I’ve got a small backlog of games on my laptop (running Arch Linux with KDE) through Lutris. I usually play with a keyboard and a mouse, but since I sit pretty close to my screen (ik bad habit), it starts getting uncomfortable after a while. So I’ve been thinking about picking up a gamepad for some more relaxed, couch style gaming.
I’ve never actually owned a gamepad or a console before, so this would be my first time. From what I’ve seen on Reddit, a lot of people seem to have good experiences using Xbox controllers on Linux. I just wanted to get some more insight before buying one to make sure I’m making the right choice.
I’m also planning to grab a second controller so my girlfriend and I can play some local multiplayer games together.
Update: I went with 8BitDo Ultimate C wired as it was cheaper and a lot of folks below suggested it over the original Xbox Controller. It worked out of the box. I have only tested it with Marvel’s Spiderman 2 from Fitgirl repacks installed and running via Lutris. Worked w/o any issues.
The regular PS4 controller works fine. Works well in steam, lutris, retroarch and the few native games I own, never had any (unsolvable) problems with it.
I’ve got it working but, unfortunately, when wireless the controller has unacceptable input lag. Might be something interfering with the bluetooth signal, I don’t know.
Yeah I was looking at that as a lot of folks mentioned the brand. The wireless is super expensive, even more than the original xbox controller. But the wired one is literally half the price.
Its wireless is much more compatible, supporting several different connection methods for use with different proprietary systems, and is just generally a better and more capable device. They’re worth every penny, IMHO. 8bitdo’s quality changed my opinion on gaming controllers that had developed after years of being frustrated by cheap, wonky, second-rate, third-party garbage controllers like MadCatz and Logitech that used “features” to cover for the fact that they were cheaply made, overpriced, and deeply inferior. 8bitdo controllers are the only ones I trust anymore. Even Nintendo apparently can’t be trusted to make quality controllers for their own systems anymore. But 8bitdo can.
This.
It costs more but you will have a controller that will last years. Have used 8bitdo pro2 for a couple of years after rage quitting the Nintendo pro whatever it is named to switch for its worthless d-pad.
Recently picked up a 8bitdo pro3 and yes, it cost a lot but it will probably be my only controller for many years now.
Buying something that breaks after a year will cost you more in the long run. It’s expensive to be cheap.
I wouldn’t use bluetooth due to input delay, but the 2.4Ghz wireless dongle 8bitdo sold separately at the time I was buying Pro 2 controllers was plug and play on Linux. Same goes for their Arcade Sticks.
If wired is okay then yeah that’ll work well. I always try to list flaws in stuff I own as well, so: Pro 2 the input method sliding switch on the rear of the controller is the weak spot in the design. If you frequently use that it’ll eventually cause spotty connection issues according to complaints I’ve read over the years. The D-Pad isn’t something you’d want to use for fighting games, but I love it for retro. Very NES-like.
Mine very rarely leave xinput so it’s been fine for me.
Most people here are recommending controllers with the Xbox layout. They are correct in most cases.
However, if you’re a weirdo like me that mostly plays 2D games, I highly recommend getting a Sony DS5 instead as the Dpad is in a far more ergonomic position for that.
Yeah, Xbox controllers are pretty much standard. Comfortable, not overpriced, great compatibility with everything, no fuss. Newer ones, from the past several years now, will have Nintendo-style d pads, now that the patent has expired, and connect via bluetooth for wireless play or with a USB C cable to save on batteries. Speaking of batteries, it uses AAs, which means that you can actually swap them when they get low, as opposed to PlayStation controllers where batteries don’t last long and they aren’t really exposed for you to access them. I’m not going to tell you Xbox controllers are the be-all, end-all, but there’s a high chance it’s all you need.
EDIT: Even though I use Xbox controllers all the time, I forgot that the newest Xbox pads actually have d pads that are even better than Nintendo’s design. They look funky, but for my money, it’s the best d pad out there.
I tried out Linux a few months back, and one of the things I could never get working was my Bluetooth Xbox controller. The controller would just blink and never connect to the Bluetooth. Any idea what needs to be done to get it working? I was kind of annoyed that it didn’t just work since it’s such a popular controller.
For what it’s worth, this wired alternative is almost identical to an xbox one controller except for the rumble motor, which is markedly lower quality. If that doesn’t bother you, it’s also less than half the price, and works out of the box in all distros I’ve tried.
Not me, sorry. On desktop Linux, I’m always wired, and the bluetooth always just worked when I needed it on Bazzite or Steam Deck, connecting via the controller setup in the Steam menu, but maybe someone else here will know.
As a veteran of gaming on Linux for several years, I have to admit I keep a small collection of various usb bluetooth dongles, because honestly, built-in bluetooth support still remains questionable and unreliable in many cases, at least for me and the systems I use it on. I don’t necessarily blame Linux as much as I blame the manufacturers of the chips and devices, but unfortunately we have to live with the chaos that their reverse-engineered-firmware-reliant devices create. Any cheapass bluetooth dongle is probably fine, the cheaper and more ubiquitous it is, the more likely it uses the same shitty chinese chip that all the others use and that a bunch of someones already hammered out drivers for, but honestly even with multiple different models and brands it still seems like a crapshoot which one feels like working properly at any given time, but usually one or the other will work and get things to connect, and it’s usually perfectly reliable once all the drivers have loaded and it’s all paired up and things start working. The struggle is real, though.
If you are broke, then go for the generic Logitech. But otherwise, I would recommend staying away. My experience has been that they actually made playing games less fun because they are so shoddy.
Play a couple dozen hours with a XBone or DS controller, and you will understand why they are more expensive.
If I’m going to be holding this thing for potentially hundreds of hours, I’m gonna get something that’s comfortable and works well.
If you like Offset sticks, the Xbox elite series controllers are phenomenal, it will require additional drivers.
I prefer my sticks aligned, so I usually use my custom DS4 from scuf.
Sometimes I like my stadia controller, it just feels nice in the hands.
I hate the switch pro Controller, it feels… Off somehow.
For retro gaming I use an OG Xbox controller (custom USB bodge job) or my 8bitdo sn30pro+ while I like the 8bitdo, its bluetooth is Unreliable so I recommend using a cable.
Well I have never used any controller or a console before. For almost 20 years I have been a keyboard+mouse guy. So for me, a plug and play controller would be nice. Bluetooth is not a priority for me rn. Given that as well as all the advice in the comments, I am leaning towards this one.
I love my 8Bitdo Ultimate controller. It’s comfortable to use and holds a decent charge. Having a charging stand is really useful too. If you have multiple non-PC devices, I would recommend getting the Pro version so that you can use Bluetooth. Otherwise, the USB one will work well.
Only other minor negative is that the d-pad is a little mushy so I will occasionally hit the wrong direction accidentally. So not the greatest for fighting games.
If you don’t need the charging stand, there are cheaper USB only controllers too.
Lastly, if you want to try to improve your posture, my family bought some chair restraint straps for my grandma who kept tilting in her chair. The ones I linked aren’t what we got her but they were the cheapest I could find. You may also want to get your eyes checked. Could be the reason you’re leaning forwards so much is because you can’t see as clearly as you think.
I don’t think there’s much difference. Any standard USB gamepad should work equally fine. I find the Xbox layout more comfortable than the PlayStation one, but this may be different for different people.
I would recommend grabbing a third party controller since for some reason ($$$), none of the big three consoles make first party controllers with hall effect sticks. Search on Amazon for “Xbox hall effect controller” and 99% of the results will work fine. Off the top of my head, I know 8BitDo and GameSir are reputable brands
I have a couple Beitong Asura 2 Pro+s with hall effect sensors. They work great and haven’t worn out like the litany of xbox and ds4 controllers that preceded them.
for 2D games (or games that are played with a d-pad rather), their Pro line is also very good! i have the Pro 2, and it works fantastic with Linux. idk about the Pro 3 but i can’t imagine it would be much different, and i heard the d-pad on that one is even better
Third. I swear by them (and got their keyboard too, in Family Basic colors, and mouse in NES colors).
The moment they put out a keyboard in Atomic Purple, I’m throwing a bunch more money at them.
This is also my recommendation.
Even if you don’t care about any of the extra features, the fact that you get TMR Sticks, a charging dock and 2.4g dongle included makes it a better purchase than any Xbox controller
I’ve been using an Xbox pro controller for a while on my Mint setup, just plugged in. I can’t get the Bluetooth to connect and I assume it’s because I need to update the drivers for the controller via Windows. 🤷 Whatever.
But my controller bit the dust somewhat recently, so I grabbed a PS5 controller this time and it works right out of the box, no issue. I haven’t tried the Bluetooth to be honest because I’m so used to playing plugged in, but meh. The little trackpad thing on the PlayStation controller also works well as a mouse trackpad when I’m far away from my PC (like if I have it running in the living room instead of at a desk).
While the package names and how to install them will be different since you’re on mint, this section in the Arch wiki discusses your options for Xbox controllers.
I’ve been using the same base Xbox One controller for a while. It was easy to set up for Linux. Just had to install some extra package but after that it was good to go.
Out of all the mainline console controllers, Xbox One’s is my favorite. They really nailed it with that one.
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The regular PS4 controller works fine. Works well in steam, lutris, retroarch and the few native games I own, never had any (unsolvable) problems with it.
Do you have issues using it wirleessly ? I do
I’ve got it working but, unfortunately, when wireless the controller has unacceptable input lag. Might be something interfering with the bluetooth signal, I don’t know.
Ah. I have never had lag, but the constant disconnecting and having to manually reconnect sucks.
I’ve used a PS4 controller myself, so I can confirm that.
8bitdo USB controller was plug and play for me
Yeah I was looking at that as a lot of folks mentioned the brand. The wireless is super expensive, even more than the original xbox controller. But the wired one is literally half the price.
Its wireless is much more compatible, supporting several different connection methods for use with different proprietary systems, and is just generally a better and more capable device. They’re worth every penny, IMHO. 8bitdo’s quality changed my opinion on gaming controllers that had developed after years of being frustrated by cheap, wonky, second-rate, third-party garbage controllers like MadCatz and Logitech that used “features” to cover for the fact that they were cheaply made, overpriced, and deeply inferior. 8bitdo controllers are the only ones I trust anymore. Even Nintendo apparently can’t be trusted to make quality controllers for their own systems anymore. But 8bitdo can.
This. It costs more but you will have a controller that will last years. Have used 8bitdo pro2 for a couple of years after rage quitting the Nintendo pro whatever it is named to switch for its worthless d-pad. Recently picked up a 8bitdo pro3 and yes, it cost a lot but it will probably be my only controller for many years now. Buying something that breaks after a year will cost you more in the long run. It’s expensive to be cheap.
I wouldn’t use bluetooth due to input delay, but the 2.4Ghz wireless dongle 8bitdo sold separately at the time I was buying Pro 2 controllers was plug and play on Linux. Same goes for their Arcade Sticks.
If wired is okay then yeah that’ll work well. I always try to list flaws in stuff I own as well, so: Pro 2 the input method sliding switch on the rear of the controller is the weak spot in the design. If you frequently use that it’ll eventually cause spotty connection issues according to complaints I’ve read over the years. The D-Pad isn’t something you’d want to use for fighting games, but I love it for retro. Very NES-like.
Mine very rarely leave xinput so it’s been fine for me.
I will forever swear by the 8BitDo Pro 2
Most people here are recommending controllers with the Xbox layout. They are correct in most cases.
However, if you’re a weirdo like me that mostly plays 2D games, I highly recommend getting a Sony DS5 instead as the Dpad is in a far more ergonomic position for that.
Xbox controllers need a Windows PC to update their drivers.
Need is a very strong word, I’ve had Xbox controllers for years that have never seen a Windows PC.
Yeah I dunno about all that.
Yeah, Xbox controllers are pretty much standard. Comfortable, not overpriced, great compatibility with everything, no fuss. Newer ones, from the past several years now, will have Nintendo-style d pads, now that the patent has expired, and connect via bluetooth for wireless play or with a USB C cable to save on batteries. Speaking of batteries, it uses AAs, which means that you can actually swap them when they get low, as opposed to PlayStation controllers where batteries don’t last long and they aren’t really exposed for you to access them. I’m not going to tell you Xbox controllers are the be-all, end-all, but there’s a high chance it’s all you need.
EDIT: Even though I use Xbox controllers all the time, I forgot that the newest Xbox pads actually have d pads that are even better than Nintendo’s design. They look funky, but for my money, it’s the best d pad out there.
I tried out Linux a few months back, and one of the things I could never get working was my Bluetooth Xbox controller. The controller would just blink and never connect to the Bluetooth. Any idea what needs to be done to get it working? I was kind of annoyed that it didn’t just work since it’s such a popular controller.
For what it’s worth, this wired alternative is almost identical to an xbox one controller except for the rumble motor, which is markedly lower quality. If that doesn’t bother you, it’s also less than half the price, and works out of the box in all distros I’ve tried.
Not me, sorry. On desktop Linux, I’m always wired, and the bluetooth always just worked when I needed it on Bazzite or Steam Deck, connecting via the controller setup in the Steam menu, but maybe someone else here will know.
As a veteran of gaming on Linux for several years, I have to admit I keep a small collection of various usb bluetooth dongles, because honestly, built-in bluetooth support still remains questionable and unreliable in many cases, at least for me and the systems I use it on. I don’t necessarily blame Linux as much as I blame the manufacturers of the chips and devices, but unfortunately we have to live with the chaos that their reverse-engineered-firmware-reliant devices create. Any cheapass bluetooth dongle is probably fine, the cheaper and more ubiquitous it is, the more likely it uses the same shitty chinese chip that all the others use and that a bunch of someones already hammered out drivers for, but honestly even with multiple different models and brands it still seems like a crapshoot which one feels like working properly at any given time, but usually one or the other will work and get things to connect, and it’s usually perfectly reliable once all the drivers have loaded and it’s all paired up and things start working. The struggle is real, though.
Idk if it’s the solution to your problem but I install xpadneo and never have issues.
Xone is the one I’ve needed instead of xpadneo to get the xbox wired headset working with them.
Xone I use with the official xbox wireless controller adapter but xpadneo for Bluetooth Xbox connections.
I’ve had good luck with generic Logitech and ps4 controllers, at least on steam + Linux.
If you are broke, then go for the generic Logitech. But otherwise, I would recommend staying away. My experience has been that they actually made playing games less fun because they are so shoddy.
Play a couple dozen hours with a XBone or DS controller, and you will understand why they are more expensive.
If I’m going to be holding this thing for potentially hundreds of hours, I’m gonna get something that’s comfortable and works well.
If you like Offset sticks, the Xbox elite series controllers are phenomenal, it will require additional drivers.
I prefer my sticks aligned, so I usually use my custom DS4 from scuf.
Sometimes I like my stadia controller, it just feels nice in the hands.
I hate the switch pro Controller, it feels… Off somehow.
For retro gaming I use an OG Xbox controller (custom USB bodge job) or my 8bitdo sn30pro+ while I like the 8bitdo, its bluetooth is Unreliable so I recommend using a cable.
Well I have never used any controller or a console before. For almost 20 years I have been a keyboard+mouse guy. So for me, a plug and play controller would be nice. Bluetooth is not a priority for me rn. Given that as well as all the advice in the comments, I am leaning towards this one.
I love my 8Bitdo Ultimate controller. It’s comfortable to use and holds a decent charge. Having a charging stand is really useful too. If you have multiple non-PC devices, I would recommend getting the Pro version so that you can use Bluetooth. Otherwise, the USB one will work well.
Only other minor negative is that the d-pad is a little mushy so I will occasionally hit the wrong direction accidentally. So not the greatest for fighting games.
If you don’t need the charging stand, there are cheaper USB only controllers too.
Lastly, if you want to try to improve your posture, my family bought some chair restraint straps for my grandma who kept tilting in her chair. The ones I linked aren’t what we got her but they were the cheapest I could find. You may also want to get your eyes checked. Could be the reason you’re leaning forwards so much is because you can’t see as clearly as you think.
I don’t think there’s much difference. Any standard USB gamepad should work equally fine. I find the Xbox layout more comfortable than the PlayStation one, but this may be different for different people.
I would recommend grabbing a third party controller since for some reason ($$$), none of the big three consoles make first party controllers with hall effect sticks. Search on Amazon for “Xbox hall effect controller” and 99% of the results will work fine. Off the top of my head, I know 8BitDo and GameSir are reputable brands
I have a couple Beitong Asura 2 Pro+s with hall effect sensors. They work great and haven’t worn out like the litany of xbox and ds4 controllers that preceded them.
My favourite 3rd party controller, which according to this article is compatible with Linux: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/05/the-8bitdo-ultimate-2-wireless-controller-is-a-top-premium-feeling-controller/
can second 8BitDo, their stuff is awesome
for 2D games (or games that are played with a d-pad rather), their Pro line is also very good! i have the Pro 2, and it works fantastic with Linux. idk about the Pro 3 but i can’t imagine it would be much different, and i heard the d-pad on that one is even better
Third. I swear by them (and got their keyboard too, in Family Basic colors, and mouse in NES colors).
The moment they put out a keyboard in Atomic Purple, I’m throwing a bunch more money at them.
This is also my recommendation.
Even if you don’t care about any of the extra features, the fact that you get TMR Sticks, a charging dock and 2.4g dongle included makes it a better purchase than any Xbox controller
I’ve been using an Xbox pro controller for a while on my Mint setup, just plugged in. I can’t get the Bluetooth to connect and I assume it’s because I need to update the drivers for the controller via Windows. 🤷 Whatever.
But my controller bit the dust somewhat recently, so I grabbed a PS5 controller this time and it works right out of the box, no issue. I haven’t tried the Bluetooth to be honest because I’m so used to playing plugged in, but meh. The little trackpad thing on the PlayStation controller also works well as a mouse trackpad when I’m far away from my PC (like if I have it running in the living room instead of at a desk).
Re: xbox
You need drivers for it.
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Gamepad#Xbox_Wireless_Controller_/_Xbox_One_Wireless_Controller
While the package names and how to install them will be different since you’re on mint, this section in the Arch wiki discusses your options for Xbox controllers.
I’ve been using the same base Xbox One controller for a while. It was easy to set up for Linux. Just had to install some extra package but after that it was good to go.
Out of all the mainline console controllers, Xbox One’s is my favorite. They really nailed it with that one.
I love my Gulikit KK2! one of the best controllers i’ve ever used in 40 years of gaming. just pick up the latest one, i think the KK3.
8bitdo is also a great company with lots of options.
edit looking into it now, it seems quality may have dropped for the KK3. lots of ppl recommending Gamesir G7 Pro,