PC Gaming Controllers

[SuperSuperSuperGuy]

Hello, friends.

Lately, I've been getting into 2D platformers on PC, like, for example, Super Meat Boy. Since I have difficulty playing such games with a keyboard, I've been using my PS3 controller plugged into my laptop. However, my controller is a bit temperamental; it sometimes disconnects from my computer while plugged in, which causes not only in-game problems, but also sometimes crashes my computer. It also does this when plugged into the PS3 itself, though there are no issues besides a temporary lack of control. I've tried tethering it via Bluetooth, as well, but it doesn't seem to work. It works passably if I don't move around much, but it gets annoying sometimes.

I've been considering investing in a dedicated PC controller. My main concerns are the price, 'cuz I don't have all that much money to throw around, and the D-pad, since I play most of my games with a D-pad, rather than an analog stick. I don't want to just buy one and hope it works for me, either; as I said, I don't have too much cash to throw around, and I would like to at least have some idea of what I should be looking for before I make a purchase. That's why I'm here making this post right now: do you people have any recommendations when it's comes to PC controllers? Any suggestion would be great; if I don't find one that matches my needs, I can try and convince my brother to pitch in for a new PS3 controller, since he uses our PS3 a lot, as well.

I'm also curious as to what games you guys play on PC using a controller and why. If I'm going to buy a controller for PC gaming, I'd like to get as much mileage as I can out of it.

 

[porous_shield]

I use a PS3 controller with my computer using motionjoy but that obviously isn't the solution for everyone; also I just happened to have a PS3 controller laying around collecting dust. I'd rather have a 360 controller since I dislike the triggers on the sixaxis.

As for games I play using a controller, fairly recently I've played Burnout Paradise, Limbo, Thomas was Alone, Anomaly Warzone 1 and 2, Bully: Scholarship Edition, and Rock of Ages (splitscreen with another person). Some games designed for consoles are awkward with mouse and keyboard so I'd rather use a controller than fumble with the keyboard controls. Also, platformers I dislike playing with a keyboard.

 

[sneakypenguin]

Honestly the x360 controllers are probably best. Just plug them in hit a button or stick and it works and in most games switching the GUI to the xbox version. Cheap xbox knock offs work too, might even find one with a better dpad than stock that way too.

 

[Sassafrass]

I use my 360 pad mainly for NBA 2K14 and MGR: Revengeance. I tried NBA 2K14 with M&K and, while functional, it just doesn't work for some of the advanced stuff. As for MGR: Revengeance, I only use a pad for the blade time stuff.

As for recommendations, go for a Xbox 360 wired controller and make sure it's for Windows. Or get a wireless Xbox pad and a wireless adapter, depends which option is cheaper.

 

[XMark]

Do any PC controller makers do cross-shaped d-pads? The Nintendo patent expired years ago, so they really should start making sensible d-pads, but when I look at PC controllers in stores they're all still using those stupid circle pads.

 

[TehCookie]

I love how the PS3 controller feels so I'd say invest in another one of those. Before I got a PS3 I had a logitech controller which was responsive, comfy and still works years later. My only complaint was the base area for the analog sticks was square (it was an old model, they fixed it in the newer ones but I don't know if they are just as good or cheap). I hate the feel of the 360 controller, so I can't say how good that is.

The main thing I use it for is emulated games (usually my PS1 games that got scratched). The only newer ones I used it for was Assassins Creed, which I got for PC since I didn't have a console when it came out and wanted to play it. The other being DMC4 for turbo and Legendary Dark Knight mode. Otherwise I got most controller games for my console.

 

[J Tyran]

Generally the Xbox 360 is the best for PC games, most games fully support it and in most respects its better than a PS3 controller and many of the generic PC controllers. In this case though its not the controller for you, the D-pad on the 360 controller is terrible.

So terrible that if you inserted a USB cable into yourself and used your ass as a D-pad you would get better results, I heard the Razer Sabertooth improves the D-pad and as its a hybrid 360/PC controller you get all the support the 360 pad gets but I cannot confirm that by experience as I don't own one and Razer stuff is expensive (£70 for that controller!) and sometimes not all that reliable.

If the PS3 is ok for you and you need a new one for your console and PC you might as well get another one of those.

 

[fix-the-spade]

I'm also curious as to what games you guys play on PC using a controller and why. If I'm going to buy a controller for PC gaming, I'd like to get as much mileage as I can out of it.

A wired 360 controller is easy and convenient, just plug and play.

The last games I used mine on were Burnout Paradise and Mirror's Edge from the EA Humble bundle, last week as it happens. Mirror's Edge on a keyboard is horribly awkward hitting the fast combination moves like wall jumping.

Logitech have been making a Playstation-like controller for forever, it's pretty good too.

#Edit, nevermind, 360 has a bad D Pad and the Logitech uses a similar rocker layout. Avoid Razer everything, they have a nasty habit of falling to bits.

 

[Vigormortis]

Hello, friends.

Hi.

I've been considering investing in a dedicated PC controller.

An Xbox360 controller's not a bad choice. It's not a favorite (though truthfully none are to me anymore, 'cept for the older ones[footnote]Especially the old Xbox controller. And I mean the BIG one. Yes, that one. I loved it.[/footnote]

Price is decent, thought still not what I'd call "cheap". A 3rd party version might be more suitable, in that regard. Though, you may need to do your homework on them to figure out which ones are actually good and which are just cheap, knock-off garbage.

if I don't find one that matches my needs, I can try and convince my brother to pitch in for a new PS3 controller, since he uses our PS3 a lot, as well.

Or, since you're already apparently used to a PS3 controller, you could spring for a DualShock4.

Granted, it won't work on your PS3...but...Sony's got native drivers for it on PC. And frankly, it's a brilliant controller. (and this is coming from someone that's despised every Playstation controller he's held until now.)

Price will still be a thing, but I imagine that, in the end, it'll be worth it. Both for function and familiarity.

I'm also curious as to what games you guys play on PC using a controller and why. If I'm going to buy a controller for PC gaming, I'd like to get as much mileage as I can out of it.

Not many, anymore. But still a few.

Of note:
Monaco
Claw
Prototype
Psychonauts
Prince of Persia: SOT
Spiral Knights
Wanderlust
Deadlight
Oddworld series
Solar 2
Super Meat Boy

I'm sure there are others I've used a controller for, but these are the ones that sprang to mind at the moment.

Best of luck finding the right controller. ; )

 

[not_you]

Bah, who uses controllers?

To be fair I wouldn't mind having one, the only reason I don't is because I'm strapped for cash...

I did use my PS3 controller once but ran into the same issue as OP has... The reason I've discovered is because the contacts on the controller are worn, so if you move slightly in the wrong direction it breaks contact and has to try and reconnect....

Mainly because my PS3 controllers are fkn old anyway

3rd party ones I've always found unreliable since the buttons aren't as soft as 1st party ones...

Sure, you'll save 10-15 bucks for a non-propriety controller but is it worth it for all the frustration that'll come from it...?

So, yeah... A friend of mine has a (wired) X360 controller, it works fine... Me, personally, I hate the positioning of the Xbox controllers (Joystick/Dpad), so I didn't use it for much beyond generic racing game at the time... But that's much more about personal preference than actual fault...

 

[The Lunatic]

Second hand Xbox controller.

Cheap, plentiful and it works.

 

[loc978]

Figured I'd browse newegg, since I haven't looked into these things in ages (still using the same Gravis gamepad pro I've had since... 2001, I think). The variety is fairly surprising. I was browsing from lowest price up [http://www.newegg.com/PC-Game-Controllers/SubCategory/ID-123?Order=PRICE], so these are probably the worst of the worst, but they represent layout variety quite well... and there are plenty without the disc-stick d-pad (which I've grown quite used to over the years with my Gravis crap).

Spoiler: USB SNES controller

[http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2C50ZB7331]

Spoiler: USB Playstation 1 pre-analog controller

[http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2C50ZA4169]

Spoiler: USB NES controller

[http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2C517D5399]

Spoiler: USB DualShock controller

[http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2BM0YA3575]

Spoiler: Wireless DualShock controller

[http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2C51AN7787]

Spoiler: USB N64 controller

[http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2C518A5691]

...and of course there were a bunch of Xbox 360-type controllers... all of which had a disc for a d-pad, and that crazy thumbstick layout so many people seem to favor now.

 

[Flunk]

I have a Wired Xbox 360 controller, it's nearly impossible to beat the build quality. The d-pad is not fantastic. Apparently Razer makes a version called the Razer Sabertooth that doesn't have that problem, I expect it's expensive seeing as it's by Razer.

 

[Ubiquitous Duck]

I would also recommend the wired Xbox 360 controllers. I have had the same one since first year of university, back in 2008 and it cost me around £17 from Amazon, so I'd personally suggest going with that.

You could save money and buy an unofficial one for less, but it's up to you if you want to take that risk. I'd vouch for the benefit of a few pounds more to go official and then be sure of what you are getting.

 

[Smooth Operator]

360 or 360 like controller will at this point sadly be the only advisable choice, not because it is so much better but because lazy asshole porting devs do not natively support anything else so you end up going through emulators which add input lag.

The D-pad is real shit on the official Xbox controller however so I do recommend shopping for "360 like" pads that understand that issue.

 

[gorfias]

I got one of these. It is only OK.

Mine cost $50. The shoulder buttons are stiff, so, I don't love it.

I prefer the 360 wireless with this http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wireless-Receiver-Windows-Official-Pc/dp/B00E0OB7MW/ref=pd_sim_e_4

With a couple of rechargeable battery packs I can't see how it can be improved. I think the D pad is fine.

 

[Liv's Runaway Snail]

I remember getting a really cheap pc controller a year or so (logitech, I forgot the actual design) and it was terrible. The handling was clunky and it stopped working after a short while. I've been using an x-box controller since and I love it as I only play on PC and many of the games I want to play (Farcry 3, Tomb Raider) are so much more comfortable on a controller.

 

[Lawnmooer]

I personally use a wired 360 controller that I got for pretty cheap from Amazon (It cost £20, which was much better than the £35-60 that Game was trying to sell them for). It's really easy to use, just plug it in and away you go, no "I wonder if it works for this game" or anything, if a Controller can be used, it works.

As for games I play using a controller, I play a lot of Indie games that are platformers which I find the controller to be better than M+KB. There's some Action RPG's that also seem to function better with controller and some driving games (I play Eurotruck Simulator with my controller... Ideally I'd use a wheel, but I can't afford to buy one for such a small amount of games that I own)

The biggest use for my controller (Infact, the reason I bought one) is when I played Dark Souls on my PC. The M+KB controls were not to my liking (Even with the mod that "Fixed" them), but a controller allowed me to play it fine.