Essential Emulator Controllers

[andymol21]

Here's a little puzzle for you guys.

I am building an arcade machine and one of the main features of it will be a pull out drawer containing 4 console controllers that will be attached to the computer via USB. So, my question is, which 4? As I am a Nintendo fanboy, 1 of the contrlloers must be an N64 controller, which can also be used for NES, Master System, and any other 1 d-pad and 2 buttons controllers there are out there. My next thought was for a PS2 pad, as it can function for Playstation emulation (obviously) but also is a copy of Snes layout, so it can cope with that too. My next hurdle is Mega Drive (Genesis) and Saturn. I think a saturn pad would fufill both of these requirements but I don't know where to get a USB adaptor! Also, Saturn emulation is still pretty dire, so is it worth me sacrificing a space in my new cab for a controller?

So really, if you had to choose 4 controllers for all your emulation needs, what would they be?

[Niode]

Why not just use arcade controls?

I wouldn't use an N64 controller though. I had a n64 top usb converter for use with n64 emus and I could never get it to work how it's supposed to work. There's something really odd with the way the emulators use deadzones.

If it's the analogue stuff you want i'd just have a ps2 pad, the usb converters are easy to get hold of and I'd use the arcade controls in a 3 over 3 configuration witch will be great for anything digital.

[andymol21]

I will be having arcade controls, but the whole point of building this cab is to have a single, small unit that will give me a very accurate replica of having an entire rom of consoles and games. The whole point of the project is to get it to feel as real as possible, so I'm looking for 4 controller that will cover a broad spectrum of console controllers, so that I can get as accurate experience as possible.

Also, I already have a USB to N64 converter, I think it's called the Boom N64 PSX converter and it works perfectly. It is the only controller I use on all of my emulators at the moment, but I'm looking for perfection in my cab.

[dudex77]

N64 controller doesn't feel right for anything but n64. I would say have a snes controller for all 2d games, a saturn controller or fighting, and an xbox controller for Dreamcast emulation. Pretty much covers everything.

[Niode]

If you want perfection then surely you would have a controller for each emulator you use...

[baphomet_irl]

Here's a little puzzle for you guys.

I think a saturn pad would fufill both of these requirements but I don't know where to get a USB adaptor!

Saturn pads are very nice, although they are VERY tough on the thumbs - after an hour of SF Alpha I am GUARANTEED to have a blister :p

you could try although it might work getting a Saturn to DC convertor (I have one and it works fine), then get a DC to USB and see if it works - though it propbably wouldnt tbh :s

[andymol21]

N64 controller doesn't feel right for anything but n64. I would say have a snes controller for all 2d games, a saturn controller or fighting, and an xbox controller for Dreamcast emulation. Pretty much covers everything.

On the contrary, I would say N64 is very good for every game that uses a D-pad and 2 buttons, not a perfect replica but a very good approximation. I quite like the idea of N64, PS2, Saturn and Snes. Seems to cover all bases. I've never been a fan of XBOX controllers, don't fit my hand.

If you want perfection then surely you would have a controller for each emulator you use...

A lot of controllers are of similar design, especially early ones, I understand it won't be perfect, but thats the challenge to try and get the best of all worlds.

[Niode]

What I don't get is why you wouldn't use arcade controls for the digital games? Seems a bit pointless to only use them for MAME/NeoGeo etc. Arcade controls are vastly superior to gamepads for 2D games. I might be a bit biased as i've used them for years and prefer arcade controls over anything except for games that need analogue.

Surely just sticking with a decent analogue pad like the Xbox S or Dualshock 2 would be sufficient? It would be less clutter as well. Fewer things to wire up as well.

If you were really swish you could get 2 PS2 extension cords, take the female part and mould that into the front of your arcade cab. Then you can just plug the controller in when you need it. No need for added complexity with a drawer or whatever. There's no messy wires to conceal either. Just plug it in when you need it, then store it elsewhere when you don't need it.

Or you could mould the ps2-usb converter into the cab if the cable is long enough.

[skate323k137]

i'm with devilmyarse, almost all of my gaming is done with arcade controls, whether it's console or emulated. obviously i use analog for things like super monkey ball or driving games, but for 2d shooters, 2d or 3d fighters, puzzle games, etc., it's arcade sticks all the way.

[dudex77]

On the contrary, I would say N64 is very good for every game that uses a D-pad and 2 buttons, not a perfect replica but a very good approximation. I quite like the idea of N64, PS2, Saturn and Snes. Seems to cover all bases. I've never been a fan of XBOX controllers, don't fit my hand.

Obviously you shouldn't use a duke but a controller-s or whatever it's called. Definitely more comfortable than a ps2 controller