I've been wanting to play some games on ubuntu for the longest time. Mostly just my playstation games, but all my old game controllers require a serial port so i figure its about time to get a new controller.

What kind of controller is most compatible with ubuntu? (other than a keyboard)

How come no one's mentioned a converter?

I use the Saitek P2900 wireless controllers. They work fine, too.

I would have mentioned one for the SNES, but it appears that an SNES controller would not do what he needs. Its nice because they can be built by hand at minimal cost.

Oh yes. That D-pad -- Analog-stick swap is also fully functional on the Saitek P990.

Get a PS3 pad, they work out of the box and are perfect for psx games they need to be plugged, I believe you can get them working via bluetooth but if you plug them in with the mini usb they just work.

that's a bit expensive for a simple PC controller, isn't it?

to the OP, are you looking for a controller with analog sticks? If so the Logitech Rumblepad2 is a decent controller. just plug n' play. Its shaped a lot like your basic PS2 controller but the d-pad isn't quite as nice. also has a nice function where the left joystick and the d-pad can swap functions with each other.

I have a Saitek P990 and despite the "programmable" features, that are solely done in software on windows so not avaible for linux, it works.
I'm heavy into "retro"-gaming and own a lot of old consoles so I'm very carefull of what I use to control my games. I went to the local pc-store here and went through all controlers they had and in my price-range that sprung into my eye. it has a nice tactile feedback.

I too have a saitek, but it fully works.
But finding a saitek these days is very hard, but I also had success getting logitech controllers to work though I think they are crap...
Too bad as they are the only ones you can find in regular stores now, you have to go online to get something better like Saitek.

well its not that bad if you use them a lot, I just think that with all of the 3rd party controllers out there with the same layout that its not worth the extra money.
Though when it comes to current gen console controllers for emulation, I love the Wiimote. Have you ever played The Legend of Zelda: OoT with motion controls? (bear in mind I do this on windows with GlovePIE since there is not Linux program that works to the extent GlovePIE does). I've also customized controls for other games like Doom3 using Wii FPS controls and Starfox/64 so that rotating the controller rotates the ship. there's a world of gaming just waiting to have new controls assigned to them.

anyways, I couldn't live without my SNES to PC converter I built. It accepts 5 SNES controllers so I can play NHL94 with enough people to fill up a team. Great for all my wonder SNES games or any other game utilizing similar controls.

Hadn't really considered price as I have a PS3 s it's a no brainer for me but I like the pads and if you game a lot ?30 isn't all that bad really.