Best controller for PC gaming ?

[RecordablDVDfan]

I'm fairly new to gaming. I just want a reasonably good and inexpensive controller preferably wireless to play a few games like top spin etc. What is the current 'best one' out there at the moment I should look for ?

[noshoulders]

the only controller i've ever used on the pc is the xbox 360 (they're USB), you can get a wireless one and i'm sure someone knows how to sync it with a pc via bluetooth or something.

A friend of mine who plays a lot of PC games says the Sony PS2 official dual shocks are the best controllers ever built and there's a USB adaptor out there.

Go on you mexican under dogs!

[semiskimmed]

you cant use a wireless xb360 pad with a PC.
wired ones are good though but i use a ps2 pad/adapter combo and its done me for the past few years. the xb360 pad however has more buttons so depending on the games youre plaing it might be a factor.

[Knyght_byte]

oh wow, my 360 controller works on the PC?...sweeeeeet.....i didnt even think about this...heh

great, time to whip out some of my PC games that work better with controllers (never got round to buying one.....)

do i need to do anything or is it literally just plug and play?

[Singh400]

do i need to do anything or is it literally just plug and play?IIRC they should just plug and play, if not you can go to the microsoft download centre and have a look around there. I know they have 360 controllers drivers up for download there.

Infact I'm feeling so nice today, here are the links:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=0E989B12-576B-42F2-B7C1-2A17CE25188B&displaylang=en (32-bit)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=D6289D8D-2478-4BF1-984C-56FFB828BA4E&displaylang=en (64-bit)

[Knyght_byte]

IIRC they should just plug and play, if not you can go to the microsoft download centre and have a look around there. I know they have 360 controllers drivers up for download there.

Infact I'm feeling so nice today, here are the links:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=0E989B12-576B-42F2-B7C1-2A17CE25188B&displaylang=en (32-bit)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=D6289D8D-2478-4BF1-984C-56FFB828BA4E&displaylang=en (64-bit)


awww...bless ya kind sir.......mucho appreciato.....

now all i got to do is find one of me games that a pad will be better for.....lol.....forgot i actually wiped my HDD of games a short while ago to do some video editing....duh...

(well, all but HL2/CS:S of course...lol.....amazing how much space that game takes up once you been playing CS:S for a few years in a number of clans.....all those maps and files you pick up on the way.....lol)

[RandomLee]

I bought the Windows version of the 360 controller and it's superb. A must for games like Need For Speed Most Wanted and Tony Hawk. The only problem I have is it seems to have terrible button mapping for GTA:SA.

[james.miller]

the wired 360 pad is the best pc pad bar none. ive got a ps2 adaptor, i've got other ms pads and ive got a thrustmaster dual power III. none of them come close.


However, dont use the standard drivers. they dont have any provision for dead centering, making some games (driving especially) frustratingly difficult. try the xbdc drivers instead.

1) install the drivers from here: http://www.redcl0ud.com/xbcd.html
2) install this patch : http://www.matt-land.com/xbcd/

THEN plug the controller in. Also, if you havent already bought one, you dont need the certified 'windows' version of the wired 360 controller. The normal ones work fine:)

[DanH]

MS are also soon to be releasing a wireless USB receiver so you can use the 360 wireless pads on the pc too.
http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/706/706021p1.html

[Lord Midas]

I got a wired Xbox360 controller just so I could play Sensi 2006 and Most Wanted.

Totally fabulous controller.

I've got a wireless controller and PGR3 but I don't have a 360 to play them on yet :(

[jamieuk23]

may I just ask do games when setup right ont he controller just play like normal games on the xbox ps2 etc ??

or are movments alot more slower etc ? been looking at buying pinacle ganing profiler as well

[Lord Midas]

I don't think there is any difference to speed or responsiveness between the PC and X360.
The Xbox 360 Wired controller really does work a treat.

[semiskimmed]

ive just ordered a x360 pad for the PC. play actually do it with software too as a bundle :D

[james.miller]

good price but you shouldnty use the MS software as i said. The drivers are too basic and miss out key functions:)

[LFC_SL]

Any thoughts? (http://xbcd360guide.50webs.com/download.html)


3.Default Xbox 360 Config File with L and R triggers on seperate axises

3.Default Xbox 360 Config File with L and R triggers being 2 different digital Buttons not triggers

[james.miller]

ideally, youd want the two triggers on seperate axises (opt a), but a lot of games dont like running like that and will allow only one axis for the triggers (opt b)

option c will just emulate buttons with the triggers. ie: on or off and no analogue movement, but why anybody would want or need that is beyond me.

I have mine set for useing one axis for the triggers, and its pretty much damn perfect:)

[LFC_SL]

Why?

Two words: Pro Evo

;) :) :grin:

[mhuk05]

How hard is it to go from a keyboard to an Xbox 360 controller?

I'm now dying after about 3 minutes in Halo :(

More pratice needed :grin:

[apuk2004]

I'm fairly new to gaming. I just want a reasonably good and inexpensive controller preferably wireless to play a few games like top spin etc. What is the current 'best one' out there at the moment I should look for ?

i'm playing Top Spin 2 (now on PC) and use a logitech cordless rumblepad 2.
its pretty much identical to a ps2 controller in terms of buttons and having 2 analog sticks and its compatible with everything i've played on PC so far.
also, the battery life is superb for a cordless device (not had to change them since buying it in the summer)
just checked and PC WORLD currently have the pad for £24.99 (which is a good price).
its not the cheapest pad but its a superb device and well worth the dosh.
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/product.php?sku=286697&camp_id=ppc_Froogle_search

[RecordablDVDfan]

i'm playing Top Spin 2 (now on PC) and use a logitech cordless rumblepad 2.
its pretty much identical to a ps2 controller in terms of buttons and having 2 analog sticks and its compatible with everything i've played on PC so far.
also, the battery life is superb for a cordless device (not had to change them since buying it in the summer)
just checked and PC WORLD currently have the pad for £24.99 (which is a good price).
its not the cheapest pad but its a superb device and well worth the dosh.
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/product.php?sku=286697&camp_id=ppc_Froogle_search

Yeah I brought one of these months ago from ebay for £17, brilliant controller I agree, is there one like for the PS2 / PS3 ??

[sk1]

the wired 360 pad is the best pc pad bar none. ive got a ps2 adaptor, i've got other ms pads and ive got a thrustmaster dual power III. none of them come close.


However, dont use the standard drivers. they dont have any provision for dead centering, making some games (driving especially) frustratingly difficult. try the xbdc drivers instead.

1) install the drivers from here: http://www.redcl0ud.com/xbcd.html
2) install this patch : http://www.matt-land.com/xbcd/

THEN plug the controller in. Also, if you havent already bought one, you dont need the certified 'windows' version of the wired 360 controller. The normal ones work fine:)

Once you install the drivers and patch, will all the functions work exactly as they do on the 360 (for games like Madden, Pro Evo, MotoGP 3)? If so I'll get one of these.

Cheers

[LFC_SL]

Yes it does. Check out the download link I posted on the bottom on page 1. If you play PES 6 on PC like me, you must have the L/R triggers on seperate axis or as seperate digital buttons (I use the first) for actions to register

[sk1]

Yes it does. Check out the download link I posted on the bottom on page 1. If you play PES 6 on PC like me, you must have the L/R triggers on seperate axis or as seperate digital buttons (I use the first) for actions to register

So do I first install the Xbox 360 XP drivers, then download the separate axis config file (and move it somewhere I presume), and then connect the controller?

[LFC_SL]

1. install 3rd party drivers (http://xbcd360guide.50webs.com/download.html) ( I found you don't need to install default microsoft drivers first as the guide said. Whats the point? Just follow guide from after microsoft bit)

2. download the config files and store anywhere. You use the setup utility (installed with step 1) to point to location as you said

3. Use setup utility to make sure all buttons function and everything is fine and dandy

Note, you can connect the controller first after step 1 and then assign different config files to see which you prefer. Wouldn't be very user-friendly otherwise would it? :)

[sk1]

1. install 3rd party drivers (http://xbcd360guide.50webs.com/download.html) ( I found you don't need to install default microsoft drivers first as the guide said. Whats the point? Just follow guide from after microsoft bit)

I got the config file but the 3rd party drivers link won't load - do you know if there is anywhere else I can get them? I'm waiting for the controller to arrive from Play and am playing the PES6 demo with a wingman controller I bought years ago :thumbsdow. I always used the analogue crossing on the right stick a lot so hopefully it will work well on the 360 controller.

[LFC_SL]

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n227/Steven_87_PTDN/untitled-4.jpg

It should work?

[sk1]

Thanks for the PM mate but the page is loading for me now and I've installed the drivers - now I just have to wait for the pad to arrive...

[LFC_SL]

No worries

[Razor]

I use the 360 pad and pinnacle game profiler. Pinnacle scans your HDD for games and sets each one up with a profile for your 360 pad or any other pad. It is easy to use and works a treat.

http://www.pinnaclegameprofiler.com/

There is also a forum which has other customised profiles which you can d/l from and add to your set up.

[sk1]

1. install 3rd party drivers (http://xbcd360guide.50webs.com/download.html) ( I found you don't need to install default microsoft drivers first as the guide said. Whats the point? Just follow guide from after microsoft bit)

2. download the config files and store anywhere. You use the setup utility (installed with step 1) to point to location as you said

3. Use setup utility to make sure all buttons function and everything is fine and dandy

Note, you can connect the controller first after step 1 and then assign different config files to see which you prefer. Wouldn't be very user-friendly otherwise would it? :)

Got the pad setup and it works nicely with pro evo - thanks for the info mate. I'm having a problem with the Motogp 3 demo though: as soon as I brake with the triggers the bike stops as if its in neutral. The triggers are listed as Z Rotation and Z Axis on the games controller setup. Any idea what the problem might be? Cheers again

[starman0147]

I am looking for a new PC pad, I currently have a PS2 pad which works well.
The main game I play is pro evo.
Does the Xbox 360 pad work well with pro evo? better then the ps2 pad?

[Kutocer]

Don't play PES but from what i hear the PS2 D-pad is better for that it's more responsive than that of the 360 pad so if all your doing is that then stick with the PS2 pad. Up to you though.

Kut...

[dds14]

The main game I play is pro evo.
Does the Xbox 360 pad work well with pro evo? better then the ps2 pad?

Don't know but I've only just discovered that a) I can get Pro Evo for the PC and b) you can use a 360 pad. Thanks a lot to all of you for the suggestions, drivers and the help!!!!

[LFC_SL]

Got the pad setup and it works nicely with pro evo - thanks for the info mate. I'm having a problem with the Motogp 3 demo though: as soon as I brake with the triggers the bike stops as if its in neutral. The triggers are listed as Z Rotation and Z Axis on the games controller setup. Any idea what the problem might be? Cheers again
My only suggestion would be to try all possible config files for the triggers just for Moto - default, digital buttons and seperate axis to see what works. If games require different settings, you can always load the config file before you start the particular game

As for PS2 v 360 for PES. My opinion (official controllers only, not third party):
PS2:
+ Easier to do super cancel due to layout of shoulder buttons
+ D-pad slightly better if you don't use the left analogue for movement
- Too light
- Face buttons not as tight as 360

360
+ Heavier in hand, feels better
+ imo ergonomically better
+ Face buttons press better and tighter
- If you use dpad for movement, 360 ain't comfortable
- Triggers instead of 2 buttons like PS2 makes super cancel slightly harder*

*I've adapted and this is moot for me. You do get the hang of adapting to pressing a trigger and a button together though

Bear in mind the minuses of the PS2 pad are only after using the 360. I would not go back to the PS2 pad given the choice. I use left stick for movement, so don't care about the dpad. go into a shop with a 360 demo unit and try the pad yourself. That's what I did

[starman0147]

I have just got an Xbox 360 controller to go with the Ps2 pad and first impression is that it does feel alot better in the hands; the analogue stick is much more comfortable to use.
However when playing pro evo 6 my instinct is to use the right trigger button to dash (r1 on ps2 pad). I tried changing the configuration but then I started pressing the left trigger button to change player and completely end up confusing myself!

What is the default button configuration for the Xbox 360 for pro evo 6? Is it like the ps2 pad where the r1 button is the Rb button on the Xbox pad (feels a little uncomfortable)?

I suppose i am just so used to the ps2 pad it will take a little time getting used to but all in all I prefer the Xbox 360 pad it plays well with racing games shoot n ups etc… just finding pro evo a little tricky tho!