Recommendations on a PC gamepad?

[TSTR]

I'm looking to switch up my current PC gamepad situation. My setup of old DualShock 2 -> Super Dual Box -> USB extender cable is becoming a little tiresome. The DS2's getting a little mushy in its button response, setting up tons of Xpadder profiles gets tedious, and it goes without saying that there's an unsightly and cumbersome bunch of wires.

I'm pretty sure I want something wireless, especially since it'll be much easier to move back and forth between my main rig and the HTPC setup in the living room if need be. Everywhere else I read, people continually recommend the good old 360 controller, but just thinking about that d-pad gives me the shudders. Plus, I'm pretty comfortable already with the DualShock-type layout.

Been looking at the Logitech F710. Anybody ever use one of those? If you've any other ideas, I'd love to hear those as well.

[tintinmayo]

Personally, I use x360ce and just about any controller that I can get my hands on. I just configure the controller once on x360ce and then pop a copy of its x_input*.dll on the same folder as the exe of any game I want and it gets recognized as an xbox 360 gamepad. So far, it has worked for my logitech wireless (I forgot the model, it was a long time ago), my genius maxfire blaze, and even the cheap unbranded gamepads from taiwan. Games I have tried worked well on it, except for Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions. Even emulators like nullDC and PPSSPP worked well (both have support for x360 gamepads).

It's basically similar to your xpadder setup, but there's not as much fiddling required and I don't have to run a third party software every time I need to use the gamepad (as the game's exe automatically uses the x_input dll).

[noiseredux]

I use a (wired) 360 pad, and love it. Obviously you could get a wireless 360 pad, and receiver. But if you're not into that dpad, then yeah. I have a Logitech F310, which is nice. I'm under the impression the Logitech you mentioned is quite similar, but wireless? The F310 kind of feels a bit like a DualShock, but with 360 face buttons.

For stuff not supported by controllers, I usually just use Joy2Key, which admittedly means setting up a new profile each time. Pain for sure. I wasn't familiar with the program that tintin mentioned, but it sounds like it could be quite convenient so I'm glad I read this thread

[KDub]

Yeah just find a wired Xbox 360 pad you like, it can be generic. I have one of those afterglow ones and enjoy using it, no fuss about anything set up wise.

They are $30 but if you shop around/hit eBay it isn't uncommon to see them for $20
http://www.gamestop.com/xbox-360/access ... ller/77445

Mine is red to match my computer case and you can turn the lights off if they bug you after a long session.

[Ivo]

As I'm in the habit of playing some older stuff that won't even support pads at all, I just got used to Xpadder and setting up profiles to replace key presses.

I use an USB adapter and mostly my Saturn pad (although this particular adapter also takes PS1 pads and DC).

[fastbilly1]

I have a dozen adapters for console controllers and pick the one that I think will work best for the game. But most of the time, if it is 2d, I use one of my Hori Arcade Sticks for the Wii.

[TSTR]

That x360ce program does sound pretty handy; I might have to look into that. Older games and poorly-coded indie games will probably still require some form of what I do now, which is using a combination of Xpadder profiles and AutoHotKey scripting for clean, ready-to-play fullscreen launches and exits.

The F310 is basically the F710, except with a wire and no rumble feature. Good to know that someone here's used some form of it to good effect. From what I've read, the older wireless Logitech Rumblepad is almost exactly like the F710, with the only difference being that the F710 comes designed to switch back and forth between XInput and DirectInput modes—and the 360 Skittles button colors. Just wish I had a chance to play around with one of these things before I plunk down cash on it; dealing with returns and such is kind of a hassle.

To be sure, I have a Hori SCV stick I use for most of my arcade-style gaming (fighters, beat-em-ups, etc.), though I just can't get used to playing shmups with a JLF. The throw just seems too long for the precise movement required. Maybe I ought to look into plopping a Seimitsu stick in there. Anybody use a LS-32 or LS-58?

And of course, N64 emulation is best played with the original pitchfork. I've got one of those Mayflash adapters for that, and it works quite well. I'm just lucky to have N64 controllers that haven't suffered years of Mario Party abuse.

[Pulsar_t]

You can use a Dualshock3 using BetterDS3, provided you have a bluetooth adapter that is compatible. It has a native 360 emulator as well. I use a cheap DS2 chinese knockoff with a passable dpad. Anything's better than the 360 stock dpad for 2D games

[Valkyrie-Favor]

For games that don't require great D-pad response, I've been using a Logitech Cordless Precision PS3 controller. Works on PS3, obviously, but also works out of the box on any PC. Very nice range, nice analog sticks, analog triggers, and acceptable response time. I've played through several games on it and it still works fine.



Even the PS button is configurable. That's useful for emulators and stuff.

Lately PPSSPP supports standard controllers too.

[Xeogred]

I've used a PS2 USB two in one adapter for... I don't even know how long now, but it's been ages.

That or the 360 controller.