What is a "holo joystick"?
this post was submitted on 14 May 2025
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Steam Deck
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There is the horipad as an option, but I'm not sure if it's available outside Japan yet.
I got one last time I was there and it's pretty good, not perfect but it would fit the parameters you gave.
What sort of configurations are you looking to do with the controller that Steam Input wouldn’t cover? Cause if you don’t actually need specific features from the 8bitdo config software, it works just fine with Linux. In fact, I’m using one right now, and have been using it for years.
Well it's mainly I play games with steam off for more performance (yes I know it's little to none but still) and back buttons, changing the LEDs and updating the controller, plus I'm trying to find accessories that have software that is Linux compatible, basically I want everything I have to be natively working on Linux, software and all.
Ahh that’s gonna be a real hard find.
I thought OpenRGB would be able to give some starting point so I looked it up, but there’s a grand total of 11 supported gamepads, half of which are the PS controllers. So we’re out of luck there.
Whats wrong with Xbox and PS?
I don't think the Xbox controller can be easily used wirelessly on Linux
It is. I use it every day. You just pair it like any other controller. Bluetooth is an open standard.
Thanks I'll try again. The first results form my search were not really positive, even when filtering for more recent ones.
Love my 8bitdo ultimate 2. Fwiw, they're supposedly adding support for it in steamos, but it hasn't shipped yet
I have the same controller The back 2 and upper shoulder buttons now work and are remappable at least in No Man's Sky.
Steam controller off ebay?
Curious to know what 8bitdo software exists and doesn't work on Linux. I own two controllers and only ever used them on my Switch and SteamDeck.
So if it has software, it isn't needed, and out of the box it just works.
I think I heard it is for allowing the under the controller bumpers to do something on my 8bitdo.
unfortunately most controllers with back buttons don't let you re-bind them in the host OS, with the Dualsense Edge being a notable exception. I've bought a Dualsense Edge, and, unfortunately, I can't recommend it. You're paying $80 too much just for 4 extra buttons.
my controller of choice is a pre-owned Sony Dualshock 4 (like $30 on ebay) plus this $30 DIY Back Buttons kit from eXtremeRate. This new and improved kit allows you to save up to 6 different "profiles", so you can have different mappings for different games. the mappings are saved on the controller itself, however, it won't sync them with Steam. and they don't function as "function buttons", they're limited to acting as a "clone" of another button on the controller.
at first I was unsatisfied with this -- what's the point, if I can't use all eight face buttons and both stick clicks and four more back buttons, all at the same time, right? except... in hours of playtime, I've never run into a situation where that mattered. Most games either keep your thumbs on the sticks, in which case you can have the back buttons act as ABXY, or else you keep your thumbs on the face buttons, in which case the stick clicks and trigger clicks are available. plus you have the touchpad click, which really is a separate button that Steam recognizes.
I've never had any problems using this controller with linux. as far as the OS is concerned, it's just a ps4 controller, and the support for those is quite good.
I've personally had 2x DualSence 5 stick drift. And 1x Edge stick drift.... Bought a replacement stick and second stick started drifting lol.
Apparently you can use DualShock-Tools on Chromium to recalibrate. Doesn't support Edge yet.
I wish they related an anniversary edition DS4 with USB C or something.... My old DS4S lasted till the rubber sticks decomposed, never any drift 🥹.
I'm Happy with my new Purple 8-Bitdo Ultimate 2.
Gotta get to Best Buy and have them replace the Edge since I got the coverage plan lol. Sigh.....
the ds4 kit I linked is also a usb-c conversion kit! and eXtremeRate also sells replacement sticks, mine are metal now!
I have a easysmx x10. Works great on linux, wake from sleep works, it has halo joysticks, micro switches for the buttons, a gyro, and it's overall very nice. It has an android app for customizing, althought I don't really use it.
Out of curiosity, what settings do you want to change?
Not sure, depends on the controller, the main reason is I want to be able to customize the LEDs for example, and able to update the controller if it needs it and back pedals too, I know steam can can change control buttons but some games I play without steam on for better performance.
The Razer wolverine v3 has some excellent back paddles (apparently), but it's expensive though.
I use a Gulikit King Kong Pro 2, it's got the hall effect sticks and works flawlessly on my Linux gaming PC. It doesn't have back buttons though which sucks obviously but other than that 👍
The newer Gulikit KK3 Pro and KK3 Max have the back buttons op is asking for. I also use the KK2 Pro and it's really great. All the adjustments can be done on the controller itself and there is no software needed. These third party game controllers like Gulikit or EasySMX are miles better then any first party ones
Oh nice! I'm holding out for Steam Controller II or I'd get one right now
Great. I am actually waiting for the same thing. It would be nice to have a second controller and I love Steam Deck's trackpads.
I am guessing you don't want an old Steam Controller? You might want the new one Valve is making, but unfortunately I don't think details or a release date have been announced yet.