Xbox 360 controller or other gaming controllers - need input

[metroplex]

For my gaming PC, I have a Razer Diamondback (nothing extraordinary, just a USB Infrared 1600 dpi mouse) that seems to only have 3 functional buttons in games (L/R button, wheel, wheel button), a Logitech Driving Force GT wheel/pedal set (kick a$$ unit designed for PS3 that works in Vista 64-bit), and a Saitek Evo Cyborg joystick.

I am looking for a durable gamepad/controller for some of those games that seem to work best with a controller. I heard of some durability issues with the Logitech Rumblepad (the ones that look like PS2 controllers).

What about the Xbox 360 controller? Will the wired or wireless work in native XP/Vista environments? I am using Vista Business SP-1 64-bit. How is the usability and reliability?

 

[dguy6789]

The 360 controller is by far the best pc game controller. A wired 360 controller will plug right into a usb port and work. A wireless 360 controller requires you to buy another adapter to get it to work.

 

[metroplex]

Thanks. Will the wired 360 controller be compatible with 99% of the PC games?

 

[dguy6789]

I'd say so. It seems to be auto detected and have a very well done preconfigured button layout for any games for windows games as well(You can of course change them if you wish). As far as older games go, it should work with any game that has joypad support I imagine.

 

[Rottie]

xbox 360 controller is making me feel like a PRO

 

[Modelworks]

I prefer the 360 controller as well.
All the pc games that use a controller are already set up for it and it just works.
I use the wireless version but the wired works too.
There are also some 3rd party drivers out there if you can't get the MS ones to work for you.

This is the package I got.
If you check around it can be had for a lot less.
I paid $40 for it on an amazon sale.
http://www.amazon.com/Microsof...&qid=1245710473&sr=8-5

 

[metroplex]

Is there any benefit to going wireless over the wired besides the lack of a cord? In other words, do games detect/work better with the wired versus the wireless?

Will any wireless MS Xbox 360 controller work on the PC? Do I need a special "For Windows" version?

Can I use my own rechargeable NiMH AA batteries?

 

[Modelworks]

The only benefit to wireless is lack of cord.
The 360 wireless controller is the same controller the pc uses. The difference is that the pc needs a wireless receiver. The package above I linked at amazon has the controller and receiver in one package.
You can use any batteries you like.


If you already have a 360 controller you can buy just the receiver.
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-Wir...HZFCT2/ref=pd_sim_vg_1


If not it is cheaper to get the bundle.


The receiver also works with other 360 controllers like the steering wheel .

 

[Porter21]

Originally posted by: metroplex
Is there any benefit to going wireless over the wired besides the lack of a cord? In other words, do games detect/work better with the wired versus the wireless?

Will any wireless MS Xbox 360 controller work on the PC? Do I need a special "For Windows" version?

Can I use my own rechargeable NiMH AA batteries?

I have used both wired and wireless on my PC. I always prefer mouse/keyboard for most PC games. I remember trying the wired on BF2 and could not get used to it. I just decided to keep that for when I play Halo 3 and COD.

The wireless ones work well too. I used the receiver to navigate across my desktop on my server PC so I could use it from the couch with now mouse. The receiver comes with drivers, and I installed free software that would allow me to control it while surfing the web, etc.

Very cool.

 

[metroplex]

What free software are you using? Xpadder is now $16!
I will order the wired controller. I'm not sure the extra $20 is justifiable for wireless, and I heard lots of issues with the wireless interfering with other USB devices and wireless devices.