Roundup or Review of Game Pads

[Elcs]

I used to love my joysticks back in my Spectrum and Amiga days, changing to Game Pads in my latter Amiga years. My PC changed me, I used keyboard or keyboard/mouse combos for everything and got my behind kicked on FIFA/PES when I went to a mates and played on his console.

Ive decided, since Im moving towards racing/sports games... that reverting back to a gamepad is the way forward. Gamepads are just another dent in my hardware knowledge so I was looking for some advice on the main brand/makes to look for or avoid and any major sites that provide decent reviews for them.

I quite like the Official PS2 controller and Ive been looking at the cordless PS2-style controller from Logitech (Cordless Rumblepad II). Cordless isnt a necessity but its only a few £'s more than the corded version so its intriguing.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[Tu13erhead]

If you like the PS2 controller, you could consider a PS2 to USB adapter. I'm thinking about either buying one or making one for an Xbox controller myself.

Other than that I have a Nyko AirFlo, a couple Gravis Aftershock Eliminators, and used to have a Saitek P3000. My preference is the AirFlo.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: Tu13erhead
If you like the PS2 controller, you could consider a PS2 to USB adapter. I'm thinking about either buying one or making one for an Xbox controller myself.

Other than that I have a Nyko AirFlo, a couple Gravis Aftershock Eliminators, and used to have a Saitek P3000. My preference is the AirFlo.

I dont own a console which is my primary reason for getting owned at my mates on console games. The PS2 to USB adapter would have been a good idea if I had a PS2 pad. Sorry, I should have made that clear in the first post.

I have NO controller at the minute for PC, console or otherwise.

 

[Ichigo]

Get the 360 controller for PC.

 

[imported_BadKarma]

Originally posted by: Ichigo
Get the 360 controller for PC.

Yup.
From what I've read, the Xbox 360's controller plugs directly into the USB port without the need for an USB adapter. You can download the driver for it from MS through the Windows update. If I didn't already have the USB adapter for my Xbox controller, I would definitely get the 360 controller.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: BadKarma

Originally posted by: Ichigo
Get the 360 controller for PC.

Yup.
From what I've read, the Xbox 360's controller plugs directly into the USB port without the need for an USB adapter. You can download the driver for it from MS through the Windows update. If I didn't already have the USB adapter for my Xbox controller, I would definitely get the 360 controller.

I havent seen a 360 controller yet so I'll take a look.

Im not a console fan and never have been but Ive always liked the PS1 and PS2 controllers.

Anyone got any experience with the PC-only PS2-style controllers? I know Logitech have a good reputation but they may be a dud in this area or there maybe someone better.

 

[Tu13erhead]

Yep, the 360 controllers are probably the most comfy controllers I've ever held, and I LOVE the joysticks on them. How much do individual controllers cost?

 

[Nohr]

Xbox 360 Controller for Windows - ExtremeTech Review

 

[Ike0069]

I use the Saitek J61 P880 Dual Analog Pad .

I use it for all the EA Sports games ( Madden, FIFA, NHL, etc.), and it also works well for arcade styles racing games (NFS).

And since I don't have a joystick, I even use it for flying in BF2. Although that's far from ideal, it gets me by.

 

[kylebisme]

The 360 controller is very comfortable and well layed out but the drivers don't alow for any custom configuration so it simply won't do for a lot of games that expect different axis for the right analog or need the triggers to act like buttons instead of axis. I use the 360 controller in the few games I can and it will be great for games that are designed to support it, but many games simply can't be configured to work right with it.

By far the best controller for the PC is the orginal Xbox pad with XBCD drivers as they alow you to configure absolutely any function of the controller to any axis or button, so it works with any game that supports a controller.

 

[vk8]

P880 gets my vote, bought two of them and the wireless version.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: Ike0069
I use the Saitek J61 P880 Dual Analog Pad .

I use it for all the EA Sports games ( Madden, FIFA, NHL, etc.), and it also works well for arcade styles racing games (NFS).

And since I don't have a joystick, I even use it for flying in BF2. Although that's far from ideal, it gets me by.

The P880 looks good... Whats with those 2 extra buttons around the X, Square, Circle, Triangle area of the pad? Just 2 extra customisable buttons or do they serve another purpose? Does it feature the L1, L2, R1 and R2 buttons?

vk8:

How is the battery life on the wireless pad? It looks a bit heavy.... is it easy to setup?

 

[vk8]

Battery life is good, comes with two batteries. Very light and doesn't really even feel much different. The two "extra" buttons are just other buttons, everything is actually programmable with the software, each button can have two commands that the little red button turns on or off. The only downside is that it only has two flipper buttons, so no L2 or R2.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: vk8
Battery life is good, comes with two batteries. Very light and doesn't really even feel much different. The two "extra" buttons are just other buttons, everything is actually programmable with the software, each button can have two commands that the little red button turns on or off. The only downside is that it only has two flipper buttons, so no L2 or R2.

Not too happy with the lack of L2 and R2. Light and good battery life is a plus. If I remember rightly with the P880 and Wireless version lack rumble too.

Neither of these features are dealbreakers but the Logitech pads have both.

Quoting Prices from 1 site here:

Saitek P880 - £11.99
Saitek P3000 - £25.15
Logitech Rumble Pad II - £22.45
Logitech Cordless Rumble Pad II - £25.73

It seems quite clear between the P880 and the Cordless Logitech.

Id appreciate some feedback, if possible, on the Logitech stuff... I dislike purchasing stuff without getting a feel for its quality, compatibility and general opinion from a good Forum.

 

[Xyo II]

Controllers are one of the few things that I like from Microsoft. I took my xbox controller, hacked off the end, and stuck on a usb cord to use on pc games, because I just don't like using a mouse and keyboard. I can't get my drivers to be recognized by Windows as drivers, though, but I've tried some of the pc gaming controllers, and I have yet to find any that are any good.

 

[BlueWeasel]

I've got the Logitech Cordless Rumblepad II and really like it. This is after using a corded MS Sidewinder for years. It's identical to the PS2 layout and the response/range is excellent. It's a little on the heavy side, but any wireless controller is going to be because of the need for batteries.

I've heard excellent things about the new X360 controller, but it's hard for me to justify $45 for it, considering it's corded and I already have a good wireless controller.

[Edit] Typos.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel
I've got the Logitech Cordless Rumblepad II and really like it. This is after using a cordless MS Sidewinder for years. It's identical to the PS2 layout and the response/range is excellent. It's a little on the heavy side, but any wireless controller is going to be because of the need for batteries.

I've heard excellent things about the new X360 controller, but it's hard for me to justify $45 for it, considering it's corded and I already have a good wireless controller.

I could hug you right about now

Id probably have been shouted at for posting this in GH and peripherals is a small forum. It felt like pulling teeth to get this far

Finally, I have a review to compare against the plaudits of the P880.

BTW, I tried a 360 controller in a local store.. playing NFS:MW and I didnt like the controller much. Just didnt feel right.

 

[Bozono]

I just bought the Cordless Rumblepad II for $20CDN. It's not too bad. I don't like the feel of the D-pad as much as on the PS2 cont. I will say that the wireless works flawlessly, even when playing wrapped up in a quilt(brrr!). The rumble function is decent as well. For me, it's more intermediary until they port the wireless XBOX360 controller to PC(supposedly Q1 2006).

 

[bwanaaa]

the xbox360 controller for windows can be used to operate any game. Just get 'Joy 2 Mouse' - this software will map the controller buttons to any keys,mouse,etc. I'm using it to play COD2. At 1200x720, and 4x AA, it beats an xbox 360 for resolution and realism.

 

[kylebisme]

I don't find anything relevent when searching Google for 'Joy 2 Mouse'. Perhaps you mean
JoyToKey? If so, yeah that would work for CoD2 with the 360 controller just as well about any other, but there are still plenty of issues that biding to keyboard and mouse controls won't solve.

Also, Einstein Element, the your Xbox controller should work great with XBCD. If not, then you must have wired it wrong.

 

[DarkKnight]

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel
I've got the Logitech Cordless Rumblepad II and really like it. This is after using a corded MS Sidewinder for years. It's identical to the PS2 layout and the response/range is excellent. It's a little on the heavy side, but any wireless controller is going to be because of the need for batteries.

I've heard excellent things about the new X360 controller, but it's hard for me to justify $45 for it, considering it's corded and I already have a good wireless controller.

[Edit] Typos.

i was gonna say exactly what he said. get the logitech Cordless Rumblepad II, its great. Better value than the xbox 360 pc controller cause its wireless and cheaper.

 

[you2]

Any comments on the XGear Dual Reflex Gamepad ? (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826169301)

 

[vk8]

Logitech didn't have the right button configs for me, even if they do have dual triggers, I want 6 main buttons. If you like the P880 but want rumble, then they make a rumble version in the P2500. When it comes to controllers, it is just best to use them all in the store first.

 

[Xyo II]

Originally posted by: TheSnowman
I don't find anything relevent when searching Google for 'Joy 2 Mouse'. Perhaps you mean
JoyToKey? If so, yeah that would work for CoD2 with the 360 controller just as well about any other, but there are still plenty of issues that biding to keyboard and mouse controls won't solve.

Also, Einstein Element, the your Xbox controller should work great with XBCD. If not, then you must have wired it wrong.

Yes, I used xbcd, somebody recommended it to me before, but it didn't work- I had used a 2.0 cord instead of a 1/1.1, using a 1.0 cord worked.

 

[SonicIce]

Originally posted by: Ike0069
I use the Saitek J61 P880 Dual Analog Pad .

I use it for all the EA Sports games ( Madden, FIFA, NHL, etc.), and it also works well for arcade styles racing games (NFS).

And since I don't have a joystick, I even use it for flying in BF2. Although that's far from ideal, it gets me by.

I saw the rumble version at walmart for $20