Thanks everyone for the responses! I guess it really all is personal preference! I ended up just switching to the analog stick like a few commenters and I’m getting used to it. Not sure why but I just can’t get used to the dpad.

It's not ideal for 2D games, it's better suited as an item wheel or navigating menus. It is however a thousand times better than the dpad found on pretty much all models of Xbox controllers, from the 360 to Series.

In a portable device, nothing beats the Vita dpad as far as I'm concerned, insanely good. The GBA SP one is also good, if size-adjusted.

I got used to the analog stick for direction, even for retro games.

To the point that I only use the d-pad as 4 buttons (like most modern games use it) or sometimes to navigate in menus.

I find it very good, played hours of Rogue legacy and tons of Dead cells with them and have absolutely no complains. Sure the PSX d-pad is better, but it's still the same or better than an Xbox controller one which is what I was using before because my PSX controllers are connected to my PlayStation.

I don't mind the feel of it but I do find it to be too noisy. Personal preference, I suppose.

I don’t mind it and think its pretty ok, but the PSX dpad is still my favourite.

Pretty much any controller I put through the Tony Hawk test. THPS/THUG games I find require the most inputs and use of all but the analog sticks.

I find manualling the trickiest thing to do on the Site Deck Dpad. Not quite sure what it is but I think it has to do with how close my thumb is to my hand due to the pad being so close to the edge.

I do have a bit better luck playing THPS on an 8bitdo than the steam deck pad.

Fun tidbit: if you get the 8bitdo pro 2 controller, it has a switch on the back so you can alter it from Steam Deck (X) to a Windows PC (D) to Nintendo Switch (S) with the flick of a button. A universal remote

I was worried about it since 2d platformers and Metroidvanias are my bread-and-butter and reviews weren't good. I don't think it's that bad though. I got used to it quickly enough.

I’m not happy with the dpad, either. It’s ok in menus and such, but for actually playing anything it’s terrible. I end up mapping the left stick to dpad if the game needs it.