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Recommended controllers for Ultragrip

Ultragrip works with any SDL2-compatible gamepad, but we recommend controllers with Hall Effect analog sticks—they never drift and provide consistent precision for years. Here are our top picks.

Best Value Premium Pick Best for Windows Budget Pick

Why Hall Effect Sticks Matter

Zero Drift

Traditional potentiometer sticks wear out and drift over time. Hall Effect sensors use magnets—no contact, no wear, no drift. Ever.

Precision

Magnetic sensing provides smoother, more accurate input. Critical for cursor control and navigation in development workflows.

Longevity

Hall Effect controllers last years longer than traditional gamepads. The investment pays for itself over time.

Controller Recommendations

Our Top Recommendation
8BitDo Hall Effect

8BitDo Ultimate

Best Overall Value

$69.99

The best value Hall Effect controller on the market. Zero stick drift guaranteed with 2.4GHz wireless for lowest latency.

Bluetooth USB 2.4GHz

Features

  • Hall Effect analog sticks
  • 2.4GHz wireless + Bluetooth
  • Custom profiles via app
  • 40+ hour battery life
  • Charging dock included

Pros

  • + No stick drift ever
  • + Excellent build quality
  • + Great value for features
  • + Low latency 2.4GHz mode

Cons

  • - No haptic feedback
  • - Triggers are not Hall Effect
Sony

DualSense Edge

Premium Experience

$199.99

Sony's premium PlayStation controller with replaceable stick modules and Hall Effect triggers. The most feature-rich option.

Bluetooth USB

Features

  • Hall Effect triggers
  • Replaceable stick modules
  • Adaptive triggers & haptics
  • Back paddles (4 buttons)
  • Custom profiles on device

Pros

  • + Best-in-class haptics
  • + Replaceable components
  • + Native macOS support
  • + Premium build quality

Cons

  • - Expensive
  • - Sticks are not Hall Effect (but replaceable)
  • - Shorter battery life
Microsoft

Xbox Elite Series 2

Windows Integration

$179.99

Microsoft's pro-level controller with adjustable tension thumbsticks and back paddles. Best Windows integration.

Bluetooth USB 2.4GHz

Features

  • Adjustable tension sticks
  • 4 back paddles
  • Hair trigger locks
  • 40+ hour battery
  • Charging dock included

Pros

  • + Best Windows compatibility
  • + Customizable hardware
  • + Premium materials
  • + Long battery life

Cons

  • - No Hall Effect sticks
  • - Known drift issues over time
  • - Expensive
8BitDo

8BitDo Pro 2

Budget Pick

$49.99

Budget-friendly option with great build quality. Works across all platforms with customizable profiles.

Bluetooth USB

Features

  • Multi-platform support
  • Back paddles (2 buttons)
  • Custom profiles via app
  • 20+ hour battery life
  • Compact design

Pros

  • + Affordable price
  • + Works with everything
  • + Good build quality
  • + Compact for travel

Cons

  • - No Hall Effect sticks
  • - Triggers feel cheaper
  • - No wireless dongle option

Already Have a Controller?

Ultragrip works with any SDL2-compatible gamepad. PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch Pro, and most third-party controllers are supported out of the box. The recommendations above are for optimal long-term reliability, but any controller will work.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support Ultragrip development. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in.