Question Game controllers for PC

[punkncat]

I like to use the Xbox controller for most of my PC gaming. My right wrist just doesn't deal with mouse operation anymore...to get to the point:

I purchased an Xbox "one" controller a while back and it has started doing joystick drift. I have one of the original that I can't even think of the name of, no telling how old, and it still works fine. Where it took me a while to get used to the offset stick design as opposed to even ones such as on PS controllers, I am looking to find a wired only controller that will work as well AND last more than a year. I have been reading that even the Elite series of controllers does the same thing within a short amount of time.
The only options I am seeing out here for the real Microsoft models are $60 black, $65 or more for any other color than white, loads of "refurbished" options around $50 or so, and the Elite series nearing $200.

I am not against using an "off brand" controller. I currently use a USB cable connected to the "one" controller without batteries in it and up till it got joystick drift has been a fine option for me. Are any of the other brands similar enough as well as inexpensive enough to consider over the genuine Microsoft/Xbox product?

 

[Ralston18]

Not sure about what all you may have done or tried.

If the drift is consistent maybe you can offset it a bit.

FYI:

https://www.howtogeek.com/858704/ho...ft-on-xbox-playstation-and-other-controllers/

https://www.howtogeek.com/241421/how-to-calibrate-your-gaming-controller-in-windows-10/

I.e., calibrate the joystick to offset the drift. If such calibration is even possible anymore....

Should not really need to do that but many such things require end user tweaking these days...

Overall, the problem is likely just low quality issues with respect to design and/or materials.

Being gracious with respect to EOL....

 

[Eximo]

8bitdo Ultimate.

Has hall effect joysticks, should be drift immune.

LTT did a decent round up of alternative controllers not that long ago.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N5MlZg_Cdg

 

[punkncat]

Not sure about what all you may have done or tried.

If the drift is consistent maybe you can offset it a bit.

FYI:

https://www.howtogeek.com/858704/ho...ft-on-xbox-playstation-and-other-controllers/

https://www.howtogeek.com/241421/how-to-calibrate-your-gaming-controller-in-windows-10/

I.e., calibrate the joystick to offset the drift. If such calibration is even possible anymore....

Should not really need to do that but many such things require end user tweaking these days...

Overall, the problem is likely just low quality issues with respect to design and/or materials.

Being gracious with respect to EOL....

In relation to this suggestion, I am not getting the option to right click and do either of the suggestions on those articles. Under Devices and Printers it is showing the Xbox controller as being "not connected". It comes up elsewhere as "game controller" and also gives me no options. W11P

edit- found it via the second article and a different way to get there. Will see how that goes and thank you.

 

[kerberos_20]

In relation to this suggestion, I am not getting the option to right click and do either of the suggestions on those articles. Under Devices and Printers it is showing the Xbox controller as being "not connected". It comes up elsewhere as "game controller" and also gives me no options. W11P

you need to be connected with usb cable
and you do need to open xbox accessory app and calibrate there
https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nblggh30xj3?hl=en-US&gl=US

 

[punkncat]

Strangely enough, the Xbox app says that everything is working as expected. The "drift" is up/North and the accessory app isn't showing any issue.
When I go into the Windows calibration test it is showing the left joystick being about 1/3 of the way North. If I move the stick and let go of it quickly it will center again for a moment before going back up that 1/3.

I have already tried the rubbing alcohol trick.

@Eximo I will take a look at Linus' take on the aftermarket controllers here in about 20 mins...lol.

 

[emitfudd]

Drift is in the springs of the sticks. I have gone through half a dozen xbox controllers. I am currently using a Razer Wolverine V2. It has zero drift after about 3 years of use. Looks like it's around $60 now.

 

[punkncat]

Anyone have an opinion on "GameSir" controllers?
They are hall effect and supposedly licensed by MS/Xbox to sale one entirely similar.

I was wholly underwhelmed by the review video above and they really only talked about two controllers and one of them, the Logitech, is astoundingly awkward looking to hold.

 

[Eximo]

Yeah, I watched that video when it came out because I honestly didn't know much about controllers. I never game with one, but couch gaming has become more tempting lately. Actually quite a few gaming console generations that I skipped entirely over and it might be nice to play some classic JRPGs or something.

 

[punkncat]

Yeah, I watched that video when it came out because I honestly didn't know much about controllers. I never game with one, but couch gaming has become more tempting lately. Actually quite a few gaming console generations that I skipped entirely over and it might be nice to play some classic JRPGs or something.

When the SO is cool with it, I love gaming on the 55" TV. Even with it only being 1080/120 (4K/60 native) it works out due to the distance to the couch. I have found that I have been having to sit a bit closer here over the last year. Nothing that a folding chair can't help with.

 

[Math Geek]

i have one of these i've had for a long time. can't even recall but i know i bought it at a toys r us if that tells you how old it is. 7 or maybe even 8 years. i don't play but a few hours a week with it, but that's been consistent as long as i've had it. i also don't slam it around or rage toss it and such either so it's been taken care of

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/power-...-xbox-one-green-black/8685212.p?skuId=8685212

still works like the day i bought it. they don't sell this one anymore obviously, but i'd buy another from the brand based on how well this one has worked for me. i like that it is hardwired but it seems most wired ones now are just usb cable that can be unplugged. i don't think they even make totally wired ones anymore in any brand.

 

[punkncat]

A friend of mine sent me one of the "original" wireless ones, like before they called it "One" or other model types. He had it from years ago on his first Xbox purchase, never used, never out of its packaging. It works really well with PC and doesn't require the add on dongle like the new ones do. I use it in the living room to game as it also has really good range as compared to the new ones. No drift, no issues. I hit the button, it syncs and off we go.

^I also couldn't find anything outside of what might be perceived as questionable that are actually wired any more. The one that I use here at the PC is plugged straight to the USB cable and I don't put batteries in it so it stays that little bit lighter.

I am quite surprised at how quickly this stick drift issue progresses. I just noticed it a week ago and now my BG3 character will just walk straight ahead without input.