I want to build a couch setup for retropie on a Raspberry Pi 4
Any suggestions for good wireless controllers?
3rd party, 8BitDo seems to be the best/only option. They have both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz options. I have some concerns with Bluetooth input lag but I am expecting a Bluetooth SNES gamepad to arrive today so I can update with my experience later this evening.
Bluetooth
2.4GHz
They have some other controller options as well, but make sure you get one with enough buttons. Their 2.4GHz SNES controller only has the standard SNES buttons so you’d either have to sacrifice one button to use as Hotkey (typically Select) in which case you can’t use that button in-game, OR you just won’t have a Hotkey in which case you need a keyboard to exit emulation.
Then there’s always standard Xbox and Playstation (and probably Switch Pro) controllers. 8BitDo sells a 2.4GHz adapter that is supposed to work with those first-party controllers, or if you have a newer Xbox controller it will have Bluetooth built-in.
Thanks! those are the ones I was looking at, I am thinking either the Pro 2 or the Ultimate. I am mostly going for a controller that would fit lots of different games reasonably well as I have no particular nostalgic preference for any retro controller.
I’ve heard the “ultimate” series are their only set that have hall sensors for the sticks. I’ve read this is important info in terms of drift.
Agreed. I don’t think there is a gamer on the planet who would balk at any extra cost to have hall effect sticks in every single controller. Can’t imagine it adds more than a few dollars.
Update on my SN30 Pro - I haven’t noticed any Bluetooth input lag whatsoever. I’m using an RPi 3B (not 3B+). I read on the RetroPie forums that any input lag over BT can be mitigated by overclocking and also that it’s less of an issue on the newer models, so if you’re using a RPi 4 you will probably be fine with BT.
Thanks!