I’ve got a small backlog of games on my laptop (running Arch Linux with KDE) through Lutris. I usually play with a keyboard and a mouse, but since I sit pretty close to my screen (ik bad habit), it starts getting uncomfortable after a while. So I’ve been thinking about picking up a gamepad for some more relaxed, couch style gaming.
I’ve never actually owned a gamepad or a console before, so this would be my first time. From what I’ve seen on Reddit, a lot of people seem to have good experiences using Xbox controllers on Linux. I just wanted to get some more insight before buying one to make sure I’m making the right choice.
I’m also planning to grab a second controller so my girlfriend and I can play some local multiplayer games together.


I have an 8bitdo and like it as well, one thing to consider tho is Steam Controller 2 is “extremely close”, might be worth holding out for that to drop atm, the original is pretty legendary and 2 seems based on steamdeck layout.
Does 8bitdo work well with Lutris? I saw a video posted 5 years ago where you had to add Lutris to Steam and launch it from there for the controllers to work.
Sorry, don’t use Lutris, either Steam or straight to Bottles. But I’ll guess yes, with the dongle it comes up as a normal XBox controller unless you jump through hoops to get extra buttons going.