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
mr-victory May 9, 2023
Quoting: KiwiiYou can map them with the smartphone app.What if we throw the app at Waydroid?..
Quoting: Liam DaweQuoting: 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.
Ah, apologies, forgot to specify the mapping. So I had originally mapped them using the software via Windows (although I believe this can also be done via the mobile app). Afterward though, the controller retains the configs, as I was able to set up this controller on Windows 11, completely wipe the disk and install Fedora 38 and still have the profiles I created and back button functionality (after the udev rule) post OS switch. Highly recommend the mobile app just to avoid using Windows though. I was honestly surprised the controller retained the config regardless of the host OS.
Idk how much of this is QA, or if it's bad firmware/software, just be aware that these aren't as plug-n-play reliable as most of 8bitdo's other controllers (of which I'm a huge fan of).
Quoting: PenglingDo the wireless ones require firmware updates, and if so, can those be done on Linux?I personally connect mine to my phone and use their android app to update your firmware, but I imagine you could use fwupd/fwupdmgr as it has worked for pretty much every 8bitdo controller ever.
StoneColdSpider May 10, 2023
Quoting: KiwiiAnd if your on Linux and dont have a smartphone???......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.
Philadelphus May 10, 2023
hardpenguin May 10, 2023
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