Why is Everyone Buying This Controller?

Summary

The video discusses the popularity of first-party controllers, focusing on the Xbox controller's ergonomic design and broad compatibility. It highlights the challenges of using the PS5's DualSense on PC and explores various budget-friendly alternatives, like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C, which offers excellent features for under $30. The Logitech F310 and F710 are also evaluated, with critiques of their outdated design. The video concludes by comparing controllers based on ergonomics, input latency, and build quality, offering viewers insights on which models offer the best value for gaming on a budget.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The most popular controllers are first-party ones, especially the Xbox controller, known for its premium build and compatibility with PC and other consoles like the Nintendo Switch (with the right adapter).
• 💡 There are surprisingly good alternatives to expensive controllers, with some quality options available for under $30.
• 🕹️ The PS5 DualSense controller can be used for PC games, but it often requires manual remapping or additional software like Steam Input or DS4 Windows to work properly.
• 🔌 Xinput API is popular because it automatically maps compatible controllers in games, while the older D-input standard is still used for specialized rigs like flight or racing setups.
• 🧱 The Logitech F310 and its wireless counterpart, the F710, are older controllers still being bought, though they feel outdated and have their quirks, like a wobbly d-pad.
• 📈 The 8bitdo Ultimate C is an Amazon best-seller, praised for its solid build quality and wireless dongle, available for as low as $20.
• 🔋 The 8bitdo Ultimate C has an integrated rechargeable battery with USB-C charging, unlike the Xbox controller which uses disposable batteries.
• 🎮 The new 8bitdo Ultimate 2C adds extra features like Hall effect analog sticks and triggers, while maintaining the same low price as the original Ultimate C.
• ⚖️ The Xbox controller is more comfortable for larger hands, while the 8bitdo controllers are better suited for people with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact design.
• 🚀 The 8bitdo Ultimate 2C has a 1000Hz polling rate and low input latency, outperforming the Xbox controller in some tests.

Q & A

What makes the modern Xbox controller one of the most popular choices for PC gaming?

The modern Xbox controller is a premium option due to its comfortable shape, ease of use, and compatibility with modern PC games and other consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, when used with the correct dongle.

Why do most modern PC controllers share the same Xbox layout?

Most PC controllers use the Xbox layout because it's ergonomic and the xinput API binds controllers automatically to the right inputs in games, making it easier for developers to implement compared to the older D input standard.

Can the PS5 DualSense controller be used for PC games?

Yes, the PS5 DualSense can be used for PC games, but many games require manual remapping. Wrappers like Steam Input or DS4Windows can help wrap D input in an xinput container to fix these issues.

Why is the Logitech F310 still popular despite being an older controller?

The Logitech F310 remains popular due to its low price ($20), established reputation, and basic functionality, even though it's often considered outdated compared to modern controllers.

What makes the 8BitDo Ultimate C controller a standout budget option?

The 8BitDo Ultimate C is a standout because it offers features like a wireless dongle, good button feel, and integrated battery with USB-C charging, all for a low price of $20 to $30. It performs well for its price point, making it an excellent budget option.

What improvements does the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C offer over the previous generation?

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C adds new colorways, extra shoulder buttons, a 1000Hz polling rate, and Hall effect triggers and sticks for more precision and durability, all at the same price as the previous model.

What is the downside of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C compared to the Xbox controller?

One limitation of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C is that it only supports one controller per dongle, whereas the Xbox dongle can support up to eight controllers and offers additional quality-of-life features.

How does the input latency of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C compare to the Xbox controller?

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C has a lower input latency than the Xbox controller when using its 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, and it matches the Xbox controller’s Bluetooth performance, making it a solid choice for responsive gaming.

Why might larger-handed users prefer the Xbox controller over the 8BitDo Ultimate C?

Users with larger hands might prefer the Xbox controller because its broader shape is more comfortable for them, especially when playing for longer periods, compared to the more compact 8BitDo controller.

What is the main drawback of the Logitech F710, the wireless variant of the F310?

The main drawback of the Logitech F710 is its bulky, heavy feel, which can be uncomfortable during long gaming sessions. Additionally, its higher input latency compared to newer controllers makes it less ideal for fast-paced games.

Outlines

00:00

🎮 Why First-Party Controllers Reign Supreme

The most popular gaming controllers are often first-party models, like the modern Xbox controller. This is due to their premium build, ergonomic design, and compatibility with both PCs and other consoles, like the Nintendo Switch. Surprisingly, there are also excellent budget options available, some priced under $30. The Xbox controller remains a strong choice due to its universal design and compatibility, but alternative controllers are worth considering.

05:02

🔄 The Legacy of the Xbox Layout and D-Input Controllers

The familiar Xbox controller layout is dominant in the gaming world because of its ergonomic design and the advantages of the xinput API, which allows for easier game compatibility. The PS5 DualSense, while using the older D-input, can still work with PC games but often requires manual setup or third-party software like Steam Input. Despite its extra features, the DualSense isn't the most straightforward option for PC gaming without additional configuration.

10:02

📉 The Curious Case of the Logitech F310 Controller

The Logitech F310, released in 2010, remains a popular yet puzzling choice for many gamers. Despite its outdated design and less impressive features, it has garnered a loyal following. With a d-pad that feels flimsy and a retro PS2-era aesthetic, the F310 and its wireless sibling, the F710, offer budget-friendly options but come with noticeable drawbacks in comfort and modern gaming performance.

⭐ The Rise of the 8BitDo Ultimate C Controller

The 8BitDo Ultimate C has quickly become a top-seller, offering excellent features for its price, including a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle and USB-C charging. With a design similar to the Xbox controller, it offers satisfying tactile buttons and a rechargeable battery, making it a solid competitor to more expensive first-party controllers. The value it provides, especially for under $30, has made it a standout option in the controller market.

🎨 The New 8BitDo Ultimate 2C – Same Price, Better Features

The newly released 8BitDo Ultimate 2C introduces several upgrades, including extra shoulder buttons, a higher polling rate, and hall effect triggers, all while maintaining the same price as its predecessor. These improvements, along with a more comfortable design and better grip texture, make it a fantastic deal for gamers. While not perfect, especially in terms of the d-pad, the 2C offers an even better experience than the already impressive Ultimate C.

🚗 Testing the Ultimate 2C in Gaming – A Strong Contender

When put to the test, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C performs impressively in gaming, with low input latency and excellent thumbstick control. However, the Logitech F310 falls short in comparison, feeling heavy and unresponsive. The Xbox controller remains more comfortable for some users, especially those with larger hands, but the Ultimate 2C's combination of features and value makes it a strong competitor for both casual and serious gamers alike.

🏎️ Racing Performance and Controller Comfort

In racing games, the precision of the controller’s dead zones becomes crucial. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C excels here, offering fine control without unnecessary oversteering, while the Logitech F310's high input latency and bulkiness make it less ideal for such games. Though some users might prefer the familiar feel of the Xbox controller, the Ultimate 2C offers a high-quality experience with better overall build and feel.

🎮 Comparing Controller Ergonomics and Usability

The final tests compare the comfort and usability of various controllers, with the Xbox and 8BitDo models offering competitive experiences. The Xbox controller's sticks are slightly looser, but the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C's superior latency, build quality, and features, such as Bluetooth support, give it an edge for many users. The Logitech F310 remains an outdated option, and it’s time for gamers to retire it in favor of modern, more capable alternatives.

Keywords

💡First-party controllers

First-party controllers are gaming controllers developed by the same company that manufactures the gaming console, such as Microsoft's Xbox controllers. These are highlighted in the video as premium, ergonomic, and highly compatible with various systems, including PC and consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

💡Xinput API

Xinput API is a programming interface that automatically binds compatible controllers to the correct inputs in games. The video mentions how the modern Xbox controller's popularity is partly due to this feature, as it provides seamless compatibility with PC games, making it more user-friendly than the older Dinput standard.

💡Dinput standard

Dinput (DirectInput) is an older API for connecting controllers to PC games, still used for more complex setups like flight simulators. The video contrasts this with Xinput, stating that Dinput's flexibility can be a disadvantage in some cases, as it often requires manual configuration, especially for controllers like the PS5’s DualSense.

💡DualSense controller

The PS5's DualSense controller is Sony's latest offering, known for its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The video points out that while it can be used for PC gaming, it often requires extra tinkering or software wrappers, making it less convenient than Xbox controllers in some setups.

💡Logitech F310

The Logitech F310 is a budget gaming controller that has remained popular since its release in 2010. The video critiques its outdated design and wobbly D-pad but acknowledges that its low price and Logitech's warranty service make it a viable option for certain users.

💡8BitDo Ultimate controller

The 8BitDo Ultimate controller is a wireless third-party gaming controller praised for its affordability, ergonomics, and features like an integrated battery and USB-C charging. The video discusses how it competes with premium controllers, offering a good balance of quality and price, particularly for PC gamers.

💡Input latency

Input latency refers to the delay between pressing a button on a controller and the action being registered on screen. In the video, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C is praised for having low input latency, especially when compared to other budget controllers, making it a strong option for competitive gaming.

💡Hall effect analog triggers and sticks

Hall effect technology in triggers and thumbsticks uses magnetic fields for more precise and durable inputs. The video highlights how the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C uses Hall effect sensors, which provide a more reliable and responsive gaming experience, especially in fast-paced or competitive games.

💡Ergonomics

Ergonomics refers to the design of controllers for user comfort and ease of use. The video compares the ergonomic design of various controllers, praising the Xbox controller's shape for broader shoulders while noting that some smaller controllers, like the 8BitDo, might be more comfortable for users with smaller hands.

💡Warranty service

Warranty service refers to the after-purchase support provided by companies, including repairs or replacements. The video mentions that Logitech's reputation for strong warranty service sets its budget controllers, like the F310 and F710, apart from cheaper alternatives, giving users peace of mind despite potential design shortcomings.

Highlights

The Xbox controller is highly popular due to its comfortable design and compatibility with modern PC games and other consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

There are excellent cheaper alternative controllers available, some priced under $30, offering great value.

The 8bitdo Ultimate C is a standout budget controller with wireless capabilities, often discounted to $20, providing significant value for its price.

Xbox controllers are widely adopted because of their ergonomic design and the widespread support for the XInput API, making them easy to use with most games.

The PS5 DualSense controller can be used with PC games but often requires manual remapping, making it less straightforward to use than XInput controllers.

Steam Input and DS4Windows wrappers can help resolve compatibility issues with the PS5 DualSense controller by wrapping DInput in an XInput container.

The Logitech F310, despite being over a decade old, remains a popular budget option for gamers due to its low price and familiar design.

The wireless variant of the Logitech F310, the F710, is another budget-friendly option, but it feels heavy and bulky compared to newer alternatives.

The 8bitdo Ultimate 2C improves on the previous generation with features like Hall effect analog triggers and sticks, two extra shoulder buttons, and a 1,000 Hz polling rate.

Despite being a budget controller, the 8bitdo Ultimate C offers impressive build quality, with satisfying triggers, buttons, and USBC charging with an integrated battery.

Some users with larger hands may prefer the Xbox controller for its more comfortable angled design.

The 8bitdo Ultimate 2C is an excellent alternative to the Xbox controller, offering similar performance at a lower price, with Bluetooth support as a key advantage.

The Logitech F710 has high input latency, making it less ideal for fast-paced gaming compared to other controllers like the 8bitdo Ultimate C.

Controllers like the 8bitdo Ultimate C demonstrate how far controller design has come, offering great performance even in competitive gaming scenarios.

The Xbox dongle can support up to eight controllers simultaneously, whereas the 8bitdo Ultimate C dongle only supports one, which may be a drawback for some users.

Transcripts

it's no surprise that the most popular

controllers are first-party ones

especially the modern Xbox controller

and that makes a lot of sense it's a

premium controller with a comfortable

shape and it just works with all your

modern PC games and even with other

consoles like the Nintendo switch if you

get the right dongle but what is a

surprise is that in the dumpster fire of

Cheaper alternative controllers are some

downright excellent options with some of

them going for less than

$30 so we answered the title's question

already it's this because it's good but

what we haven't answered is what you

should be buying and that is a bit more

complicated unlike this simple segue to

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[Music]

before we get to our Alternatives have

you ever wondered why pretty much every

modern PC controller shares that same

familiar Xbox layout it turns out it's

for some good reasons one being it's

pretty ergonomic especially compared to

some of its ancestors but the bigger one

is xinput the xinput API will

automatically bind compatible

controllers to the right in inputs in

your favorite games and while it's less

versatile than the older D input

standard which is still used especially

for complex flight and racing rigs its

limitations because of the standard Xbox

layout allow it to be much more easily

implemented strangely enough the second

best-selling controller is the only D

input controller that we're going to see

today the ps5s Dual sense can it still

be used for PC games short answer yes

long answer yeah yes but it depends on

how much tinkering you want to do four

out of the five games that we tested

needed some kind of manual remapping now

there are wrappers like steam input or

DS for Windows that will wrap the D

input in an xinput container that should

fix these issues and in games where the

developers build in Native support for

the Dual Senses extra features it is one

of our favorite controllers especially

in games that heavily make use of the

d-pad we're going to have it and every

controller we recommended from this

video linked down below but enough about

controllers that cost almost a 100

loonies I said that there are great

controllers you guys are buying for $30

or less and this next one is not one of

them the Logitech f310 has remained

mostly unchanged since its release

in

2010 making it probably our best fit for

the title here because honestly guys why

is every everyone still buying this

controller it looks like a little

brother Edition for the PS2 and honestly

it feels like one too I mean is this

really the best that Logitech can come

up with I mean it's apparently kept at

least 25,000 of you reasonably happy but

look at the way the d-pad Jiggles and no

they like that they love

it I mean I guess if that's what you're

used to there's also the wireless

variant the f710 which is also pretty

fine if you like your controllers to

feel like a Brick In fairness The Price

is Right at just 20 and $40 respectively

and logitech's established reputation

for warranty service sets them apart

from many other competitors in this

price class I mean only the best will do

for billionaires who need to visit the

Titanic of course while we're combing

The Depths it's probably worth seeing if

we can find something a little better oh

here's a more recent top performer the

8bit do ultimate C has been sitting

among Amazon's best sellers pretty

consistently for months and is racking

up four and a half star reviews at an

incredible rate its MSRP is $30 with

frequent discounts down to just 20 bucks

and that is with a 2.4 GHz wireless

dongle I mean that puts this whole

package under the price of a Microsoft

first-party dongle alone so it must be

trash right I mean yeah Bo dude

everything about it feels pretty good

the shape is very similar to a regular

Xbox controller I mean the d-pads

nothing special but the face buttons

feel really good even the triggers have

a pretty satisfying feel to them and it

has an integrated battery for that price

that's something to consider guys

Microsoft does include batteries with

their controller but they're disposables

not rechargeables and this has USBC

charging with an integrated battery

right out of the box I'm not saying it's

the right choice for from a

sustainability standpoint I'm just

saying it is a value ad and wait what's

this I'm getting reports of a brand new

just released 8bit do ultimate 2C it

comes in new multi-tone colorways and no

way two extra shoulder buttons 1,000 HZ

pulling rate and hall effect analog

triggers and sticks meaning they should

remain Snappy and precise long into the

future guys this is a big upgrade so uh

how much more is it going to cost it's

the same

price same price so wait why would I

even buy that one the previous

generation 8-bit do controller that had

Hall effects was twice the price of the

regular one and the only other benefits

are Bluetooth and a charging dock they

kind of thought of everything the edges

are more round and comfortable in the

hand especially at the edge of the

shoulder and Trigger buttons the grip

texture is less abrasive and feels a

little less likely to collect a detailed

his hisory of every skin cell that ever

rubbed against it and while this spot

where the face meets the textured back

is a little bit on the sharp side that's

not a part of the controller that you

would ever naturally interact with the

d-pad still not a star player but darn

it they did put in some work to make it

feel more tactile and even the face

buttons feel just I don't know 8% more

tactile oh the bumpers are clicky now

dude I really like this thing it's even

clicker than the regular Xbox controller

which I may be bad or good depending on

your preference but I like it of course

I haven't actually played a game yet how

does it stack up for actual

gaming whoops

oh how does the controller feel oh right

the

controller controller feels good brother

really like the thumb sticks like the

thumb sticks a lot very little dead zone

I can't blame the thumbsticks for

everything that's happening right now

this is just hard

do you want to try same game with the

Logitech huh oh you want me to try the

other controllers that makes sense can't

say I'm thrilled about it but uh yeah

give me a sec dude I'm

still not that stoked on the uh on the

face buttons okay that's good to know

they're a little slow cuz in terms of

input latency the 2C with the receiver

was the lowest of everything we tested

it's less the input latency and it's

more how far they are to mash I just

find that I

I'm having a little bit of more

difficulty with them of course this the

only it's only the first one that I've

looked at so maybe just side by

side come on okay wait wait no we you've

tried this a 100 times with this one

let's try the other controller all right

maybe another controller is the

answer oh my God this analog

stick wow controller design has really

come a long way in the last 14 years

years

um maybe we just go d-pad here yeah test

what the people

say I me realistically I'm not doing any

worse I think the cold hard truth is I'm

just not that good at Super Meat Boy you

might have a little extra trouble with

this one this controller actually has

the highest tested input latency nothing

is too unusable this is 23.5

milliseconds so it's still within the

realm of that's okay yeah um but that's

more than four times more than the

2C come on come on come on come on oh no

way no way is the answer the Logitech

controller maybe it's the repetition of

doing it 100 times oh what are you doing

what are you

doing occasionally things will register

a little funny but no big complaints

it's oh it's really heavy actually it's

really heavy does it use dou battery

yeah yeah okay let's try a different

game okay try a different game while I

wait to fire up a racing game I can talk

Comfort I do find the slightly more

angled shape of the Xbox controller a

little bit more comfortable for broader

adult shoulders but if you like to kind

of have your elbows tucked in I can see

how this would actually be more

comfortable for you everyone I talked to

was really impressed at the build

quality of this but people with big

hands definitely find the Xbox

controller more comfortable for I think

the exact same reason you were saying

the angle and they feel the same way

about the 40 oz water bottle at LT

store.com it's just wider for bigger

hands than the 21 Oz you're 64 o yeah

yeah

okay now let's have a look at these

triggers said drifty oo very small dead

zones on the sticks do like isn't nice

you're quite sensitive to dead zones hey

I hate dead zones what's the point of

moving a stick if it's not registered

sir would you like a dead zone on your

mouse no well then why do you accept it

on your stick the thing is in racing

games a lot of the times you don't want

to over steer and having a big dead zone

can cause you to over steer and then

over steer the other way and then over

steer the other way any deficiency in my

performance here is 100% down to me not

being very good at racing games I cannot

blame the controller here like this

control is extremely fine go go on go on

get woo oh shoot I screwed it up I

screwed it up right at the end how could

I do this to

myself whatever I

Podium you want to try briefly with the

Xbox one yeah yeah yeah yeah let's hook

up the Xbox controller long story short

we had an issue pairing with our dongle

which normally is totally fine so I

don't know exactly what happened here

but I have a cable how do the sticks

feel in this not as good they're

sloppier triggers I honestly don't

notice a huge difference with I've never

been that sensitive to them but the

dicks on the Xbox controller they're not

terrible but they're not as good in my

humble observation we did test uh some

of the controllers for the circularity

of their analog sticks and the series

one was actually one of the worst ones

only the Logitech 310 was less circular

but the labs didn't have a high degree

of confidence cuz it might have just

been that specific Xbox controller they

tested question for you how many

controllers does 8 bit do support off of

a single dongle though I've never

checked

I think it's just one you can't repair

them I don't believe oh just one

controller to a dongle that's a bit of a

drawback especially when you consider

that the Xbox dongle supports up to

eight controllers off of a single dongle

and has some extra quality of life

features not to mention usually

excellent pairing reliability though it

should be noted that there is a latency

cost there we actually found that the

8bit do 2C had the same latency on

Bluetooth as the Xbox controller with

its 2.4 GHz dongle and partially thanks

to its 1000 HZ pulling rate absolutely

obliterated the Xbox in a like for like

test enough about the 2C though let's

switch back to the 1C and see if the 2C

is worth the extra $10 cuz so often this

can be had for just 20 bucks I'll be

honest with you it feels pretty good I

don't notice a big difference I'd say

it's possible the sticks are a little

bit looser but if they are it's not by

much and the biggest difference for me

that would make me still go with the 2C

is the fact that it has bluetooth

support it's just so convenient to not

have to worry about dongles dang what an

impressive controller but not everyone's

going to feel the same way if you've got

much larger hands or if you have an Xbox

and you want to move your controller

between that and your PC wirelessly and

seamlessly you might end up with a

different option but I find this just a

great balance of quality feeling d-pad

quality face buttons great ergonomics I

have a hard time imagining anyone who

would hate this and realistically I

could say the same about pretty much

everything in front of me except for the

f710 if you're looking at one of these

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enjoyed this video let us know which

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