halleffectcontrollerlist

Game Controllers with Hall Effect Joystick Sensors

by

Yes, there are a lot of video game controllers for PC and consoles that use Hall effect sensors to detect the position of the joystick.

Why should you get a controller with Hall Effect sticks?

  • they don’t develop stick drift
  • they will last you much longer
  • they are usually more precise than analog (but it might be different in FPS games)
  • they have better deadzones

Hall effect sensors previously were typically used in high-end joysticks in flight simulators or in industrial applications, but slowly they’re making their way into gaming, also with hall effect keyboard switches.

Which controllers use Hall Effect? Every controller with Hall Effect Joysticks

Here’s a complete list of hall effect controllers. New gamepads keep coming out, so it will be updated. There are also a couple of TMR controllers on the list – TMR is in short slightly better tech than Hall Effect. Last update: December 21st 2024.

New:   Potentiometer vs hall effect joystick sensor

Controllers which use both Hall Effect Joysticks and Hall Effect Triggers

There are couple other controllers now, needs to be updated.

Hall Effect vs analog joysticks

Hall effect sensors and analog joysticks are both commonly used in game controllers, but they function differently and have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Analog joysticks, also known as ALPS and potentiometer-based joysticks, use a variable resistor to detect the position of the joystick. The joystick is connected to a set of potentiometers, which are electrical devices that can be used to measure the position of the joystick by measuring the resistance. Analog joysticks are relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, which is why they are commonly found in standard game controllers. They also provide a good level of precision and control for basic gaming needs.

Hall effect sensors, on the other hand, use the Hall effect phenomenon to detect the position of the joystick. A small magnet is attached to the joystick and a Hall effect sensor is used to measure the voltage generated by the magnetic field. Hall effect sensors are more durable and have a longer lifespan than potentiometer-based joysticks, and they are also more accurate and precise. They are also more resistant to harsh environments.

GameSir G7 SE

GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows 10/11, Plug and Play Gaming Gamepad with Hall Effect Joysticks/Hall Trigger, 3.5mm Audio Jack
GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows 10/11, Plug and Play Gaming Gamepad with Hall Effect Joysticks/Hall Trigger, 3.5mm Audio Jack
  • Versatile Compatibility: Supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles, and PC Win10 and above (including the Steam game platform).
  • Precise Control: Features Hall Joysticks and Hall trigger for comfortable feel, long life, and enhanced gaming accuracy.
  • Plug-and-Play Convenience: USB wired connection (detachable) for easy setup and instant gaming without the need for additional drivers.
  • Customizable Experience: Includes 2 custom back keys, allowing users to eliminate false triggers and enhance their gaming experience.
  • Immersive Gameplay: Offers pulse type vibration trigger motor and asymmetric vibration grip motor for immersive tactile feedback.
$44.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Newly released (July 2023) Xbox licensed controller with Hall Sticks and basically the cheapest Hall Effect controller out there. It’s the best alternative to a regular Xbox One controller, but with Hall sensors. Main issue with this one is the fact it’s wired. It’s well priced and works with Xbox out-of-the-box, no adapters needed.

New:   Beitong Kunpeng 20: review, another TMR controller

Here’s my stick drift test for Xbox Series Wireless Controller and Gamesir G7 SE. Both controllers are brand new.

WiredGamesirG7SECircuralityTest
Wired Gamesir G7 SE Stick Drift Test
Xbox Series Wireless Controller Stick Drift Test

GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro – the first one

Gulikit Kingkong 2 was one of the first controllers using Hall Effect sensors and it’s still great in 2023. It works best with PC, but using a $20 Goku adapter it will also work with Playstation 4, 5 and Xbox One consoles. Also, Kingkong 3 (KK3 Max) is being released in January 2024 with some extra features.

What sets this controller apart is this patented technology Hall sensor that eliminates stick drift:

FPS Mode patented technology controller feature
Gulikit hall effect sensors are used also in 8bitdo controllers
  • Exclusive FPS mode, 100% No Dead Zone on a stick, especially fits FPS games on Windows PC for fast aiming.
  • The use of permanent magnet materials and electromagnetic linear Hall technology effectively eliminates joystick drifting.
  • A new patented button has been introduced, featuring a special steel ring on the joystick for excellent conductive rubber feel.

What’s interesting is that Gulikit has collaborated with the 8bitdo company, allowing them to use their patented Hall Effect sensors in their 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth controller. Both are excellent options if you’re seeking a Hall Effect controller, with the primary differences being the design and feel in the user’s hand.

The KingKong 2 Pro Wireless joystick is designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices, including Switch, PC, Android, MacOS and IOS devices. It connects to the device via Bluetooth and has a built-in rechargeable battery which can be charged via a USB cable. It also has a working time up to 20 hours.

The joystick also has a number of buttons, including a D-pad, four face buttons, two shoulder buttons, and two triggers, which can be customized through the accompanying software. The software allows the user to adjust settings such as button mapping, vibration intensity, and the Hall Effect Calibration.

There is also a $10 cheaper alternative: non-Pro version of the controller, named just KingKong 2. What’s included in KingKong 2 Pro, but not in KingKong 2?

  • Amiibo on Switch mode
  • Stick sensitivity setting
  • ZL-ZR sensitivity setting
  • Auto-Pilot Game (APG) recording for 10 minutes instead of 10 seconds
  • PC/Android motion sense aim assist

If you don’t need these features, then it’s worth to pick up that regular version.

Upgrade your Steam Deck or Switch Controller

Gulikit also produces Switch and Steam Deck controller joystick replacements with hall effect sensors.

These are great if you want to upgrade your old joycons. Because they have hall effect sensors instead of potentiometer there is no wear, because no physical contact occurs and they should last a lot longer than all the standard joysticks.

AKNES Gulikit Switch Joycon Replacement-No Drifting, Higher Sensitivity Hall Effect Joystick Replacement Parts for Switch/Switch OLED/Switch Lite, Repair Tool Kit, Left/Right thumbstick Cap(2 Pair)
AKNES Gulikit Switch Joycon Replacement-No Drifting, Higher Sensitivity Hall Effect Joystick Replacement Parts for Switch/Switch OLED/Switch Lite, Repair Tool Kit, Left/Right thumbstick Cap(2 Pair)
  • 【Gulikit Electromagnetic Hall Effect Joystick】Gulikit Hall Sensor Joystick specifically designed for Switch 2017, Switch OLED Model 2021 Joycon, Switch Lite; Gulikit Hall joysticks can solve wore, out of control, insensitive and drift.
  • 【Hall Effect Sensor Joystick】AKNES Gulikit Switch Joycon Replacement features a higher sensitivity Hall Effect Sensor Joystick that solves the drift problem of ALPS joystick from the root, making it perfect for FPS shooter games. Hall joystick allows players to experience the game better.
Buy on Amazon
GuliKit Electromagnetic Joystick Module for Steam Deck(Type A and Type B), No Drifting -Thumbstick Parts Repair Kit with Hall Effect Sensor, Joystick Module Replacement Left/Right Thumbstick Analog Joystick（2 Pack）
GuliKit Electromagnetic Joystick Module for Steam Deck(Type A and Type B), No Drifting -Thumbstick Parts Repair Kit with Hall Effect Sensor, Joystick Module Replacement Left/Right Thumbstick Analog Joystick（2 Pack）
  • [Universal model] GuliKit New Model Joystick Module: This Stick model is designed for Steam Deck Type A and B.There is a switch on the back of the module that switches between A and B models, allowing you to quickly select the type you need. Navigate to ‘Settings → System → Steam Deck Controller ID’, ‘MEDA’ is Type A, ‘MHDA’ is Type B.
  • [No Drift] This Hall Effect Electromagnetic Stick fixes issues like joystick drift, blind spots, dead zones, no click, no centering, broken and loose sticks.
Buy on Amazon
Marcus Richardson
Editor-in-chief

I love testing and writing about new tech. I'm also a gamer and an engineer. Check out my Twitter for keyboard and controller news and reviews.

Related posts:

cyclone2 vs vader4pro vs blitz2Vader 4 Pro vs Cyclone 2 vs Blitz 2 controller with magnetic joystickPotentiometer vs hall effect joystick sensor dualsense edge sticksDualSense Edge will have replacement Hall Effect Sticks 60vs65vs65 keyboard60% vs 65% vs 75% Keyboard

14 thoughts on “Game Controllers with Hall Effect Joystick Sensors”

  1. I have KingKong 2 Pro and it’s a pretty neat, I upgraded from a xbox one controller and you can feel the difference. But the input calibration on steam is a pain in the ass. Quality is great though, I love the grip.

    Reply
  2. Pingback: Potentiometer vs hall effect sensor in joysticks

  3. 8Bitdo Ulimate is pretty good for me, but make sure to get the Ultimate Bluetooth version, because the Ultimate 2.4G or Ultimate Wireless version on amazon doesn’t have the hall effect sticks. It’s pretty confusing.

    Reply

  4. I have the Gulikit controller for some time and here are my thoughts. The Nintendo Mode has significant thumb stick calibration issues in Steam, causing overshooting of the 0,0 coordinate. However, the Windows (X-Input) mode works fine but lacks native gyro support in Steam. In X-Input mode, the error rate is impressively low at 0.6% in the circularity test.

    My model didn’t include replacement ABXY buttons for the standard PC/Xbox layout, so I had to order them separately from Walmart. It would be great if Gulikit sold their button kit on Amazon.

    The English translation of the manual is poor; fortunately, the online version is better. Their website for downloading firmware and manuals is problematic, with frequent CAPTCHA issues.

    Updating firmware can be confusing and requires a Windows PC for some updates. There are two separate firmware updates needed for the most up-to-date device: “CPU1 V1.16” and “NS09 V4.7”.

    A significant drawback is that the controller doesn’t remap the Nintendo Share button to the Xbox Share button for Steam detection, which could be highly useful for PC users.

    Despite these issues, the controller has an excellent feel and weight. It features a textured grip, rubberized surface, smooth thumbsticks, and a polished steel ring. It’s also great that Gulikit sells “Pro” type replaceable thumbsticks and requires no additional software for configuration.

    Reply

  5. The Stratus+ being on this list is misleading. Only the triggers are Hall Effect. The joysticks are analog which mean you will be plagued with your usual stick drift issues

    Reply

  7. Gulikit has stated that they won’t be releasing Hall Effect stick modules for the Dualsense Edge since Sony won’t make calibration software for the controller.

    Reply

  10. I got a ‘8BitDo Ultimate 2C’ wired controller for $20 in Dec 2024 and overall it’s hard to complain given it’s got hall-effect sticks/triggers and the overall feel of it is solid. so as long as it’s built-to-last I would basically give it top marks.

    it works on Linux Mint 21 (5.15 kernel) and 22 (6.8 kernel) out-of-the-box in ‘Dinput’ mode, but I immediately wanted ‘Xinput’ since that’s more properly supported across games (especially in regards to the pressure sensitive LT/RT buttons which are a must for racing games etc) as that does NOT work out-of-the-box but it’s easy enough to get working using “/etc/udev/rules.d/99-8bitdo-xinput.rules” file with info available online (i.e. gist[.]github[.]com/ammuench/0dcf14faf4e3b000020992612a2711e2 ) as the instructions there are solid but one has to swap out numbers to match the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C controller which when connected in Xinput mode (i.e. with controller unplugged, press and hold ‘X’ and while still holding ‘X’ plug in the USB cable to PC and wait until the light is solid color. it seems to retain Xinput mode after doing this once) those numbers are “2dc8:310a”.

    p.s. from what I saw online it appears the Linux 6.12 kernel has official support but that’s a very recent kernel from mid November 2024, which plenty of Linux distro’s won’t be using, especially LTS (Long Term Support) distro’s like Linux Mint. Mint 22 ‘may’ eventually be offered a 6.12 kernel or newer but it’s not in use by default as one would have to go out of their way to install it as currently the newest available in Mint 22 would be the 6.11 kernel which one could install using ‘apt install linux-oem-24.04b’. a 6.12 or newer kernel may eventually be offered in Mint though either that way or through the ‘Update Manager > View > Linux Kernels’ section (currently only 6.8 is officially offered on Mint 22 through Update Manager but if the past is any indication they will eventually offer newer kernels, but even then, one would have to go out of their way to install it).

    Reply

Leave a Comment

HLplanet.com

We review gaming hardware - mostly controllers, keyboards and Steam Deck stuff. We also cover about other tech topics.

Categories

Controllers

Keyboards

PC Hardware

Steam Deck

Video Games

Guides

Editor's Picks

Gamepad Tester Tool

Polling rate and controllers

Controllers with Hall Effect

Verified vs Playable

Keyboard Tester

HLplanet

About Us

Contact

Reddit

TMR Joystick