Based on my searches, I could only find 3* controllers that have this feature (and interestingly, they all do it differently). There’s the new 8BitDo Pro 3, where the face buttons are magnetic, the GameSir Supernova, where you have to remove the faceplate to swap the buttons, and the GameSir Tarantula Pro/T3 Pro, where there’s a motor that swaps the ABXY layout.
This seems like a pretty simple feature that would be really useful for multiplatform controllers. Lots of controllers advertise that they work with PC, Xbox, Switch, Android, etc., but very few of them give you the option to physically swap the ABXY layout. They usually have one layout or the other. I would get not having these features on a really budget controller, but there are some controllers that are really expensive and don’t have this neat little button swap thing (instead opting for gimmicky things like a screen)
edit: * There’s actually 4**, I forgot about the Nyxi Flexi!
edit 2: ** Nope, it’s five***, the Gulikit KK3 Max has replaceable button caps! Very cool!
edit 3: *** Actually, the older KK2 Pro also seems to have this feature too, as well as a few other older Gulikit controllers, so I guess it’s >6? That’s cool. With four different companies (GuliKit, 8BitDo, GameSir, and Nyxi) offering at least one controller with this feature, I guess it’s not as rare as I thought. Who knew?
I’ve had the complete opposite experience. So many third party controllers offer hall effect joysticks, macros, back pedals, options for linear or button triggers, etc at a much lower cost than first party controllers. The only thing they’re missing is the dual sense motors but that’s proprietary.
I recommend checking out the 8bitdo controllers mentioned in the post, and the FANTECH WGP14-V2 which you can find on AliExpress.
wait, linked in what article? I don’t think I linked an article.
Yeah, 8BitDo, GameSir, etc. have a bunch of good controllers for a very good price, they have feature-rich sub $60 and $70 models like the Cyclone 2, Ultimate 2, and Supernova, as well as a few really good sub $30 models like the Ultimate 2C and Nova 2 Lite. HE /TMR sticks, HE triggers, trigger locks, signal extender charging docks, a bunch of extra remappable buttons, fun colours (esp. the 8BitDo models) while being cheaper than the first party options. You can’t beat the PS haptics though, they are really nice.
I meant in the post haha
Yep that makes more sense. The Supernova is a really good controller as long as you like membrane buttons, while the Cyclone 2 is similar but with TMR sticks and mechanical buttons. 8BitDo’s lineup is confusing (the separation between “Wireless” and “Bluetooth” where the former can still do BT but not with the Switch) but the controllers themselves are great.
As far as I saw from 8bitdo none of them have a touchbar which is a deal breaker for me. The fantech one seems to not be missing any inputs at least, but also all it offers in addition is 2 paddles… and I guess hall effect, which I don’t particularly care about. So… it’s just 2 extra inputs, which I guess is fine ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’d rather have something from a brand I’ve heard from not something from aliexpress tho x3
It also has a switch to toggle the triggers to either let you slowly pull on them or act as buttons, comes with some longer sticks as an option, and an instant disconnect button. I bought it a while back and the build quality is pretty decent, and looks pretty.
And personally hall effect is a must for me, I’ve had too many good controllers die to stick drift.
Yeah can’t say any of that has ever been an issue for me lol x3
The only thing I’d really want from a new controller is more inputs
Yeah I’ve been eyeing the controller op mentioned since they announced it. 3 trigger buttons + 2 back pedals that I can customize via steam input is the dream. Most 3rd party controllers and controller mods only let you map to existing buttons on the controller
Which one? They’ve mentioned a bunch at this point
8bitdo pro 3, the only playstation layout one they have lmao (well they have the previous model too but I don’t think it supports steam input and I can wait a couple of months for a shiny new model)
Ah yeah :3. It’s lacking some of the features that are dealbreakers for me, but the extra bumpers are interesting ^^
What features are deal-breaker when missing for you? More than 2 back buttons?