I don’t need anything special or pricey, just a basic controller that does basic controller things.

I’ve tried a few generic controllers, but they have issues with bluetooth, battery life, and automatically shutting off too early from idling.

Does anyone know of any generic controllers that don’t have these issues? I don’t mind if the battery life isn’t the same or better than official controllers, but they shouldn’t straight up lie about the capacity. It should be illegal.

Update: I ended up going with a generic PS4 controller from Walmart. The brand is Yuoy, which I am unfamiliar with but I’m willing to see for myself how good their controller is.

This is the one I got https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/5486552170 and so far I am satisfied. It’s a bit heavier than the other generic controllers I have, which I hope is a sign of a bigger battery. The d-pad isn’t quite as good as the legendary Sony d-pads, but I’m getting used to it. It’s not nearly as bad as the 360 or logitech d-pads, for example. I think it’s pretty good.

I’m also not having the issue with it turning off after 5 minutes of idle time. So far, it hasn’t turned off at all from idling. I’m not sure if there’s no auto-shutoff at all, or it may just be respecting my Steam setting to have it shut off after an hour of idle time. I don’t feel like testing it right now.

So far, for $17 this controller seems to be acceptable. I’d still like to shut off the touchpad, but that’s not really the controller’s fault.

I will continue testing and update this if I have any issues. As it stands right now, I’m looking forward to getting another one and hope it’s the same.

Update: I am having issues reconnecting the controller after I disconnect it with bluetooth. I need to go through the re-pairing process by holding the share button (select) and the PS button. The controller shows up as connected for a few seconds, then goes back with the other disconnected devices saying the connection failed. This is a big issue. I will try to see if I can find an easy fix, if not then this is enough to make me return the controller.

Here’s a video documenting the issue: https://freediverse.com/w/2DVMHpkjaA4rcX8WqhuKts

  • Sophocles@infosec.pubEnglish
    61·
    3 days ago

    Not generic, but I’ve been using Xbox Series controllers with LMDE. They were plug n play and work flawlessly out of the box. I’ve used them with both bluetooth and wired and have had no problems with emulation and steam. You’d probably save more buying a used xbox controller for about $30-$50 than trial and error with cheaper off-brand gamepads

    • Krompus@lemmy.worldEnglish
      12·
      3 days ago

      I bought an Xbox series controller, it’s too small, the triggers are too stiff, not very impressed, the separately sold rechargeable battery pack is lame. Bought a DualSense on sale and it is better in every way. Haven’t touched the Xbox controller since. It really feels like they cut corners on quality to encourage sales of the ridiculously overpriced Elite controllers.

      • Sophocles@infosec.pubEnglish
        11·
        2 days ago

        I also enjoy dualsense and there is definitely quality there, but I could not get it to work with a handfull of emulators on linux for some reason. I’m sure there could be some tinkering to do to get it working but I’ve just been using xbox series for plug n play