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Hello! I would suggest that an XInput compliant controller is the way to go. If you don't absolutely have to stick to the "cheapest" options, there are some reasonably priced high quality items out there - especially this time of year! Note that "XInput" is basically used by every title these days that supports controllers, becoming a de-facto open standard for easy controller use. If a game natively supports Xbox (360, One) controllers, it supports XInput. So here are some of the best offerings....
Xbox One Controller (first party, ideally Version 2 or Version 3) - Xbox One controllers are well made and many feel a step up from their Xbox360 counterparts, especially as all XBOne controllers can be used wirelessly OR wired - you need only connect a USB cable. I would advise you try to get the latest "3rd generation" controller if you can (unless you're going for the Xbox One Elite, but while awesome it is way, way more expensive) which can be distinguished by the entire faceplate of the controller being the same color, including around the Xbox logo button. For example - https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-Wireless-Controller-Black-one/dp/B01LPZM7VI/ - https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-Wireless-Controller-White-one/dp/B01GW3H3U8/ showcase the newest version, which include Bluetooth as well as a 3.5mm jack and some other improvements over older ones. Note that by default Xbox One controllers do NOT come with a battery pack and instead take AA batteries. However, if you want you can pick up a "Play and Charge kit" - https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-One-Play-Charge-Kit/dp/B00DBDPOZ4/ - or a multitude of 3rd party battery pack/chargers (AmazonBasics even has one). Playing on PC in wired mode using a USB cable ( existing XBOne controllers use a micro-USB type connector, common on many phones. If you buy the play and charge kit, it comes with a USB cable with a little light on it that shows the charging status too) is available, but if you want to use it on your PC wirelessly WITHOUT Bluetooth (or you get a model of controller that doesn't support Bluetooth) you will need the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows - https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Xbox-Wireless-Adapter-Windows-one/dp/B00ZB7W4QU/ . There's actually a deal on eBay currently that is selling it for only $12! https://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-...er-for-Windows-10-Bulk-Packaging/152525049486 ! Note this is not a Bluetooth adapter, but instead uses the XBOne's modified 2.4ghz connection. If you get the Bluetooth version of the controller you can of course just just any Bluetooth dongle, but the XBO wireless adapter has some benefits such as the ability to use the 3.5mm headphone jack on the controller etc. There is actually a new, smaller version of the adapter that is launching soon/just launched but I don't see it widely available yet. Note that just Xbox360, there are a ton of knock-off adapters and controllers so be a bit careful and be sure to compare the design before you buy if something is advertised as legit/1st party!
Dual Shock 4 (first party, version 2) - If you prefer a Playstation style symmetrical arrangement of thumbsticks then the Dual Shock 4, the Playstation 4 controller, is your best bet. There are 2 versions with the latest having some minor improvements - https://www.amazon.com/DualShock-Wireless-Controller-PlayStation-Black-4/dp/B01LWVX2RG/ - It is similar to the XboxOne Controller in many ways, but does have some advantages such as a built in rechargeable battery pack and its touchpad; it also has a gyroscope which, for racing games can mean you can turn the whole controller like a wheel if you like - this may take some game support and configuration though. Wireless connectivity is via Bluetooth and you can connect via USB of course. I've not confirmed this myself, but Sony now has an official DS4 Adapter dongle for PC and some report that certain features including sixaxis/gyroscope use are only accessible while using it, as compared to a generic BT dongle. The only annoyance is that unlike Microsoft, Sony has become pigheaded and has not officially created a full set of drivers for PC and most games don't support it natively. Thankfully though, many users have actually written excellent driver packs that not only support DS4 on PC, but also make it supported by default by having it appear as an XInput controller. I suggest the open source ones as these don't have any adware or other gunk - try "DS4tool" or "DS4Windows" ( https://github.com/Jays2Kings/DS4Windows ) is probably the easiest to use. Note that a minor annoyance may be that the button prompts for most games , since they support XInput, are Xbox style (XYBA) etc.. not the "X , Square, Triangle, Circle" of Playstation and thus DS4 controllers, but some games actually are offering alternate button prompts either first party from the devs or via player mods/addons.
Steam Controller (first party) - Made for PC play, the Steam Controller is a fantastic alternative to the above console controllers. (it can also be found on Amazon and elsewhere. It was just on sale recently and may be again soon!) Its notable for the lack of a right thumbstick, but instead has a second large haptic touchpad (note that the haptics on the Steam Controller are far beyond most other peripherals!) that can emulate a thumbstick - and much more! There is a bit of a learning curve to this (some games more than others) so don't balk if it seems a bit odd at first, but keep at it and before long your comfort level will increase and the benefits will arise. The controller also has a gyroscope and many of the functions of the above two, but it also offers a pair of "paddles", extra fingertip area buttons on the back of the controller; a feature previously only found on expensive, customized versions of XBox/PS controllers. Like the others can it can be used in wired mode via USB and Wireless (can't recall if it is BT or something else) but the dongle is included. Power is via AA batteries (at the moment there is no first party rechargeable offering). The Steam controller has built in XInput support and thus is natively supported by most titles. Its drivers/firmware are installed/updated with Steam which as expected is also a central location for configuration; a feature at which it excels. Valve themselves, game devs, and players can all submit customization the Steam Controller for a given title, which you can use or edit as you please. These can not only be standard controller functions, but can also emulate keyboard/mouse movements to make games that wouldn't otherwise work on a controller, play better. Some of this is Steam related, but the Steam Controller can now better support non-Steam titles and there are open utilities for configuration - if nothing else, it can show up as a "default" Xbox-style controller.
So I hope that gives you a bit of an overview. There are other alternatives out there but the bargain basement ones typically have some sort of issue or quality problem and those of cost parity may have a more troublesome experience (ie Nintendo Wii or Switch controllers can work very well with PC, but you need the proper drivers and accessories etc..). Hope that helps a bit!
The most popular is the Xbox controller, works with Windows 7 & 10, 10 more exclusively. I've always just use the Logitech Dual Action II's because Ive always like the Playstation style controller.
Hello! I would suggest that an XInput compliant controller is the way to go. If you don't absolutely have to stick to the "cheapest" options, there are some reasonably priced high quality items out there - especially this time of year! Note that "XInput" is basically used by every title these days that supports controllers, becoming a de-facto open standard for easy controller use. If a game natively supports Xbox (360, One) controllers, it supports XInput. So here are some of the best offerings....
Xbox One Controller (first party, ideally Version 2 or Version 3) - Xbox One controllers are well made and many feel a step up from their Xbox360 counterparts, especially as all XBOne controllers can be used wirelessly OR wired - you need only connect a USB cable. I would advise you try to get the latest "3rd generation" controller if you can (unless you're going for the Xbox One Elite, but while awesome it is way, way more expensive) which can be distinguished by the entire faceplate of the controller being the same color, including around the Xbox logo button. For example - https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-Wireless-Controller-Black-one/dp/B01LPZM7VI/ - https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-Wireless-Controller-White-one/dp/B01GW3H3U8/ showcase the newest version, which include Bluetooth as well as a 3.5mm jack and some other improvements over older ones. Note that by default Xbox One controllers do NOT come with a battery pack and instead take AA batteries. However, if you want you can pick up a "Play and Charge kit" - https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-One-Play-Charge-Kit/dp/B00DBDPOZ4/ - or a multitude of 3rd party battery pack/chargers (AmazonBasics even has one). Playing on PC in wired mode using a USB cable ( existing XBOne controllers use a micro-USB type connector, common on many phones. If you buy the play and charge kit, it comes with a USB cable with a little light on it that shows the charging status too) is available, but if you want to use it on your PC wirelessly WITHOUT Bluetooth (or you get a model of controller that doesn't support Bluetooth) you will need the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows - https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Xbox-Wireless-Adapter-Windows-one/dp/B00ZB7W4QU/ . There's actually a deal on eBay currently that is selling it for only $12! https://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-...er-for-Windows-10-Bulk-Packaging/152525049486 ! Note this is not a Bluetooth adapter, but instead uses the XBOne's modified 2.4ghz connection. If you get the Bluetooth version of the controller you can of course just just any Bluetooth dongle, but the XBO wireless adapter has some benefits such as the ability to use the 3.5mm headphone jack on the controller etc. There is actually a new, smaller version of the adapter that is launching soon/just launched but I don't see it widely available yet. Note that just Xbox360, there are a ton of knock-off adapters and controllers so be a bit careful and be sure to compare the design before you buy if something is advertised as legit/1st party!
Dual Shock 4 (first party, version 2) - If you prefer a Playstation style symmetrical arrangement of thumbsticks then the Dual Shock 4, the Playstation 4 controller, is your best bet. There are 2 versions with the latest having some minor improvements - https://www.amazon.com/DualShock-Wireless-Controller-PlayStation-Black-4/dp/B01LWVX2RG/ - It is similar to the XboxOne Controller in many ways, but does have some advantages such as a built in rechargeable battery pack and its touchpad; it also has a gyroscope which, for racing games can mean you can turn the whole controller like a wheel if you like - this may take some game support and configuration though. Wireless connectivity is via Bluetooth and you can connect via USB of course. I've not confirmed this myself, but Sony now has an official DS4 Adapter dongle for PC and some report that certain features including sixaxis/gyroscope use are only accessible while using it, as compared to a generic BT dongle. The only annoyance is that unlike Microsoft, Sony has become pigheaded and has not officially created a full set of drivers for PC and most games don't support it natively. Thankfully though, many users have actually written excellent driver packs that not only support DS4 on PC, but also make it supported by default by having it appear as an XInput controller. I suggest the open source ones as these don't have any adware or other gunk - try "DS4tool" or "DS4Windows" ( https://github.com/Jays2Kings/DS4Windows ) is probably the easiest to use. Note that a minor annoyance may be that the button prompts for most games , since they support XInput, are Xbox style (XYBA) etc.. not the "X , Square, Triangle, Circle" of Playstation and thus DS4 controllers, but some games actually are offering alternate button prompts either first party from the devs or via player mods/addons.
Steam Controller (first party) - Made for PC play, the Steam Controller is a fantastic alternative to the above console controllers. (it can also be found on Amazon and elsewhere. It was just on sale recently and may be again soon!) Its notable for the lack of a right thumbstick, but instead has a second large haptic touchpad (note that the haptics on the Steam Controller are far beyond most other peripherals!) that can emulate a thumbstick - and much more! There is a bit of a learning curve to this (some games more than others) so don't balk if it seems a bit odd at first, but keep at it and before long your comfort level will increase and the benefits will arise. The controller also has a gyroscope and many of the functions of the above two, but it also offers a pair of "paddles", extra fingertip area buttons on the back of the controller; a feature previously only found on expensive, customized versions of XBox/PS controllers. Like the others can it can be used in wired mode via USB and Wireless (can't recall if it is BT or something else) but the dongle is included. Power is via AA batteries (at the moment there is no first party rechargeable offering). The Steam controller has built in XInput support and thus is natively supported by most titles. Its drivers/firmware are installed/updated with Steam which as expected is also a central location for configuration; a feature at which it excels. Valve themselves, game devs, and players can all submit customization the Steam Controller for a given title, which you can use or edit as you please. These can not only be standard controller functions, but can also emulate keyboard/mouse movements to make games that wouldn't otherwise work on a controller, play better. Some of this is Steam related, but the Steam Controller can now better support non-Steam titles and there are open utilities for configuration - if nothing else, it can show up as a "default" Xbox-style controller.
So I hope that gives you a bit of an overview. There are other alternatives out there but the bargain basement ones typically have some sort of issue or quality problem and those of cost parity may have a more troublesome experience (ie Nintendo Wii or Switch controllers can work very well with PC, but you need the proper drivers and accessories etc..). Hope that helps a bit!
Thank you for taking the time to give me the overview it definitely helped. I'm not looking for the cheapest bottom of the barrel just something to have some fun with as I don't have space/money for a steering wheel setup.
Real men play racing games with a keyboard.
Real men play racing games with a keyboard.
You peaked my interest with this, it would be ideal for my Sofa/Projector PC setup.This doesn't cost a lot more and works much better than a gamepad. It's what I use because I can't use pedals due to bad feet. Gas and brake are on analog paddles on the back of the wheel. Plug and play for the most part. Except in those Milestone WRC games they have issues because Milestone sucks.
https://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-...TF8&qid=1512136045&sr=8-1&keywords=simraceway
You peaked my interest with this, it would be ideal for my Sofa/Projector PC setup.
Have you come across anything else like it?
Microsoft made one for the 360. I don't think they sold enough of them to make one for the current gen, though. You can still buy it at an affordable price from Gamestop.No.
This wheel would be perfect for consoles but it doesn't work on consoles, missed opportunity.
I've had mine about 4 years now and no reliability issues, it is really well made and a solid wheel.
It is free held but a 3rd party has made a mounting kit for it.
ive been using a xb360 wireless kit for years and loved it until i recently started using a xb1 controller. now i love that one. seems to work with everyting. wired is pnp and you can connect the new versions over a regular BT connection.