Topic: PC controller help

[monk72]

Hi, anyone have a suggestion for the best, most solid, confortable, and versitle PC controller?

It is for playing classic style games (2d, sprite based classics, many barrowing from nintendo concepts like a mario clone, a tetris clone, etc.), very much like playing SNES type games on PC.

Is there a way to use a SNES controller (through an adapter or something) with my PC?

Is there a comparable controller for use on the PC?

Thanks for any help!

[Retroyoshi]

Gravis Gamepad.  There is one that looks almost identical to the PSX controller, costs about 15 bucks and has tons of unique buttons.

[KDR_11k]

There are two other Gravis pads, IIRC, one like a SNES controller and one with only four buttons. The latter was the reference pad for most PC-platformers like those by Apogee and Epic.
The Microsoft Sidewinder Pad got nice reviews, but its thumb pad is devastating. Two hours of Megaman X and your thumb needs a week to recover. Works when you want a six front button layout, though...
Also, have you tried out Eternal Fighter Zero or other freeware fighters from Japan? They're usually made by people who love the genre and thus contain a better balancing than most (or all?) commercial titles.

[monk72]

Cool info!  Probably a stupid question but where do you guys/gals buy these?  
Guess I'll do a google search for those controller models, or maybe check www.newegg.com or www.pricewatch.com.
I am new to buying pc gaming items.

[Uglydot]

I have seen them at wal-mart, kmart, sam goody, media play; most any electronic stores.

[S-U-P-E-R]

http://www.levelsix.com/ has some console controller adaptors. I've ordered from them a few times, in my experience they've been reliable, and ULTRA FAST.

[Draygaia]

http://gear.ign.com/articles/306/306585p1.html - Also comes in wireless for just extra $10.00

http://gear.ign.com/articles/387/387232p1.html

http://gear.ign.com/articles/306/306587p1.html - there are other versions of it but this one seems to be the best

http://gear.ign.com/articles/324/324344p1.html - sidewinder alternative

http://gear.ign.com/articles/324/324339p1.html

http://gear.ign.com/articles/354/354030p1.html - Awesome retro look

http://gear.ign.com/articles/437/437603p1.html

[KDR_11k]

Hm, is there a PC gamepad with an analog stick as primary control? I have problems with said thumb devastation, so I'd like to get a stick one instead

[monk72]

I have decided on "Thumpmaster Firestorm Dual power 3" controller.  it is like a dual shock sony controller mixed with the gamecube shape.  I just have to make sure I have USB on my kind of oldish pc...how do I tell?  I know I am not using anything with USB right now.

KDR, I'd recommend checking out the dual power 3 as it has sticks and -pad.  I found using one of the ign links in an above post.

[Draygaia]

Yeah I'm going for the Thrustmaster too.  Compared to all the other controllers the price must actually be worth it to even score so highly leaving a huge gap of quality between itself and all the other controllers.

Eeh I just saw the adapter prices and they're kinda high.  I don't know how much PS controllers are but they're probably more expensive when combined with the adapter.  Also since the Thrustmaster is $30.00 on the site the price is probably lower since I looked up this controller two years ago.  And probably is more compatible with PC games that use it other than emulation.

I probably wouldn't mind paying extra $10 for a wireless and a built in fan for that hardcore playing sweat.  But thats just me I saw the features on another controller.

[KDR_11k]

Bah, I need the analog as primary control, not that awful PS2 layout. Hell, both GC and XBox have the a-stick in a good position, why do these idiots still emulate the PS design?
The Go Pad looks interesting, haven't seen it in stores, though.

[Draygaia]

Well dude its more like how are all these controller creaters more crappy than console creators?

Well as for the joystick thing.  Think of it this way.  You're looking at a PC.  Its not meant for emulating.  Theres already thos joysticks that require your whole hand, the mouse is already there so those dpads are not all much of an issue, and most games are designed for the mouse and keyboard.