers, which all the other models lack. Other than that, most of their current models are feature rich. The SN30 Pro (no "+") is probably the model to go with, if you're not wanting the portability of the smaller N30 Pro (stupid naming scheme). The SN30 Pro has full sized analog sticks, and it's trigger buttons are in a more conventional placement. Other than that, they both have Bluetooth, rumble, gyro/motion controls, and are compatible with PC, Xbox, Android and Switch.
You can also go with any of the major console controllers. Each has their own advantages / disadvantages. Xbox 360/One controllers are the easiest to set up, but lack gyro. PS4 controllers are the most feature rich, but need to use Steam Input or some other 3rd party drivers/program to work in Windows. I'm not sure about drivers and Switch Pro Controllers, but their biggest drawback is a lack of analog triggers (which may or may not even matter, depending on the game.)
Also high on my list are 8Bitdo's line of products. I'm really looking forward to the SN30 Pro+, which got delayed until 2019. Hopefully the Plus version will add analog triggers, which all the other models lack. Other than that, most of their current models are feature rich. The SN30 Pro (no "+") is probably the model to go with, if you're not wanting the portability of the smaller N30 Pro (stupid naming scheme). The SN30 Pro has full sized analog sticks, and it's trigger buttons are in a more conventional placement. Other than that, they both have Bluetooth, rumble, gyro/motion controls, and are compatible with PC, Xbox, Android and Switch.
You can also go with any of the major console controllers. Each has their own advantages / disadvantages. Xbox 360/One controllers are the easiest to set up, but lack gyro. PS4 controllers are the most feature rich, but need to use Steam Input or some other 3rd party drivers/program to work in Windows. I'm not sure about drivers and Switch Pro Controllers, but their biggest drawback is a lack of analog triggers (which may or may not even matter, depending on the game.)
The Logitech Rumblepad isn't all that far removed from the PS controllers, hmm?
figmentPez
Staff member
Well, it doesn't have gyro, or the touchpad (both of which can be used on PC via Steam Input), but other than that, yeah.
figmentPez
Staff member
I'm not sure if you meant "no dongle required" as a contrast with the Steam Controller, but many people do fail to realize that the Steam Link doesn't need the dongle to connect to the Steam Controller, it has Valve's proprietary wireless standard built-in.
I'm pretty sure he meant in contrast with other controllers that aren't Steam Controllers, just from context.
figmentPez
Staff member
Isn't that true of any Bluetooth controller, though?
figmentPez
Staff member
It's a great price, but be prepared for a wait for it to ship. After every sale "Why hasn't my controller shipped yet?" becomes the most common thread title on the Steam Community and the sub-Reddit.
They claim to be shipping it today, so we'll see, but I know better that to get excited.
The xbone is a garbage fire of a system, but the controller really is great
So I got to use the Steam controller once on Agents of Mayhem, and it was rough, but I also didn't take the time to set it up.
That said, I got a copy of Gang Beasts, and it was only reasonable to pick up an Xbox One controller as well so we can multiplayer brawl.
I'm guessing I'll bounce back and forth based on the game I'm playing.
That said, I got a copy of Gang Beasts, and it was only reasonable to pick up an Xbox One controller as well so we can multiplayer brawl.
I'm guessing I'll bounce back and forth based on the game I'm playing.