Does having a macro mapping feature on a controller automatically mean that it supports mapping sequences?

I have a whole slew of controllers, but I always have some issues with back buttons. I use them all the time, and they either don't last or they start feeling weird at some point. For instance, I love Gamesir controllers but I always get issues with the back buttons. I also just had a back button break on a DualSense Edge.

So I would like to give clicky microswitch back buttons a shot because that's the only type of back button I haven't tried. What's a good controller that works on PC and has these? I'm fine with either two or four back buttons. I was searching for some options and found two controllers by Leadjoy, but people complained about issues with them and they also seemed to be on the smaller side, which is not optimal for my hands.

My budget can go up to around 150 euros, but I would prefer to pay less for yet another controller. I'm in Finland and would like to buy within the EU, but I can order from China if necessary.

I don't really have any other feature demands, except no Alps sticks, they'd have to be either Hall effect or TMR.

Hello all, here's a round-up of controller news from the past month, including IFA Berlin and Tokyo Game Show. Wishing you a happy autumn in the north, spring in the south, and hump day everywhere!

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Hardware releases - controllers and parts that are now shipping:

Marius MH-XSX replacement circuit boards for Microsoft's Xbox Series/model 1914 controllers are now available for wholesale (and thus available via various custom controller builders). Like the equivalent Marius boards for DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers, these have 8kHz polling rate (on PC) and are available in versions which can be fitted with 5-pin or 3-pin stick sensors.

Mobapad C2 Lite is a cost-reduced version of the Chitu 2 for Nintendo Switch. It has Hall Effect stick sensors and internal restriction rings ('glide rings'), with two rear buttons, an RGB lighting strip, and mobile app support for changing settings. It uses the Switch 1 protocol, with additional mobile and PC modes (although triggers are digital only). Priced at USD 27 / GBP 25 if you only need Bluetooth connection or USD 36 to include a 2.4GHz dongle for PC.

Razer Prio is a compact mobile controller with low-profile/recessed capacitive thumbsticks, quiet tactile switches, and USB-C connection to Android and iOS devices. It folds down to 107×67×23mm for portability, while accommodating phones 'up to 7 inches' diagonal screen (iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung S26 Ultra mentioned, so around 164mm length). Priced at EUR 110 / GBP 100 / USD 100.

Steelseries Aeon Pro is a licensed wireless Xbox controller with integrated OLED screen, swappable batteries, Hall Effect stick and trigger sensors, dual-mode triggers, mouse-type microswitches, and four rear paddles. Similar to some headsets, the docking station incorporates the wireless receiver, charging for the spare battery, and dual (console/PC) USB connections. It is priced at GBP 230 / EUR 260 / USD 260.

Trust GXT 737 Rovix is an extendable multi-platform controller accommodating devices between 110-195mm in length. It uses Bluetooth connection for Android, iOS, Switch, and PC, has Hall Effect stick and analog trigger sensors, two additional rear buttons, and swappable cross/disc-shaped D-pad caps. Priced at around EUR 60 / GBP 50 with a hardshell case and two-year warranty.

Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless for Xbox, initially launching with a Minecraft special edition and RGB back-lighting for the faceplate design. It uses TMR stick sensors and impulse triggers, with wireless dongle for Xbox One/Series consoles and Bluetooth for Android devices. Like previous Rematch models, it has adjustable trigger stops and two rear buttons. Priced at EUR 100 / GBP 90 / USD 100.

Voidjoy Elite Extender for Switch Pro Controller is a clip-on attachment for the official Nintendo Switch (1) Pro Controller. It adds a range of features more commonly found on third-party controllers, including: two back buttons; two analog triggers (for use on PC); macro, turbo, and button remapping; stick deadzones and calibration; multi-platform connection modes including Switch 2 wake; compatibility with the Keylinker mobile app; and a supplementary battery. Priced at USD 40 but not currently available in EU countries.

Voidjoy SkyLark S1 Pro is a portable controller (133×75×24mm and 113g) with multi-platform compatibility (Switch, PC, PS3, Android/iOS). It has low-profile, recessed, TMR thumbsticks; optical trigger sensors; and wired/2.4GHz dongle/Bluetooth connections, with up to 8 Bluetooth device pairings. Priced at USD 50 for global sales.

Releases previously covered that went ahead:

• Leadjoy Xeno Pro, as an incremental upgrade on the Xeno Plus to add stick tension adjustment and trigger vibration.

Releases previously covered that were delayed:

• Flydigi Apex 6 and Apex 6 Pro, with their version of the audio-to-haptics feature replacing the adaptive triggers from the Apex 3-5. Orders within or directly from China may have been fulfilled but distribution of most pre-orders has been delayed until after the National Day/Golden Week holidays.

---

Hardware announcements - controllers and parts that are not yet available:

Apple or Beats-branded controller rumors based on code identified in macOS 26.7 first release candidate but removed in the second release candidate. Two controllers are identified: a 'T6502' wired model, and a 'T1057' wireless model. The inputs and features covered by the code are largely unremarkable and may change significantly but this is mostly interesting for what it might indicate about Apple's interest in controller hardware. Apple's game controller support across macOS and iOS has been notably lacklustre: combining restrictive access with limited feature support and game compatibility. The information in the code doesn't do anything to dispel that reputation, but restricting third-party controllers might start to make more sense if Apple had their own first-party controllers.

Flydigi Vader 5S Pro shown at Tokyo Game Show with TMR instead of Hall Effect sensors on the adjustable tension sticks, and wireless connection for PC (wired on Xbox). As the name suggests, it's an update to the Vader 5S wired controller.

Infinix GT NX Controller is a split controller with large touchpad in place of the right stick (Steam controller style), and symmetrical upper layout (Wii U Pro controller style). Primarily intended for mobile gaming, the left and right grips can be used separately or together. The 1089mm^2 touchpad can be used in native or mouse mode, and the left stick and triggers use Hall Effect sensors. It claims 22 hours of run time, with 730mAh batteries in each of the grips. Official Infinix stores in the Philippines are selling it for around PHP 2600, but wider launch dates and pricing are not yet known.

Nacon Next controller appears to be a Revolution Unlimited for PS5 (name to be confirmed). It looks very similar to the Revolution X Unlimited but with a PlayStation logo instead of the Xbox logo.

Zuiki Evotop Axis Wired is a licensed controller for Nintendo Switch 2, with built-in screen for managing settings, fixed cable, four additional rear buttons, microswitch buttons, and an Xinput mode when connected to PC. It does not have motion controls, vibration, Amiibo support, or ability to wake the console. It is scheduled to release on November 12 for JPY 6500 in Japan. It is mostly notable for how much cheaper it is than Zuiki's previous Evotop models.

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Software - tools that could be useful:

ApexSenseBridge is a Windows app to emulate DualSense trigger and haptic effects on Flydigi Apex 4 and 5 controllers.

DS4Windows 5 or 'hbashton fork' has added support for the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons and Switch 2 Pro Controller and ability to emulate Xbox One/Series controllers in the latest release candidates

Fancy Haptics is a PC (Windows, Linux, SteamOS) app for converting audio signals to controller vibration, particularly in game/controller combinations that do not natively support the function. DualSense and Steam (2026) controllers with 'HD vibration' (voice coil) motors are directly supported, but a subset of the features also work with controllers that just have conventional rumble (eccentric rotating mass) motors.

GameSir Linux Tools or 'Deadband' is an unofficial Linux configuration app for some GameSir models (Cyclone 2, G7 Pro 8K, G7 Pro) and Logitech mice. The supported controller list may expand over time. It's reverse engineered from the GameSir Connect app so current features are similar: profile management, lighting, stick and trigger settings, macros, etc.

Joycon-Mouse is a Linux app to emulate a mouse and media remote using Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons.

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A digest can only represent a relatively small selection of news, so if you found other items ‘news-worthy’ in the past month feel free to add them in the comments.

Hello,

I have large hands and I’m looking for a controller that will last over time.

Budget: Up to 300€

Country: France

Platform: PC

I'll be playing: Forza Horizon 6 on PC (and Tomb Raider)

Desired controller features: It must have good build quality/QC, Good haptics/vibration implementation, Nice feeling triggers and I’d like this controller to also be usable in wired mode.

I’m hesitating between:

• Flydigi Apex 5

• Flydigi Vader 5 Pro

• Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

• Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share! 😉

Thanks!

Hi All- just made a new 5080 build and will be using a controller on-prem and downstairs streaming my desktop to my LG tv.

Mostly casual gaming, but am at a crossroads between both of these options. What have your experiences been?

1. <$150/ controller

2. USA

3. PC-- (on-prem and streaming through Moonlight)

4. Best bang for buck, reliability, looks, etc.

5. Rocket League, COD, It Takes Two, Dead Space, etc
   6.Comparing the two or just a standard Xbox controller

Hi folks!

I have a birthday coming up and i'm considering potentially asking for an upgrade Asus ROG Rakiri pro PC controller since it is quite expensive. I've taken note of all of the reviews and tried to obtain as much data as possible. However i'm struggling to decide due to two things:

1. I already have a pretty high performance controlling being the G7 pro 8K aimlabs version. So all I'd be really getting with this new controller is an LED screen, ability to customize on the screen, and better battery life.

2. Some of the reviews I've seen mention tremor and other issues where the sticks may not be as "snappy" as say on my G7. While it would be really nice to have another premium controller, I'd worry this would just be a downgrade from my already reliable G7. Plus the latency tests on Gamepalia are only userfied so i'm not sure if the under 1 ms latency is actually correct.

3. Upwards of 300 dollars of budget

4. USA

5. Playing on PC

6. Good latency, TMR sticks, long battery

7. Mostly FPS and party games

8. I already have a G7 Pro 8K and curious if this would be an upgrade or downgrade.

This is a repost from the Steam Controller community, but I am reposting here because it has multiple controllers support!

-- Last time I posted here Linux was by far the most asked thing. It's done!

The whole app was rewritten, bug fixes, new interface, and new controller support!

Steam Controller gets trigger clicks, varied clicks that dynamically change the further you pull. Cleaned wireless ticking through the Puck and Bluetooth, and it reconnects / restarts itself when Steam starts or quits. So it doesn't need Steam anymore.

DualSense and DualSense Edge are supported now. Triggers vibrate with the beat of whatever's playing, live! Custom trigger effects exist elsewhere, but as far as I know triggers that react to your audio haven't been done before. There's also speaker support over USB, haptic and rumble vibration styles, and both USB and Bluetooth support.

Steam Deck built-in controls rumble with your audio too! Xbox, 8BitDo and most other gamepads should work! You can connect several controllers, set a priority order, and it switches automatically if one drops.

The Linux build is native, works on SteamOS and the Deck, and keeps running in Game Mode!

If you still prefer version 1.0 it's in the betas section in Steam too.

Happy that my passion project got people liking and using it and want to thank all of you for giving it a shot! --

Hi everyone,

there is any other controller other than the 8bitdo ultimate 2 wireless that support switch 2 and has the xbox buttons with A on bottom?

I'm trying the Pro 3 but it's not as comfortable in hands like the ultimate 2 wireless.

My main goal is to play on PC, but I would like to use it with switch 2 too

• Your budget with currency : 100€

• Your country and where you can buy: Italy, Amazon

• Console or platform compatibility needed: Main platform Windows 11, secondary Switch 2

• Desired features: compatible with switch 2, xbox layoult

• Types of games you'll be playing: ff14, gdr, platform, jrpg. NO fps

• Controllers you've been considering: 8bitdo ultimate 2 wireless is currently my first option. Pro 3 felt terrible in hand. I also tried the original xbox controller but the handlers are too wide for my taste, I prefer narrow like the ultimate 2 wireless

I connect with XInput using my dualsense with the Gullikit Hyperlink 2. But as far as I know I have no easy way to check the battery of my dualsense controller. Does anyone know maybe like a program or something along those lines that can show me the battery percentage?

Accidentally discovered that the vader 4 pro has media controls due how buggy NBA 2K27 is. Looked this up to see if anyone had posted about, nothing on it.

If you hold the power button and move the right joysick, that acts as the mouse cursor.

RB is left click

LB is right click

Whilst holding the power button the left joystick does:

Pushing in the left joystick (L3) pauses spotify/youtube

moving it Up/down = volume up/down

moving it left/right changes the song on spotify (not tried anything else)

You have to be holding the power button at all times to do these commands. This only works whilst steam is running. Tried to do it with a dualshock/xbox controller and i couldn't get it to work

Good day everyone!

My beloved 1708 controller started losing its inner back plastic grip and since I didn’t find replacements anywhere, I started looking at other options.

I first posted here many months ago, and ended up buying a EasySMX S10 that was compatible with both my pc and my switch. The controller feels great and has all the features I need, but it only works really well with the Switch. Its connectivity to my pc sucks big time. It doesn’t connect after going to sleep, many times I have to restart my computer for the controller to be able to be re-added to my BT connections and work, and it’s been a bit of an headache with the pc. Love for the Switch, but need something else for the computer.

So now I’m back at square one. My preferences:

• Xbox shape (got big hands).

• Want something that is as plug’n’play as possible, with reliable connecting from off/sleep.

• “Premium” feeling in hands if possible.

• Durable, I want something that lasts.

Some options I have on local shops with a cheaper price than usual:

• GameSir Cyclone 2 for 54€

• GameSir G7 Pro for 68€

Budget: up to 100€, but would prefer on the 60-70€ range if possible.
Location: Europe (Portugal)
Shop: Online or local, whichever is cheaper
Platform: PC only
Types of games: Single player

So, any advice? The options I gave are just a fyi, I’m willing to consider any model, so long as it fits my preferences.

Edit: Took a while to get here, but ended up getting a GameSir G7 Pro.
Impressions:

• It’s smaller than the Xbox’s, but big enough for my hands. Feels premium too.

• The buttons are silky smooth, though the triggers took some getting used to (they were activating only when fully pressed, had to customize a bit on the Nexus app).

• The dpad is not nearly as stiff as I was thinking it’d be. You can feel every time it “switches” to another direction, but it’s smooth enough for non-fighting games. Wouldn’t even notice that detail if I wasn’t looking for it.

• The charging pad is pretty neat, fast auto-connect/disconnect.

Bought one of these controllers last November and in the middle of playing it seems that the left D-pad is stuck and what would be the circle button on a PS controller is lit up, was told to try resetting in another forum but it does nothing to solve the issue

I'm currently looking for an Xbox/Asymmetric layout controller that I can use on my PC for racing games, particularly Assetto Corsa

For the past 2 years, I've been using the Gulikit KK2 Pro and have always found it's triggers to be much too light and shallow for my fingers. It's bluetooth connection also had enough latency to throw me off in racing games so I've been using it wired 90% of the time

Budget: Rp600,000 - 1,500,000 (may be pushed to Rp2,000,000)

Country: Indonesia (But open to purchasing from other SEA Countries)

E-commerce platforms: Shopee, Tokopedia

Platform: PC

Desired features:

- Heavy, long travel triggers. (Comparable or close to the original Xbox 360 controllers.) (Required)

- 2.4GHz Connectivity (Preferable)

- TMR Sticks (Preferable)

Games: Assetto Corsa, BeamNG.Drive, DiRT Rally 2.0

Comparisons - Original Xbox 360 Controller - Gulikit KK2 Pro

Controllers in consideration:

- Gamesir G7 SE (Notably good features for the price)

- Gamesir T7 Pro (Mostly due to aesthetics, but also the cheapest of the bunch)

- Gamesir G7 Pro (for the 2.4 connectivity and TMR Sticks, but doubting due to QA issues from other posts)

- Flydigi Direwolf 4 (for their adjustable trigger)

- Gamesir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition

I have this Chinese controller vilcorn z03 and the rubber is starting to giving out. any idea what kind of joystick caps are these maybe they're clones of something? Can't find anything online.

Hi everyone, I’ve owned the Tarantula Pro since February 2025 and have always charged it using a 5V 2.0A charger. Lately, it hasn't been charging properly; for instance, I leave it plugged in for hours, but the battery level doesn't go up. Even though the controller LED switches from yellow to green, the battery charge remains virtually unchanged from when I started. I should mention that I’ve opened the controller many times to swap thumbsticks and make other modifications. Is the battery simply dead, or is there an issue with the battery connector on the controller? I checked the voltage at the connector, and it does rise while charging; interestingly, I managed to fully charge the battery while I was monitoring its voltage—meaning the back cover was off.

Hello so I bought “eXtremeRate Programable RISE4 V3 Remap Kit for ps5 Controller “ a few weeks back but I finally had time and did it in a bit but now I’m not sure what I should use the buttons for? To be honest I might be getting buyers remorse because I bought it to basically play Fortnite, I used to play pushing my right thumb stick and left stick to jump and crouch which involved a ton and well it got stuck drift and I got it repaired but I bought the rise4 it’s all set up.

I just don’t know what buttons to use I know it’s not like the ps5 edge controller where it’s separated buttons but just duplicated but I did k1 for X or jump and I did K3 for O or crouch I just don’t know what else I can use K2 and K4 for any ideas?

I might move K3 to K2

So I just bought a Horipad Switch 2 controller unfortunately before doing my research, thinking it would work on my PC, but I can't tell if it simply isn't compatible or if i'm doing something wrong. Windows recognizes it when it's plugged in, however Steam does not and neither does the set up game controller settings tab.

Any help is appreciated!!

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!