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Off-Topic Discussion => Gaming Discussion => Topic started by: Klaustrophobia on August 06, 2013, 05:00:43 pm

Title: gamepads
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 06, 2013, 05:00:43 pm
I'm looking for opinions and recommendations for PC gamepads, more specifically to be used with emulators.  Primarily project 64.  My first thought was just to get an xbox controller, but thinking back to the last time I played xbox (a LONG time ago), the controllers had pretty stiff joysticks and heavy button presses.  I know there are some emulator players around here, what do you/have you used?  Am I probably better off with a logitech/some other specific PC controller?  Maybe even a PS3?  I'm not crazy about the layout having both joysticks down low, I prefer the left one up higher like on the xbox and gamecube controllers.

I can get an xbox controller for $25 off of newegg right now.  Another possible benefit to that is that my PC version of halo 2 just might be playable with the xbox controller, since the "port" for the pc was essentially a REALLY ****ty job of using the mouse/keyboard as an emulated xbox controller.  I guess the main info I'm looking for is if anyone has experience with using one for emulators and can tell me that I SHOULDN'T get one, or there is a different controller that is enormously better that I should get instead (and isn't really expensive).
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 06, 2013, 05:56:16 pm
I use a Logitech RumblePad2 for all my gamepad needs, and there's an easy-to-use program that gets games to think it is an Xbox controller which I forgot the name of.  I find it easy to use, but that's just because I've been using the Dual Shock design since the first model for the PSX.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Nuke on August 06, 2013, 07:22:06 pm
i for one think that m$ need to get that ****ty xbox input api the **** out of my windows. im sick and tired of games not supporting my native usb hid class sticks out of the box without another piece of middleware that adds latency to the whole system.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: deathfun on August 06, 2013, 07:33:44 pm
Just grab a PS3 or Xbox 360 controller

PS3 will require the DS3 tool driver though. Easy enough to setup
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: z64555 on August 06, 2013, 08:50:56 pm
I'm looking for opinions and recommendations for PC gamepads, more specifically to be used with emulators.  Primarily project 64.  My first thought was just to get an xbox controller, but thinking back to the last time I played xbox (a LONG time ago), the controllers had pretty stiff joysticks and heavy button presses.  I know there are some emulator players around here, what do you/have you used?  Am I probably better off with a logitech/some other specific PC controller?  Maybe even a PS3?  I'm not crazy about the layout having both joysticks down low, I prefer the left one up higher like on the xbox and gamecube controllers.

The original Xbox controller has gone the way of the dodo, with the "Japanese" sized version becoming the mainstay for following versions (namely Xbox 360 and probably also the X-one). It comes with padded 'sticks with a lighter spring on both, and the buttons are for the most part manageable. They moved the white and black buttons to above the triggers, similar to how Sony's Playstation controllers have been.

A chief advantage the PS3 controller has over Xbox 360 is the inclusion of a 3-axis accelerometer and a gyro, which would allow you to use the controller as a flight yoke if you had drivers that would allow for it. DS3's drivers so far have not allowed me to calibrate the axes to allow for driving mode/flight yoke mode, but they may have done an update since I was last able to check.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Scourge of Ages on August 06, 2013, 09:10:47 pm
I use a USB XBOX 360 controller for everything that works better with gamepads. No complaints at all.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: The E on August 07, 2013, 01:41:45 am
On PC, the easiest and most widely supported pad is the 360 one, which is rather excellent. Getting the Dualshock 3 to work is something of a hassle, and I wouldn't recommend it.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Fury on August 07, 2013, 01:52:47 am
I don't use any emulators but I do use Xbox 360 controller occasionally.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: deathfun on August 07, 2013, 08:20:13 am
On PC, the easiest and most widely supported pad is the 360 one, which is rather excellent. Getting the Dualshock 3 to work is something of a hassle, and I wouldn't recommend it.

Considering you can mask your Dualshock as an Xbox 360 controller, I disagree with the statement
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: The E on August 07, 2013, 08:23:03 am
Does it require the never-to-be-sufficiently-cursed abomination of UI design called MotionInJoy? Seriously, that program was written by someone with little to no clue regarding proper user interfaces, and is determined to serve ads all over the place unless put into an offline mode (Yes, by default, this piece of **** requires a net connection to work).
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Patriot on August 07, 2013, 02:48:05 pm
Now that we're on the topic, i'm wondering if i can use my wireless 360 controller via the USB port of my pc with the play and charge wire.

Anyone ever tried it or knows anything about it?
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 07, 2013, 02:56:05 pm
Thanks for the replies everyone.  I'm going to go ahead with the xbox controller.

and Patriot, I don't see why not.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: deathfun on August 07, 2013, 04:59:58 pm
Does it require the never-to-be-sufficiently-cursed abomination of UI design called MotionInJoy? Seriously, that program was written by someone with little to no clue regarding proper user interfaces, and is determined to serve ads all over the place unless put into an offline mode (Yes, by default, this piece of **** requires a net connection to work).

Yes, I am referring to that
However, I've never really cared. I start it up, click enable, and minimize it. Anything other than that is simply irrelevant to what the purpose of it is

As for default net connection, anyone around here *not* usually connected to the internet?
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: z64555 on August 08, 2013, 12:31:39 am
I just want to point out that DS3 is only needed to configure the PS3 controller and provide the middleware needed for the OS system to recognize it as a HID. I've been able to, on several occasions, use the PS3 controller without needing to boot up DS3 at all.

But yeah, its UI sucks a big one.  :nono:
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Colonol Dekker on August 08, 2013, 03:57:36 am
I use dualshock3, motionjoy enables wireless connection over Bluetooth. A Bluetooth adapter is ridiculously cheap.

http://www.motioninjoy.com/download
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Wobble73 on August 08, 2013, 10:24:29 am
I use dualshock3, motionjoy enables wireless connection over Bluetooth. A Bluetooth adapter is ridiculously cheap.

http://www.motioninjoy.com/download

Hi Dekker, Have you read the post 2 up from yours????

Does it require the never-to-be-sufficiently-cursed abomination of UI design called MotionInJoy? Seriously, that program was written by someone with little to no clue regarding proper user interfaces, and is determined to serve ads all over the place unless put into an offline mode (Yes, by default, this piece of **** requires a net connection to work).

Yes, I am referring to that
However, I've never really cared. I start it up, click enable, and minimize it. Anything other than that is simply irrelevant to what the purpose of it is

As for default net connection, anyone around here *not* usually connected to the internet?
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Colonol Dekker on August 08, 2013, 12:02:02 pm
I should've TLDR'd it...
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: AdmiralRalwood on August 08, 2013, 08:44:13 pm
It should be noted that it is entirely possible to use an offline version of MotionInJoy that doesn't have ads; it's what I use.

And yes, I also run in 360 emulation mode most of the time, so as to take advantage of all these modern PC games having native 360 controller support.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: LHN91 on August 10, 2013, 07:29:26 pm
Just to answer Patriot's question - wireless 360 controllers only work with a proprietary Microsoft USB receiver shipped with "360 for Windows" controllers. Though 3rd party receivers exist. Not sure where to get them.

Also, another one for just using a 360 controller for the game pad. Simplest setup, easily supported in most emulators too.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 15, 2013, 09:28:59 pm
360 controller arrived today.  feels good.  now i just wish there was some decent way of mapping A, B, and the C buttons for the N64 controller at the same time. :(
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Mongoose on August 15, 2013, 09:36:47 pm
The four face buttons as the C-buttons, and the bumpers or triggers as A and B?
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: TwentyPercentCooler on August 15, 2013, 09:47:28 pm
My cheap aftermarket PS3 controller was plug and play with Windows 7 and 8. Works just fine.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 15, 2013, 11:05:29 pm
The four face buttons as the C-buttons, and the bumpers or triggers as A and B?

triggers in use as Z and R, the bumpers are pretty awkward for the two main buttons.  right now i've got A and B at A and X.  B and Y are two of the C buttons and the bumpers the others.  i'm probably going to end up with game specific profiles.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Colonol Dekker on August 16, 2013, 02:59:46 am
Motion joy remapper.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: AdmiralRalwood on August 16, 2013, 02:24:53 pm
The four face buttons as the C-buttons, and the bumpers or triggers as A and B?

triggers in use as Z and R, the bumpers are pretty awkward for the two main buttons.  right now i've got A and B at A and X.  B and Y are two of the C buttons and the bumpers the others.  i'm probably going to end up with game specific profiles.
D-pad as C buttons, man. Nobody uses the N64 controller's actual d-pad. Plus, you can always map the right analogue stick as your d-pad for the handful that does.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 16, 2013, 02:41:20 pm
that was my first thought, but games use the C buttons and the control stick at the same time.  i've settled on using the right stick for C in some games and shuffling two extra normal buttons and bumpers as required for the rest.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: FlamingCobra on August 16, 2013, 03:18:21 pm
that was my first thought, but games use the C buttons and the control stick at the same time.  i've settled on using the right stick for C in some games and shuffling two extra normal buttons and bumpers as required for the rest.
Here's how I do it.
LStick - Stick
A - A
X - B
RStick - C Buttons
Dpad - Dpad
LTrigger - Z
Shoulder Buttons - L & R
Start - Start

Now what would be really cool is if there was a pad just like the 360's pad, except with SIX buttons. (A, B, C, X, Y, and Z)
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 17, 2013, 05:01:40 pm
so the trigger buttons actually act as axes, and therefore can't be used at the same time.  this upsets me and complicates control schemes.  maybe it's time i looked for a new emulator.  the more i use P64, the more stuff i find wrong with it.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: deathfun on August 17, 2013, 05:34:23 pm
So... don't use the trigger buttons and use the bumpers
Hell, I hate using the triggers (L2 R2) as main buttons personally. L1 and R1 is where it's at for me


Unless of course, L1 and R1 are what you were referring to in the first place
Which would be odd, because those shouldn't be an axis button
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 17, 2013, 07:56:02 pm
i need both.  the bumpers are used for C buttons.  it's too hard to use the right control stick for the c buttons and not hit in between and register both.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: z64555 on August 17, 2013, 07:59:18 pm
i need both.  the bumpers are used for C buttons.  it's too hard to use the right control stick for the c buttons and not hit in between and register both.

Where's an old school joystick movement limiter when ya need one?
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Mongoose on August 17, 2013, 10:18:36 pm
You could probably whip one up out of cardboard easily enough.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: deathfun on August 17, 2013, 11:21:48 pm
i need both.  the bumpers are used for C buttons.  it's too hard to use the right control stick for the c buttons and not hit in between and register both.

Really?
Well, alright then
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: AdmiralRalwood on August 21, 2013, 02:38:31 am
so the trigger buttons actually act as axes, and therefore can't be used at the same time.  this upsets me and complicates control schemes.  maybe it's time i looked for a new emulator.  the more i use P64, the more stuff i find wrong with it.
I have never had this problem; which version of P64 are you running?
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: SpardaSon21 on August 21, 2013, 11:39:16 am
IIRC it is a problem with the Xbox controller itself.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 21, 2013, 02:51:58 pm
so the trigger buttons actually act as axes, and therefore can't be used at the same time.  this upsets me and complicates control schemes.  maybe it's time i looked for a new emulator.  the more i use P64, the more stuff i find wrong with it.
I have never had this problem; which version of P64 are you running?

as far as i know, the latest, but i'm going to go check that now.  yeah, it's mostly a result of the controller, but P64 could probably make them function as a button if it wanted to.  of course it would be much easier if that were an option i could set in the controller drivers.

e: oh hey, check that out.  new versions.  let's see if this helps.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Nuke on August 28, 2013, 06:12:42 am
IIRC it is a problem with the Xbox controller itself.

some idiot at microsoft had the bright idea to combine the two axes because they would always be off center in their rest state, and they had this notion that axes needed to have centers. other stick manufactures use non-centered axes all the time without issue (such as the breaks on my ch pedals and every throttle ever made). i personally have always hated the xbox360 controller and its ****ty xinput api.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 28, 2013, 02:06:59 pm
new P64 version didn't help, still only recognizes as axis. :(

ya know, i'm kinda surprised no one has made a n64 replica PC controller.  or at least a functional replica, we don't need to copy that three prong retardation.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Nuke on August 28, 2013, 04:50:57 pm
new P64 version didn't help, still only recognizes as axis. :(

ya know, i'm kinda surprised no one has made a n64 replica PC controller.  or at least a functional replica, we don't need to copy that three prong retardation.

http://www.adaptoid.com/

i always hated n64 controllers. like they were designed for an alien with 3 hands.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Klaustrophobia on August 28, 2013, 08:09:15 pm
Quote
*UPDATE* April 30th, 2008

yeah, don't think that took off.   besides that also leaves the problem of needing an original n64 controller in working order.  those damn joysticks never last very long.  nice idea though.
Title: Re: gamepads
Post by: Nuke on August 28, 2013, 10:32:29 pm
well then

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-64-Dual-Controller-Converter-to-PC-USB-Adapter-Mayflash-N64-2-Ports-/290967482967?pt=US_Video_Game_Cables_Adapters&hash=item43bf037257