Best PC Controller?

[gregoryvg]

Hey folks,

I would like to pick up a good game controller for my PC. I anticipate using it for some racing games mostly. I am not looking for a racing wheel. What would be the best, most stable controller to use - budget is a concern somewhat. Can I just pick up a wired XBOX 360 controller and plug it into my usb slot? I use Windows Vista.

Thanks for help.
Greg

 

[InflatableBuddha]

I use this controller for GTR 2. It's very comfortable, cheap, and it works.

 

[zerocool84]

Yes you can hook up a wired 360 controller and it will work fine. I'm using a PS2 controller with a USB adapter and it works fine.

 

[duragezic]

The 360 controller is definitely my favorite game controller. It has a decent feel overall and the triggers are great for racing games. The D-pad is not as good as some others but it is hardly used in any games I play.

At $40 (if it still costs that) it is not that cheap but I think is worth it. Maybe you can find it for $30 or so.

 

[BlueWeasel]

There was a guy over on Hardforums selling NIB Xbox 360 wireless controllers with USB receiver for $40 shipped (the same cost as the wired controller).

 

[Canai]

Wired 360 controller FTW. The first one I bought had one analog stick that didn't center correctly, but I took it back and exchanged it at BB. My current one has been soaking wet, disassembled, and generally abused, and is still going strong.

 

[shortylickens]

I will recommend the same thing I did the last 5 times this question was asked:
USB Xbox 360 controller.

 

[TC91]

another vote for the 360 controller

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: duragezic
The 360 controller is definitely my favorite game controller. It has a decent feel overall and the triggers are great for racing games. The D-pad is not as good as some others but it is hardly used in any games I play.

At $40 (if it still costs that) it is not that cheap but I think is worth it. Maybe you can find it for $30 or so.

you can get the wired for like 30 on amazon.

 

[minmaster]

i was thinking of pre-ordering the xbox controller for SF4 capcom was selling. this works with PC too right?

 

[TurtleCrusher]

I currently use a Logitech Dual Action and a two-port PS2 controller adapter.

I prefer the Logitech for Trackmania but the PS2 for DiRT.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: minmaster
i was thinking of pre-ordering the xbox controller for SF4 capcom was selling. this works with PC too right?

Yes it should but I haven't seen any reviews of the D-pad cus the stock D-pad in the 360 is horrbiel for fighting games. It does look cool though but I would look into something that has a good d-pad with analoge sticks so you can use it with any game you want.

 

[RallyMaster]

360 controller. It's a no-brainer.

 

[Vampirrella]

Another amen to the 360 controller tho you can try the ps3 controller as well with the usb cable. I tried both and like the 360 controller miles better

 

[Adam8281]

360

 

[TBSN]

I got an XBox360 wired controller. It works well and it's an awesome controller in general. Played Grid on it and it was great. The game got boring though...

 

[MustangSVT]

Logitech DFP is what I have but anything from logitech is good.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

logitech cordless rumblepad 2, it works perfectly every time. it's very similar to a ps controller.

 

[AmberClad]

I have a Saitek Cyborg Rumble, which has a removable left analog + DPad. You can take the module out of the controller and turn it upside down, so one configuration is XBOX style with the left analog on top, and the other configuration is Playstation style with the two analog sticks side by side and the DPad on top.

 

[mwmorph]

I have a Saitek P2600 Rumble which I used to replace my Saitek P880. It's a good controller and the macro software is great. I got it for a great price. The best controller probably is the Xbox360 controller but it is very expensive for a gamepad.

For a steering wheel though, ECCI makes some amazing quality wheels and pedals. The prices are rediculous unless you are either rich or using it as a training tool for real racing (a la X Motor Racing/rFactor/iRacing) but the quality and feel is amazing. I'm not sure of any other company besides Frex GP that uses drop down pedal placement(like on a real car) .
http://www.ecci6000.com/6000_combo_01.htm

 

[Oyeve]

Logitech RumblePad II is still my fav for PC, then comes the 360 controller.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: The Boston Dangler
logitech cordless rumblepad 2, it works perfectly every time. it's very similar to a ps controller.

Agree, it feels better overall than the 360 wireless, although I got mine before the 360 wireless for PC was released/supported. If I had to do it over again I probably would've just gotten a 360 wireless because its better supported by most games out of the box. Not only are keys mapped more consistently, but on-screen prompts also match the 360 in GFW titles.