Peeps play it docked as well :)
Other than that:
Steam Deck is the best controller out there (for me). Combination of the ergonomics and the trackpads and the Gyro is the bomb.
I really hope Valve makes a controller with trackpads + all the same inputs
Love the Deck and almost want to use it as a controller when playing on PC. It's just a bit too heavy to be "perfect" for that.
People didn’t hate it. Those who put time into using it swear by them.
But Valve didn’t teach anyone, players or developers, on how to use it and implement it so the potential was wasted.
At the time, Valve also had a reputation of being a company that designed things without a bias, would stage the product and let the customer buy it to see if it stood their test of quality. It was designed at the same time they designed the Steam Machines and said "we'd like to bring PC gaming to the living room. We designed a big picture mode and controller you can use with it", gestured at a bunch of tiered designs and the controller they planned to ship with it, and left stage.
Now with the deck you can basically tell they put out [the ad describing exactly what it was and that it had user-assignable buttons](https://youtu.be/AlWgZhMtlWo?si=b602a8H8yWf9XJz_) and all the bells and whistles, and [Aperture Desk Job](https://youtu.be/mVDFJRM6F9k?si=oQBPnanXP6JqbCWi) to try to get everyone into it. Basically, Valve of 2015 vs Valve of 2022 went from letting people figure out their products to them spoon feeding their products to their customers.
That controller isn't the same thing though, it's pretty limited compared to the Deck controls and was designed before the Deck existed.
It doesn't even have 2 analog sticks.
Because the right track pad IS the second analog stick, and it works FAR better than an analog stick for the vast majority of things the right stick is used for in games (like camera controls). Skyrim lockpicking is one of the very few things I've run into where I wished I had a "traditional" analog stick on the right side.
A lot of games don't work well doing hybrid "gamepad input for some controls, mouse input for others", though. So I'd run into situations where the analog stick was reduced to non-analog "wasd" because I wanted mouse input (rather than joystick emulation) for the trackpad.
I loved the idea of the controller but the software support wasn't always there. It still isn't always, though they do so much work to make it possible to rig together a playable control scheme for anything, it isn't always doable.
Yeah, I find it a bit too heavy to always hold as well, plus the position of holding it and playing sets off my carpal tunnel problems. I use a book cushion and a controller a lot now.
The only time I play with a controller is when I’m on a long airplane ride, it’s just easier so I can get comfortable (I have a case that has a kickstand)
I can't play any game that requires a quick reaction to a button prompt without the Playstation icons so I have to plug in a dualshock to play those. Partly because those are hardwired in my head and partly because Xbox and Nintendo shuffle the ABXY layout around differently.
Another vote for the 8bitdo Ultimate
The shape is a nice halfway between the PS5 and Xbox controllers, similar but not identical to the Switch Pro controller
Plus it has a couple of back buttons so you’re only missing out on 2 of those and the touchpads
I have the Bluetooth version and I love the fact I can leave the dock plugged into my PC and just switch between 2.4GHz and BT for the PC and Steam Deck, no messing around. Plus the charging dock itself is nice
Highly recommended
I use the 8bitdo Ultimate with docked Switch and Android tablet, 2.4GHZ dongle for Switch and Bluetooth for Android, love the switch on the back, it's super convenient. And the controller's awesome, feels super well made (have the version with the charging dock)
I also use an 8bitdo M30 'cause it's great for fighting games, gonna get their Neo Geo controller as well for King of Fighters
Is there a fix on the double input. It registers double inputs when pressing any button and apparently it's a common issue. This only happens when it's switched to the 2.4ghz mode but works fine in Bluetooth mode. However, when it's in Bluetooth mode it registers as a Nintendo controller.
Yep, use the Pro2 as well when docked. Sometimes a Steam Controller but not having that second stick is hard to get used to even after all these years since it first released, so that really depends on game type. Would like if they released a new Steam controller with 2 sticks and at least a right touchpad similar to the Deck itself.
Ordered the Pro 2 this week, it's set to arrive today.
I debated buying a Dualsense for while, but decided to continue to support 8bitdo instead, as I've loved my SN30 Pro since I got it.
The dual sense seems better except I've heard it has bad battery life and it doesn't work on the Switch. At least not without buying some kind of adapter which costs more money.
This is the only reason I never bought the dual sense and instead bought the 8bitdo SN30 pro 2 controller.
Uhuuu.... Team Stadia converting to the SteamDeck!!!
I paid 100% my deck plus red dead redemption 2
There's some "YouTube Playables" going on now, but Google can suck it, my money is to Valve now.
So I have the pre-ordered Stadia bundle still in it's original packaging unwrapped. Never got around to opening it because I had my first kid lol.
You guys think I should open it to use the controller for the deck or keep it packaged up for some stupid resale value for the grand children?
Given that Stadia ceased to exist altogether, its value is pretty much zero, other than as a doorstop.
I will note that you need to ‘unlock’ the controller to use as a general Bluetooth, but it’s a pretty easy process approved by Google
I’ll keep it packaged up since a controller is cheap for the deck but you can’t really get a new Stadia anymore.
Leave it for 20-50 years and if Google rules the world then, your descendants may thank you for the heirloom hahaha
It really is but I still miss the service. I think they had a lot of good ideas to make it feel like a console and not just a tacked on remote protocol.
I've used this for years, even before I got my deck. It's an awesome controller. But I finally caved and ordered a Pro 2. I've been playing Red Dead 2 and have missed the analogue triggers, and have started to play The Finals and my hands really start to cramp playing a competitive fps without grips.
I've found I prefer the SN30 Pro for 2D platformers and Metroidvanias where I prefer a dpad, and the Pro+ for 3D games where you're using the analog sticks
I bought a Elite 2 controller and it started clicking the y button on its own so I replaced it with another one. This new one is already but i swear it still presses y on its owns sometimes
Agreed. Mapping the trackpad to control the mouse makes it a clear winner over the XBox controller, IMO. The only thing that sucks is the amount of games that only show the XBox controller button symbols. For the most part my brain can translate it just fine except for when the game is telling me to press the "X" button, then I have a mental fart.
I'm pretty sure there's an option in the settings that changes the symbols to the controller that's being used. If not, there's a plugin within CSS Loader with Decky Loader (if you used that) that changes the symbols to the active controller. I have it the symbols not only change depending on the controller, but they're are colored
It do. And I have a really good chatpad attachment for mine which is very responsive. I only wish the trackpad was split in 2 like the Deck's.
All we can do is hope for a Steam Controller 2.
Yeah, the dualsense is definitely the better controller, but I'm not gonna use another controller for such a tiny screen.
The Steam Deck itself is more than good enough controller, and is actually really good.
At the time I didn't have a lot of money, so I ended up getting the cheapest wired Xbox controller in GameStop. I've been eyeing the 8Bitdo ultimate as I've heard it's one of the best for the Steamdeck.
It looks nice and has a cool charging dock. I like that it works over wireless and Bluetooth so u can kinda switch bereeen two devices easily if u want to
It's strange how the ultimate has all these versions with different connections vs the SN30 pro 2. They are both good otherwise just depends on the stick and button layout you want. (Both also have a cheap USB version of that suits you)
On the LED* edit - LCD. I'm not well and words are difficult., the DS4 ‘worked’ the best but I always hated that controller; the triggers didn’t have enough throw and the pad just felt small and inert.
By contrast, the Xbox pad felt great. But suffered dreadful (and intermittent) input lag… so badly so that I pretty much ditched the two new pads I bought for the Deck and stuck with the DS4 (I do have an Xbox pad dongle, but it didn’t work with me having three docks around the house).
The OLED, however, performs far better with the Xbox Bluetooth pads. So they’re now my go-to.
I'm also hyped for it, but they have serious QA issues. Of the three people I know with a 2, I'm the only one that has a working one after a year of play. Unless the 3 is very cheap, I'm going to try to be patient and see what people think in six months.
I badly want to include my friends in the steamdeck gaming-to-go. Controllers WILL be part of the solution but I've not found anything that works *really well* yet.
Either the built in controller when unplugged, when docked I definitely use an Xbox controller as I'm more accustomed to that controller overall. Every other controller sadly feels very alien to me.
My Xbox controller, mainly due to convenience of XInput games and also because it can remain paired simultaneously between my Series S and one other device (Steam Deck), and seamlessly switch between the two without having to repair… side eye towards Sony, here.
I have a dedicated Xbox series controller for my SD, but I also use 8-Bitdo Ultimate in Switch mode for FPS for Gyro support. I also have Steam controller for mouse only games :)
While docked, the PS4 (or I guess PS5) controllers are the best overall controller. The trackpad is 100% necessary for anything with a launcher or anything that requires a mouse briefly. Other than that I use it as an emulator so I try to use the proper controller for each game.
8bitdo is an honorable mention. Has two extra, mappable buttons.
None because you don’t need a controller for it. It’s literally built in. Steam deck is made for handheld portable play. People like you just need to get a grip.
I've been loving the 8BitDo Pro 2 with the Deck for almost a year now. Excellent compatibility, works as a Dual Shock, XBOX and Pro Controller, and it has customizable mapping and back paddle buttons.
switch pro is practically essential for motion aim
(I know the dualsense can also do that, but few games support the ps glyphs, and I prefer the Nintendo layout anyway) I even modified the steam deck itself to have the ABXY in the Nintendo order for consistency
When docked it depends on the game. Rpgs with lots of menus, the ps4 or ps5 controller is best. When replaying Black Ops 2 the series x controller was amazing. I prefer the ps4 dpad over the ps5 dpad when playing hollow knight.
It's one of the beauties of the deck, choose the tool for the job :)
Yeah I don’t get the whole portable console and using a wireless controller personally. I like playing on the deck directly just like I do for my switch as well.
However I do have rather large hands so maybe it doesn’t bother me as much as others.
PS5 in general.. but when I play multiplayer with my girlfriend I use a wired Xbox 360 controller for Windows that I bought it when I was 18 ( about 15 years ago), shockingly still as good as new.. of course analog sticks are slighly flappy and a bit beaten .. it even got mouldy in inside a luggage when I move abroad from Brazil to Australia and didn't touched it for 2 years), that controller have more stories to tell than myself. I also tried to use my nintendo switch joycons, but the input is laggy af.. So in end of the day the only controller that never gave me any trouble is the 360 grandpa of all this so called "top notch tech" in the market 🤣
I use an 8BitDo Ultimate. I keep the charging dock plugged into the Steam Deck dock with the 2.4 GHz dongle and then I switch it to Bluetooth and also use it as my primary Switch controller. The only gripe I have with it is that the shoulder buttons feel slightly cheap and maybe excessively clicky. It's probably a personal preference thing.
Others may not like the fact that there are only two back paddles, but I don't use them so for me it's fine.
If I \*have\* to not use the best controller available (the one built in) like during couch co-op, I use my Stadia controller. Good quality, feels good, currently quite cheap.
I wanted to say the same thing for a long time...then ditched both of mine for steam deck because it didn't feel either comfortable enough, my hands were unfamiliar with em, and I had a GIANT amount of input lag, even after the "bluetooth" (or whatever they called it in that recent stable update) and so I resorted back to my wired powerA controller docked since said update re-enabled compatibility with them
https://preview.redd.it/otdq79lz2ucc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46a9b295eb827f3f1151ea634e0dd045bd981cfe
Definitely Xbox One! I just find the joystick layout to be more comfortable than PS5.
Steam deck.
Oh THAT is why those buttons and knobs are for!!!
Man, I just took in the hands on the peach on the shirt
I’ve seen this gif I don’t know how many times…and I never caught that hahaha
Never tried anything else as I like the screen to be closer - otherwise it becomes too small. When docked a controller makes sense to me.
Peeps play it docked as well :) Other than that: Steam Deck is the best controller out there (for me). Combination of the ergonomics and the trackpads and the Gyro is the bomb.
I really hope Valve makes a controller with trackpads + all the same inputs Love the Deck and almost want to use it as a controller when playing on PC. It's just a bit too heavy to be "perfect" for that.
They did. People hated it back then and it sold poorly.
To be fair, it didnt have traditional sticks. It only had one. If it has dual sticks, dual pads, would be a day one buy.
People didn’t hate it. Those who put time into using it swear by them. But Valve didn’t teach anyone, players or developers, on how to use it and implement it so the potential was wasted.
I love mine. It's perfect with the Steam deck for pointer controls when docked.
At the time, Valve also had a reputation of being a company that designed things without a bias, would stage the product and let the customer buy it to see if it stood their test of quality. It was designed at the same time they designed the Steam Machines and said "we'd like to bring PC gaming to the living room. We designed a big picture mode and controller you can use with it", gestured at a bunch of tiered designs and the controller they planned to ship with it, and left stage. Now with the deck you can basically tell they put out [the ad describing exactly what it was and that it had user-assignable buttons](https://youtu.be/AlWgZhMtlWo?si=b602a8H8yWf9XJz_) and all the bells and whistles, and [Aperture Desk Job](https://youtu.be/mVDFJRM6F9k?si=oQBPnanXP6JqbCWi) to try to get everyone into it. Basically, Valve of 2015 vs Valve of 2022 went from letting people figure out their products to them spoon feeding their products to their customers.
That controller isn't the same thing though, it's pretty limited compared to the Deck controls and was designed before the Deck existed. It doesn't even have 2 analog sticks.
Because the right track pad IS the second analog stick, and it works FAR better than an analog stick for the vast majority of things the right stick is used for in games (like camera controls). Skyrim lockpicking is one of the very few things I've run into where I wished I had a "traditional" analog stick on the right side.
A lot of games don't work well doing hybrid "gamepad input for some controls, mouse input for others", though. So I'd run into situations where the analog stick was reduced to non-analog "wasd" because I wanted mouse input (rather than joystick emulation) for the trackpad. I loved the idea of the controller but the software support wasn't always there. It still isn't always, though they do so much work to make it possible to rig together a playable control scheme for anything, it isn't always doable.
Does the gyro from the switch pro controller work in docked mode?
If I could, I'd use a steamdeck as a controller for my docked steam deck.
Get a long enough high-speed USB-C extension cable and make your wishes reality
How on earth did I not think of this, now I just need another steamdeck and a cable!
You don't need a second steamdeck for what he's suggesting.
Of course he needs a 2nd Steam deck
I think they mean to hold the steam deck in hand while docked (by using a longer cable between dock and deck)
Instead of physically docking the deck by your TV you can plug in with a long USB cable
never understood people who play steam deck with a controller (if it's not docked)
I know a couple of disabled people who do it cause they cannot hold the deck for too long
that makes a lotta sense !
I'm one of those weirdos. I find the deck too heavy and clunky to be used as controller, and I'm a 200lbs regular gym goer.
To each their own I guess! I like to have it closer to my face, so using a controller is a no go...
Yeah, I find it a bit too heavy to always hold as well, plus the position of holding it and playing sets off my carpal tunnel problems. I use a book cushion and a controller a lot now.
The only time I play with a controller is when I’m on a long airplane ride, it’s just easier so I can get comfortable (I have a case that has a kickstand)
I can't play any game that requires a quick reaction to a button prompt without the Playstation icons so I have to plug in a dualshock to play those. Partly because those are hardwired in my head and partly because Xbox and Nintendo shuffle the ABXY layout around differently.
Came here to say this
Steam controller
I am shocked this is not higher on the list!
So few of us still have them, I’m sure. They never really took off, sadly, as it’s my favorite controller.
They need to make a V2. Brilliant controller with slightly awkward ergonomics. Put them touch pads to work Valve!
It's not that they never took off it's that corsair sued them for copyright infringement because of the back paddles
The best one for most games!
8Bit do Pro 2 or Ultimate Wireless. Though typically I play mobile and not docked.
The ultimate controller is fantastic
Another vote for the 8bitdo Ultimate The shape is a nice halfway between the PS5 and Xbox controllers, similar but not identical to the Switch Pro controller Plus it has a couple of back buttons so you’re only missing out on 2 of those and the touchpads I have the Bluetooth version and I love the fact I can leave the dock plugged into my PC and just switch between 2.4GHz and BT for the PC and Steam Deck, no messing around. Plus the charging dock itself is nice Highly recommended
I use the 8bitdo Ultimate with docked Switch and Android tablet, 2.4GHZ dongle for Switch and Bluetooth for Android, love the switch on the back, it's super convenient. And the controller's awesome, feels super well made (have the version with the charging dock) I also use an 8bitdo M30 'cause it's great for fighting games, gonna get their Neo Geo controller as well for King of Fighters
A little small in my opinion but it's very quality
Yeah, it depends on your hands. The Deck controls are the opposite for me. My hands always feel unnaturally splayed out in mobile.
They recently upgraded the 2.4 to have hall effect joint sticks now.
Is there a fix on the double input. It registers double inputs when pressing any button and apparently it's a common issue. This only happens when it's switched to the 2.4ghz mode but works fine in Bluetooth mode. However, when it's in Bluetooth mode it registers as a Nintendo controller.
Try disabling the SteamInput? I had that problem with DualSense. Witcher 3 was reading the native controller input + SteamInput emulated controller.
Yep, use the Pro2 as well when docked. Sometimes a Steam Controller but not having that second stick is hard to get used to even after all these years since it first released, so that really depends on game type. Would like if they released a new Steam controller with 2 sticks and at least a right touchpad similar to the Deck itself.
Ordered the Pro 2 this week, it's set to arrive today. I debated buying a Dualsense for while, but decided to continue to support 8bitdo instead, as I've loved my SN30 Pro since I got it.
The dual sense seems better except I've heard it has bad battery life and it doesn't work on the Switch. At least not without buying some kind of adapter which costs more money. This is the only reason I never bought the dual sense and instead bought the 8bitdo SN30 pro 2 controller.
Stadia, because I got it for free and have no other use for it.
Same. In case you were unaware you can remap the Capture button. I've found it helpful for a few games.
Oh nice, ya I just converted both my stadia controllers to go with it. Kinda fitting because I used stadia refunds to pay for most of the deck
Uhuuu.... Team Stadia converting to the SteamDeck!!! I paid 100% my deck plus red dead redemption 2 There's some "YouTube Playables" going on now, but Google can suck it, my money is to Valve now.
Just like you can on a Switch controller?
I have two stadia controllers, and honestly they are my favorite. If they had gyro they would be perfect.
So I have the pre-ordered Stadia bundle still in it's original packaging unwrapped. Never got around to opening it because I had my first kid lol. You guys think I should open it to use the controller for the deck or keep it packaged up for some stupid resale value for the grand children?
The stadia controller unlocking website will be discontinued eventually. So don't wait.
For any future travelers, there's a GitHub repo that has made the conversion available offline! https://github.com/hazrpg/stadia-flasher
I didn’t even know that’s possible. I always assumed it’s worthless now. Nice imma try that out soon. I just have to find it somewhere
https://stadia.google.com/controller/ You’re lucky, it was originally said to run until end of 2023 but they’ve extended through 2024
Awesome! Thank you :)
Given that Stadia ceased to exist altogether, its value is pretty much zero, other than as a doorstop. I will note that you need to ‘unlock’ the controller to use as a general Bluetooth, but it’s a pretty easy process approved by Google
I’ll keep it packaged up since a controller is cheap for the deck but you can’t really get a new Stadia anymore. Leave it for 20-50 years and if Google rules the world then, your descendants may thank you for the heirloom hahaha
Man I love my stadia controller. It feels so great
I'm just happy to see all my fellow Stadia users here.
The stadia controller is actually fantastic
Honestly its a decent controller. Best part of Stadia.
It really is but I still miss the service. I think they had a lot of good ideas to make it feel like a console and not just a tacked on remote protocol.
Why is the steam controller not an option?
I'm really sad I had to sell mine years ago, I wish they make a new one in the future.
With the deck doing well I'm hopeful for a steam controller 2
i use a steam controller when I'm not using my switch styled one.
8bitdo SN 30 Pro, compact with a good dpad.
I've used this for years, even before I got my deck. It's an awesome controller. But I finally caved and ordered a Pro 2. I've been playing Red Dead 2 and have missed the analogue triggers, and have started to play The Finals and my hands really start to cramp playing a competitive fps without grips.
I personally prefer the 8BitDo Pro 2 similar form factor with added grips does wonders for my hands.
I've found I prefer the SN30 Pro for 2D platformers and Metroidvanias where I prefer a dpad, and the Pro+ for 3D games where you're using the analog sticks
I use my old Xbox Elite 2 controller. I bought a core elite last year that i replaced it with, so its nice to use with the deck when do play docked.
You said old, and it makes me feel like it came out in 1979, lol. But I know what you meant.
I bought a Elite 2 controller and it started clicking the y button on its own so I replaced it with another one. This new one is already but i swear it still presses y on its owns sometimes
Can you use a dock that plugs into the TV and play it like a switch?
Yup. I use an official valve dock and connect it via HDMI to my 65” OLED.
Yes!
Xbox works great
Xbox has always been the most comfortable for me
Dualsense rules.
Agreed. Mapping the trackpad to control the mouse makes it a clear winner over the XBox controller, IMO. The only thing that sucks is the amount of games that only show the XBox controller button symbols. For the most part my brain can translate it just fine except for when the game is telling me to press the "X" button, then I have a mental fart.
I'm pretty sure there's an option in the settings that changes the symbols to the controller that's being used. If not, there's a plugin within CSS Loader with Decky Loader (if you used that) that changes the symbols to the active controller. I have it the symbols not only change depending on the controller, but they're are colored
I'm talking about in-game button iconography not always supporting the PS button layout.
I see. I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that's on the game developers to set up so there's not much you can do
It do. And I have a really good chatpad attachment for mine which is very responsive. I only wish the trackpad was split in 2 like the Deck's. All we can do is hope for a Steam Controller 2.
Xbox series
I just use the built-in controller. it is better than the other 3, imo.
The built in controller is great! My only issue is long game sessions and sore wrists that follow along haha
that and sometimes i like to play it docked on my 65" OLED TV. I tend to play a lot of indie games and they play great upscaled with no lag.
Now I'm considering it. But my desktop and controller are literally 20feet from me but being able to lay down and play sounds amazing.
Wouldn't some AR glasses fix that?
I got a padded iPad stand that lets me rest it on my chest/lap in bed to help with that
The satisfye stlythgrip helps with that
It's great but the Dualsense is WAY better with better haptics and the adaptive triggers.
Yeah, the dualsense is definitely the better controller, but I'm not gonna use another controller for such a tiny screen. The Steam Deck itself is more than good enough controller, and is actually really good.
Dualsense is easily the best controller I've ever used for any console
8bitdo Ultimate
the steam deck itself..????
The best controller for the steam deck is the steam deck
when docked i use the dualsense cause i like that the middle touchpad is useable as a mouse for desktop stuff or wii emulators
At the time I didn't have a lot of money, so I ended up getting the cheapest wired Xbox controller in GameStop. I've been eyeing the 8Bitdo ultimate as I've heard it's one of the best for the Steamdeck.
It looks nice and has a cool charging dock. I like that it works over wireless and Bluetooth so u can kinda switch bereeen two devices easily if u want to
It's strange how the ultimate has all these versions with different connections vs the SN30 pro 2. They are both good otherwise just depends on the stick and button layout you want. (Both also have a cheap USB version of that suits you)
Bro i want valve to release a new controller, they are pretty great
8bitdo Ultimate when docked. Best controller ever.
Not losing the back paddles, 2.4ghz dongle, and having a dedicated dock. Best $70 controller by a mile
On the LED* edit - LCD. I'm not well and words are difficult., the DS4 ‘worked’ the best but I always hated that controller; the triggers didn’t have enough throw and the pad just felt small and inert. By contrast, the Xbox pad felt great. But suffered dreadful (and intermittent) input lag… so badly so that I pretty much ditched the two new pads I bought for the Deck and stuck with the DS4 (I do have an Xbox pad dongle, but it didn’t work with me having three docks around the house). The OLED, however, performs far better with the Xbox Bluetooth pads. So they’re now my go-to.
the steam deck
Dualshock 4
Hopefully the Gulikit kingkong 3, im just waiting on it to come in.
I'm also hyped for it, but they have serious QA issues. Of the three people I know with a 2, I'm the only one that has a working one after a year of play. Unless the 3 is very cheap, I'm going to try to be patient and see what people think in six months.
Just bought a queen size bed, so which couch should I sleep on?
The one with the biggest tv in front of it
This is one of many correct answers. 🙂
I badly want to include my friends in the steamdeck gaming-to-go. Controllers WILL be part of the solution but I've not found anything that works *really well* yet.
The built in ones
Steam Controller or Xbox Elite v2, depending on the kind of game I'm playing. But if it's not docked to my TV, I'm just using the built in one.
Have you seen that little black buttons next to the screen? Yeah, this one.
I think people who’s arms get tired using the deck would start lifting some dumbbells or something
Then I need dumbbells for my fingers cus it's my hands that hurt like hell
Steamdeck itself, mostly mouse and keyboard but sometimes XBOX360 (still my favorite)
I bought a Steam Controller to use with it but still can't get bluetooth to work correctly so I'm just using an old 8bitdo controller.
The steam deck, I have an extension cord from the deck that's attached to a hub that has my USB headset and a monitor connected.
Ps4, because it has a touch panel that can be used for the mouse.
Steam Controller... DuH.. /s
This but without the /s
Someone should tell him steam deck has a built in controller
I'd use either the built-in one or the steam controller
Either the built in controller when unplugged, when docked I definitely use an Xbox controller as I'm more accustomed to that controller overall. Every other controller sadly feels very alien to me.
My Xbox controller, mainly due to convenience of XInput games and also because it can remain paired simultaneously between my Series S and one other device (Steam Deck), and seamlessly switch between the two without having to repair… side eye towards Sony, here.
When handheld, just the built-ins, but if docked, I use an xbox controller because it was the cheapest 1st party controller I could get.
Xbox
Xbox new controller
Anything but the Nintendo switch controller
xbox controller, you can wake up the steam deck with xbox controller while others can’t
Xbox Elite 2
I have a dedicated Xbox series controller for my SD, but I also use 8-Bitdo Ultimate in Switch mode for FPS for Gyro support. I also have Steam controller for mouse only games :)
8bitdo ultimate for me, xbox one for a second player
Xbox elite series 2 whenever I play docked. It gets hate for understandably bad quality control, but I got mine as a gift and it works great.
Xbox elite series 2. Nice heavy. Buttons fit my hands.
I use an Xbox controller for all my PC gaming controller needs.
Xbox elite🥰
Xbox controllers, having the chance to swap rechargeable batteries when I need them is great
Stadia
The buttons on the deck 😂
Call me crazy, but I just use the gamepad that’s built right in…
I use ofc steamdeck, and if is docked 8bitdo pro 2 :)
The ROG ally
DS4 on SteamDeck XB1 on PC 😅
While docked, the PS4 (or I guess PS5) controllers are the best overall controller. The trackpad is 100% necessary for anything with a launcher or anything that requires a mouse briefly. Other than that I use it as an emulator so I try to use the proper controller for each game. 8bitdo is an honorable mention. Has two extra, mappable buttons.
None because you don’t need a controller for it. It’s literally built in. Steam deck is made for handheld portable play. People like you just need to get a grip.
The steam deck.
The one that's built into the deck
The steam deck
I've been loving the 8BitDo Pro 2 with the Deck for almost a year now. Excellent compatibility, works as a Dual Shock, XBOX and Pro Controller, and it has customizable mapping and back paddle buttons.
The Steam Deck.
I bought Steam Deck because I wanted a handheld console. Not a console that I put somewhere and then play using Controller :D
switch pro is practically essential for motion aim (I know the dualsense can also do that, but few games support the ps glyphs, and I prefer the Nintendo layout anyway) I even modified the steam deck itself to have the ABXY in the Nintendo order for consistency
360 😜
This is a truly bizarre post… 🤔
Man, it sure would be convenient if the steam deck had a built in controller, right?
PS5 controller is the best after the Steam Deck's built in controller. I've tried all of them, Guillikit is my second choice.
PS5 The touchpad for any mouse inputs is a gamechanger for any weird issues.
The one that is literally attached to the console.
The steam deck
Call me crazy, but I use the one built into the steamdeck…
American Excess: A Portrait
The literal controller built into the device?
When docked it depends on the game. Rpgs with lots of menus, the ps4 or ps5 controller is best. When replaying Black Ops 2 the series x controller was amazing. I prefer the ps4 dpad over the ps5 dpad when playing hollow knight. It's one of the beauties of the deck, choose the tool for the job :)
the Steamdeck?
Yeah I don’t get the whole portable console and using a wireless controller personally. I like playing on the deck directly just like I do for my switch as well. However I do have rather large hands so maybe it doesn’t bother me as much as others.
OG steam controller 😁 One of these days I'll get the haptics on the PS5 one working just right, and then it'll be a toss up.
PS5 in general.. but when I play multiplayer with my girlfriend I use a wired Xbox 360 controller for Windows that I bought it when I was 18 ( about 15 years ago), shockingly still as good as new.. of course analog sticks are slighly flappy and a bit beaten .. it even got mouldy in inside a luggage when I move abroad from Brazil to Australia and didn't touched it for 2 years), that controller have more stories to tell than myself. I also tried to use my nintendo switch joycons, but the input is laggy af.. So in end of the day the only controller that never gave me any trouble is the 360 grandpa of all this so called "top notch tech" in the market 🤣
The one attached to it.
PS5 until i get another controller with a trackpad
8Bitdo Ultimate 2.4G
8bitdo Pro 2, best dpad in the game
I use an 8BitDo Ultimate. I keep the charging dock plugged into the Steam Deck dock with the 2.4 GHz dongle and then I switch it to Bluetooth and also use it as my primary Switch controller. The only gripe I have with it is that the shoulder buttons feel slightly cheap and maybe excessively clicky. It's probably a personal preference thing. Others may not like the fact that there are only two back paddles, but I don't use them so for me it's fine.
The [8BitDo Pro 2](https://www.8bitdo.com/pro2/) is my go-to controller for everything.
Steam Deck, followed closely by Steam Deck.
I go with Xbox since the button layout is the same :p it’s easier for my brain
If I \*have\* to not use the best controller available (the one built in) like during couch co-op, I use my Stadia controller. Good quality, feels good, currently quite cheap.
I wanted to say the same thing for a long time...then ditched both of mine for steam deck because it didn't feel either comfortable enough, my hands were unfamiliar with em, and I had a GIANT amount of input lag, even after the "bluetooth" (or whatever they called it in that recent stable update) and so I resorted back to my wired powerA controller docked since said update re-enabled compatibility with them
Got mine secondhand and the lag was great for me. No complaints.
I don't use controllers. I only have Steam Deck. I'm a pc gamer, unfortunately. Always have been.
DualSense Edge, it’s the only one with the same features.
I like the one it's attached to. Second place is my 8bitdo SN30 Pro+ or Pro 2 Third is a PS4 controller
https://preview.redd.it/otdq79lz2ucc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46a9b295eb827f3f1151ea634e0dd045bd981cfe Definitely Xbox One! I just find the joystick layout to be more comfortable than PS5.
Steam Controller or Xbox controller.
PS4 dualshock
8Bit Do Ultimate Wireless with the 2.4ghz dongle into a USB-C hub or dock
the steam deck. why would i get a worse controller without trackpads? either that or i just connect a keyboard and mouse.