MS (xbox 360) gamepad-frontend questions

[clok]

I almost hate to ask, but... I have a PC hooked to my LCD in my livingroom and want to set up a front end for my EMU's and use the gamepad. I had used GameEX (i like the media center intergration) but its doesnt like the gamepad for moving around(well Media Cneter doesnt actually). I started looking at possibly going with just a front end (no media center) and it got me looking at all the current front ends. PLEASE, I BEG OF YOU, no "heated discussions" on which is better.

I am just wonering from anybody who uses the MS gamepads with EMU's, which ones do they work with, with almost no problems? Since I have been Useing GAME-EX i know how that works, but am wondering about some of the others. Its a VISTA-64 machine and I would like to play basicly all (or almost all) the major EMU's, MAME, SNES, NES, SMS, Genesis, ZINC, (the atari ones (so many)) Saturn, PSX, U64,VP, UP,  etc.. its currently set up for basicly all the above listed (and some i forgot) right now.

I prefer not to use one of the key to joy programs if possible. Some concerns, mapping ESC to get out of games, or menu keys. Right now I run into problems exiting some EMU's (maybt this is impossible to get away from) and have to have a keyboard. I really want to get ot the point once the fornt end is started (and was configured) i would need the gamepad and nothing else to get around and play, exit, change emu's, etc..

thanks!

[massive88]

To take much headache out of using a gamepad, I would really look into using Xpadder to map a button (or set of button presses) to esc.  Otherwise you will have to be really selective about which emulators you can use (those that let you remap esc).  If you use Xpadder, or something similar, in conjunction with closemul, every emulator will exit the same way, garunteed, which is half the battle.

As far as frontends, I know mamewah works with 360 pads flawlessly.  See here for more info - http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=77006.0

A little trial and error might be necessary.

[clok]

I see you where originaly trying somthing like me, to get away for extra joystick mapping programs, maybe I just simply cant.

Anybody else know how the 360 pads work with other emu frontends? basicly wondering  if anybody is useing them on:

hyperspin- I love how this frontend looks and want to give it a try
AtomicFE- was going to check this one out about a year ago, but started on GAME-EX(quite simply was first  one i tired, no other reason) and never did.

Maxuimus-
Mamewah- what I have on my upright, but was (for me) hell to get working
?-


Clok

[Dazz]

They do work in HyperSpin, however it will be using the analog joystick and not the digital D-pad for navigation.  You just need the device id and input it into the settings in HyperSpin.  Personally, I have not tested this feature yet, but it should work fine.

[Todd H]

Works with Maximus Arcade no problem.

[clok]

Ya I kinda figured it would work fine with all of them, my limited testing shows its a pretty nice setup with some kinks to be worked out. Alwasy like to hear it though 

This frontend chosing really is a PAIN IN THE WAZZOOO. SO many great ones, but as so many have said, each has something I like that one of the others doesnt (or does in a way I dont like). I almost want to run them all 

I know this isnt the place (thread) where any of them wil read it.. but.. WOW, GREAT WORK to all you fronte end builders.. as a ex  programmer (boreing stuff, crop insurance), I know the work that goes into it. And doing it for little to no profit, just becuase you want to give something back. I'm simplsy blown away by the quality of the stuff out there and how long some of you have supported your Front Ends. I know the user base can be a bit "excitable" sometimes.. I delt with a realativly small user base, and sometimes wanted to pull my hair out, i cant imagine what you guys hear. I hope its mostly "GREAT JOB"! Wish I could buy you guys all a beer, or whatever you drink..  I know whichever front end I use will get a donation if they accept um. WIsh I was a rich man cuz all the ones i have tested would get one, but sadly I'm with the rest of the country now, keeping my cash in hand for the ugly days ahead.

Once again front end builders, Really do thank you for your work! MAME tema too!

Clok