PC Controller

[ice1985]

So, I'm considering picking up Skyrim on PC for two reasons.

First, I'd really like to actually try out some mods. I've never been able to do that with my PS3 versions of Bethesda games.
Second, I'd like to actually PLAY this one without it freezing up every other load two thirds into the game.

I've never really played much PC so I'm extremely foreign to the concept of keyboard/mouse. I'd really like to use a PC controller, preferably something aesthetically similar to the Playstation controller. I've put a lot of hours into familiarizing myself with that controller.

Can anyone recommend a somewhat similar controller for PC?
I'd really appreciate it, thanks.

 

[Zantos]

You can connect your PS3 controller to a PC using, let's say, the instructions here http://www.gamefront.com/how-to-use-a-ps3-controller-on-a-pc/

I personally use a 360 controller with my PC, but I've heard this works well.

 

[shado_temple]

If you're used to using a PS3 controller, then use a PS3 controller. There are plenty of guides online as to how to do so, and it's really not all that difficult. You will, however, have to get a bluetooth adapter if you don't already have the functionality; oddly enough, that usb cable you plug into your controller to charge it doesn't actually send data.

 

[ice1985]

I realize I can connect a PS3 controller. I've done that before.

My only problem with that is the PS3 controller has to be connected to the PC to work. I'd like something I can use from my couch. (My TV doubles as my computer monitor.)

I should have said I'm looking for a wireless controller, if there's a good one available.

Thanks for the suggestions, though!

 

[Wolfram23]

You can just buy a cheap USB bluetooth adapter and then connect wirelessly on the DualShock. Use MotionJoy drivers.

Any wireless gamepad would need a USB hub anyway, so might as well just buy the hub and save some cash by using your PS3 controller

 

[Zantos]

Sorry, should have been more helpful. The 360 controller is a little pricey but works great for me from across the room, if you've got the cash I'd recommend that. You might want to look at cheaper 3rd party ones, but my experience has them as being much less reliable.

Or if you can find how to do it bluetoothly that's probably the cheapest and easiest.

 

[ice1985]

You can just buy a cheap USB bluetooth adapter and then connect wirelessly on the DualShock. Use MotionJoy drivers.

Any wireless gamepad would need a USB hub anyway, so might as well just buy the hub and save some cash by using your PS3 controller

That's a really good idea! I just checked bluetooth adapter prices and I had no idea how reasonable they were. I'll have to look into that.

I appreciate the help, guys. Thanks!

 

[Rastien]

ah did not realise you ment wireless but to be honest i have cable xbox 360 controller literally plug and play with so many titles. Wireless go with the bluetooth

 

[Get_A_Grip_]

Wired 360 controllers are dirt cheap and are very easy to set up for PC.

 

[sextus the crazy]

Although you might not be good with them now, getting used to a keyboard and mouse is something you should spend time doing. As an Xbox and PC gamer, I can tell you that dual analog aiming is much harder to do accurately than mouse aiming. Mice are more responsive and precise. That said, some Plaformer and non-shooter action games work better with controllers.

 

[Jegsimmons]

Although you might not be good with them now, getting used to a keyboard and mouse is something you should spend time doing. As an Xbox and PC gamer, I can tell you that dual analog aiming is much harder to do accurately than mouse aiming. Mice are more responsive and precise. That said, some Plaformer and non-shooter action games work better with controllers.

harder on PCs anyway. the console port are coded and designed to work with joysticks a bit better i think.

but if you can get it to work, go for it bro!

 

[Aprilgold]

Well I'd say get used to the regular Key / Mouse combo, but you can set up a wireless PS3 controller or Xbox with a bit of money and a guide.

 

[Kaekitus]

I went with a 3rd party 360 controller for skyrim as well and it worked like a charm. Actually, I keep finding myself using it more and more for my PC gaming.

 

[ice1985]

Although you might not be good with them now, getting used to a keyboard and mouse is something you should spend time doing. As an Xbox and PC gamer, I can tell you that dual analog aiming is much harder to do accurately than mouse aiming. Mice are more responsive and precise. That said, some Plaformer and non-shooter action games work better with controllers.

I realize I'm a million years late on this one. I haven't logged on in awhile. But, if anyone reads this, could you recommend some good "starter" keyboard/mouse games?

I've read before that mouse/keyboard is just a better configuration, but I really struggle with getting the hang of it.

 

[Lazy Kitty]

Well, I just got a 360 controller for PC... (And 360)

 

[ice1985]

I've played a few games on PC. I played City of Heroes back when it was new. I enjoyed that, but I found the set up very confusing. I guess it just takes time.

I appreciate all the replies.

 

[Avaholic03]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104403

You're welcome.

 

[PigMess]

TF2 is free to play these days, and is a good example of mouse-and-keyboard shooter controls.

Regarding Skyrim: since the 1.2 patch, my 360 controller's face buttons don't work in menus; this wasn't fixed in the 1.3 patch, and I have since succumbed and made the switch to keyboard controls. I don't know if this is hardware-specific, but I do know they made tweaks to menu controls in the 1.2 patch, which points to a more widespread issue.

I have since come to prefer the mouse-and-keyboard configuration, now that I have changed the controls to my liking and have gotten used to the setup.

Regarding City of Heroes: I don't think you're unique in finding that game's interface confusing.

 

[isometry]

TF2 is free to play these days, and is a good example of mouse-and-keyboard shooter controls.

Regarding Skyrim: since the 1.2 patch, my 360 controller's face buttons don't work in menus; this wasn't fixed in the 1.3 patch, and I have since succumbed and made the switch to keyboard controls. I don't know if this is hardware-specific, but I do know they made tweaks to menu controls in the 1.2 patch, which points to a more widespread issue.

I have since come to prefer the mouse-and-keyboard configuration, now that I have changed the controls to my liking and have gotten used to the setup.

I've played TF2 with an Xbox controller, using pinnacle profiler to map the keys to buttons. I recommend people try pinnacle, it's $20 after the 30 day demo, but it's a lot better than other key mapping software like xpadder and joyTokey (which are, admittedly, free):

http://pinnaclegameprofiler.com/

I also use this software to play Skyrim, it's like the best of both worlds IMO.