Recommend me a PC game controller
Tuesday, December 19th, 2006 - 3:58am
So, I've got a Saitek P750 which I like, but it only has one analog stick. I'm not looking for a really hardcore controller, just one that'll do the job for games like Psychonauts or for emulators (which, of course, are technically illegal and I never, ever, ever use 'cause they're illegal and such).
Also, I've heard of adaptors that allow PS2/Gamecube/etc. controllers to be used on the PC. Are these worth getting instead, and how well do they work? I'm hoping not to pay too much for whatever it is I end up getting, probably not more than $20-25.
"I'm absolutely retarded. Not 100% sure why." - atom
"Dhelor + intarwebs = Great ideas." - wordsmythe
"Do I what I do: hate everyone." - Quintin_Stone
The wired Xbox 360 controller. It'll plug into your USB. Unless you really prefer the dual shock over the Microsoft Sidewinder/Xbox line, that's what I'd invest in.
"YOU SPOIL, YOU GET SPOILED! AAAAHAHAHAHAHA!"
I really like the Logitech Dual Action Gamepad, more than I like the real PS2 pads. And since most console ports for pc are PS2 adaptations, you can't really go wrong with this one.
And it works perfect with Psychonauts
Roo: "Just to cheer you up if any of the above made you sad: Boobies."
Koning_Floris, on my online 'skills': "Stinking is a skill too!"
I had seen that one, but most of the reviews for it are pretty bad. It is pretty cheap, though...
"I'm absolutely retarded. Not 100% sure why." - atom
"Dhelor + intarwebs = Great ideas." - wordsmythe
"Do I what I do: hate everyone." - Quintin_Stone
I second the recommendation for the 360 pad, great gamepad. Might be a little more expensive than you're looking for though. Also, you don't need to buy the Windows packaged version with the drivers CD, you can just get the (slightly cheaper) 360 version and download the drivers yourself.
Xbox Live: Bunkmancow
Has anyone had experience with the MadCatz 360 controller? It's cheaper and, according to their site, also PC compatible.
I am leaning towards a 360 controller, as I hope in the not-foreseeable future to get a 360 - and I'm all about the multitaskers.
EDIT: And on the subject of multitasker, this seems like a pretty good option.
"I'm absolutely retarded. Not 100% sure why." - atom
"Dhelor + intarwebs = Great ideas." - wordsmythe
"Do I what I do: hate everyone." - Quintin_Stone
Is nice!
The Logitech pad I linked to is not exactly the one I have at home, they don't make those anymore. But it should be the same model, only slightly updated. Mine has worked fine for over two years now, it would surprise me if they completely botched the new model.
Roo: "Just to cheer you up if any of the above made you sad: Boobies."
Koning_Floris, on my online 'skills': "Stinking is a skill too!"
I'd wait and grab the XBox360 wireless receiver for the PC that's coming out soon. The 360 wireless controllers are great and having one less wire to worry about with the desktop would be appealing to me.
http://gear.ign.com/articles/749/749090p1.html?RSSwhen2006-12-04_181200&RSSid=749104
Edit: I guess this makes more sense if you already own a 360!!!
I am a sinner who does not expect forgiveness, but I am not a government official.
~Francis Wolcott
XBox Live: XRayDevil
The wireless XBox 360 controller is pretty sweet, but the wired one is cheaper, doesn't require the receiver for use with the PC, and best of all doesn't require batteries.
Xbox Live:Kurrelgyre | PSN: Kurrelgyre | Steam:Kurrelgyre
"Sensei Ping is still in his cage. That is all Sensei Ping is saying." - The Middleman
I thought the analog controller didn't work too well with the Xbox360 controllers on pc?
If not, I just might take another look at them. Although I stand by the fact most PC ports stem from the PS2. It's just easier to have a PS2 style controller for your pc, less fuss with reassigning controls.
Roo: "Just to cheer you up if any of the above made you sad: Boobies."
Koning_Floris, on my online 'skills': "Stinking is a skill too!"
That's a really impressive review. It's unbelievable how much text they managed to put in without actually talking about the receiver at all and the one paragraph that actually was devoted to it didn't even make it sound like they've ever held one. It answers no questions (does it operate without needing line-of-sight the same as the 360?) and they gave nothing to indicate they did anything more than read a press release. Really. Impressive.
ThePolypusher
GH3 Stats
I'd recommend the Logitech Dual Action Cordless Rumblepad 2, however, the last 2 Ubisoft ports for PC (SC:DA and RS:V) only support the Xbox360 controller. I hope this isn't a trend.
Xbox Live: shonuff27
I've tried a number of gamepads on my PC but now I only use my wired X360 controller. It's just that good.
NOTE: This is not a doodle bug.
BF2142 Stats
That's IGN, baby! Can you say "cancelled Insider account"?
I like the 360 controller, but it has limited PC support right now. Last time I tried to use it, I uploaded support for HL2, but the mouse look inverted strangely when piloting vehicles and I just game up. I imagine in 12 months all games will support it, though, and you can use it if you ever get a 360.
Anyone know if the 360 controller works with Psychonauts for the PC?
We shall grapple with the ineffable, and see if we may not eff it after all.
I'd highly recommend the Super Dual Box Pro for the PS2 controller. Depending on whether or not the game you play allows it, you get to custom map each button including the D-Pad and analog sticks. I don't have an X360, so I can't comment on its controllers.
You can find the Super Dual Box Pro at play-asia. It's about $15, and shipping is around $3.
It's gonna feel like you took a tray full of cookies and BAKED THEM UP IN YOUR ASS!!!
http://steamcommunity.com/id/bravace
I thought so at first when I picked up a GameStop branded wired pad for the Xbox 360 and plugged it into a PC. The drivers installed automatically without any fuss, but it never calibrated properly--the analog sticks kept moving around on their own and would never stay in the center. The Microsoft pad that replaced it didn't have that problem.
Xbox Live:Kurrelgyre | PSN: Kurrelgyre | Steam:Kurrelgyre
"Sensei Ping is still in his cage. That is all Sensei Ping is saying." - The Middleman
If you are thinking about the 360 controller for emulators, forget it. The analog D-pad is just far too loose to be of any use. I use a PS2 controller adapter because it has all of the functions of modern analog controllers, and a decent D-pad.