Which Gamepad/Controller

[redders]

I'm in the market for a new gamepad and was hoping you guys could offer me some advice. I'm looking for something that first and foremost is Vista compatible and secondly has the most usability/compatibility across the emulators out there.

Any advice/links greatly appreciated.

[Brian Hoffman]

I'm in the market for a new gamepad and was hoping you guys could offer me some advice. I'm looking for something that first and foremost is Vista compatible and secondly has the most usability/compatibility across the emulators out there.

Any advice/links greatly appreciated.

Id recommend logitec..

Also Id get one with analog.

[slipstream19]

Id recommend logitec..

Also Id get one with analog.

....

you want a controller with a deacent analouge stick and a good dpad.

(the 360 controller is exelent exept for the d pad) so i suverly warning you not to buy the 360controller (because of the flawed Dpad)

other wise that controller is great (for N64 emus and other analoug stick games)

[headkaze]

I have two wireless Logitec 2 Rumblepads.. for a cab without an external USB port it's great for having 4 players in Mario Karts and Virtua Tennis. Check for Vista compatibility though, I'm not sure if they have drivers for them. They may even have newer models of these anyway.

[slipstream19]

I have two wireless Logitec 2 Rumblepads.. for a cab without an external USB port it's great for having 4 players in Mario Karts and Virtua Tennis. Check for Vista compatibility though, I'm not sure if they have drivers for them. They may even have newer models of these anyway.

http://www.inphasetechnology.com/images/eb...963335-1914.gif

i got these (but they dont have the analoug stick) :S

but theyr really sickly great when it comes to the d pad. i do alot of ffightinggames and this cheap pad is the best dpad ive ever had. better than most of my friends much so expensiever dpads and the 360 controller d pad.

only flaw is that it dont have an analoug stick

iv heard that the ps2 controllers have both awsome dpads and analog though . (witn an usb extention to them)

[Tynker]

I am a big fan of the 3-in-1 & 4-in-1 converters...

Basically a usb dongle that has a plug for PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, plus 2 additional USB ports.

Pair that device up with some good aftermarket (or sony/nintendo/miscrosft if you like to pay extra $$) console controllers (I go wireless) and you should be able to find something you like. You might already have the controllers, I did.

Windows Vista shows it as a HID and uses native drivers.

If you are going USB only, I suggest Logitech.

Pick one that is comfortable to your hands. I have yet to find one that will not work with an emulator, but I have found many that just plain hurt my hands to use.

[hansolo77]

I personally like the Saitek controller line. One of the defining factors for me was a 6 button digital pad for me to play my Sega Genesis games, which the latter half of all use 6-buttons. I personally have a P2500, which they apparently don't make anymore. It was $9.99 at Walmart and uses a USB cable. They have quite a few options, cord(less), rumble(less), analog(less), 4-6 buttons, shoulder buttons, etc. The P2500 was corded USB with vibration, 2 shoulders, 6 buttons, 8-way d-pad, 2 analog sticks with buttons (L3 and R3 for those Playstation users). Really works out great. The closest available now is the P2600...

http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/gamepads.htm

[Nologic]

Well I own a few different gamepads.

Logitech Dual Action Gamepad (Nice)

Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 (Very nice)

Saitek P2900 Cordless (Nice)

I'd prefer the P2900 if it wasn't for the loss of signal at times...so cordless I'd suggest the Logitech Rumblepad 2...plus with Logitech you have more freedom to place the receivers where you want them.

Now with a cord...I'd lean towards the Saitek P2600 even tho I don't own one...mainly for the same reasons that hansolo77 made mention of.

If your a fan of the xBox 360 controller...I personally haven't toyed with the 360 so.....but you have two options...Microsofts own products for Windows in ether cord or cordless format...or Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad, which might be nice as well as you can switch the Dpad and Left Stick placement...I haven't played with that product ether...but Saitek does make nice products. Needless to say I can't make any sort of recommendation for ether of these pads.

[redders]

Thanks for the great suggestions guys.

After looking, the two I'm considering are the logitech rumblepad 2 or the Saitek p2600. I'm leaning more and more towards the p2600 though as I type (looks very nice).

[midget35]

Sorry to go against you nologic - but I have had HELL with the wireless saitek controller- loses signal unbelievavbly often in every emu i've tried. I've replaced it 3 times then just gave up. yes: the btn layout is perfect , but it really is a stunning piece of crap - inherently flawed and having undergone no testing. i can't urge any one to stay away enough. I hate it.

the logitech wireless rumblepads are the best pc & emu controllers i've ever used. truly outstanding - if only there were the extra face btns of the saitek one

[Nologic]

hmm your not going against me...I stated I didn't like the wireless version P2900...but I do like the wire version P2600.

*Update*

Well I didn't exactly say I didn't like it...just that I run into issues with signal loss that prevented me from being able to recommend it.

Tho I do think you ran into worse issues that I have with the P2900...now there was a wireless version prior to the P2900 that had ungodly issues...mostly battery related tho signal loss was also very high on the list.

[midget35]

yeah sorry! my blood just starts to boil when i see the words 'saitek' and 'wireless' put together!

the great thing about their btn layout is that it accommodates almost any emu controller layout; like hansolo said. ideal for n64 and mega drive.

unfortunately: i think the chances of seeing this layout in future quality controllers is slim - especially wireless ones. they seem to be going the other way; more xbox

[Nologic]

Well I have my fingers crossed.

---

Actually what would be nice is if MadCatz would make a wireless PC version of their DC gamepad with built in rumble...and maybe a secondary stick...tho I generally only find use for one thus far.

[momaw27]

Hey guys!

I'm a sucker for nostalgia and really couldn't play my SNES or Genesis games without the 'REAL' deal...

Thank goodness I stumbled across this site...

Retro USB

Really easy to modify your old controllers and turn them into USB controllers...

I'm slowly getting all they offer... $17 a pop is a bit steep for a Children's Pastor's budget... but I'll get there... oh yes... I WILL get there!

Beau

[Adultery]

Not to state the obvious but...

PS2 controllers are quite possibly the best controllers ever created. After countless hours of gameplay, I will swear by that! They feel great, they last a good long time, and they're easy to set up... Not to mention they're inexpensive.

Have a look at the Super Joybox 5 Pro, you can hook up four PS2 controllers using only one USB port.

[slipstream19]

to bad the 360 dpad sucks. otherwize its awsome.

id vote for the ps2 controllers though. they should do em wireless. thadbe awsome.

[Nologic]

Well could always try one of the MadCatz Wireless PS2 game pads

Course you could try their 360 alternative for the PC.

[mrserv0n]

Logitech analog stick, whether you get the rumble one (little fatter and heavier) or the one without they are the best usb pc controller out there and cheap to $20 w/o rumble $30 with.

I have one logitech and a radioshack usb to Playstation 2 adapter. Obviously the logitech is not made of the same quality as the real deal, hence this would be your optimal choice.