The Raspberry Pi makes a great retro gaming console, so it only makes sense for you to want to get the best Raspberry Pi controller. Without one, you won’t be doing much gaming at all. While you can buy a keyboard and mouse, some games are just better designed with controllers in mind.
You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of storage for all of those games with the best Raspberry Pi 4 SD cards. There are quite a few different controllers to choose from, so the decision can be rather rough. So to find a good controller that will pair perfectly with the best Raspberry Pi emulators, check out our suggestions below.
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These are the best Raspberry Pi controllers
8Bitdo SN30 Pro USB Gamepad
Top pick
This SNES-styled controller is built tough and is comfortable enough to play with all night. It also has an extra-long cable so you can lean back. Plus, it not only works with your Raspberry Pi, but it can also connect to your Windows PC or Nintendo Switch (with the right software version).
Logitech G F310
USB champ
The Logitech F310 can be used through a USB hub and still work as a standard Xinput controller. If you’re running out of holes, remember this one! And don’t forget that there are ten different programmable buttons, along with the 8-way programmable D-Pad.
Retro-Bit Official Sega Genesis USB Controller
All about Sega
For a short period, the Sega Genesis ruled the land and provided one of the better controllers to go along with it. Retro-Bit has released a USB Controller with eight different buttons and that beautiful D-Pad. This controller sports a 10-foot-long cable and will work with your Sega Genesis Mini as well as the Raspberry Pi.
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Controller
For Bluetooth lovers
Was everything great about the original 8Bitdo Pro except the wire? We understand. If you want a Bluetooth controller, this is the one to buy. Along with compatibility with all types of operating systems, the SN30 Pro includes rumble vibration, motion controls and allows you to connect via the USB-C port on the top.
Logitech Gamepad F710
2.4 ghz
Wireless via a USB dongle means no worries about getting tangled in a cord with this great controller from Logitech. And with the F710, you can get rid of the cables, enjoy dual-vibration models, and know that this controller will stick around for a while longer. Just be ready for some possible interference since this controller is limited to 2.4GHz connectivity.
Xbox Controller
Next-gen controller
Provided that you get the version that includes the cable, you can use Microsoft’s Xbox controller with the Raspberry Pi. It’s a bit disappointing that you cannot natively pair the controller with the Pi, but at least the cable is there to help. And as expected, the controller easily pairs with Windows, wirelessly or wired, and this will give you another controller to hang onto.
8Bitdo Pro 2
Better grips
Take your favorite retro controller (pre-N64) and give it some better grips, and that’s what you get with the 8Bitdo Pro 2. The controller features a rechargeable 1,000mAh battery, including button mapping functionalities and a six-axis gyro for motion controllers. And with the Ultimate Software app on Android, you can customize the different profiles, making it easy to switch from your Raspberry Pi to your Android phone in no time.
Sony DualSense
Different ergonomics
Compatibility with the Raspberry Pi, or Linux in general, wasn’t available at launch. However, you can now use Sony’s latest and greatest controller with your Raspberry Pi to enjoy all of your favorite games. You’ll need to enter a couple of lines of code, but once the drivers are installed, you’ll be good to go.
8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter
Use what you love
This USB dongle lets you use your wireless PlayStation or Xbox controller on the Raspberry Pi. And it even works with other non-traditional controllers like Nintendo’s Wii controller and Switch Joy-Cons. It’s great knowing exactly where the buttons are, and you don’t need more controllers lying around.
