If you're in need of a new controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate C might just be what you need as 8BitDo revealed their slimmed-down version of their pricier Ultimate.
Very similar to the original Ultimate which is my current favourite controller, although the Ultimate C does away with the customization via their app and removes the back buttons (which you couldn't use on Linux / SteamOS anyway). You also only get the controller and the dongle, whereas the plain Ultimate gives you a charging dock too.
Honestly though, for £24.99 / $29.99, with the same build quality as the standard Ultimate — this C variant is a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned.
Pretty wide compatibility too across Raspberry Pi OS, SteamOS (Steam Deck), Android and Windows. Fun to see their official site list things like the Steam Deck and Raspberry Pi OS directly too. Should work just like the plain Ultimate on desktop Linux too, once you set up the needed udev rules (Fedora example) which worked for me.
Available in Green or Purple on Amazon, releasing at the end of May:
If wireless isn't your thing though, they're also doing a cheaper wired version of the same controller in the same colours:
- UK Green / (no USA green listing up yet)
- UK Purple / USA Purple
StoneColdSpider May 9, 2023
I really hated how they released two "Ultimate" controllers but only 1 had the hall effect sensor analogue sticks......
CyborgZeta May 9, 2023
Arehandoro May 9, 2023
Quoting: StoneColdSpiderDoes this one have the hall effect sensor analogue sticks???
I really hated how they released two "Ultimate" controllers but only 1 had the hall effect sensor analogue sticks......
I don't think this one will. On Amazon, the Ultimate version that does have it, clearly states so in the description of the item, as well as being £20+ in comparison with the version that doesn't.
The controllers look great, and my Steam Controller is slowly giving in. Hopefully there will be some offer on the Ultimate eventually.
Quoting: B-wizeLiam,I used the same udev rules you linked above for my 8bitdo ultimate bluetooth, and it has allowed me full back button functionality. Kind of a shame this cheaper model got rid of them though. At that price point, it would've been a hot selling item.What have you been testing the back buttons with? I've not seen anything that can pick them up, as everything basically spoofs an xbox style pad for it. AFAIK, you can only map them using their software which of course isn't on Linux.
No app to begin with and easy-to-apply firmware updates from Linux.
Purple Zen Controller (US)
Last edited by drlamb on 9 May 2023 at 2:01 pm UTC
Mohandevir May 9, 2023
Quoting: Liam DaweAFAIK, you can only map them using their software which of course isn't on Linux.You can map them with the smartphone app.
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