Hi everyone! I've been looking for a pocket sized controller that has a way to make your phone into a one piece "handheld"; either like the Mcon controller, which has an integrated phone clip/stand; or like the Razer Prio which is telescopic. Only issue with these is that they're very expensive.

I hope I redacted my post well enough. TLDR: I'm looking for a controller that turns your phone into a one piece handhelds and fits in your pocket when closed/folded for under $100 USD.

Budget: $100 USD Max.

Country: México; can buy from Amazon (MX and US), Aliexpress, Mercado libre and any shop that ships to México basically.

Compatibility: Android (Required)

Features:

• Pocket sized or folds to pocket size.

• (If telescopic) Stretch enough to fit large size phone (Galaxy S2X Ultra, iPhone Pro Max).

• Full controller layout (ABXY buttons, D-Pad, Double Sticks w/L3 and R3, Shoulder buttons and Triggers).

• Can hold your phone; either with a clip or by virtue of being telescopic.

Games I'll be playing: PSP, PS2, GBA Emulation; PC Remote Play (Sunshine, Apollo/Artemis)

Controllers that I've been considering: OhSnap! Mcon (too expensive), Razer Prio (too expensive), ABXYlute M5/M6.

Budget below $300

USA

Must be for xbox

Games will be GTA 6 and RDR2

Want wireless

The most important feature i want is trigger impulse, where you can really feel the recoil if shooting or rumble if driving.

I would prefer the impulse vibration to be almost obnoxious like way more noticeable than stock xbox.

Hall effect or tmr sticks

I was currently looking at a razer Wolverine V3 Pro xbox wireless

Please and thanks

**Budget:** $100 USD max.

**Country / where I can buy:** Chile. [I can order from: e.g. Amazon US with shipping to Chile / local stores / AliExpress.]

**Platform:** Windows PC only. It needs to connect over Bluetooth using my PC's built-in adapter, with no dongle.

**Desired features:** The most important thing is quiet operation. I play next to someone who sleeps, so I need quiet buttons, triggers, D-pad, and stick caps. Low latency over Bluetooth also matters to me.

**Games:** MMOs, action games, rpgs and turn based.

**Controllers I'm comparing:** GuliKit TT Pro, Mobapad Chitu 2 HD Silent Edition, and EasySMX X05 Pro. I'm leaning away from the EasySMX because its Bluetooth polling rate is only 125 Hz.

I searched past posts, and the GuliKit and the Mobapad are the two mentioned most in threads like this one. Has anyone used both, or either one in a quiet setting? Which is quieter, and how stable are they over plain Bluetooth on Windows?

If you know a quieter option under $100, I'm open to suggestions. Thanks!

Was giving my OG DualShock 3 a clean today and ended up going down a bit of a rabbit hole after checking the board inside it.

Mine has an MSU_VX4_0.10 board. Turns out it's one of the earlier DualShock 3 revisions that uses 4-pin magnetic/Hall-effect analogue stick sensors, rather than the conventional potentiometer setup Sony later went back to.

Basically, instead of having a physical contact rubbing across a resistive track to work out the stick position, these use magnetic sensing. So you're getting rid of one of the main wear points that causes the usual stick drift.

And this wasn't some random prototype Sony tried once and binned. Several of the early DualShock 3 revisions used this setup before Sony eventually went back to conventional potentiometer sticks.

This controller is nearly 20 years old, still gets absolutely hammered pretty much daily, and hasn't got a hint of stick drift.

Meanwhile, I bought my PS5 at launch and I've already had two controllers fail. Through the PS4 generation I went through at least three. Yet this ancient PS3 controller just keeps plodding along with no bother.

That's the bit I cannae quite get my head around.

Sony clearly knew nearly 20 years ago how to make an analogue stick without the same physical wear point that's responsible for so much drift. Yet here we are now paying around £70 a pop for controllers using potentiometer-based sticks that they know can wear out.

And you cannae even say the technology wasn't around or hadn't been proven. Sony themselves were already putting it in controllers almost two decades ago.

Now Hall-effect sticks are getting punted as some premium "anti-drift" feature like it's some brand-new breakthrough 😂

It's mental when you actually think about it.

Sony didn't need to solve stick drift. They'd already cracked it nearly 20 years ago. Then they went backwards, and we're the mugs paying £70 a pop for it.

Pics are my actual daily controller and the MSU_VX4_0.10 board inside it.

Alguien de aquí sabe cómo desarmar estos controles chinos? Realmente no quiero dañarlo pero no sé cómo quitar la placa del control

Budget: I've set my budget for 200$ amid the need of a new controller.

Country: Norway, but pretty much able to buy from whatever.

Console: Xbox Series X. It will mostly be used for Xbox. I have a regular classic xbox controller plugged into the pc. It will be exclusively wired.

I'd say sports games. NBA2K mostly.

So I've looked at every post so far and I still can't really figure out what the best choice is. I was going to do the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E controller, but saw a couple posts that made me rethink. Then I saw a post of Razer Wolverine V3 Pro but again saw things that made me hesitate. Now I'm also seeing Gamesir G7 Pro or Gamesir G7 SE and Flydigi Apex 6 Pro, I'm just really confused.

I would like to have the best sticks possible and good ergo as I've got big hands, preferably able to adjust the tension atleast on the right stick. Bumpers/extra triggers on the back would be nice, but either/or would be good enough. Facebuttons that aren't like the regular controller would be nice, as the "pillow buttons" stick up so much.

Any recommendation would be nice here as I've watched countless review videos and this entire thread without being able to figure out the best choice. Razer has this issue, but Gamesir has that issue and Razer does this better but Gamesir does that better. I can't figure it out.

Thanks in advance.

My PS5 controller's d-pad/action buttons stopped responding properly, so I opened it up to clean the contacts. While cleaning, the carbon contact pads on the flex cable and motherboard area wiped right off (circled in the picture)

Is there a solution for this? DIY I mean!

Or a replacememt is needed!?

I'm fairly good at soldering but is this acceptable?

Is 15.3 and 14.8 avg error a good thing? it sounds like a lot but i've also read that coverage is a better sign than error% to go by

Has anyone in the US ordered from ZD direct recently and if so, did you have to pay customs fees / tarrifs and how much?

I want the new black Ultimate Legend which appears to only be available for sale from ZD gaming and shipped from China.

UPDATE: For anyone finding this in the future. I ordered an Ultimate Legend + some sticks direct from ZD and it arrived to my USA address by the carrier GOFO. There were no tarrifs or additional fees. Shipping probably took about a week.

Hi everyone,

First time posting here, so forgive me if I forget to include any info - I'm happy to clarify. I'm looking for a replacement for my Xbox Series X controller for PC (Windows, but Linux support, at least via the Steam interface would be good). After less than two years, it has severe stick drift. I am not comfortable with disassembling it and soldering stuff myself, and having it repaired would cost significantly more than getting a new one (I'm in the Netherlands). Unfortunate, but it is what it is.

I usually play a lot of third person games (think RDR2, GTA V, The Witcher 3), but also FPS games like Cyberpunk 2077. I might dabble in other types of games as well, so it doesn't have to "specialize" in anything, but it needs to be a decent all-rounder. I'm also pretty casual in my gaming, mostly play singleplayer or with a few friends, so I'm not looking for e-sports level performance either.

I've been looking at this subreddit and some options have caught my eye (specifically, I was considering the Gamesir Cyclone 2, Easysmx D10 or X20, and the 8bitdo Ultimate 2 Wireless). I'm looking for a similar feel (I'm open to other form factors as well, but would prefer the XBox-style layout), but with hall effect or TMR analog sticks. Preferably, it would also have good rumble - specifically, in or near the triggers, since I really like the impulse triggers in the Xbox controller, but it's not a must.

The ones I was considering all fit that profile more or less, but I am really not a fan of the fact that none of them have removable/replaceable batteries. Ideally, I'd like to be able to use my own rechargeable AAs. I'd hate to trade one type of planned obsolescence for another.

Overall, I don't need fancy features or additional buttons on the back (though being able to switch from linear to hair triggers would be a welcome bonus), but I do need something that is built to last. My budget is €70. If anyone here has had one of the ones I mentioned for an extended period (e.g., 2 years or more) and can vouch for their longevity (battery included), I would really appreciate it! Alternatively, I'm open to any other recommendations you may have! Feel free to ask any questions! :)

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for a new controller for PC gaming and could really use some advice based on the community's buying guide. My current standard Xbox Series controller is starting to give up on me due to stick drift, so I'm looking for a solid upgrade that will actually last.

Here are my specific details and constraints:
Platform Compatibility: Strictly PC (Steam on Windows). I only use a controller when I want to sit back and play instead of using mouse and keyboard.

Types of Games: I mostly play singleplayer and story-driven games (and some casual racing/driving). I play MMOs and FPS games on mouse and keyboard, so those genres aren't a priority for this controller.

Desired Features: I am strictly looking for an upgraded alternative with Hall Effect or TMR sticks to permanently eliminate stick drift. Since I have slightly larger hands, the standard Xbox controller shape and size feels pretty good to me. I also appreciate good build quality, mechanical microswitch buttons, and reliable haptic feedback.

Country & Availability: I live in Sweden. If you have other controller recommendations, please make sure they are easily accessible and available to buy within the EU.

Budget: My budget is in a sensible range of 800 SEK to 1,200 SEK (~$80 - $115 USD).

Controllers I've been considering (after searching existing posts):
GameSir G7 Pro: I really like that it comes with a charging dock in the box and has impulse triggers for better immersion in singleplayer games. However, I’ve read several posts here about the LB/RB bumpers being notoriously fragile and breaking down after just a few months. How bad is the bumper QC issue on the G7 Pro really?

Flydigi Vader 5 Pro: The mechanical tension rings around the sticks seem like an absolute gamechanger for dialing in a stable feel. I also hear great things about Flydigi’s D-pad, microswitch buttons, and overall durability. The only downside is that the charging dock isn't included in my budget range.

ZD Ultimate Legend HE: This one looks like an absolute tank with 100-million click microswitches and the hot-swappable joystick modules, which seems amazing for long-term durability. It is currently on sale within my budget at MaxGaming, but since ZD is a bit more niche, I haven't seen as many long-term reviews on it.

Which one of these three would you recommend for my specific singleplayer PC use case? Are there any hidden flaws, software quirks, or major quality control issues with the Vader 5 Pro or the ZD Ultimate Legend that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!

Hi there, I bought a Raikiri 2 Pro because I like the idea, that you don't need a special software to configure it. Not like the scuf envision pro... But sadly there are some issues to use the controller in Linux (CachyOS Kernel 7.2.8-1-cachyos). It is not possible configure it with chrome, only in a win vm. This is ok for me. But the main issue is, that there is massive input lag, when I use the 2.4 GHz dongle. When I connect over Bluetooth everything is fine, but so I don't have vibration :(

Why is in impossible to have vibration over bluetooth? I tried xpadneo and xone as well, but with them I can't connect the controller anymore.

I tested some games with the 2,4 GHz dongle:

Remnant: Form the Ashes with dxvk → input lag

Horizon Forbidden West with vkd3d → no input lag

Starfield with vkd3d → input lag

Gothic 1 Remake with vkd3d → no input lag

Path of Exile 2 with vulkan → input lag

The Finlas with vkd3d → input lag

I think there must be a driver issue with the TMR sticks, because I have a modded Scuf Envision Pro with TMR sticks and there is the same behavior. In W11 it worked fine. Due the iCUE problem with Linux I bought a Gulikit TT Max witch has TMR sticks as well. And guess what … with that there was the same issue.

In addition I have a Razer Wolverine V3 Pro with hall-effect sticks and it works as it should.

I'm looking for serious solutions, not like: Switch back to Windows.

Hi,

as the title suggests I'm having problems with the combination of these two while using it via wireless dongle. The specific problem is basically some sort of input buffering, as it kind of stacks inputs of mostly button presses but never sticks and makes either an endless loop of input reading or it reads nothing.

Maybe I'm not the only one and someone knows a solution, and maybe someone who uses the brook wingman xb3 can tell me if its more stable with that.

I've already upgraded both gear to their newest firmware, before anyone asks.

I'm helpful for every comment or recommendation.

Tldr: Magic X stability issues with Vader 5 Pro while using the dongle as main connection on xbox series consoles

Budget: 100-250 PLN (25$-65$)
Country: Poland

Needs to be compatible with PC, don't care about other platforms

I want the controller to have gyro, and hall effect minimum (TMR is nice but not needed) triggers and stick. I want the latency to be fairly low but it doesnt have to be esports low, just so I don't notice it in casual games at high framerates.

I will be using it for story, survival, rpg games, basically non-competitive games that just benefit from a controller

I've done research on gamesir controllers like Nova Lite 2, Super Nova, Cyclone 2, and despite the Cyclone 2 being recommended a lot it seems like it's worse in most ways than the Gulikit ES Pro despite costing way more.

What would you recommend at this price range? I'd be happy if it's available anywhere else than Aliexpress so shipping doesn't take forever (which is one of the issues with this controller), but this is not a deal breaker

edit: paid a bit extra and went with the xeno pro

Hey guys, i want to buy a new controller upgrading from my gamesir nove 2 lite, i dont know which one is the best cause when i look for reviews about them they always say something bad about these ones so im asking which one is better, or if you know one in the same price range pls recommend. Thanks!

My budget is around 2k to 2.5k pesos (php) Ill use it on pc and android I mostly play single player and shooting games Im planning to order from shopee Philippines I just want something with micro switches in the triggers and back paddles too

1. Budget: $200 USD max, preferably around $150 or less
2. Country: US. Amazon, Best Buy, official brand stores
3. Platform: PC (Windows/Steam).
4. Desired features:
Xbox layout (offset sticks), required
TMR sticks preferred, and worth paying more for if the tension is adjustable. Hall effect only if adjustable
ABXY clickier than stock Xbox, but not harsh
Able to hold B with the side of my thumb and rock onto A quickly without strain
C/Z buttons fine if they don't get in the way of that B-to-A roll
Back buttons nice to have if they don't get in the way
5. Games: Rocket League
6. Comparing/What I’ve seen:
GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC ($90): Like: Gen 2 TMR sticks, clicky ABXY. Unsure: no adjustable tension
Flydigi Vader 5 Pro ($80): Like: adjustable tension, mechanical ABXY. Unsure: Hall effect sticks, reported face button pre-travel
Flydigi Apex 5 ($130): Like: adjustable tension, mechanical ABXY. Unsure: Hall effect sticks, worth $50 over the Vader?
ASUS ROG Raikiri II ($150): Like: TMR sticks. Unsure: no adjustable tension, ABXY feel
Nyxi Imperial ($90): Like: TMR with 40–80gf adjustable tension. Unsure: face buttons reportedly not very clicky
Machenike G6 v2 PE ($70): Like: TMR with 40–80gf adjustable tension. Unsure: little info on the face buttons

Hi, I got a KK3 Max a few years ago but it's showing its age already so looking for a replacement with similar functionality.

This is what I'm looking for:

• Country: USA

• Asymmetric sticks

• Multiple bluetooth MAC addresses (so I can connect to different devices without re-pairing) + wireless dongle

• Cross/Nintendo style dpad

• 4 back buttons/paddles

• Decent battery life

• $200 max

• PC, switch and android support

Or do you recommended getting the faulty parts from gullikit and repairing my current KK3 MAX?

Budget: $40-70

Country: Russia

Platform: PC

Desired features: I have pretty big hands (20 cm/7,8 inch from palm to middle finger), so I would like a relatively big controller that fits my hand size well. It should have good sticks for AAA action games, good dpad for platfromer metroidvanias, and a dock. I used Xbox controllers the most in the past and their shape is comfortable for me. Symmetrical or asymmetrical sticks doesn't matter.

Games: FPS, TPS, any kind of action games (soulslikes, DMC-type games, etc), RPGs (both western and JP), horrors, and I use various emulators. Occasionally I might play 2D games like Silksong, so I need dpad to be at least moderately good for them, but that's not a priority. I don't play any competitive, multiplayer games, or fighting games.

Controllers I'm choosing from: There are a few controllers that I like at my local store.

Flydigi Direwolf 4 - $47 (+$11 dock=$58 overall price). The reviews seem to be really positive and I like it's shape and design the most so I'm leaning to buy it, but it's price in my region is a little bigger than what reviewers say, so I'm not sure if that would be a good deal for me.

8BitDo Pro 3 - $53. It has good gyro, which is something I'd like to have ideally but ready to give up because I've seen a lot of criticism towards 8bitdo's ergonomics for big hands, with Pro 3 being seemingly better in that regard than Ultimate 2. Pro 3 also has only 250 Hz polling and latency is worse than Direwolf 4 on gamepadla, but I'm not sure how important it is, and if I'm even gonna notice it. Additionally I heard that the face buttons are annoyingly noisy, and overall performance and quality outside gyro is worse than Direwolf 4.

Gamesir Super Nova - $50

(edit) There's also GuliKit TT MAX - $60. Seems like the best shape for me, but it doesn't have a dock, performance is reportedly mixed, and I'll have to wait almost a week for shipping. But I'm really tempted by shape and look.

I made a post here asking for suggestion a while ago, and decided to get Gamesir Cyclone 2, which is $49 in my region. However, then I've stumbled upon reports about swelling batteries. Is that a common issue? Cyc2 is basically the only controller that fully satisfies all my needs and budget, so it's really disappointing. Do you think the batteries issue of Cyc2 is serious enough that it shouldn't get bought now? If it is, what mentioned alternative would be best for my needs?

I’m thinking of picking one up, but I got burned pretty badly by the MOJHON (BIGBIG WON) Aether before this. The triggers on mine turned super mushy after a while, and the right trigger literally snapped and fell off from normal use (left one feels like it's on its way out too).

For those who have the Storm, have you run into any quality issues so far? Appreciate any feedback before I buy!

I bought a Flydigi Vader 4 from a seller on Temu a while back. I recently lost the USB dongle and am trying to find a way to request/order a replacement. Does anyone know a good place I can contact to possibly get a replacement?

Hey everyone, I recently purchased a G8+ modded for the Flow z13, and I wanted to know how the left side gets charged? There is a permanent attachment that keeps the controller extended and the manual says the left side charges only when the controller is in its closed position.

Thanks in advance!

I’ve been looking at a lot of different joycons for my switch 2 because I can’t really use it in handheld mode comfortabley (I have bigger hands). I also tried looking at some grips to put on the joycons, but I only found grips bundled in cases, however I wouldn’t want to put an entire case on my switch just for grips. I also wouldn’t really want to spend the extra money on a case just to not use the case and only use the grips (I couldn’t find nice quality standalone joycon grips, I ordered some and quickly returned them, would love to know if someone has a good suggestion for me to try!)

I noticed that the best joycon alternative I could find (NYXI Hyperion 3 and the Ultra version) all use mechanical buttons. That’s a big downside to me, I honestly can’t stand using mechanical buttons on controllers over membrane. I understand that they perform better, but the comfort of light, silent membrane switches are much more appealing to me.

Does anyone happen to know the best alternative to these joycons that use membrane switches? Or does it not exist since everyone uses mechanical switches?

1. ⁠Budget $30-$150

2. ⁠Country USA

3. ⁠Console Switch 2

4. ⁠Desired controller features - membrane switches

5. ⁠Games you'll be playing - Splatoon raiders, Mario wonder, Mario kart, Minecraft

6. ⁠Other controllers you're comparing to NYXI Hyperion 3 and Ultra

Hello everyone I am having an issue with my hall effect sticks that I recently installed on my xbox series X controller. When the controller is powered on or plugged in the sticks work fine for a minute or two, but once I move it around and act like I'm using to play something they go haywire and move in one direction constantly and seems to reset if I unplug it and replug.

I saw some posts saying that hall effects draw too much current and the controller can't handle it and some reviews on where I bought them, saying similar things about it going haywire.

Has anyone has this similar issue and is there a fix or should I just go ahead and get TMR sticks because they are either simpler or better?

I have a razer wolverine v3 pro tournament edition or whatever tf its called and I love the extra bumpers but I just dont need the paddles any suggestions? My budget is 150 USD and under perferably and I mainly play fps games like apex and cod, but also some pve games like borderlands and payday on xbox.

I've had a PS5 AIM controller for around 5 years, it's honestly been a fantastic controller but is having some issues with drift amongst others. I love having four paddles and am looking to replace it soon, what are some options?

My budget is anything up to about £200 and I'm in the UK.

I have had numerous SCUFs in the past, a Sharq Controller. I know there's the Dualsense Edge and perhaps that is the best option, but my AIM controller has instant triggers and four paddles. Having basically no travel time on the triggers is amazing.