Best gamepad for PC?

NukeULater

Gawd
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Sep 12, 2006
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I've always loved the GTA series. So I bought GTA SA for PC and found out that its not really a keyboard and mouse game. What is the best gamepad for the PC? I've been looking at Xbox 360 controller, but I'm not sure how well it will hold up. My budget its about $60 tops. I appreciate any help. :)
 
with the xbox 360 controller you have to use the usb attachment to use them wirelessly does anyone know if this is good for 2 or more controllers or do you need one for each?
 
It seems every month this comes up. If you have no interest in using the D pad at all, the Xbox 360 controller is hands down the best choice. If you are in need of a good D pad (maybe for old emulated fighting games, etc.) then the Logitech controllers, typically modeled after the PS2 controller, are some of the best you'll find. I've heard decent things about their (Logitech) new chillstream controllers as well.
 
with the xbox 360 controller you have to use the usb attachment to use them wirelessly does anyone know if this is good for 2 or more controllers or do you need one for each?

It supports up to the same number of peripherals as the 360, so 4 wireless game pads and 4 wireless headsets at the same time.
 
+1 for logitech cordless rumblepad 2.
have 2 of those, simply awesome
 
The 360 controller is nicely durable. We've been pretty amazed at how well they've stood up to abuse. We haven't had to worry about dumping it in the dirt or anything.. and we're only having to replace them every 3-4 months of hard use. The only issues we've had is that when you use them around fine-grained dust/sand (like in a desert) the joysticks eventually get a bit rough and can stick.

For use in a house? I can't imagine them ever going bad as long as you're not dunking them in soda or something silly :p
 
PCMusicGuy is right. The 360 pad is worthless if you plan on using the d-pad. Granted you can use the analog as a replacement for the d-pad in some games, but that's not always supported.
It's also odd with many older games because it technically has 4 analog functions. The two sticks, plus the top triggers. In many older games, the top triggers either won't work at all or you'll find they replace the left or right analog stick functions. Thank you PC gaming for lacking standards for so long.
I recommend the 360 pad, but only in conjunction with newer games or an older pad with only 2 analogs and a better d-pad.
 
Thanks all! It looks like I'll be getting the 360 controller. I don't have any really old games for my PC, San Andreas is about all I'm going to use this thing for. Oh and when IV comes out. :D I wont really miss the d pad, all its used for in SA is to change the radio station. And I'm sure I'll find a work around.

Can I use the wireless 360 controller on the PC? Or do I have to get a wired one? And I almost forgot, its it compatible with Vista Ultimate X64?
 
Best to get the wired 360 controller for the PC, costs less than wireless and you will never need to replace the batteries. If you get the wireless version you have to buy a sensor too that plugs into the usb port. Why do that when you can just plug in the wired version to a usb port and nnever have to worry about the batteries going dead in the middle of a game? I've had that happen with wireless keybaords. Now I use nothing that is wireless.

I found the Logitech Dual Action is better supported in games than the 360 though and is a decent game pad. Dual Shock is the same thing but with rumble support, they have a wireless version too if you want to go that way.
 
Thanks all! It looks like I'll be getting the 360 controller. I don't have any really old games for my PC, San Andreas is about all I'm going to use this thing for. Oh and when IV comes out. :D I wont really miss the d pad, all its used for in SA is to change the radio station. And I'm sure I'll find a work around.

Can I use the wireless 360 controller on the PC? Or do I have to get a wired one? And I almost forgot, its it compatible with Vista Ultimate X64?

Of note, San Andreas is one of those games that doesn't like the idea of 4 analogs. There's apparently a fix to make it work, but by default it's a mess.
 
+1 for logitech cordless rumblepad 2.
have 2 of those, simply awesome


Same here, love the feel, batts last for a very long time 4-6wks under alot of use (1-3hrs a day). Great if you are used to PS3/PS2 controller, works with ps3
 
360 controller's d-pad sucks, so watch out for that. I just use the left analog for NES and SNES emulators though.
 
I use a ps2 controller with a USB adapter. Works well for what few games need a gamepad.
 
SA is better played with a mouse and kb anyway.

shooting and on foot mouse+keyboard. driving and flying heli's and etc definitely gamepad. i use a old ps2 controller with smart joy adapter. i bought the adapter a long time ago from some Japanese website now you can get ps2 usb adapters at walmart relatively cheap.
 
Of note, San Andreas is one of those games that doesn't like the idea of 4 analogs. There's apparently a fix to make it work, but by default it's a mess.
So far everything about that game is a mess. It doesn't have user radio that works. I think thats a vista problem... It doesn't recognize my G5 mouse, and the list goes on... I'm still going to get the 360 controller, I going to mainly use it for IV once it comes out for the PC.

I find the GTA series harder to use with a keyboard and mouse. But thats just me. :)
 
shooting and on foot mouse+keyboard. driving and flying heli's and etc definitely gamepad. i use a old ps2 controller with smart joy adapter. i bought the adapter a long time ago from some Japanese website now you can get ps2 usb adapters at walmart relatively cheap.
Well I in can find one at Circuit City or best Buy, I might try that. I read the analog sticks are hard to set up properly.
 
My Sixaxis have been a full time PC Human Interface Device for a couple of months. Use Xpadder and you can even play games with a pad that normally don't support them, or have really cruddy support. Like Beyond Good & Evil.
 
i have 2 controllers, I have a wired Madcatz Xbox 360 controller that I got on clearance, and I have a Logitech PS2 style controller. Those 2 controllers are probably the best in my opinion.
I would like to get a Microsoft Wireless Controller and PC Adapter to replace the Madcatz.

Before that I had a Gravis Xtreme Digital, it was awsome, but sense the I got the 2 above controllers I dont use it anymore.

If you want a good joystick I would suggest a Saitek Cyborg.
 
So far everything about that game is a mess. It doesn't have user radio that works. I think thats a vista problem... It doesn't recognize my G5 mouse, and the list goes on...

Both of those things work fine for me. But I'm on xp.

And ppl say vista doesnt suck. :rolleyes:
 
Both of those things work fine for me. But I'm on xp.

And ppl say vista doesnt suck. :rolleyes:
Funny that you say that, I'm one of those people.

All of my other games work, even mechwarrior 4 mercs, UT2004, and Unreal II - The Awakening. I'm surprised rockstar north didn't release a patch for GTA SA so it runs better on vista.
 
The d pad on the Logitech Dual Action sucks, not nearly as precise as a PS dual shock. Otherwise its fine. I want something with a good d-pad for Street Fighter 4 when that comes out! I would even buy an arcade stick for it if I have to.
 
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