Sports/racing games on the PC? What's the best controller?

[StinkyPinky]

Should I just purchase an xbox controller? They seem cheap these days.

 

[RiDE]

Can't go wrong with 360 controller.

I've been waiting for this for a while now but it hasn't come out yet.

 

[Obsoleet]

I use the 360 one. It's what they use on consoles, and it's multipurpose.. can't go wrong. I have 2 of them for my PC and don't own a 360. But will come in handy if I ever pick one up.

That one would be really nice because the dpad is bad on the MS pad.

 

[jlee]

Best for racing games? Wheel FTW.

 

[duragezic]

360 controller by far

It's going to probably be the most common one to have good built in support. The analog triggers are necessary for brake and acceleration. The only complaint really is the d-pad, though that doesn't really matter with racing games. That Onza looks nice.

Of course, a wheel and pedal setup is going to easily be the most fun. But a good setup will run quite a bit more than a controller. And for some games, especially arcadey racers, a controller is going to be faster and easier usually.

BTW, you don't need the PC version of the 360 controller. It's like $5 more and identical to the regular ones except it comes with the software, but you can download that anyway.

 

[Throckmorton]

I HATE the Xbox controller for racing games. The stick position makes it much less precise than a Playstation controller. With the Xbox one you're moving your thumb in an arc. With a Playstation one you're bending your thumb. Wiggle your thumb around and you'll see that bending is easier to control precisely.

Logitech's gamepads now have analog triggers, so I'd get one of those. It acts as an Xbox controller so games can't tell the difference
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/gaming/controllers/devices/7360

 

[Edge1]

Xbox controller for built-in support across a wide number (and growing) list of games, as duragezic stated. I've used both a Logitech and Xbox controller and they're both great. I just find myself reaching for the Xbox controller almost exclusively now. JMHO. Best case you can borrow one from a friend to try it out, but I'm pretty sure you'll find it quite satisfactory.

Edit - I also own a wheel, but my lazy side grows tired of setup and breakdown. Its definitely the most immersive though.

 

[fatpat268]

BTW, you don't need the PC version of the 360 controller. It's like $5 more and identical to the regular ones except it comes with the software, but you can download that anyway.

Well, that's not quite accurate... at least if you're buying a wireless controller. The pc versions of the wireless controller include the wireless receiver (which you can't buy seperately anymore).

 

[duragezic]

Well, that's not quite accurate... at least if you're buying a wireless controller. The pc versions of the wireless controller include the wireless receiver (which you can't buy seperately anymore).

Ah you're right, I didn't realize that. I'm kind of old fashioned as actually I don't have anything wireless and don't really care to!

 

[mmntech]

The 360 controller is hands down the best PC gamepad out today. At least in the "reasonably priced" category.

Racing games do play best with a wheel but there's no reason why you can't use the 360 one. Get the wired one. You can pick then up used for cheap enough.

 

[StinkyPinky]

Thanks guys. Xbox it is. It will mostly be sports games rather than racing games anyway.

And yeah, I'll go for wired.

 

[nanobreath]

I use my playstation 3 controller with the motionjoy program to pair it with a bluetooth adapter. The motionjoy program allows you to emulate it as a 360 controller for games that are made to work with one. For me this was the cheapest solution since I already owned the controller. All I had to buy was the bluetooth adapter which I got for $7.99 from newegg. To pair a 360 controller I already own with my PC would take an adapter that is made specifically for that, which is a little more expensive and the would only fill that roll.

If you have to buy both, XBOX would prolly be a little cheaper however.

 

[Disconnect]

I just ordered the PS3 controller along with these trigger adapters for racing. The d-pad and better wireless support are why I bought it over the 360 controller.

 

[wirednuts]

xbox360 controller for sports, but nothing comes close to a force feedback wheel in racing games. being able to feel the weight of the car gives you a huge advantage. you feel the wheel loosen up and you know your car is sliding out in the back.. much before you can tell by watching the screen. its just awesome.

 

[Obsoleet]

I'd reconsider the wireless over wired.. I use mine with my PC and it doubles as a HTPC controller using Xpadder software (mouse emulation) and makes gaming on a HTPC amazing with the 30ft range. Just a fyi, pretty versatile! I bought the wireless 360 pad with receiver, and enjoyed it so much I bought a 2nd standalone 360 pad for 2 player.

Another bonus, the receiver works with 4 gamepads.. making emulators for arcade or any of the old consoles pretty decent as well.