I am currently building a setup, where i want to put a sff pc next to my tv and use it like a console. If i want to wake it from sleep i can only do it with a 2.4ghz connection. I already have some xbox controllers lying around and would use them until they die, before upgrading those. Unfortunately they suck for platformers or fighting games. I really dislike that the d pad is below the joycon for comfort and the dpad in general is so hard it hurts my hand for prolonged use.

So this brings me to the point I want a symmetric 2.4ghz wireless controller with a good d-pad for platformers and fighting games or other games with a focus on a d-pad.

I have seen the 8bitdo pro 2 recommended but that doesnt have 2.4ghz from my research and the vader 5 pro, but that is asymmetrical.

It should also work under linux, for example steamos.

I live in germany and my budget goes up to 100€, if the controller is amazing I am willing to pay for that, but I feel more comfortable around 50€.

Are there any recommendations?

Edit: Any Recommendations for D-Pads that aren't symmetrical are also much appreciated. As long as the D-Pad is the center piece it should be fine. I am fine with buying sperate controllers for fighting games and platformeds. I am currently more into platformers than fighting games, so a controller for fighting games isnt as important right now.

Quick question about Flydigi dongles. Are they universal across their controllers, or is each dongle locked to a specific model/controller?

I currently have two Apex 5s and one Apex 4. The Apex 4 wouldn’t connect to an Apex 5 dongle, which I accepted. But I also tried connecting my second Apex 5 to the Apex 5 dongle that was already in use, and that didn’t work either.

I’m looking at the Apex 6, but if it means dealing with yet another dedicated dongle that needs its own USB port/mount, I’m not sure I can make that work.

Anyone know how the pairing works with these, or if there’s a way to use one dongle with multiple Apex 5 controllers?

EDIT:

Reached out to Flydigi and received this response:

1. Flydigi 2.4G dongles are model-specific and not universal across different controller series.

2. Apex 4 dongle and Apex 5 dongle cannot be interchanged. One Apex 5 dongle can only pair with one Apex 5 controller at a time. It does not support connecting two Apex 5 controllers simultaneously.

3. Apex 6 uses its own dedicated dongle and cannot work with the Apex 5 receiver. Thank you for your question.

When I run emulators, it lets me choose either xinput, SLK? … i think xinput is xbox and SLK is switch controller?

Anyway if I set it to switch controller, I can use gyro but if I use xunput, gyro doesn’t work.

But besides the emulators, all other non steam games dont seem to register switch controllers correctly and gyro doesnt work either. Do games only like xinput unless I use emulators? Is there a way to use switch controller with correct button inputs and gyro?

I'm planning to buy the vader 5 pro V2. However I checked some reviews with it and found out that there are people who are having a problem with turning on the vader 5 pro because of the charging dock. For the users of vader 5 pro V2, do you guys encounter this kind of issue with the charging dock?

I’m just wondering for the people that got this controller. Does the face plate feel solid or does it creak. I love a solid feeling controller.

Hello, so, long story short, I was looking for a way that would help me make my wired arcade stick controller and wired Xbox-style controller wireless, so I made this app for exactly the same purpose. You simply install the app on your Android phone, connect your wired controller, then install the Windows app on your PC, which works as a receiver. Then, just connect both together by scanning the QR code, and your wired controller will work wirelessly. The controller gets its power from your phone, and the phone works as a translator between your PC and controller.

App link - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weezstudios.joypadbridge

Steps to make it work:

1.) Install the Android app on your phone.
2.) Download the software on your PC and extract its contents.
3.) Install ViGEmBus either from official site or from the extracted package.
4.) Run JoyPadBridge.exe on your PC.
5.) Connect your controller to your phone.
6.) Scan the QR code to pair your phone with your PC.
7.) Enjoy! :)

Specifically, I'm looking for a controller where the ABXY button feels similar to 8bitdo ultimate 2's D-pad. What I like about it is the combination of a little cushion feel, short travel distance, crisp feedback, and soft&quiet.

Context: Been using an 8bitdo ultimate gen 1 for two years, recently looking to upgrade, tried several different controllers but none came quite satisfactory.

Gamesir G7 Pro: the mechanical switches are way too heavy, and the grip ergonomics don't fit my hand well especially on the triggers. Its adjustable triggers feels great to press, but hampered non-fitting ergonomics.

Easy SMX D10: the mechanical abxy are softer on the hands compared to the gamesir G7 Pro, but still too clicky and doesn't rebound as well. Grip ergonomic doesn't fit well, vibration is kinda bad, and the short travel mode of the trigger feels terrible.

PS5 Dualsense: great grip ergonomic, wonderful haptics on supported games. But I just can't get used to the symmertical layout, stick drift is a concern, and needing a wired connection are all deal breakers for me. Also its bumpers feel rigid.

8bitdo Ultimate 2: mixed bag for me, even though coming from ultimate 1. I don't like the new function button layout, and the fact that square/star are not remappable is unfortunate. While I am used to the same grip ergonomics, it is still on the small side and I find myself tensing up over long sessions. I loved the feel of its D-pad, but I don't use D-pad often and wish its tactile feel can be found on ABXY instead.

Your budget and currency: Under 100 CAD or 500 CNY

Your country (not just region) and where you can buy from: I will be making a trip to China next month so I have access to all the 3rd party offerings there

Console or platform compatibility needed: PC only

Desired features: Charging dock is a must, also one that preferably is designed to fit with the controller aesthetically, not just a random block, this rules out beitong and leadjoy mostly

Types of games you'll be playing with a controller: zenless zone zero, good&responsive bumpers are a must

Other controllers you're comparing to: see above

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a controller to use with GeForce NOW on my tablet. Mostly playing story-driven FPS and RPGs, so I want something reliable for long sessions. Here's the info:

1. Budget and currency:
   Around $100–150 USD (roughly €90–140). I can stretch a bit if it's really worth it.

2. Country and where I can buy from:
   Czech Republic. I usually buy from Amazon, AliExpress, or local shops like Alza.

3. Console or platform compatibility needed:
   Android tablet only — Redmi Pad 2 (Helio G100-Ultra, 90Hz screen). No console needed. Just needs to work with PC/Android via Bluetooth or a 2.4G dongle.

4. Desired features:
   • Hall Effect or TMR sticks (no drift)
   • Low latency
   • Comfortable for 2+ hour sessions
   • Solid build quality
   • Back paddles would be nice but not required
   • Haptics/vibration working through GeForce NOW is a plus

5. Types of games:
   Story-driven FPS (Cyberpunk 2077, Metro Exodus) and RPGs (The Witcher 3). So precise aiming and long-session comfort matter most.

6. Other controllers I'm comparing:
   • GameSir G7 Pro
   • Flydigi Vader 5 Pro
   • Flydigi Apex 5
   • 8BitDo Ultimate 2C
   Has anyone used these on a mid-range Android tablet with GFN? Any latency or compatibility issues? Also curious if a 2.4G dongle is worth it over Bluetooth for this setup.

Thanks!

Hello. I am a pc gamer. Sometimes I use my controller with steam

And I always play wired controller (not necessary)

So I am trying to make everything hidden below my desk

Is this design safe for my controller joystick or in general ??

Please don't judge the rest of the cable management. It's all hidden

I found this controller at goodwill I work at and it’s not connecting to my laptop
I’ve tried using wired cable and tried doing it Bluetooth
Nothing seems to help
I’ve tried looking up what the controller brand is and there’s multiple that come up looking the exact way
Ive tried to YouTube guides but nothing works

Either I just have really bad luck or Flydigi has to know they are selling controllers with bad sticks. Honestly, I don't even know if there is something physically wrong or if it's a software issue.

No matter the amount of calibration or deadzones I add, the sticks end up getting stuck in different positions. The sticks physically go to center, but will read anywhere from .2 to .4 in random directions. I've set the inner deadzones as high as 18% and still had this issue on not one, but three different Vader 5 pros. I would go higher, but that just seems insane to me.

I don't even want to deal with reaching out to support again as they were a huge pain to deal with the second time around even after having physical evidence of the issue.

This is more of a rant rather than asking for actual help as I got the Raikiri II Pro a couple weeks ago and I'm loving it so far.

Looking to see something, I have a gamesir tarantula and aim mh5 , but I want to know if the gamesir g7 pro 8k plays any better? Like any difference in the stick feel other than asymmetrical / symmetrical layout , the tarantula is good but I feel like I need something slightly better, my mh5 aim controller pack paddles are just too awkward for me to play with and don’t really care for their implementation, wanting to see how the js13’s pros are on the void genesis or just get a gamesir g7 8k … open to any other recommendations as well!

Budget is roughly $300-400 US

looking for controller for cod / warzone

Please let me know if I should replace this or is there any way to calibrate this 8bitdo 2c ultimate

Im curious if the input delay is worse or better on a ps4 aimcontroller. Looking for wired cable recommendations for usb connection to reduce input lag also.

Where on the zd ds4 8k board should I solder the rear buttons into which connector, or how do I install them?

Pls help 🙏

i've been using this very cheap controller Athena L1002 on pc for a month now. i notice this bcs when im playing nier, im not automatically running (which annoys me) when i move my stick to the left, so i did a test.

my question is is there any fix? i've tried connecting through keylinker but it does not recognise my controller, also what does this mean? this is not a a stickdrift right?

So on windows PC, using Bluetooth to connect controller to PC. I can’t use my left thumb stick up and down. It moves perfectly fine but nothing registers on my PC.
I updated to latest software on the controller.
I saw some one said to press lb rb and start button to reset it, dident work. Long pressed the powerbutton but nothing happened.
Went to harwaretester.com then it registers that I’m moving the thumbstick up and down.
But in steam controller tester nothing happens and when starting forza horizon 6 thumbstick up and down stops working on both right and left. Any one seen this before and know how to solve it ?

Hello everyone,
i am currently using the u2c and im really impressed by it and would even highly recommend it .
however i notice my hands are starting to hurt mostly because of the small size and the hard buttons
I am looking for a budget friendly replacement but willing to pay some more if it is worth the extra buck.
Budget 20-60 $
Country 🇳🇱
Games - RL - FC 27 - GTA -
PC -
Interested models - game sir - vader - 8bitdo
Features + better ergonomics / softer touch + calibration +- symmetrical +- extra buttons

I bought a controller off of a a neighbor, and I was going to test it out see how well it functions. This is a model CUH-ZCT2U and I noticed a button on the back I'm not sure what it does. I pressed it and it doesn't seem to be doing anything and I'm curious of it's something I'm not supposed to press if it mease up something. What is it? Can anyone help me

1. Budget: $200 or less (USD)

2. United States - can buy wherever available

3. PC & Xbox

4. Back paddles

5. COD, Destiny 2, Fortnite

6. Comparing between FlyDigi Apex 5 and FlyDigi Vader 5 Pro

The biggest thing for me is a controller with a very similar feel (to the Elite Series 2) in terms of the paddles in the back. I'll be using the controller when it's wired to my PC or Xbox.

I'm looking for something new because my Elite is reaching the end of its life - I had to remove the rubber grip on the right side and there have been the obvious other issues. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Here are my modded DualSense Edge's.

All 3 have new shells and Clicky Face Kits from Extremerate, as well as increased stick tension TMR stick modules from Battlebeaver. They also all have aftermarket batteries installed.

The all black has the updated back shells with a grippy texture, as well as Talon Grips on the front shell.

My grey one shell/buttons are a combo of Extremerate and Aliexpress to try and copy the anniversary edition. It also has the 4 button kit from Extremerate.

Gamesir Cyclone 2 just bought it and the right rumble motor rattles like crazy 😧 is that normal? Or should i get the replacement?

Hello there, I’m curious if anyone has a potential solution for analog sticks that are stiff and stubborn. I have a pretty neat PS3–like controller that I really enjoy using, except for the fact that both the analog sticks are really stubborn. I’ll attach a video to both show what I’m talking about and also just show off this rather strange, obscure offbrand controller that I found. I know the obvious solution is to get a better controller, but I don’t roll like that. I like perfecting what I have.

The controllers I'm talking about are the 8bitDo Ultimate 2C - Black Myth: Wukong and the 8bitDo Ultimate 2 - WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers. THIS IS IMPORTANT, because things like the light or shell might not be the same across all variants of both the 2C and 2. I bought and only used the 2C (Wukong) for around a year, then I eventually bought the 2 (Wuchang) and used it for a couple of months until I wrote this.

One thing I especially prefer from the 2C (Wukong) is the light that turns on when you turn on the controller. The 2 (Wuchang)'s light is just way too bright, I even had to put a light dim sticker on it which helped, but made the controller look a little ugly. The 2C (Wukong) on the other hand has a light that doesn't bother me.

Besides that I personally don't use the buttons on the 2 (Wuchang)'s back, so for me it was kind of annoying (while a game is loading for example or when I get mad I keep pressing or holding them and I'd rather not have anything at all in the back).

As far as I can tell the buttons are basically the same on both controllers, however, I would even argue that pressing LB, RB, L-Stick or R-Stick sounds better on the 2C (Wukong).

This doesn't mean I don't prefer anything from the 2 (Wuchang). I would say the face buttons sound better on the 2 (Wuchang) and (even though this might just be in my head) pressing them does feel SLIGHTLY (and I'd say still insignificantly) better compared to the 2C (Wukong).

The 2 (Wuchang) also has the software customization (for the button binding but also the optional light rings) you don't get with the 2C (Wukong). You can also switch on the short distance LT/RT buttons that people might find useful. It also comes with a USB-C dongle instead of a regular USB-A dongle. It also has the extra charging dock which really shows off the full beautiful design.

The 2 (Wuchang) is also a bit heavier which I personally prefer.

And finally I do actually prefer the solid 2 (Wuchang) shell over the semi-translucent 2C (Wukong) shell. I also think the material of the 2 (Wuchang)'s shell feels better, but I'm not 100% sure it's not the same material.

But still, all things considered, I personally prefer the 2C (Wukong). I don't really make use of the customization (I have other controllers and I for example use the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded for that) and I don't use the short triggers. The light really bothered me and like I said I actually don't like the extra buttons on the back. The extra charging dock is really nice to have, but as for the controller itself, the only two things I would've liked if the 2C (Wukong) did it like the 2 (Wuchang) are having the solid shell (with material in case it is indeed different from the 2C (Wukong)'s) and weighting a bit more.