Which gamepad should I buy for my PC?

[TeABaG88]

I am looking to buy a gamepad for my PC. I will use the gamepad for strictly sports games (Madden 2004 etc,) and maybe a few driving games but not to many. My main concern to just with sport games. I would like a gamepad that gives exceptional d-pad response and has at least 6 buttons. That in mind which gamepad does everyone reccommend if price doesn't matter? I know there are many out there and I have only used a few. Also, what is the difference bewtween digital and analog d-pad's? Which one is more accurate? Thanks!

Eric

 

[Mem]

Thrustmaster Firestorm Dual Power is what I use,has 13 buttons with both digital and analog modes and is just an excellent gamepad.

 

[venk]

You can't go wrong with the classic sidewinder, IMHO it is still the best gamepad ever made.

 

[xizor]

if you have a console, buy a console to usb adapter. I use my ps2 controller and both analog sticks work w/ Madden 2004 including the playmaker ability.

 

[Nebor]

I really like my Logitech Wingman Rumblepad. Dual analog sticks and all that jazz. Only cost $30.

 

[rickn]

Originally posted by: Mem
Thrustmaster Firestorm Dual Power is what I use,has 13 buttons with both digital and analog modes and is just an excellent gamepad.

 

[tenoc]

Rumblepad.

 

[Lager]

X-Arcade.

 

[zephyrprime]

Get the wingman wireless rumblepad!

 

[Is]

I also suggest a USB adaptor. The console gamepads are all superior to any PC gamepad I've ever used, even including the sidewinder (if only because it lacked analog control). So, pick whichever you like best. I Like the Xbox's S controller the best (even though I like the other two consoles much much better). The S controller has smooth analog triggers, a great stick, and is well-configured for FPS titles. It also fits quite nicely in my hands.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: Is
I also suggest a USB adaptor. The console gamepads are all superior to any PC gamepad I've ever used, even including the sidewinder (if only because it lacked analog control). So, pick whichever you like best. I Like the Xbox's S controller the best (even though I like the other two consoles much much better). The S controller has smooth analog triggers, a great stick, and is well-configured for FPS titles. It also fits quite nicely in my hands.

Anyone who plays FPS games on a PC with a gamepad should.... be forced to play them on an FX5200.

 

[Is]

Ouch! That's cold. what are you, some kind of input device fascist? Look, sometimes, just relaxing and playing with a gamepad is just fun, it doesn't even matter that it won't make you totally 1337. some people actually play games to have fun, it's not always some neanderthal-esque show of dominance.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: Is
Ouch! That's cold. what are you, some kind of input device fascist? Look, sometimes, just relaxing and playing with a gamepad is just fun, it doesn't even matter that it won't make you totally 1337. some people actually play games to have fun, it's not always some neanderthal-esque show of dominance.

Play to win, pansy.

 

[Is]

You're right! I was talking loser talk before! I'm going to go out and kick some ass, and then I'll date rape a cheerleader! Grzaaaagh! *Smashes monitor with head*.

 

[MDE]

For sports games, a PS2 controller with a USB adapter is probably best.

 

[Lyfer]

MS Sidewinder.

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: rickn

Originally posted by: Mem
Thrustmaster Firestorm Dual Power is what I use,has 13 buttons with both digital and analog modes and is just an excellent gamepad.

This is a great pad. Big, too. Sweat all you want, it won't get slippery. Doesn't get all flaky from sweat either, like most rubber grips. Don't take it apart too much or step on it, though. My right stick drifts now...used to be the left stick, but that was apparently a driver thing (2.40 came out and the left stick has been flawless since). However, after much abuse, the right stick doesn't quite feel right...oh well, good excuse to get another one!

Drivers are pretty good as well, but you want to install Thrustmapper before you go and play anything; it changes the button mapping.

Other info:
-Check retail outlets. Oddly enough, CompUSA actually has a good price on this thing.
-There are three of these pads. Revision 2 has a curvy D-pad (rev 1, like mine, is flat), for revision 3 I'm not sure what is different.

If you like the feel of the normal PSX controller, look into USB adapters for them.

I personally found Logitech's Wingman not to be comfortable for hours of use.
Lastly, don't get a Sidewinder. It's probably built very well, and will work forever, but support will suck, especially since MS has killed them off.

 

[Johnbear007]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: Is
Ouch! That's cold. what are you, some kind of input device fascist? Look, sometimes, just relaxing and playing with a gamepad is just fun, it doesn't even matter that it won't make you totally 1337. some people actually play games to have fun, it's not always some neanderthal-esque show of dominance.

Play to win, pansy.

hehe

 

[Johnbear007]

Originally posted by: Is
You're right! I was talking loser talk before! I'm going to go out and kick some ass, and then I'll date rape a cheerleader! Grzaaaagh! *Smashes monitor with head*.

mmmmm date rape

 

[JaiKnight]

Does anybody know where to buy an SNES -> USB adapter? (or if they even exist?)

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: JaiKnight
Does anybody know where to buy an SNES -> USB adapter? (or if they even exist?)

Gravis makes an SNES type gamepad. I had one at some point, I think I threw it away.

 

[JaiKnight]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: JaiKnight
Does anybody know where to buy an SNES -> USB adapter? (or if they even exist?)

Gravis makes an SNES type gamepad. I had one at some point, I think I threw it away.

I think I know which model you're talking about, but Gravis' D-Pads in general are terrible. That's why I'm trying to find an adapter to use the standard SNES controller, I need to replace my Gravis Gamepad Pro

 

[50]

I saw a PS1--->USB adaptor at radioshack. Would it work with a PS2 controller with all the regular functions or should I look around for a PS2---->USB adapter?