Wanted Controller Recomendation (cheap!!!)

gorgar

Hi Folks,

I've been using my wireless Xbox 360 controllers with my retropie setup which has been great but a pain in the neck having to re-registering when i want to play the Xbox. I recently bought a cheap ps3 controller which I have been fighting with to get it to work for the last few weeks. I followed all the bluetooth guides and even tried the 3.8 release tonight with no joy. So tonight after much frustration I've decided i must have got a dud PS3 clone controller ( thank you amazon ) and i am giving up with it. So I am back looking for a tired and tested wireless controller must have a good d-pad and twin sticks and hopefully low cost. I also play a lot of two player so it must play well with another of its kind! I will even consider a clone if its proven to work!

Thanks

Paul

iconrumble

@gorgar Hi!
I know the best controller comes down to personal taste...
When choosing my controllers, my priorities were low cost, wireless, small enough for kids and PC/PS3 compatible.

I got these:
http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-PlayStation-T-Wireless-Gamepads-3-6306200/dp/B008DPQ724/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464679869&sr=8-1&keywords=Thrustmaster+T-Wireless+Duo+Pack

It's a duo pack for the price of one... It's wireless, Has a d-pad and two analog sticks. No complaints until now... Uses 3x AAA batteries (I use rechargeable ones with no complaints of autonomy)

Best of luck choosing the right controller for you!

gorgar

Hey thanks these just made the top of my list i read a negative comment about the d-pad do you agree?

iconrumble

@gorgar Sometimes it can be hard not to hit diagonals, due to my finger placement over the d-pad, as it naturally tends to the down-right (the controller is really small!!! - not saying that this is bad), but It doesn't bother me much...
I must admit that my expectations weren't very high for this kind of cheap controller... I sure wasn't expecting a d-pad like the official PS3.
When I was searching for controllers I saw various reviews and comments about this controller, and some say the D-pad is rubbish, others praise it... Then again, this controller is supposed to be a worldwide bestseller for thrustmaster...

Once again I think it comes down to personal taste, so you will not know if it is any good for you until you try it for yourself...

Maybe others in this forum that have experience in multiple controllers can give out their opinions?

PS: I also have input_player1_analog_dpad_mode = "1" on retroarch config, so I can use the analog stick as d-pad (some games are more fun with the analog stick)

mrbwa1

It definitely comes down to taste and what you have laying around.

My best luck by far has been playstation 1 or 2 Dual Analog controllers through a USB adapter. I had the controllers already, so I just needed the adapter which was quite cheap. Plug everything in, register in Emulation station and it just works. I did end up getting a couple generic controller extenders and ended up with like 12 foot cords.

I you aren't playing N64 or PSX, the generic USB SNES controller aren't bad. The cord is really really short though. Also, none of the USB reproductions feel as good as true OEM controllers.

I can second using the analog stick as a dpad for older games (Atari) and a lot of shooters. I end up setting the controller down and using the controller like a shrunken arcade stick.

Imrhien

PS3 controllers are cheap and easy to obtain secondhand. And they're highly comfortable as you'd expect. If you have an Rpi3 they can sync with the internal Bluetooth.

Note that in recent updates something regarding Bluetooth has been stuffed up; follow a guide to roll back the Bluetooth and you'll be good to go.

sbidolach

Have you ever tried mobile version of controller ? If navigation and buttons are enough for you then you needn't care which one you have to buy.

gorgar

Thanks everyone i am now leaning towards a PS3 controller although I am still burned by the experience with the one i got. Anyone got any links or sites for a proven brand...

Thanks

Paul

JasperSlade

I purchased two of the following: http://www.amazon.com/Matricom-XYBA-Rechargeable-Controller-Compatible/dp/B01EO5QPN2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

they were on sale for $10 at the time I purchased them. not sure I'd drop the current $50 for them now. They have been good controllers so far. Sturdy yet light-weight build. Thumb sticks are better quality than I was expecting. I'm very happy with them so far & would definitely recommend them, though i might wait for another sale.

gorgar

Thanks I was looking at those....the 8bitdo models look tempting as well not that cheap though!

dashizzle

@JasperSlade

I just got one and the hcitool can see it, but it freezes when I try to pair using the retropi-setup Bluetooth menus... what mode did you use when you paired it? X + M?

cyperghost

Snakebyte idroid:con
Bluetooth, LiIon-Chargeable with micro USB
Nearly got same style as PS3 controller costs 18$

demesauce

I really like my tronsmart Mars g01 wireless controllers. Great feel and weight. Comes with a 2.4ghz usb dongle and doesn't require purchasing batteries.

https://www.amazon.com/Tronsmart-Wireless-Controller-Gamepad-Android/dp/B00LEHQGXI

Drakaen391

I use 360 controllers mostly because it has ABXY buttons.... and I hate having to reregister my PS3 controller

edmaul69

Can i recommend..... An xbox 360 controller. Honestly i would just buy another 360 controller. They are so nice to use. If i didnt have official controllers for all of my systems i would use an official xbox 360 controller. Best feeling controller imo. I have controllers for the first 3 playstation systems and they are nowhere as comfortable as an xbox 360 controller.