Pc Game Controllers

KungFuSquirrel

<div class="IPBDescription">Yes, I'm a heathen :P</div> So in the interests of a little research as well as being able to play a couple games on the PC a little more effectively (platformers, mainly, including the one I was working on prior to my job here), I'm in the market for a controller for my PC. I know there's a number of options available as well as converters for console controllers, but I thought I'd see if anyone here has any personal experience with a specific brand/model that might be good to try out or stay away from?

Don't worry, though, I'm not forsaking my trusty keyboard/mouse combo anytime soon. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->

Thansal

What is your favorite console?

just take the controller from that and use it on the PC <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->

After all, it is all personal preferance.

TychoCelchuuu

Saitek P880. Not sure if it's the best, but it certainly works. I've got one.

OttoDestruct

I have <a href='http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=23&products_id=3176&' target='_blank'>this</a>

But I hear <a href='http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?products_id=1697&lsaid=88437' target='_blank'>this</a> works well too.

Its a bit picky, it doesn't detect both ports if I have a controller plugged in when windows boots, but other than that it works perfectly. I even play Stepmania with a PS2 pad.

UnderDOG

I made myself an Xbox controller that works with PCs for fewer than 30 dollars. I've never had any problems with it, and there are custom drivers for them all over the place, just search Google. Both analog sticks work, as well as all the buttons. I’ll try and find a guide to doing it yourself.

Edit:
<a href='http://www.fury-tech.com/Modding/Xbox-Controller-PC-Conversion-Mod' target='_blank'> Xbox Conversion Mod</a>

You can connect the three or four wires mealy by twisting and electrical tape, but I would recommend using solder if you know how.

Also, I can imagine that a similar process could be used with other console's controllers as well.

Edit2: Also, if you already have an Xbox controller you do not have to completely devote on to this, you can do the modification to the little 8 inch connector rather than the whole cord.

Tykjen

if u got a ps2 or old ps1 controllers layin around, u can get a converter, that lets u use any ps controllers for PC. supports analouge and non analouge.

<a href='http://www.nexgear.com/lofiversion/index.php/t27.html' target='_blank'>http://www.nexgear.com/lofiversion/index.php/t27.html</a>

UnderDOG

Oh, just as a clarification to my above post, you can buy usb to whatever converters for most controllers, its just more fun to make one yourself.

Cold_NiTe

<!--QuoteBegin-UnderDOG+Nov 8 2004, 12:24 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (UnderDOG @ Nov 8 2004, 12:24 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Oh, just as a clarification to my above post, you can buy usb to whatever converters for most controllers, its just more fun to make one yourself. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
It may be more fun but damaging the wire and such might not be all that awesome. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->

UnderDOG

There are only 4 wires inside both the Xbox controller and any standard USB cord, and they are all color coded. Even if you don’t feel comfortable with your soldering skills, you can just strip a piece of wire from both ends, twist them together, and cover it with electrical tape.

Maveric

<!--QuoteBegin-KungFuSquirrel+Nov 7 2004, 05:31 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (KungFuSquirrel @ Nov 7 2004, 05:31 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> platformers, mainly, including the one I was working on prior to my job here <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Makes total sense. Trying to use the keyboard as a directional movement pad AND two to <b>six different buttons</b> is a total pain.

Try and find one that:

- Is easy to install and use (IE: USB connector)
- Is comfortable (Duh)
- Is reliable (I've bought third-party controllers for my console games, and sometimes they screw up, even if it was highly priced!)
- Is as cheap as possible (Also a duh)
- Wont f*** up your game (How far apart are the buttons? are they all easilly accessable?)
- You can hold in your hands BEFORE purchase (wash your hands afterwards though <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/confused-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> ) so you can see if it's right for you.


Once you fill these criteria, it's certainly a good bet that it should work out nicely.

Maus

I have a Prince of Persia branded one that came free with Sands of Time, which (I believe) is a Thrustmaster Firestorm, with two analog sticks. It's perhaps a little chunky, but very light and fits in the hands well.

However, I keep thinking of just getting a ps2 converter, so I can have analog buttons too.