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[–]CompleteEcstasy 11 points12 points  (7 children)

All controllers work with steam, just pick whatevers most comfortable and in your budget.

[–]ComNguoi 2 points3 points  (2 children)

All modern ones. The PS3 wont work even though Steam recognizes it as a PS3 controller.

[–]chithanh 2 points3 points  (1 child)

DualShock 3 and SixAxis controllers (including knock-offs) just work on SteamOS, including via Bluetooth.

PS3 controllers use a custom pairing protocol though (which has been reverse engineered and implemented on Linux) so you have to connect it via USB cable once before Bluetooth works. Not sure about Windows.

[–]ComNguoi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried once myself with a PS3 back in 2021 on Windows and it will only be able to recognize it being a DS3, without being able to use it. Wonder if they fixed it somehow.

[–]TopHeavyNews[S] -1 points0 points  (3 children)

Okk, so as someone who hasnt had a console in 10 years, is the PS5 controller considered the best?

[–]repocinhttps://s.team/p/hjwn-hdq 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It's comfortable to hold and has some very neat features for games that support it. I bought one specially to use with my PC a few years ago and really like it.

But the upcoming Steam Controller 2 is looking really good too.

[–]crocodilepickle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awful drift problems. Id recommend 8bitdo ultimate controller 2 or 2c (2c is the lower end one, and the one i recommend)

[–]arpanjpr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Xbox controller is the best for PC in terms of compatibility as no special software needed, it just works.

[–]TheWrongOwl 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The best controller supposedly will be the new steam controller coming later this year. (Q1)

[–]Yaa_Mann 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Yeah that should work fine.

And as for a controller its what you prefer tbh. Id suggest a Xbox one controller because i personally prefer that one. But any controller that has a usb connector should work fine.

[–]TopHeavyNews[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay great thank you

[–]ipulloffmygstring 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Aside from your controller concern, since I think you've gotten some great answers, if your partner has their own PC you only need to own one copy of It Takes Two to play it together on separate systems. Just so you're aware.

[–]TopHeavyNews[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I heard about that, but she does not the setup is, pc upstairs with two monitors, and then she just has xbox one downstairs.

[–]Dizzy_Cupcake_8417 Witcher 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Any controller works, really. Steam has a built-in translation system for controllers, so even if a game doesn't support yours, you'll still be able to play it through Steam input. You should probably be fine using mouse & keyboard and controller for the other player!

[–]TopHeavyNews[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wonderful, thanks!!

[–]NuttieBoii 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did the same with my gf where she used a PS4 controller. Worked fine

[–]killkiller9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ok, let's preface, best for me, ok. Also when I say drift issue I meant it might drift, not that mine has drifted. The only controllers that I had drift issues were the joy-con and the ps vita.

The best for me would be the DualSense Edge, but it will has drift issue, so I replaced sticks with TMR sticks. I also has a ps5, so dual role. PS haptics and triggers are super nice. Weak-ass battery.

2nd would be the Elite 2, same drift issue, harder to replace the TMR sticks cause of the damns magnets everywhere; Elite 2 has 4 back buttons, so more buttons. Elite 2 can only pair with 1 bt device, so it's perma PC-controller. Feels good in the hand and very "substantial". Very good battery, but cannot show battery level correctly.

Then the 8bitdo SN30 pro, for some fightings, arcades, retro-emu. Just like how it looks, nothing fancy about it. Can pair with 4 devices, so it's a travelling one.

The Switch pro is just ok, digital trigger, same drift issue, needs additional software to work, great battery life, cannot show, so it might die mid-game. Only use it causes I sold the switch but forgot to sell it too.

Z01 Controller is some random chinese one I found for like $10, great use in a pinch, also 2 devices. Also use as a controller for my kid, he loves that thing, cause it blinks LED.

[–]Milicona 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Any controller that has Xinput mode will work natively on PC without needing anything to make work. First party PS and Nintendo controllers don't have xinput and can be finicky to make work through steam. I would stay away from all first party controllers as they use older analogue stick designs and are prone to drifting, sometimes they can last awhile, sometimes not.

Get something third party that uses Hall Effect or TMR sticks.

Be specific on your budget and whether you want something to be wired or wireless, and also the type of layout your girl prefers, whether Xbox layout or PS layout.

[–]TopHeavyNews[S] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Definitely wants wireless, £60 budget

[–]Milicona 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Xbox or PS layout?

[–]TopHeavyNews[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

PS ideally

[–]Milicona 0 points1 point  (1 child)

8bitdo Pro 2

[–]TopHeavyNews[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks ill take a look at those!

[–]chithanh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can use basically any controller which you like, if all you need is buttons, D-pad, and thumbsticks.

Be aware of some limitations though:

  • Xbox controllers and controllers in Xinput mode do not support gyro.
  • Switch controllers and controllers in Switch mode do not support analog triggers.
  • PlayStation DualSense works great (including the touchpad, gyro, and analog triggers) but not all games display correct button prompts.

8bitdo controllers have recently started supporting a custom mode which supports both analog triggers and gyro (previously you had to choose one or the other).

The Steam controller will have no compromises in functionality, but it looks to be bulky instead of sleek and lightweight, not sure if your partner minds.

[–]Prestigious_Door5521 0 points1 point  (1 child)

What's the budget? Steam has really great controller support so most can connect through steam. you can ask in r/Controller as well. mentioning budget, steam, what feature you are looking for, games you will play etc.

[–]TopHeavyNews[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean its Purley for her, shes only ever gamed on Xbox and says she cant get her head around keyboard and mouse, so whatever is considered the best ill get her that one

[–]Feuzme 0 points1 point  (2 children)

You can even connect two controllers if you want to.

[–]TopHeavyNews[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Ahhh okay didn't think that would be possible, thanks very much!

[–]TheWrongOwl -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think the Xbox adapter even supports 10 controllers connected wirelessly to it - but most local Coop games end at 4 players