Do you have to use different controllers depending on the game/system? (Emulation)

[SpikeSlania]

As I order new controllers for my Batocera/Bazzite rig I start to wonder if anyone else has the same problem as I do and can't just have 1 controller for every game. I use an 8bitdo Ultimate 3 Controller for my modern gaming while an 8bitdo Pro 3 Controller for most of my retro/indie gaming. But then I get into Genesis/Saturn gaming and then I need my 8bitdo M30 controller. I also have 8bitdo's PC Engine and Neo Geo CD controllers that I haven't really used yet but they're available! And I can't really bring myself to really play N64 games since I don't have anything in the original form factor. One day I might look into adding an option for n64 games and the other big thing I might need to add to my controller line up is an Arcade Stick.

 

[Dr.Kisaragi]

For me I am using one controller for pc I always use Xbox 360 controller and for Android I use Kacool controller.

 

[X y b e r - S k u ll]

Honestly, I use a PS4 controller for most of my emulators except for; Dolphin since I always seem to have a GC controller in my room, Ymir because for some reason I've just never been able to comfortably map out the Saturn's buttons on any other controller but the Saturn's and PC-98 and MSX stuff because obviously you have to use your keyboard.

 

[moonbits]

I have a Retrobit Sega Saturn controller I strictly use for Saturn emulation. I use a Switch Pro gamepad for Nintendo emulation everything else can work with an Xbox pad, if my muscle memory doesn't fail me.

 

[raiden_dj]

PS4 Controller for most modern style games, Mayflash fightstick for most arcade/classic style games

 

[diapered]

Nah, I just use the same cheap logitech usb controller for everything lol, one just gave out on me yesterday, but it lasted about two years and I buy backups during sales on amazon. Yea, awkward playing non psx/ps2 games with them, especially something like n64 like you said.

 

[SpikeSlania]

Nah, I just use the same cheap logitech usb controller for everything lol, one just gave out on me yesterday, but it lasted about two years and I buy backups during sales on amazon. Yea, awkward playing non psx/ps2 games with them, especially something like n64 like you said.

Is that the same logitech controller used to drive submarines?

 

[diapered]

Is that the same logitech controller used to drive submarines?

No, that was the wireless one. I can only afford the f310 Eh, it holds up better than the really cheap ones, so I think it is good value, imo.

 

[otogirisou]

no, because i am poor

 

[qw90700]

I use a PC keyboard for everything. I even came up with proper keybinding for very decent left and right analogs to play PS1 and PS2 games:

I set D-pad to WASD. Left analog set to X, Z, Alt, C. Main buttons 8, 4, 5, 6. Right analog 2, 1, 0, 3. L1: Q, L2: E. R1: 7. R2: 9. L3: Ctrl. R3: ,.

 

[otogirisou]

f310

i have the same controller. it's good but now the left analog has been loose a little but luckily i can swap it to the D-pad

 

[Graw]

I've used one of those 8bitdo snes controllers for like 10 years now. Works with my phone and my computer. Even had it connected to my sister's switch a little while ago. The only games I'd say kinda suck with it are six button fighting games. I don't really like using the shoulder buttons as attack buttons and would prefer a 6 button genesis style controller for those but I haven't really seen one with 6 face buttons, two joysticks, d-pad and 4 shoulder buttons.

 

[diapered]

i have the same controller. it's good but now the left analog has been loose a little but luckily i can swap it to the D-pad

I think they are pretty good for the price, this one lasted ~2 years I think before it crapped out on me yesterday >_< Luckily I have a spare. Whenever I see a sale, I'll buy one to have a backup. idk why, but I prefer having a wired usb controller; even if wireless was same price, I think I would still go with it...

 

[Stingy Perry Stingy Perry]

I use a PS4 controller for both my Android and a potato of an iPhone when I’m at home. But if I’m somewhere else it’s just the touchscreen.

 

[WallachiaResident98]

I got a sega saturn controller for Saturn emulation, and I have an 8bitdo for everything else.

 

[Doomsday519]

For emulation the only controller I use is the latest 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller. Steam Deck the only device I emulate games off of and I use that controller for every emulator on it. Before that, it was just the Pro 2 but since I switched to the Ultimate 2, I use the Pro 2 for a wireless option for my PS2 using a dongle.

Aside from those, the other controllers I have to spare are a PS4 controller and a random OUYA one I found at the thrift store. Only connected the OUYA to see if it would work and it's been in storage since. Another thing I have that I can use for emulation but dont is the Backbone One PlayStation Edition which is yet another controller I randomly found at the thrift store. Never attempted to emulate games on my phone and in order to use the Backbone I'd need to strip my cell phone of it's case which is too much of a hassle so that's in storage too.

 

[Vexicrypt]

I use an old Dualshock 4 for everything because I'm not a millionaire.

 

[DrunkGecko]

I use Xbox controller
If I'm playing an emulator I don't see the point in paying attention to the actual hardware

 

[RyougiShiki66]

It depends on the emulator/emulated system. I use my HORI RAP4 Kai Arcade Stick + HORI Fighting Commander (Switch Edition) for Arcade Style Games/Fighting Games etc , Dualshock 4 + Dualsense for everything else.

 

[NeonKnights]

I've been using the same iBuffalo SNES/SFC style USB controller since the Wii U was new. I have an 8bitdo SF30 I got for Katamari on the Switch that I find less preferable to use over my USB controller. I used to play a lot of SF Alpha 3 and Project Diva 2nd on this guy and so the D-Pad now has a mirror finish. Between this and my favorite SFC controller I could never comfortably go back to the mixed button types of a purple SNES pad. I do fine with either concave or convex buttons but given a choice I'd rather stick to one or the other. For N64 and PS2 it has been a cavalcade of wired USB third party Xbox 360 style controllers. For fighting games and Dark Souls I have a Madcatz TE2+. I prefer to use wired controllers over all others.

 

[DjQuick2008]

8bitdo controllers are the most handy for retrogaming the one im using for steam right now looks like an x box controller so its fairly easy to use.

 

[5thWolf]

I normally just use my XBox controller when I am being lazy. But I do have controllers for when I am feeling extra nostalgic! I have PC N64 controllers when I play N64 games, SNES controllers for SNES games, Saturn/Genesis, Ect.

 

[Ikagura Ikagura]

Well yet but actually no.

I have one multipurpose pad for most games (PC and emulation) but I have a wiimote for motion control and a Gamecube one for Smash Bros with a better gameplay than a conventional pad.

I do wish I had a proper SNES pad for better retro emulation (since it's one of the best d-pad ever) as well as an actual N64 and Saturn pad for better immersion.

 

[NOTthatHARD]

Not really, an Xbox or PS4 controller is all you need.