What's a good controller for gaming?

[Bobsy]

Hello all,

I decided to take up PC gaming again. The last time it was more than 10 years ago and I was using a Kraft joystick: http://www.derboo.de/files/joysticks/Yoowon_-_Kraft_KC3.jpg

I really loved it... but it ultimately died.

If I want to play racing games or arcade-style games, what controller should I get? For racing there are steering wheels and pedals, but I want to keep it simple and cheaper.

Thanks.

 

[Skurge]

Xbox 360 controller. Full support by MS so when you enter a game everything is setup for you and there is no button 1, 2, 3 nonsense.

Not to mention the triggers give great control in racing games, I can keep up with people who have wheels with it.

The D-pad sucks though, but nobody uses that.

 

[dfuze]

I would also suggest a 360 controller, works great especially for arcade and sports games.

 

[Bobsy]

Sold! Thank you both.

 

[PliotronX]

I'm gonna have to go ahead and agree with the others. My wired 360 controller serves a dual purpose for the PC and splitscreen action on the 360 when a buddy's over. Can't get better than that

 

[alrocky]

Xbox 360 controller. Full support by MS so when you enter a game everything is setup for you and there is no button 1, 2, 3 nonsense.

Not to mention the triggers give great control in racing games, I can keep up with people who have wheels with it.

(Regarding racing games.) I've got an ole MS sidewinder wheel but it's a hassle to set it up and then rebox when I'm done with it. I really didn't want to pony up $50 - $200+ for those very nice racing wheels. I was thinking an inexpensive $30 USB joystick would be enough. So you'd recommend the Xbox 360 controller over both my ole MS wheel and most USB joysticks? You can really steer well with it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[RavenSEAL]

*Takes deep breath*

I hate 360...but, i'm not gonna lie, it wins as far as controllers for PC.

One thing though, if you're gonna play shooters, Mousers will have an upper hand on you, the Swedish proved it, can't argue with that.

 

[x1222]

I got the 360 controller for PC. For some reason it's $10 cheaper than the console version. They appear the exact same though.

With the microsoft compatibility it seems like the 360 controller is good. But in retrospect, I might have gotten the ps3 controller instead because the D-pad sucks like hell.

You can also get a program called xpadder, there's a version, to program buttons.

 

[MangoX]

The PS3 game pad works on the PC really well. Only downside is it isn't wireless, you'll need to use the mini-usb cable to power it.

 

[RavenSEAL]

The PS3 game pad works on the PC really well. Only downside is it isn't wireless, you'll need to use the mini-usb cable to power it.

Link please?

 

[Davidh373]

Xbox 360 controller. Full support by MS so when you enter a game everything is setup for you and there is no button 1, 2, 3 nonsense.

Not to mention the triggers give great control in racing games, I can keep up with people who have wheels with it.

The D-pad sucks though, but nobody uses that.

I totally agree. Most Game for Windows games support it natively and with a Download of Xpadder will take care of the rest.