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Asked: 2024-09-25T07:25:58+05:30 In:

How can I set up an Xbox 360 controller on my Ubuntu system?

Hey everyone! I’ve got this Xbox 360 controller lying around, and I thought it’d be cool to use it with my Ubuntu setup. I’ve seen people talk about it, but I can’t seem to figure out where to start. I don’t want to dive too deep into any technical mumbo-jumbo, so I’m hoping someone can break this down for me in simple terms.

First off, I’ve plugged the controller into my USB port, and my Ubuntu system recognizes it, which is great. But when I try to play games, it doesn’t seem like it’s actually doing anything. Am I missing a step? Do I need to install particular drivers or software to get it to work?

I’ve read something about using ‘xboxdrv’ or maybe the ‘xpad’ driver, but I honestly have no idea which one is the better choice or how to install them. If I go with ‘xboxdrv,’ will I have to mess around with any complicated configuration files? Or is ‘xpad’ easier to deal with?

Also, can I use the controller with Steam games, or will it only work with the native Linux games? I’ve heard that it can be a bit hit or miss depending on how the game handles controller input, so I’d love some clarification on that.

I’m also curious if there are any specific settings or tweaks I should consider after I get it running. For instance, do I need to adjust anything in the game’s settings to make sure it’s recognizing the controller properly?

Finally, if anyone has a list of games that work particularly well with an Xbox 360 controller on Ubuntu, that would be awesome. I want to make sure I get the most out of this setup, you know?

Thanks for any advice you can offer—really keen on getting this sorted so I can start gaming comfortably!

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    2 Answers


    1. To use your Xbox 360 controller on Ubuntu, the first thing you need to check is which driver will best suit your needs. For most users, the ‘xpad’ driver is the simplest option because it usually works out of the box without requiring complex configuration. You can check if ‘xpad’ is installed by running lsmod | grep xpad in the terminal. If it’s not installed, you can install it by executing sudo apt install xserver-xorg-input-evdev or make sure your system is up-to-date with sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. As for ‘xboxdrv,’ it offers more advanced features and configurations, but it may involve more setup, including editing configuration files if you want to customize your controller settings.

      Once your controller is recognized, it should work with many games, including those on Steam. Steam typically has built-in support for Xbox 360 controllers, and you can adjust controller settings in the Big Picture mode for better compatibility. You might need to enable Steam Input for specific games to ensure they properly register the controller inputs. Generally speaking, games that support gamepads will work fine, but compatibility can vary. There are several titles well-suited for Xbox 360 controllers on Ubuntu, including “Celeste,” “Stardew Valley,” and “Hollow Knight.” Just make sure to check the controller settings within each game for optimal performance.


    2. Sounds like you’re on the right track with your Xbox 360 controller! Let’s break it down step by step. You’ve plugged it in and your system recognizes it, which is a good start!

      Drivers: xpad vs xboxdrv

      For your controller, you typically have two main driver options: xpad and xboxdrv. Here’s the scoop:

      • xpad: This driver is usually pre-installed on Ubuntu, and it’s easier to set up. Just plug in your controller and it should work for most games without needing much configuration.
      • xboxdrv: This is a bit more advanced and gives you more options for customization, but it can be a hassle if you don’t want to mess with config files. If you want to try it out, you can install it using the terminal with sudo apt install xboxdrv.

      Using the Controller with Games

      For Steam games, both drivers should usually work well. Steam has built-in support for controllers, so once you connect your controller, it should recognize it. However, make sure you check the game’s settings inside Steam to ensure it recognizes the controller correctly.

      Settings and Tweaks

      After you’ve got the controller working, some games might require you to adjust their settings. Look for options like “Controller” or “Input” settings menu in the game. Just make sure to select the Xbox controller as your input device if it gives you that option.

      Games that Work Well

      Lots of games are great with the Xbox 360 controller! Here are a few recommendations:

      • Celeste
      • Hollow Knight
      • Dead Cells
      • Stardew Valley
      • Rocket League

      These games are known for solid controller support, so you should have a blast!

      Hope that helps get your controller set up! Just plug it in, choose the driver that sounds best for you, and dive into some gaming!

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