So how do you guys figure out N64 controls??

[willybeamish]

Ive got a X arcade tankstick and maybe its just not going to work matter what config I try but has anyone found a mapping for controls for the N64 Emu?? One thats kinda practical with the stick and directional pad I cant honestly figure out what would be a good map for them...any ideas id love to be able have this on my machine 

[Howard_Casto]

It won't work.  90% of your n64 games use analog controls.  You've got yourself a digital arcade stick. 

You play console games with the original controllers... preferably sitting down in front of the couch. 

[willybeamish]

It won't work.  90% of your n64 games use analog controls.  You've got yourself a digital arcade stick. 

You play console games with the original controllers... preferably sitting down in front of the couch.

Ahh okay then thanks...maybe ill grab these and a set of controllers
http://www.amazon.com/May-Flash-Controller-Adapter-Nintendo-64/dp/B002B9FIUU/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1367723363&sr=1-1&keywords=n64+usb+adapter

[Howard_Casto]

That should work well. 

Sorry to lay it on so bluntly but I've been around here for years and people insist on installing console games on their arcade cabinets ignoring everyone's suggestions only to find out they are barely playable if at all on arcade controls after they've went to great effort setting them up. 

N64 games are especially problematic due to the unique controller shape.  Even when Nintendo officially re-released some of the N64 games on the Wii, they had to tweak the controls of each game because even a generic gamepad doesn't work for n64 games universally.  Even then they didn't sell well because it just feels a little off on a twin-stick setup. 

[BadMouth]

This is how I set my x-arcade up.  Never did play N64 much after setting it up, so I can't comment on how well it works.
I ditched the consoles on my new cab.  I don't play console games much, but when I do it's with an xbox360 controller on my laptop hooked up to the living room tv.

[sandheaver]

I believe the Ultimarc Ultrastik 360 is a true analog joystick; that could be made to work for both N64 and arcade games, if you were clever enough.

That said, it's a bad idea and you should always ALWAYS try to play games on their original platforms and hardware whenever possible.  Playing arcade games on a TV is just as bad of an idea to me as playing N64 games on an arcade. 

N64 games were made with the N64 controller in mind.  It won't be the same (or even tolerable in a lot of cases) with an arcade style control set.

[marioxb]

I don't have one yet, but when I do build my cab, I will have some console games in it. Pretty much anything from the 8 and 16 bit era would be fun on an arcade cab I think (I love the PlayChoice 10 and Nintendo Super System for example). But for N64 and beyond, I would be very selective. Only fighters like KI Gold and MK Trilogy, and digital friendly games like Kirby and Mischeif Makers. Or harder to emulate games like PS1/2/3's Tekken series. If I can get a cheap (broken?) Wii U, I'd love to have Tekken Tag 2 Wii U Edition in there, without the gamepad of course. When I finally get enough space for a driving cab, I would have N64 driving games in it.

So, Howard, I do agree with you to a degree. Most modern games would suck in an arcade cab. But some of them would really benefit. A lot of Live Arcade titles, for example. It just depends on what you are going for.

[willybeamish]

Seems like the older simpler controller based console games are pretty playable on the sticks. Anything past the SNES or Sega era seems to be pretty tough.

[keilmillerjr]

http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?6249-N64-to-USB-converter-which-is-best

[Howard_Casto]

I don't have one yet, but when I do build my cab, I will have some console games in it. Pretty much anything from the 8 and 16 bit era would be fun on an arcade cab I think (I love the PlayChoice 10 and Nintendo Super System for example). But for N64 and beyond, I would be very selective. Only fighters like KI Gold and MK Trilogy, and digital friendly games like Kirby and Mischeif Makers. Or harder to emulate games like PS1/2/3's Tekken series. If I can get a cheap (broken?) Wii U, I'd love to have Tekken Tag 2 Wii U Edition in there, without the gamepad of course. When I finally get enough space for a driving cab, I would have N64 driving games in it.

So, Howard, I do agree with you to a degree. Most modern games would suck in an arcade cab. But some of them would really benefit. A lot of Live Arcade titles, for example. It just depends on what you are going for.

It's not just about the controls, it's about everything from the game's layout, to the time required to beat it, to the pacing ect....  90% of your games, even your older ones are not suited to an arcade cab..... you'll be playing most games for HOURS to beat them.  Standing a foot away from the screen for that length of time is going to ruin your eyes, not to mention your feet.  You need to be sitting in a comfortable chair relaxed to play most titles.  Also there is the concept of accuracy.... some games like mega man, ect require precise jumping and firing and for most people out there, it's far easier to pull that kind of thing off with a small game pad then with a big old joystick.  People always come back ranting that I'm plain wrong, but just like you, they only mention arcade titles, "arcade style" games or sequels to arcade titles that never made it into the arcades.  Of course those will work, but they are few and far between. 

[Necro]

I put NES and Atari onto my cab - but once I get my 'console' setup working on my HTPC and/or WII I'll remove the NES or extremely pare down the list.  It's just not worth it when you can play w/a regular controller.    I think Atari works fine since all the games are extremely short and you can also have access to a spinner which is going to cost you big bucks to make the actual Atari spinning controllers accesible on anything.   

I do wish I could get some C64 games onto the cab though - they are a complete ---smurfette--- because of the need for a keyboard - but a few of them are GREAT w/an actual joystick (Wizard, for example). 

[Howard_Casto]

I think Atari works fine since all the games are extremely short and you can also have access to a spinner which is going to cost you big bucks to make the actual Atari spinning controllers accesible on anything.   

I do wish I could get some C64 games onto the cab though - they are a complete ---smurfette--- because of the need for a keyboard - but a few of them are GREAT w/an actual joystick (Wizard, for example).

I'll go on the record saying that ANYTHING is better than an original Atari 2600 joystick.  That stiff spring.... that button right in the way.... they are just awful.  It's no wonder the wico sticks were so popular for that console.  So yeah, Atari is a glaring exception.  Good luck finding an Atari game that people would actually want to play, save Combat! of course.  The thing about the 2600 is 90% of the (fun) library is ports of 80's arcade titles... so just play the true arcade versions.   

The c64 doesn't count... it's a computer regardless of what anybody says.  Your best bet with it is via the Wii.... the c64 releases skip all the keyboard junk. 

[Necro]

Hrm...good point on the C64 thing.  I should check out the Wii releases...

For Atari, I actually prefer the Atari joy (or something similar like a Wico) for most games.  And what about Stampede?  Or Laser Blast? Or Taz?   I grew up with an 2600 so I love some of the games.  

[thomas_surles]

I installed usb ports to my cab. They are basically usb extention cords.  And got a pair of cheap usb n64 controllers off ebay for 15 bucks each. So I just plug those in to play

[Malenko]

Good luck finding an Atari game that people would actually want to play, save Combat! of course.  T

Barnstorming , River Raid , and Pitfall.  Im assuming you are excluding games that can be played in MAME and what not.

[marioxb]

What about Kaboom? That was a fun game. I also always had fun playing Sneak 'N Peak for some reason. Just the 5 year old in me talking probably. Hey I guess the "hide the Wii remotes" mode of Wii Party is kinda an updated Sneak 'N Peak.