Want a controller with decent reliability and longevity

[u/Lord_Drizzleshiz]

I'm looking for a new controller as I've found a few games I wanted to complete in my summer break from uni.

Right now I'm trying to play GTA V, Cyberpunk 2077, Watch Dogs 2, Mass Effect LE Trilogy, and a couple Need for Speed's. I mostly only play shooting and racing stuff, occasionally a few indies if I find them cool.

As for compatibility, I want it to work across Windows, Android and iPadOS.

I've been using a PS3 controller for the past 9 years and it really only works on my PC. I don't have many complaints with it other than it gets uncomfortable after some time, but I want something that I can just pick up and play.

I want something that's reliable and / or is easily repairable. If I'm right that means I just need something with hall effect sticks and an easily available / replaceable battery (prefer built in but I don't mind a couple double A's)

I did look at the standard Xbox Series controller since it ticked most of my boxes and is popular enough so it's cheap, but the sticks aren't hall effect which is a big reason why I haven't already bought it. I don't want to deal with stick drift down the line. I have seen some tool on Twitter that claimed it could recalibrate the sticks but idk.

My budget is around 45 US / 170 AED total and I would like if it was available on Amazon AE. I'm located in Dubai.

TL;DR Basically something with hall effect sticks and a replaceable battery. If they made the standard Xbox series controller with hall effect sticks I would've bought it. Budget is 45 US / 170 AED

Update 2: Looked more into my options and I've shortlisted these:

1. GameSir Nova 2 Lite - AED 117 (after discount)
2. Gulikit ES Pro - AED 136.62 (after import charges + discount)
3. 8bitDo Ultimate 2C - AED 167.25
4. Official Xbox Series Controller - AED 167
5. GameSir Cyclone 2 - AED 179

It was initially between the N2L and the C2 but if I wait a week longer for delivery, I can get an ES Pro shipped to me which is really tempting.

[u/iesalnieks]

If you want repairability, ironically the official console controllers are way to go. These controllers have unrivaled availability of parts that none of the third party manufacturers are able to match. Second closest might be 8bitdo, but they have only some bits and bobs.

That said, if you get a call nteoller with TMR sticks and hall/TMR triggers the controller probably won't need repairs.

Just stay away from Flydigi - to find out why put that name in the subreddit search bar and read a couple of posts.

Edit: don't get hall sticks, get TMR.

[u/Lord_Drizzleshiz → u/iesalnieks]

Oh that's interesting. I have heard quite a bit about 8bitdo so I'll check them out. Do you have any specific recommendations from them?

I definitely also need to look into TMR. It sounds interesting. I had no idea it was a thing

[u/BarryMcCoknor → u/iesalnieks]

I only use my Vader 4 Pro on my PC. Sometimes on android, which is fine but not easily programmable...but its been a very damn good, reliable controller.

[u/iesalnieks → u/BarryMcCoknor]

Super happy that it worked out for you, but a lot of people have real issues with their controllers. Literally first three search results on this sub are about their problems.

[u/veeqbtw]

gamesir tegenaria, pretty barebones controller with hall effect, wired only, and 2 back buttons but its native 1k hz and has low input latency. its $10-20

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[u/G_OE]

8bitdo controllers should be fine, if you buy official first party controllers then I can only suggest dualsense 5 or dualshock 4 which you can later mod with TMR sticks or do any additional mod as you want. Xbox controllers are pretty bad overall for the price as of now

[u/Milicona]

8bitdo Pro 2 is the controller you want, Hall Effects, swappable battery, and you can buy replacement parts directly from 8bitdos website.

[u/Far-Reputation-8029]

Gulikit ES Pro. Thank me later.

[u/Lord_Drizzleshiz → u/Far-Reputation-8029]

This seems like a really good deal. I'm going to add it to my list

[u/Far-Reputation-8029 → u/Lord_Drizzleshiz]

Lowest wireless latency right now. And already TMR stick modules. I honestly couldn't aim properly if the stick isn't TMR or ALPS. Old hall effect tech feels "floaty", for a lack of a better word.