Recommended Bluetooth gamepads?

[BadMouth]

Had to tear my laptop nearly all the way apart to replace the cmos batter. 
While I was in there, I added the Bluetooth module that I was too cheap to add when I ordered the laptop new.

I usually use wired xbox360 controllers, but feel obligated to utilize Bluetooth more now that I've added it.

Anyone have any comments about PS3 or other Bluetooth gamepads and issues that might arise?

Should I just save my money and stick with the wired x360 pads?

[pbj]

Dualshock 4 works amazing well and has a touchpad that doubles as mouse input.  Very easy to remap so it simulates the Xbox 360 layout.  I have had issue with some programs thinking it is two gamepads functioning simultaneously but haven't messed with it much.  Probably an option in the drivers.

[Howard_Casto]

I agree with this. Sony controllers are really the only Bluetooth gamepads worth getting.  That being said I absolutely positively hate the psx controller layout and it's one of the main reasons I've avoided sony consoles all of these years.  But if you like the sony layout it's the way to go. 

What you'll find is the Bluetooth gamepads are either ps3 controllers, knock-offs of ps3 controllers, or these really crappy "compact" tablet controllers.  So you don't have a whole lot of options. 

[Generic Eric]

I have one of those 8bitty controllers from thinkgeek.  ITSOK.  It seems to work well.  I can pair it with many devices.

What I don't like is that its so rectangular, I mean the retrovibe is ok, but doesn't really make me want to play all day with it.

I'd advise to pass on that one in particular unless you really want one.   

[knave]

Bluetooth has its uses...but if you like the wired 360 gamepads I see little reason to change.

Myself...since I prefer the xb360 comtroller I picked up the wireless dongle so I can hook up a few pads to my laptop with ease.

...I have 2 PS3 controllers too...I just havn't seen a reason to use them with my PC.

[Howard_Casto]

I don't know how practical it would be in a laptop situation, but I agree with knave on this one.  I avoided the 360 adaptor for years thinking "why do I care if my pc controller is wireless" only to find that the convenience of being able to just hit a button and hook up any controller and play from anywhere in the room make me wanna kick myself for not doing it sooner. 

That's where the UCDP came from btw.... I find myself playing games and emulators on the pc a lot more now.

[knave]

I don't know how practical it would be in a laptop situation...

Reason for the laptop in this case is so I can plug it in via HDMI and play wirelessly on my TV with the controller. 

...but I agree with knave on this one.

knave: brining logic to the masses! 

[BadMouth]

Reason for the laptop in this case is so I can plug it in via HDMI and play wirelessly on my TV with the controller. 

Same here.  I don't own any consoles.  The laptop is my living room console.  It feels like a mess with the laptop on the coffee table, HDMI cable going forward, power cable going to the right side of the room and controller wires coming back toward me.

The laptop also had the option of WiHD, but I can't convince myself that it is worth it.
I'd end up with $200-250 in the laptop parts and the receiver.....or I could just continue to use a $5 cable.


I have a little Zeemote JS1 Bluetooth controller that was used with a Symbian phone back in the day.

I never used it much because it suffers from the same problem as the phone...the controls are too crowded.
Anyways, I've thought about hacking it into a wireless Sega Genesis controller (because the wireless one already holds batteries).
The genesis controller is on the way.

Messed around with the zeemote last night and it only works with the zeemote software running in the background and it also doesn't work in MAME.
That took the wind out of my sails, but I'll probably still do the hack because I have no other use for the parts.

[knave]

Messed around with the zeemote last night and it only works with the zeemote software running in the background and it also doesn't work in MAME.
That took the wind out of my sails, but I'll probably still do the hack because I have no other use for the parts.

By all means do the hack and see if it works for you. IMHO you will not be satisfied with this.

Perhaps you can borrow a sixaxis ps3 gamepad from someone and try it out? in any case it looks like you will spend ~$25-$50 to do what you want. Not really that much for the convenience.

I set my Laptop on top of my entertainment Ctr, where their is a dedicated power and HDMI plugs for it.

Don't have cords going all over the place...that IS messy.

[BadMouth]

The genesis controller hack would only be for the novelty of using it with old console games.
The zeemote only has 3 buttons available when used on a pc, so it doesn't even have enough to cover the start button.
hmmmm.....trying to think of a different use for it now....

I'd still need something else for modern steam games.  Will probably just stick with the wired xbox controllers, but thought it would be neat to have a less bulky wireless controller to toss in the laptop bag while travelling. 
I'll probably end up getting a single PS4 controller at some point.

[Howard_Casto]

Well it's like this. 

Do you want to play games?  If so then you need a real controller.  Otherwise feel free to waste your money on those god-awful Bluetooth "gamepads" the market to the smartphone crowd.

I mean the smallest thing I can think of would be a usb snes controller clone, but you might need analog inputs. 

[DaveMMR]

I have these knockoff PS3 pads I'm using (Power A) that swap the stick and the D-Pad like the 360 pad.

That being said, I may invest in a 360 pad anyway (I don't have a 360) as it seems to be the way to go without having to run numerous programs to get my controller working. The Steam games I'm playing always make reference to the 360 layout anyway.

[knave]

The Steam games I'm playing always make reference to the 360 layout anyway.

Now we get it!! 

[ark_ader]

Well there are several ways to go about this, but I find that if you are playing Steam Games then the Xbox 360 controller is of benefit.  I toyed around this problem last year, and went out and bought the Microsoft Certified  Wireless  Interface (then you need to download the drivers at M$) which makes the wireless joypads work with your PC.  The other option is getting a Cronus.  Then you can use whatever controller you would like.  Wii controllers work fine  via bluetooth, but not as good as the 360 controller.

Gamestop had their wireless controller for $9.99 which works with Android and PC, but it is PS orientated and I do agree that the PS controllers are not the most comfortable.

The Zeemote is fine for casual mobile use, but not good enough for mainstream PC gaming.

Its horses for courses, but the official M$ wireless option is a step in the right direction.


Note:  If you feel that my post is negative and upsets you, please berate me and complain to Saint or a moderator.  I'm not very good at treading on eggshells, or respecting delicate sensibilities  Thank you.

[Howard_Casto]

Again I've got to agree.  These little dongles are sweet... they don't take up much room... "just work" due to the 360 factor and are really convenient for a wireless setup. 

I'm setting here looking at mine.  You know it's already tiny but I bet there is a lot of empty space inside.  I'll bet it could be condensed into a "stick" form factor. 

PS:
Do people do that?  All the "awful" things I've said over the years and I don't think I've ever got any crap from it... other than a terrible response in the post that I don't read so that it falls on deaf ears. 

You certainly say things I don't agree with from time to time, but nothing worthy of that kind of response imho. 

[ark_ader]

Again I've got to agree.  These little dongles are sweet... they don't take up much room... "just work" due to the 360 factor and are really convenient for a wireless setup. 

I'm setting here looking at mine.  You know it's already tiny but I bet there is a lot of empty space inside.  I'll bet it could be condensed into a "stick" form factor. 

PS:
Do people do that?  All the "awful" things I've said over the years and I don't think I've ever got any crap from it... other than a terrible response in the post that I don't read so that it falls on deaf ears. 

You certainly say things I don't agree with from time to time, but nothing worthy of that kind of response imho.

PPS:  Yes they do apparently.  I have been told I'm a ---smurfing--- ---uvula---, for voicing my opinions, from the highest of echolons for which I am enemy number one for the Disney cuddly toy crowd.  So to make amends I shall place a disclaimer on my posts to warn those of special sensibilities.  Yeah you talk crap sometimes too Howard, but your efforts on that Fix It Felix patch gives you full immunity.   

[RayB]

TL;DR
Aren't Bluetooth controllers inherently laggy?

[knave]

So uh...Howard, Ark and I all agree on something. Might be a record. Make note of it.

Xbox 360 wireless dongle for the win.

Best buy sells it bundled with a controller. Microsoft - Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows

Or you can pick one up for less than $20. Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows "Official"

If you shop around you can find it for less...

[BadMouth]

Yeah, I think I'll just stick with the wired xbox controllers for now.
If I ever need to hack one for a project, I'll replace it with the wireless one.

I worked with a Bluetooth mouse and numeric keypad all evening.  The lag on the keypad was horrible.  It's acceptable for work, but I can't imagine trying to game with it.  Not that a Bluetooth gamepad would be the same, but I'm less inclined to bother trying it.

[ark_ader]

Yeah, I think I'll just stick with the wired xbox controllers for now.
If I ever need to hack one for a project, I'll replace it with the wireless one.

I worked with a Bluetooth mouse and numeric keypad all evening.  The lag on the keypad was horrible.  It's acceptable for work, but I can't imagine trying to game with it.  Not that a Bluetooth gamepad would be the same, but I'm less inclined to bother trying it.

Lag and the dumb battery saving timeout feature that gives you control issues after a cutscene.  Maybe going the RF route with a KADE.....