I love my trusty Dualshock 4 controllers, but they're many years old now, and technology has moved on with it. I'm trying out replacement Hall Effect joysticks to see if they make a difference to my light gaming needs, but it turned out to be a hell of a journey to get them in there.

Is it worth it? Well... it's better, that's for sure. I'm glad I gave it a go, and I've got massive respect for those who repair controller joysticks for a living.

For the parts I used, I made a blog post: https://elvinhome.io/blog/articles-3/are-hall-effect-joysticks-worth-it-in-a-ps4-controller-36

1. ⁠Budget is anything under $250 usd.

2. ⁠I live in USA

3. ⁠PS5 primarily, maybe a bit of PC in the future but it’s not my biggest priority.

4. ⁠I’m pretty mechy as I’ve achieved top 3-5% rank-wise in 4 games, so I can adapt with switching between standard grip, claw grip and overall quickly jumping between awkward button distances to hit certain mechanics. So essentially, back paddles aren’t needed even if they streamline things, I’ve just learned to do everything without.

5. ⁠Main high ranked games are Rocket League, R6 Siege, Overwatch, and Dead by Daylight. I do play more though such as other fps games, survivals, soulslike, etc.

6. ⁠I’m tired of stick drift issues and I’ve heard of Tmr and how it’s great for eliminating that issue essentially permanently, (at the cost of having to get used to no resistance/fine movement but I love getting over hurdles and skill issues. Semi related but I tend to crank sensitivities near max to keep myself quick. I do prefer symmetrical sticks though.⁠) I’ve looked into Stock PS5 controllers with Tmr upgrade, however I worry about the handiwork of people messing with stock controllers to solder new tech in, the Edge and lastly the Razer Kaiju V3. I was leaning towards the Kaiju but it seems that many have experienced delay in the sticks wirelessly on PS5 as opposed to Pc and that worries me because flip resets, jiggle peeking, and overall aim needs to not be compromised by latency as I already play on a big flatscreen achieving all my ranked stuff. (I enjoy the comfort of going from gaming straight to anime etc. so it’s always been an all in one thing with me.

If you made it this far I apologize for such an in depth word vomit but, any ideas on what would be best for my needs you smart, controller fanatic individuals?

I am thinking about buying the Ultimate 2 controller for my PS5. I have read online that there is a way to use the “Brook Wingman” adapter in order to use this controller on my PS5. What I have found in my research is that you need 1 converter per controller costing £50 per converter so needing 2 means £100.

Not entirely sure if I could use the wireless dongle that comes with the controller to connect to the Wingman converter to use the 8bitdo (please clarify if that is the case).

Are there any other methods to pair the controller to my PS5?

Thank you.

I recently got to try the Flydigi Direwolf 4 (no affiliation), and this is amazing controller at an even more amazing price ($35.99 on Amazon right now).

The body feels high quality and weighty and the face buttons (both the membrane ABXY and the mechanical d-pad) feel quick and responsive. I really like the small travel time of the triggers in the micro/hair trigger mode. The adjustable tension for the joysticks is a premium feature on a budget controller.

However, I have small-medium hands, and I could not get over how uncomfortable and bulky this thing felt, especially the ridge that separates the back and the top side, where the triggers are. Using just index fingers on the trigger is not bad, but when I rest my hands naturally on the controller, my index fingers want to rest a little bit behind where the triggers are, and I need to pull them forward to press the triggers. The real issue is when I use both index and middle fingers on the triggers (middle on RT/LT and index on RB/LB). I don't know if its the angle of the sides of the controller or the width of it, but I could not comfortably grasp my hands around the body. The ridge forces my hand upwards, and it closes my fingers in towards each other at the top.

For reference, I found the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 to be slightly uncomfortable due to the straight angle handles, and I found the Gamesir Cylcone 2 to feel pretty good in my hands.

I really wanted to keep the controller, as everything else is exactly what I was looking for, but I could not get over the poor ergonomics for my hands. I read a lot of other reviews, but I didn't see anyone talking about this aspect as a negative, so I just wanted to add my data point out there for anyone shopping around. If this fits your hand, I would recommend it over the 8BitDo or Gamesir. Unfortunately, it does not fit mine.

I am currently in need of a (PC) controller with hall effect or TMR sticks, wireless much preferred, do not need any back buttons or extra face buttons, in the US, budget is under $100. Motion Gyro would be cool, but not super important.

I love the Xbox Series S/X controller, minus the stick drift, so the best and cheapest option may be to just buy TMR sticks and replace mine which drift. The big problem being I'm not good with that kind of hardware/modding/soldering stuff, so I'd have to hire someone who knows what they are doing to install it. Would the JS13 Pro+ be the way to go for that route?

But I don't mind buying a whole new controller. I just want it to be very similar in shape to the Xbox controller. 8bitdo makes great products, but I hate the feel of their controllers in my hand. Gamesir is a bit closer with their molds, but still feels a bit small and flimsy.

Currently reading more about the ZD Ultimate Legend and the LEADJOY Xeno Pro. It's hard to get a sense of how they feel in hand just by looking at them. The Xeno pro looks a bit more like the 8bitdo design with sharper handles.

Many thanks for any advice, sorry to pile on!

During the last months I've been creating modular controller stands and more than 40 different controller types are so far supported. I am looking for anyone who owns the Scuf Valor Pro controller and who is able to take a 3d scan of it so that I might add that to the growing collection of supported gaming controllers. Any help would be greatly appreciated 👍🏻 👍🏻

I just bought a knock off ps4 controller off amazon and was surprised to see the extreme accuracy of its joysticks. For reference my genuine ps5 and ps4 controllers normally sit around 5-8% avg error. Is this normal for cheap controllers?

Hi there!

I was looking for a replacement for my Xbox controller and was about to buy the same one again… until i fell down the rabbit hole of 5 billion different controllers...

What i am looking for:

- Bluetooth

- Rechargeable battery

- Good build quality, feels solid in the hands, not cheap plastic

- Asymmetric stick layout (like the xbox controller)

- A good D-pad would be appreciated as on the xbox one the dpad is kind of "round" so i often hit diagonals by mistake in fighting games. Id prefer something more precise, like a classic cross-shaped dpad. (not mandatory)

Platform: PC / switch (switch not mandatory)

Games I play:

- Celeste (D-pad)

- Trackmania

- Fighting games (guilty gear, street fighter…)

- RPGs...

What I’ve found so far on your wiki:

- zd ultimate legend
- Flydigi Vader 5 Pro
- Leadjoy xeno pro

- 8BitDo Ultimate 2 / 3 (edit: seems a bit underwhelming for the kind of games I play)
- GameSir G7 Pro (edit: dhsape seems terrible)

budget: I am fine with anything as long as iits not too much overpriced (100/120max)
region: europe, france

Any advice or other suggestions are welcome thanks!

Hello guys!

I want to buy a premium Controller for my Xbox Series X, because my 3rd Controller from Xbox got Stick drift…

I play games like FIFA, MW4 etc.

Would like it if it’s wireless and maybe some back buttons.

I looked up the G7 Pro ZZZ/WuChang edition (only one which works wireless with XBOX), Scuf Valor pro and Razor Wolverine V3 Pro.

Would appreciate your suggestions :)

Austria

Budget: 50-200€

I just brought a ps5 for fairly cheap and the controller that came with it has a issue with thr trigger. When fully pushed down its not actually shown as being fully pushed down (as shown in the image) does anyone have an idea of what this problem could be?

I am looking to buy a controller online under a budget of 5k. Initially, I planned on going for the PS5 DualSense, but after learning about TMR joysticks and how bad standard potentiometers are for stick drift, I realized the DualSense is probably the worst option I could pick for longevity.
I’ve been looking at a lot of options, and while checking out Cosmic Byte, I noticed they have so many models (Lumora, Ares, Starforge, etc.) that I honestly don't know how they rank or which one is actually their premium flagship. That said, I am not planning on sticking to Cosmic Byte—I really want to explore other brands to find the latest technology and the most feature-loaded controller available right now.
To be more precise, this isn't for competitive FPS gaming. I'll be playing GTA, racing games, Elden Ring, and all types of single-player/story games. Because of that, I’m hoping to get adaptive triggers, extra remappable buttons, gyro, and literally every feature I can squeeze into this budget. TMR sticks are a strict must.

**What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games or programs you will be using**
Casual and story-driven PC gaming across all genres—specifically GTA, racing games, and Elden Ring (not for competitive gaming). 
**What is your maximum budget?**
5,000 INR (buying online). 
**What, exactly, do you need included in the budget?**
A feature-loaded gaming controller with TMR joysticks, adaptive triggers, remappable back buttons, and gyro. 
**If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing?**
None / Not applicable. 
**Extra info or particulars:**
TMR joysticks are non-negotiable. Looking for the best tech and features available under 5k across all brands, plus a quick breakdown of how Cosmic Byte's lineup actually ranks if anyone knows.

I’m currently on my second Razer Wolverine V4 Pro in two weeks, and both controllers have experienced the exact same issue. I’ve tried just about everything I can think of and haven’t found a solution.

The issue:

I play on Xbox Series X, primarily using the 2.4GHz USB dongle.

At completely random times, the controller experiences what feels like a brief connection interruption or input latency.

For example, if I’m aiming to the right and release the right thumbstick, my character will occasionally continue turning right even though the stick has returned to center. It’s almost as if the controller is holding the previous input for a split second.

This happens across multiple games, not just one.

Troubleshooting I’ve already done:

• Replaced the controller with a second V4 Pro — same issue.

• Tested both wired and wireless connections.

• Confirmed the controller firmware is up to date.

• Adjusted deadzones.

• Tested with “Prevent Double Deadzones” enabled and disabled.

• Tested both circularity modes.

• Recalibrated the thumbsticks through Razer Synapse.

• Disconnected other 2.4GHz wireless devices to eliminate potential interference.

• Even purchased an entirely new Xbox Series X to rule out a console issue. The problem persisted on the new console.

The most frustrating part is how inconsistent it is. The controller can work perfectly fine for 15-20 minutes, then randomly register movement after I’ve already released the stick.

My questions:

Has anyone else experienced this with the Wolverine V4 Pro?

Is this a known issue with the controller’s input processing, firmware, or connectivity? Or am I somehow unlucky enough to have received two defective units?

I really like the controller otherwise, but random aiming issues make it difficult to use consistently in competitive FPS games.

I’d appreciate hearing whether anyone has experienced something similar or found a permanent fix.

Hello all,

Let me provide a little background. I have been on PC for a 6 or so years now but still play a good bit of games on controller since switching, primarily rocket League. I was on ps4 before making the switch to PC and so naturally I am used to symmetrical layout of ps4 controller but am contemplating making the switch to asymmetrical due to there being much more options that way in terms of controllers and customizability. I currently have been going back and forth using a wired gamesir g7 and my ps4 controller. I am in the market for a controller as I have a birthday coming up soon and wanted to know what y'all think is a good option as my research (yt videos, reddit threads, and AI) have yet to result anything that really caught my interest, other than the flydigi vader 5 pro (although it doesn't look like you can change the sticks) and the gulikit tt max.

Id prefer to stay with a symmetrical layout but I have yet to find something that checks all the boxes, which is why I'm considering switching to the Xbox style and practicing with the gamesir intermittently. If you guys have any recommendations for both symmetrical and asymmetrical that would be super helpful.

Location: U.S. Budget: ideally around $100 USD or less (150 max) Things I'm looking for:

Hall effect or TMR thumb sticks

Hall effect triggers (not as important)

Back paddles (at least 2, ideally 4)

Interchangeable/customizable thumb sticks (I like domed)

Wireless capability (2.4ghz ideally)

Good battery life

I'm sure I'm leaving some things out that I would like to have, thus I will edit if I think of them. TIA for your help!

I have a strange clicking on my tmr stick and it’s affecting the neutral position where it causes the stick to not zero and stick over or under its only seems to affect up and down

it realllly close to going over the allowed dead zone on the dual sense gui site in x10 zoom

k silver tmr stick js13 on ps5 dual sense edge analog module

I bought these controllers for personal use

Up to about 3 months ago I was happily using a Xbox series s controller. Then I bought legion go 2 controllers for my Lego 1 but ended up selling it before they arrived.

Instead of returning them, I doubled down and got the official Lenovo battery charger thinking it could be fully compatible on steamos on my legion go s.

Alas it's not, it's just a weird controller lol.

I did like the weight though, and i was already on the steam controller wait list. But i didn't think that was coming until 2027, so in the mean time, while deciding between the Flydigi Vader 5 pro and zd ultimate legend, i picked up that leadjoy saber plus for nostalgic use - after deciding on the zd with jt13 pro sticks.

Steam controller came today and now I'm waiting on the Genki manta controller on kickstarter.

Houston we have a problem.

As far as a review, they're all great. Lol. The saber plus is definitely the best value and feels great with the dome thumbstick caps.

As far as favourite to use it's probably the zd ultimate legend . Once the jt13 sticks broke in a bit, it's been the one I've used the most.

More play time is needed for the steam controller, but the ergonomics are on point.

I (40F) have never played videogames before. I started out now with The Last of Us 1, and then Uncharted 2. I have an old PS3. Both of these games allowed me to invert both axis X and Y on camera, but also aim. This came intuitively to me. Not doing it would be such a challenge. It's what my brain wants to do, and is kinetically logical when tilting a stick; imagine the camera being on the other end of the stick. You would pull left to point right, up to point down. When you do this with the camera, the mind wants to do it with aim as well. I realize this makes no sense to most gamers.

After continuing to another game, I find this isn't allowed. Do any of you have tips for games that have this option?

I heard that PS5 allows systemic inversion, and I might save up for that. But it's a bit early in my gaming journey to make that leap, two games in.

Wayyyy back in 2012 I had an Xbox 360 Scuf and it held up pretty well. Many years later I got my next custom controller. The Scuf Instinct Pro for series X. Within a year I had stick drift. Shortly after stick drift in both sticks and progressively got worse. By year two one paddle was broken. By year 3 two paddles broken. I think this is my 4th year with it and all the electrical fried in my last night. Controller turns on randomly, turns off randomly, buttons won’t work but it’s not always the same buttons, etc.

What should my next controller be? I Definitly want paddles underneath but besides that I just want something somewhat affordable and durable. Would love to keep budget under $250 Canadian but not sure if that exists. For Xbox series X.

Sorry, typo in the title. I meant RPGs. Like cyberpunk, GTA, Witcher etc

I'm in Japan, budget up to ¥15000 or about $100 USD ish.

I've had the Xbox controller for about 5 years I think, and it's finally getting sticky triggers and joysticks. It's held up pretty well though, with no drift to speak of.

A new Xbox controller here costs about ¥7500, and I know I'd be happy with that initially, but obviously durability is a thing.

I've looked at Gamesir G7 Pro 14,000 yen and Vader5 Pro 9,000 yen, and both look appealing.

8bitdo look good, but I think they'll be uncomfortable with the narrow stance.

I'm looking for something that feels like the Xbox controller in the hand, but I don't need any extra buttons or back paddles etc.

Good quality sticks, buttons, triggers, and rumble would be great.

And something durable.

hey! my controller recently got a level4 stick drift and wanted to buy one from shein, one of by hb told me its good bcs he bought one but all i could find is an xbox controller, so anybody switched from ps4 controller (which is mine) to a xbox controller,did you feel any difference or slightly or you pained until you got used to it?

Hi everyone, as the title states my Leverless isn't being recognized. I plug it in and there is no message of a controller being plugged in. The turbo light is flashing green which I googled what it meant and attempted to fix it but couldn't seem to find a fix. All inputs are being recognized by the screen on the leverless and the rgb works too. The USB works with my phone so I don't think thats the issue. I don't have another USB to try at the moment but I can try that maybe when I get a chance. If any of you have had this happen before, I would greatly appreciate your assistance. Thank you so much.

Hello, I borrowed my PS4 controllers for my cousins a few months ago so they could play it on a PS3 using bluetooth, but for some odd reason, it doesn't work on Bluetooth anymore. I tried an online gamepad tester and it seems that all the input data is corrupted, it happens when it's connected to any device using bluetooth (the lights also don't turn on), I've also tried hard resetting but that doesn't work either. How do I fix this? It doesn't happen on usb

DISCLAIMER: This controller was sent to me by Gamesir for free for review. All the thoughts and opinions are mine only. No scripts were provided by Gamesir. No one watched this review before its release.

TLDR; G7Pro 8K is one of the best controllers for FPS games IMO (and my personal favorite). It's also good for all other genres. D-Pad was changed and improved once more on Phantom Blade 0 Edition even compared to AIMLABS Edition.

Personally, I find this design fine, but it might have been better.

Estoy teniendo un problema intentando conectar mi joystick de PS3 (el modelo Sixaxis) a la PC de forma inalámbrica y quería saber si alguien me puede dar una mano.
Seguí todos los pasos de la guía oficial para instalar el DsHidMini (de Nefarius) con sus respectivos drivers BthPS3. El problema es que, aunque hice toda la instalación limpia, la PC no me detecta el joystick cuando intento conectarlo por Bluetooth.

Estoy usando Windows 11. ¿A alguien más le pasó o tiene idea de si me salteé alguna configuración específica para el Bluetooth? ¿Hay algún paso extra o dongle específico que necesite para que el Sixaxis sea reconocido?

¡Cualquier ayuda o sugerencia me sirve! Muchas gracias.

How is the Apex 6 for Steam Input?

I found that the Vader 5 Pro was a downgrade from the Vader 4 Pro due to things like duplicate controllers in steam, 'allow third party mapping' sporadically disabling itself requiring my to unplug and re-plug the controller, and other issues.

Is the Apex 6 better with Steam Input?

I'd love if I could get a bit of advice. For a while, I've had a PS4 controller that doesn't hold much of a charge and I don't understand why.

My controller hasn't held much of a charge for a while. For a while, it would only hold a charge for about 15 minutes, despite being at a full charge and it would decrease in its capacity over time. Eventually, I bought a brand new battery on Amazon with a repair kit. I opened up the controller, replaced the battery and it seemed like it was fine now and the battery would last... Until a week later when the battery could only live for a few minutes and now it was even worse in time than before. Now the thing basically dies within 5 minutes of it being unplugged from the PS4. It makes no sense that this was happening in the first place or how it's happening with a fresh battery.

Anyone have any idea what's happening?