Good PC peripheral - Specifically D-PAD

[coldfrog]

Alright, this is very specific. I would like someone who could recommend me a good PC gamepad with an exceptional D-Pad. Every review seems to ignore the quality of the D-Pad, and given the exceptionally poor quality of Microsoft's 360 pad and the moderately poor quality of the Playstation D-pad, I'm trying to find a controller that will fulfill all my digital pad desires.

In fact, if you knew of one that was strictly a digital pad with buttons and no analog sticks, that would be even better.

If you want to know why, I want it A: for a PC only platformer and B: for possible future game testing of my own games.

 

[TheMushroomClub]

Saitek do a great range of gamepads similar to the psx layout. Also very affordable. I use one, never broken or gone wrong. Also very comfortable.

 

[Clashero]

I find those two D-Pads to be the best, especially the PS one.
I built my own PS2-to-USB converter so I could use my PS2 controllers to play on the PC and it works great.
What game is this that requires such precision that a regular D-pad isn't good enough?

 

[curlycrouton]

poor quality of Microsoft's 360 pad

Eh? I've been using one for my PC for absolutely ages, and it's fantastic. And I've used different kinds of D-Pad, believe me. The 360 controller outdoes most other d-pads on the market at the moment.

 

[Terramax]

I use a PS2 USB converter also. As far as I'm concerned, there will never be a better pad than the PS2 controller. TBH, appart from the PS2 and Xbox pad I doubt you're going to find anything better. All the PC specific ones are terrible and varied quality. too light, heavy, chunky, too many buttons, break easily.

But looking on Amazon.co.uk, searching 'PC gamepad' seems to find some as cheap as £3, so I don't know where abouts in the world you live, but it might be best to find your favourite internet store and order a cheap one and go see how it works out. You won't be losing much.

 

[Weaver]

If you need one for NES and SNES emulation look no further:
http://store.videogamecentral.com/pc-retrobit-nintendo-usb-controller.html
and
http://store.videogamecentral.com/usb-retrobit-snes-pc-controller.html

 

[coldfrog]

If you need one for NES and SNES emulation look no further:
http://store.videogamecentral.com/pc-retrobit-nintendo-usb-controller.html
and
http://store.videogamecentral.com/usb-retrobit-snes-pc-controller.html

Although I won't be using it for emulation, I believe that is not only perfect for my needs but will also be a nice bit of nostalgia for me! Thanks.

 

[Weaver]

If you need one for NES and SNES emulation look no further:
http://store.videogamecentral.com/pc-retrobit-nintendo-usb-controller.html
and
http://store.videogamecentral.com/usb-retrobit-snes-pc-controller.html

Although I won't be using it for emulation, I believe that is not only perfect for my needs but will also be a nice bit of nostalgia for me! Thanks.

Glad to help!