gamepad recommendations

[edekoning]

I'm looking to pick up two pc gamepads. Primarily for playing console games (8-bit/16-bit era). A good d-pad is essential, and so is a minimum of 8 buttons. Other than that I prefer a genesis/saturn button layout over a snes layout, but its not a deal braker. In the past I've used some cheap knockoff gamepads, but they brokedown really fast. I've also had a pair of PS2 pads, but I really hated the d-pad. My ideal gamepad would be something like a saturn gamepad, or a genesis 6-button gamepad (though it actually had .

So does anybody have any suggestions/recommendations? What pads do you use, and how would you rate them?

[ark_ader]

I'm looking to pick up two pc gamepads. Primarily for playing console games (8-bit/16-bit era). A good d-pad is essential, and so is a minimum of 8 buttons. Other than that I prefer a genesis/saturn button layout over a snes layout, but its not a deal braker. In the past I've used some cheap knockoff gamepads, but they brokedown really fast. I've also had a pair of PS2 pads, but I really hated the d-pad. My ideal gamepad would be something like a saturn gamepad, or a genesis 6-button gamepad (though it actually had .

So does anybody have any suggestions/recommendations? What pads do you use, and how would you rate them?

I like the original Xbox controller, which I can use for practically anything (emulated).

[marioxb]

Really? I HATE the Xbox controllers for 2D games. The D-pad just isn't precise enough for me. I can't, for example, play Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! AT ALL with an Xbox controller S, whereas it plays wonderfully on my Wii U GamePad (and of course NES/ SNES controller).

That's one of the main reasons I can't fully enjoy my softmodded Xbox emulators until I make an SNES to Xbox controller adapter.

[edekoning]

I like the original Xbox controller, which I can use for practically anything (emulated).

Never used the original xbox controller but I find the X360 controller's dpad pretty ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.

[HaRuMaN]

make an SNES to Xbox controller adapter.

Heh, I've done one of those before.  PITA

[Howard_Casto]

I've got a cheap madcatz knock-off 360 controller.  It's just like the regular 360 controller only it has a snes-style dpad.  Works pretty well for whatever you throw at it. 

[marioxb]

make an SNES to Xbox controller adapter.

Heh, I've done one of those before.  PITA

I was thinking I'd use either something from you, or an I-PAC, but instead of putting arcade controls on the other end, 15-pin Neo-Geo/ PC joystick port that I would connect a hacked SNES controller to. The project box would have the Xbox analogs and arcade buttons for black and white to account for what's missing.

[drventure]

I haven't used a ton of gamepads but I really like the logitech chillstream controllers that I picked up a while back. They have a little fan in them that blows air on your hands. Sounds gimmicky, but it works really nicely.

And the sticks and DPAD work really well for my hands anyway.

[versapak]

The Street Fighter Anniversary Gamepads that came out for the original Xbox are excellent. They have the genesis 6 button layout plus triggers for some snes feel as well.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=street+fighter+anniversary+gamepad&go=&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=street+fighter+anniversary+gamepad&sc=0-0&sp=-1&sk=

The only downside is that you would have to modify the breakaway cable to work on pc. It is an easy mod that literally only requires that you directly replace the Xbox plug with a standard USB one, but it is a mod nonetheless.

There is also a more recent Street Fighter IV fightpad for Xbox 360 that is similar in form and already USB, but I have no experience with them, and the difference in price is HUGE.

[rpgposer]

A lot of folks think the Saturn controllers have the best D-pad.  You could purchase two real saturn controllers and a mayflash USB two controller adapter.
I use a PS3 controller and am happy, but I don't play fighters.

[edekoning]

A lot of folks think the Saturn controllers have the best D-pad.  You could purchase two real saturn controllers and a mayflash USB two controller adapter.

Yes I loved my saturn pads, untill I sold everything to finance a dreamcast  I looked for saturn pads online, but only found outrages prices or crappy knockoffs.

@versapak

I'll probably pick up a pair of those

[Howard_Casto]

A lot of folks think the Saturn controllers have the best D-pad.  You could purchase two real saturn controllers and a mayflash USB two controller adapter.
I use a PS3 controller and am happy, but I don't play fighters.

They would be wrong though.  The Saturn didn't even use a true d-pad... Nintendo holds the patent.  The best d-pad is an actual d-pad and the largest, easiest one to use was the snes.  Actually though, the Wii U's gamepad has the same dimensions, so technically it's the best d-pad.  I know that doesn't help at all, but I'm just sayin...

[mgb]

For NES & SNES, I have been using the Tomee snes USB controllers and they've been pretty good.
I use a Logitech dual action for general play such as PC games but I'm not so sure I like the d pad for Genesis games.
Why not get genuine Genesis 6 button controllers with USB adaptors.

[opt2not]

 SNES controller + the Super RetroPort

http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=29

Done.

[edekoning]

though, the Wii U's gamepad has the same dimensions, so technically it's the best d-pad.  I know that doesn't help at all, but I'm just sayin...

What about the dpad on a wii classic controller or classic controller pro? I,ve seen an adapter so you can plug them directly in a pc, without a need for nunchucks.

[Howard_Casto]

Yeah it's slightly smaller, but still good.  The reason I didn't mention it is because for me at least, those pads have a rather awkward ps3-style analog stick layout, which I can't stand.

This is all subjective btw... I just mentioned that before because all these other companies... they don't have d-pads.  A cross with no plastic in-between....  with a centrally pivoting arrangement.... with low pressure rubber switches underneath is a Nintendo exclusive.   You can find it on other controllers but they are typically knock-offs that Nintendo doesn't bother to sue.  The mad catz pad I mentioned, it has a d-pad knock-off that is a bit stiffer, but still the closest you are going to get outside of a Nintendo controller. 

[northerngames]

I use the official controls for the said console or emu.

I have got everything to work on a pc except the ps3 controller.

so really you have all options and just need to pick one that suits you

[rpgposer]

I was able to get the PS3 controller working with the motioninjoy drivers.  Wirelessly, even.  Use the x360 profile and play PC dark souls without making any changes.  Works great with Higan too.
What I would like is to use the wii-mote and classic controller on my PC, but the bluetooth part is fiddly with windows.

[Howard_Casto]

The CC is a pseudo-serial controller.  If you look around hard enough you'll find usb adaptors that will let you plug it into your computer.  So no Bluetooth required. 

[edekoning]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003711698

[adder]

I've also had a pair of PS2 pads, but I really hated the d-pad.

was just wondering, what didn't you like about it?

[Howard_Casto]

Probably the fact that it's not a d-pad.  A d-pad is a single piece of cross shaped plastic, which makes rolling from one direction to another easy.  The ps2 "d pad" is just 4 separate buttons.

[adder]

actually it may look like 4 separate buttons but it is still a one piece dpad, its just that most of it is hidden by the controllers outer shell

i know what u mean though, u cant exactly roll from one direction as easily because of that design

[northerngames]

ahh just get some straight hours in on the ol nes and build up some calluses on that thumb.

I remember back in the day I had to take a break for a few days becuase my thumb went raw from that thing 

I wonder what something like the psp analog stick would feel like in that spot but with the correct size and have a switch to make it function as analog or digital depending on the games needs 

[shponglefan]

SNES controller + the Super RetroPort

http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=29

Done.

Yup, this.  Nothing quite like playing the classics with classic controllers.

[Howard_Casto]

actually it may look like 4 separate buttons but it is still a one piece dpad, its just that most of it is hidden by the controllers outer shell

i know what u mean though, u cant exactly roll from one direction as easily because of that design

I forgot to respond to this.  This was news to me, I guess you learn something new every day.  Do you think they did this to attempt to dodge Nintendo's patents?

Was is always like that?  My last real attempt to get into sony stuff was the original playstation.  I've played stuff on the ps2/ps3 since then but only in passing.... not enough to really use the d-pad or anything. 

[adder]

i dont know why sony did it that way
yep the psx/ps2 controllers all use that 1 piece dpad design, i got quite a few different psx/ps2 controllers in the past at car boot sales etc and would always take them apart to give them a good clean etc. from the very first minimal first edition psx controller to the last ps2 dualshock2, the dpad is always one piece. to be honest i dont think its too bad overall, but with the dualshock2 i found (and others complain about it too), is that the diagonals are too hard to hit. eg. on streetfighterII its too hard to do fireballs and uppercuts.
luckily u can mod the dpad to make the diagonals much better, which is what i did to mine. without the mod i wouldnt use it tho.

[unkpinball]

Wonder when the patent was granted, 1985 would pretty much make it a dead issue now.