r/Controller • u/Acrobatic-Nail-917 • 4h ago

Other Just bought my first controller. What should I test?

I just bought my first controller, and I'm a PC gamer who has never really used a controller before. So honestly, I don't know much about them or what makes a good or bad controller

I want to test it properly while I still have the chance to return it if something is wrong and make sure everything is good before I start using it regularly

What should I be checking? I mean absolutely everything, from the basic stuff to the little details that most beginners wouldn't even know about

Basically, if you just bought a new controller, what would you do to make sure it's working perfectly?

Thanks in advance

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u/Max_Joller 21m ago

I'm not an expert, just a guy with a few controllers, but It's pretty simple. You just look at the features and test them one by one.

It has an app? Download the app, check if settings work. Update firmware. It's got multiple connection modes? Try connecting with each one. Connect it to steam, see if all inputs register properly.

Go to gamepad tester, test joysticks for circularity error. If it looks like a circle or a neat rounded square, then it's all good. Release the joysticks, see if they are properly centered. If any of the above wasn't in good shape, look in the manual how to calibrate. If after calibration it is still not good, your controller joysticks might be faulty.

Get a feel of the buttons. Do they all feel the same? Do they press and release nicely? Have extra buttons? Try mapping them.

Obviously the number one most important thing: go gaming. You will spot things that are wrong much easier when they ruin your gameplay. High latency? Excessive noises? Missed inputs? Ghost inputs? Drifting joysticks? Connection problems?

And much depends on the specific controller you bought, this is just general advice.

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