Reliability of generic USB controllers

[ShriekViola]

Recently My xbox 360 pad finally gave up the ghost after fifteen years of consistent use (think something went in the cable wiring). For now I've been making do with using keyboard & mouse controls for some games I'm currently playing through but its a lot harder since I'm not used to that setup at all outside of strategy or point & click adventure games.

I need a new controller but I'm looking for economic options until I can be bothered to fork out for something more substantial or official. I see a lot of unbranded knockoff xbox or PS type wired USB controllers on online retail / trading sites. I assume most of them are cheaply produced and aren't made to last for more than a few months to a year at most. I wouldn't really complain since I know I'd likely be getting nothing more or less exactly what I pay for. As a temporary makeshift they might serve their purpose but does anyone have any actual shorthand experience with these things? Are they compatible with steam titles as simple plug and play devices or do I have to piss around configuring each game to recognise them with some external remapping program? If / when they start to available will there be gradual instances or will it just happen instantly out of nowhere for no clear reason?

[Bad 💀 Motha]

You can buy the wiring hardness off Ebay and replace that yourself.

Overall I would look at Razer, Logitech, XboxOne, Power-A and 8bitDo.

Ebay and others you can buy these various controllers brand new for cheap.

[morrisseyshair]

I've used many third-party controllers and I've found all of them to be reliable. Why spend $60-70 for a controller when you can get a cheaper quality one for $20. They work the same at the end of the day.

Get one that's the same shape as the "real" ones and you shouldn't have problems. Some third-party controllers try to get cute and have a different shape and they can be uncomfortable to hold.

[_I_]

ms often have teh xbone s/x on sale for around $45+tax free shipping
hard to beat them, best compatibility with games and windows

right now, red is $45+tax
https://www.xbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-wireless-controller#red

i just hate that the red or other color is only the face plate and button/stick coloring, not the back/battery cover, triggers and top
https://assets.xboxservices.com/assets/fb/a4/fba4b1b3-a093-44f7-afe3-548783279992.jpg

[Bad 💀 Motha]

You can easily go find all the major name brand controllers for around $40 or less.

Discount Sales on places like Newegg, Amazon and others pop up quite frequently as well.