What controller(s) do you prefer w/emulators?

[sv650touring]

I think that for most systems, the Saturn digital pad is the best. I think it does the Genesis (and most other pre-32 bit systems) better than the original controllers. Since the Saturn, there have been controllers that are perhaps more confortable to hold, but not by much, and they ALL lack the Saturn's level of responsiveness and precision.

I'll admit that with its analog sticks and triggers, the XBox controller is very nice for modern games with analog control, but I have grown to HATE the d-pad when retrogaming. Plus, even the Controller S is too damn chunky for my tastes.

I hear a lot of people love the old SNES pads, and of course a lot of folks like PSX controllers (hence the dozens of adapters to let you use them on non-PSX hardware). The ergonomics of the PSX (and DC) controllers are great for me, but the action of the buttons and D-pads just isn't up to the level of the Saturn. And I might be in the minority, but I prefer the ergonomics of non-dualshock PSX controllers over the Dual Shocks.

I haven't put much time into the N64 or Gamecube controllers, but maybe some of you have.

For non-analog control, what do you guys like best?

[Perseid]

I think that for most systems, the Saturn digital pad is the best. I think it does the Genesis (and most other pre-32 bit systems) better than the original controllers. Since the Saturn, there have been controllers that are perhaps more confortable to hold, but not by much, and they ALL lack the Saturn's level of responsiveness and precision.

I'll admit that with its analog sticks and triggers, the XBox controller is very nice for modern games with analog control, but I have grown to HATE the d-pad when retrogaming. Plus, even the Controller S is too damn chunky for my tastes.

I hear a lot of people love the old SNES pads, and of course a lot of folks like PSX controllers (hence the dozens of adapters to let you use them on non-PSX hardware). The ergonomics of the PSX (and DC) controllers are great for me, but the action of the buttons and D-pads just isn't up to the level of the Saturn. And I might be in the minority, but I prefer the ergonomics of non-dualshock PSX controllers over the Dual Shocks.

I haven't put much time into the N64 or Gamecube controllers, but maybe some of you have.

For non-analog control, what do you guys like best?

I think the dual shock is the best controller I've ever used. It fits well in my hand, and everything seems like it is where it should be to me. I have a PS2 to USB adaptor that I use for most of my emulators. It's not right for every system, of course. Many C-64 and Amiga games are pretty awkward, for example. But if I had to pick one it would be the PS2 controller.

Second would probably be the SNES controller for most of the same reasons.

I also never really liked the X-Box controllers. Too big. the Black and White buttons are in an impossibly strange place. Though the worst controller I have ever used, and I'm gonna get flamed for this, is the N64 controller. It is the least intuitive controller I've ever used(and I owned an Intellivison).

[lordofduct]

Old school non-analog stick is Sega Saturn V2 controller hands down! Got me a converter and it rocks all.

As for 3D gameplay... personally I enjoy the XBOX360 controller the most. Enough buttons to quench my needs. And it is comfortable as hell. The PS2 dual shock is to small in my opinion... its the same problem I have with SNES controller (which so many rave as awesome)... it doesn't fit in my hand well. The only 'small' controller that was comfy to me was the Genesis 6 button, but the Saturn beats that one with it's slightly larger size and trigger buttons.

Back to the 360 though... the reason I like it the most is that:

A) the trigger and bumper buttons are different enough that I don't accidently hit one over the other... but still allows for 4 triggers (with the PS2 dual shock I constantly would hit R2 when meaning to hit R1)

B) the rounded action buttons (ABXY) are comfy and feel very nice under my fingers.

C) the analog thumb sticks are perfectly placed. Yes I said it... first off it has 2 which is very useful (sorry DC... if it wasn't for the dual analog, you'd have my vote). Secondly they are on completely different sides of the controller. I don't like my thumb sticks close because it feels cumbersome like the two should corrolate together in some way (the only time I like the PS2 thumb sticks was in Katamari where it made sense to have them next to each other... it was how you moved)

As for the fact they are off centered to each other is cool in my mind is for this big reason. L analog is your primary stick used almost all the time. Where as the R analog usually receives a secondary control (move camera, aim gun, that sort) having it off centered designates that secondary necessity of the control... and keeps from taking away from the action buttons. I don't know, it may just be a OCD thing of mine or something... it just seems like it fits right.

The ONE complaint I have with the XBOX360 controller... the D-PAD. It is useless as a control stick. Using it as an options wheel instead of for movement is fine and dandy, but what if you like the D-PAD for some games... the L analog stick constantly would get in the way! (the XBOX had the same problem... and if you've played your homebrew emulators on it you will know what I mean!)

[sv650touring]

lordofduct,
I am assuming by V2 you are referrring to the Japanese/2nd Gen American pad. I think we are on the same page here - even though I actualy prefer small pads, and you said you don't. I've been really interested in the 360 controller, though I have never messed with the 360. I have heard good things about it, like it is just an improvement over the very decent Controller S. It is a shame to hear about the d-pad, though I read that Hori makes a 360 controller with a sweet d-pad.

Perseid,
I absolutely understand why people like the Dual Shock. It sits well in the hand and there are plenty of buttons and (for me) they are well positioned. I just think they should have "snappier" buttons and d-pad., maybe even slightly longer throw on the buttons. Some people don't like the PSX d-pad for stiffness, but I don't think my gaming sessions are long enough for it to bother me. And I couldn't agree with you more about the B&W buttons. Screw those buttons, they are dead to me.My Saturn adapter maps the C & Z buttons to black and white, making them actually, ummmmm... usable.

Let me throw something else out there: Durability. I've had failed PSX(shoulder button), Xbox(total failure), and DC(d-pad) controllers. Never a Saturn. Like the consoles, the pads are tanks. I never dealt with the crappy 1st Gen American digital pads, but with the smaller-style Jap/2nd Gen American pads and the 3D analog pads, I have not had a failure. Maybe some squeaks and creaks, but the action and responsiveness hasn't been affected. Anyone have anything to add. I've heard N64 is a fragile POS (and I've never seen a display model with a functioning analog stick).

This week I think I am going to do some side-by-side retrogaming comparisons of PSX vs DC vs Sat on the Xbox. I'm pretty sure that they will all soundly trounce the XBox controller in 2D gaming, since even the Dramcast's widely disliked d-pad seems nicer to me.

[neohx_7]

PSX adapter is necessary for most games. The cube or N64 controllers take care of the rest. With a PSX/PS2 adapter you get the best arcade sticks and the dual shock. Not to mention the perfect Sega Saturn PS2 controllers put out by Sega in the last couple years. The Super Joy Box Pro 3 with a Hori arcade stick or Saturn PS2 feels flawless on MAME.

[lordofduct]

The B+W button change is what makes me love the XBOX360 controller so much now. They removed them and put them on the top as 'bumpers', so now there are two 'triggers' (real latched triggers with long throws... not like the PSX triggers) and 2 bumpers (similar to the buttons found on Saturn controllers... just a tad smaller).


I still don't understand the rave in the SNES controller. 4 button clusters piss me off (one thing I don't like about the 360 controller... but makes up for in the rest of the lay out)... you can't play fighters and some other kinds of games on them. Amongst other things that bother me about it, but I will refrain from the rant.

[Intangir]

Another vote for the PlayStation Dual Shock. Why? My "console" experience basically started with the NES, then a SNES, and lastly a PSOne. So as I'm already accustomed to the controller and since the PSOne and SNES controller have the same basic layout, it works very well when going back and forth between them. I prefer the PSOne over the SNES controller due to comfort, the extra non-intrusive buttons to map actions to, and the optional analog support whenever necessary.

[baphomet_irl]

I have an adapter for my PC that takes GC/DC and PS2

I mainly use my DC Arcade stick - especially for older arcade games on MAME, for things that need analogue I use the PS2 controller.

[lunar]

I use a Saturn controller via a usb converter. I would love an arcade stick, but recommended ones cost a fair bit!

Has anyone got those 15th anniversary street fighter pads? How do they stack up to the Saturn controller?

[baphomet_irl]

I use a Saturn controller via a usb converter. I would love an arcade stick, but recommended ones cost a fair bit!

Has anyone got those 15th anniversary street fighter pads? How do they stack up to the Saturn controller?

Actually I havent tried it, but I have both a Dreamcast to USB converter, and a Saturn to DC converter - I wonder if I connected the two of them could I use my Saturn Pad on my PC :p