Decent game controller?

Energize

Energize

Energize

Caporegime
Joined
12 Mar 2004
Posts
29,945
Location
England
So my last game controller got lost and I need a new one, doesn't need to be ultra fancy, just be reliable and not have any compatibility issues. What brands are popular right now?
 
Microsoft Xbox controllers are pretty solid tbh can be used on PC too, cabled and wireless variants available.

I do have a PS5 controller too which I love, but find it's a pain to get working.
 
Tick the offer box for 40% discount at checkout.

Job jobbed. It comes in lime and black too. Performance is excellent, build quality is excellent, battery life is excellent (or you can use wired mode).

Ignore the one amazon review there saying it needs drivers which are only available for Windows. No such driver is needed, PEBCAK.

My review:
www.neowin.net

Review: So cheap, so good - The EasySMX X05 games controller offers multi-platform fun

EasySMX is back with something new aimed at those who don't want to break the bank, but also don't want to skimp out on quality and performance. The X05 seems to deliver these in spades.
www.neowin.net www.neowin.net
 
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my Vader pro 4 just arrived and a cracking controller had the vader pro 3 for ages, not sure the upgrade worth extra 40 quid i paid although it feels more premium in the hand. paid £30 for VP3 and £70 for VP4. had the VP3 for ages, but now decided to give up after a good run
PXL-20241003-164829920.jpg
 
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mrk said:
Tick the offer box for 40% discount at checkout.

Job jobbed. It comes in lime and black too. Performance is excellent, build quality is excellent, battery life is excellent (or you can use wired mode).

Ignore the one amazon review there saying it needs drivers which are only available for Windows. No such driver is needed, PEBCAK.

My review:
www.neowin.net

Review: So cheap, so good - The EasySMX X05 games controller offers multi-platform fun

EasySMX is back with something new aimed at those who don't want to break the bank, but also don't want to skimp out on quality and performance. The X05 seems to deliver these in spades.
www.neowin.net www.neowin.net
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What sort of battery life are you getting out of this? I noticed mine was flashing red on the home button the other day which I presume meant low battery and I didn't think I'd used it for more than about 5 hours.

I did however have the RGB on low so I shall remove that and see and actually make a note this time to gauge it.
 
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Noxia said:
What sort of battery life are you getting out of this? I noticed mine was flashing red on the home button the other day which I presume meant low battery and I didn't think I'd used it for more than about 5 hours.

I did however have the RGB on low so I shall remove that and see and actually make a note this time to gauge it.
Click to expand...
I never timed battery life but I estimate around 8-10 hours? Seems about the norm. The PB Tails is about the same too. When the red light starts flashing you've got a few more hours left so I just plug it in for an hour or so.
 
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Ah ok that is probably about right. I mean it's still more than the PS5 controller so maybe I just lost count how long Id used it.
Had no connectivity issues either with the wireless adaptor in the back of my PC.
 
That's the problem it wont' work outside of Steam and even then it can be a pain.

Pick up the MS one and it's fine though. Haven't tried either in linux yet to be fair.
 
Raumarik said:
That's the problem it wont' work outside of Steam and even then it can be a pain.

Pick up the MS one and it's fine though. Haven't tried either in linux yet to be fair.
Click to expand...

Have you tried this?

ds4-windows.com

DS4Windows - Tool to Use PS4/PS5 Controller on Windows PC

DS4Windows is a gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator designed to connect, use and customize your PS4/PS5 Controller on Windows 10/11 PC.
ds4-windows.com ds4-windows.com

I never had a problem getting my old dualsense working with non Steam games.
 
Not sure which thread this fits into best as the controller chat has been random in the other threads so figure here is ideal as general Windows controller thread :p

@Noxia and anyone else who ordered the PB Tails, quick update on the slight quirk I found recently where the right stick was stuck at a lower polling rate than the left when using wired mode. PB let me know that there is a firmware update that resolves it, I have tested it and all's well.

Also some new stuff that sounds very interesting is in the works, should be involved Nov/Dec time. more on that later :o

Also, the USB 2.4GHz receiver for our Defenders will get an update too which enables 1000Hz over wireless.

Things are shaping up nicely for flagship TMR controllers :cool:
 
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Wired xbox controllers have always been my choice, you know build quality will be solid and there will be no compatibility issues.
 
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honestly and after trying many game controllers, nothing beats Xbox controller for NO CONECTIVITY ISSUES. If you like issues then by all means go elsewhere but if you want stress free life get Xbox controller for PC. Then buy some Panasonic rechargeable batteries and they last for ages and much better than those Xbox rechargeable packs.
 
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What connectivity issues?

The reason people don't choose xbox controllers is the lack of higher quality sticks and other features, and the Elite models are ridiculously priced to the point you're better off getting the third party premium end such as Scuff Envision Pro etc.
 
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