I use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It does the job for all of the systems I have on Retroarch.
i used to use a Logitech F310, this baby
But honestly, it kind of sucks dick. It’s really uncomfortable and constantly ran into issues that I had to repair until it gave up entirely. Now i’m looking for a new controller, but i’ll most likely go for an 8bitdo one
People may hate it but I don’t. DS4 is just incredibly comfortable to me. That’s been taken over by the steamdeck recently though
I use a horipad mini switch controller. I have small hands and bigger controllers feel unwieldy.
Retro-Bit Saturn pad, just feels right for most 2D games. Soon I will be using an 8bitdo Neo Geo CD pad though.
this controller fucks. I love it.
I use the now infamous billionaire submarine controller, but I’ve had it for years. Logitech F710. A shockingly solid controller, though its wireless is a bit spotty.
I also have the retrobit saturn pad that I bust out for fighting games, and a couple stadia controllers I use for multiplayer.
Also a big fan of using a PS2 controller with an adapter.
If a don’t need an analog stick, my go-to has been the Hori Fighting Commander Octa. It has a stick, but I don’t use it often. The buttons are microswitched and it feels great.
If I do need the sticks, Series X controllers are fine, generally.
Dualshock 4
I got a Dualsense recently and love it. The USB C charging is especially nice.
I have 2 that I can recommend. First is the known quantity - the 8bitdo Pro 2. Primarily because of the dpad placement, it’s an excellent controller for older retro games. Well-built, wireless capability, remappable buttons, etc etc. Covers Windows, Mac, Android, and Switch. You know the drill.
But the GameSir T4 Kaleid really surprised me. For a little over $41 you get: hall effect sticks AND triggers, microswitch face buttons, 2 back paddles, remaps, and possibly the cleanest implementation of RGB strips I’ve seen on an electronic device, ever. There are only 2 downsides for me: the GameSir logo (chickens are cool but just not my thing), and it’s wired only. Otherwise it’s a seriously awesome piece of kit.
I’ve never owned an Xbox in my life, only PlayStations, so I thought I wouldn’t like the staggered joystick layout, but it is surprisingly comfortable.
I use the atari modern controller for the Atari VCS. It has no drift or any loss in quality after over a year of usage. It’s super clicky and feels cheap but is a pretty responsive controller. Most emulators map it automatically very well.
It’s prone to smudging though. Also the charger port has a notch which makes it so you can only use the atari charging cable, nothing a dremel didn’t fix ;)
Xbox controller or DualSense, depends on if I’m playing PlayStation or not.
I run everything on a Retroid Pocket 2+, so…uh, the Retroid Pocket 2+, lol. A handheld system just suits me better.
I use a Competition Pro USB. I also have an 8bitdo if more buttons are required. Keyboard is always a favourite though!
Most of the time I use the pdp Wired Xbox controller, but sometimes I’ll use the 8bitdo SNES30. Logitech Rumble Pad 2 still gets some use and if I’m feeling especially nostalgic I’ll use the SN Program pad with a SuperSmartJoy that converts it to USB.
I have a Buffalo SNES clone (usb) for really old games, and I just use an Xbox controller for newer stuff.
The Buffalo controller is probably 10 years old but still works fine. Good choice IMO if you don’t want to mod an original or hunt down an adapter.
I use a Razer Kishi and an Xbox one controller