Good PC USB controller for Emulation. [Archive]

vintagegamecrazy

10-04-2007, 03:56 PM

Dreamcast

10-04-2007, 04:04 PM

Okay I don't want to start a big emulation thread. Here's my deal, I have several NES games that I own and can play pretty far into but not finish because my mind gets a little tired of playing for too long. I want to finish these games but would love a way to save them so I wanted to use an emulator just to be able to continue. Is there a good USB controller that feels good when you play 2D games? I want to finish some Castlevanias and Vice Project Doom especially, I always get to the end of them and just need a break.

The best one for retro games on your pc

http://www.smartcomputing.com/images/smartcomputing/fullsize/393n0913.jpg

EDIT: but if you going to play (racing game for example) This one is the best

http://www.subasta365.eu/subasta365/pictures/10_key_usb_game_pad/10_key_usb_game_pad_s.jpg

InsaneDavid

10-04-2007, 04:46 PM

You want to buy a PSX to USB converter, it's a little box with a USB2 cable on it. You can plug in up to two PlayStation controllers into the box and your computer will see them as a pair of 4 axis 12 key gamepads. What's cool is you can hot swap the gamepads since the converter is always connected - your computer won't know. I use this with some PS1 DualShock Analogs for all my PC gaming including MAME, works like a charm. Best thing, you're using high quality controllers and if they wear down you can just plug another one in.

Probably run you about $10 shipped on eBay. The one I have I can't find any more as it looks like it's been replaced with the new hong kong special of the day - which is all I seem to find. Search for "PSX USB converter" or the like.

Sweater Fish Deluxe

10-04-2007, 04:49 PM

I think controller adaptors for using original console controllers are a much better idea than trying to use any of the made-for-PC controllers I've seen.

The Magic Joybox 3-in-1 will let you use either a Playstation controller, Saturn controller or Dreamcast controller. In my opinion, that pretty much covers the bases for all systems I'd want to emulate or original PC games that I'd want to play. I don't like the stock Playstation controller with the segmented dpad, but there's some pretty good third party ones with regular dpads, like one from Nyko that I have. And of course the Saturn controller is a pretty ideal digital controller, too. Dreamcast isn't so useful, but I guess I might use it sometime maybe. (There's a different model of the Joybox 3-in-1 that adaptes for PS, Xbox and Gamecube, which doesn't seem like nearly as useful a selection, but if you like those controllers, it's an option, too.)

If you're *ONLY* interested in NES emulation, then get one of these:

http://www.retrousb.com/products_pictures/retroport1_med.jpg
http://www.retrousb.com/index.php?productID=116

...word is bondage...

Bratwurst

10-04-2007, 05:03 PM

You want to buy a PSX to USB converter,

Seriously, this is what you want to do. I went this route a couple years back and never looked back. Too much inconsistency between PC gamepads and they wear out too fast compared to a controller intended for console use.

roushimsx

10-04-2007, 05:36 PM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Saitek_Gamepad.jpg/800px-Saitek_Gamepad.jpg

The Saitek P2500 is absolutely tops. Well, either that or the p880 (same pad without the rumble features that you'd probably never use). The dpad is wonderful comfortable and accurate (as opposed to the PS1 dpad that's uncomfortable and the gravis gamepad dpad that's sloppy as hell). Best dpad this side of the Saturn controller.

It has just enough buttons placed just right to work great for about any system other than the PS1 (6 face buttons and 2 oversized shoulder buttons; some PS1 games would take a serious hit on the playability factor with it). Hell, it even works well with N64 games.

The only drawbacks with the pad are:
1) No start/select buttons. I use (the equivelent of) Z and C for start/select in most emulators
2) Two shoulder buttons make it unsuitable as a proper PS1 pad replacement.
3) It's doubtful that you'll ever need the rumble feature, but the P880 costs an arm and a leg anymore since it's out of production.

Problems 2 and 3 can be addressed by going with the Saitek P990 (http://www.amazon.com/Saitek-P990-Dual-Analog-Game/dp/B000AL703E/), but I haven't played with one personally and can't give a valid opinion on it. If the only thing they changed was the visual design of it and the split of the shoulder buttons doesn't impact the comfort (good christ are the P880 and P2500 comfortable as hell), then I can see where it'd be the superior pad.

Been using my P2500s for about 3-4 years and they've worked like a charm. Just watch out for the crummy, bloated software that comes with 'em. You don't have to install it; WindowsXP will recognize the pads just fine and you'll be able to configure 'em just dandy in any emulator without a hitch.

XYXZYZ

10-04-2007, 06:02 PM

I actually saw a PSX/Xbox/NGC > USB converter for $10.00 at flippin' Walmart the other day.

RCM

10-04-2007, 06:06 PM

I prefer the Saturn USB controller. Good luck finding one, if you do let me know!

ryborg

10-04-2007, 06:17 PM

I swear by my Super Smart Joy for NES/SNES emulation. It's a direct SNES controller-to-USB jack. I've gone through about a dozen controllers over the years and this is by far the best I've used.

Berserker

10-04-2007, 06:41 PM

Here's another vote for PS2 + Smart Joy adapter. The controllers are extremely adaptable to several different systems, and easily available just about anywhere. Best 10 bucks I've ever spent.

TurboGenesis

10-04-2007, 06:48 PM

I prefer the Saturn USB controller. Good luck finding one, if you do let me know!

I prefer Saturn USB controller myself. But yes, they are rather difficult to come by now :(

For sticks, I prefer the Virtua Stick High Grade. It is built with all Sawna buttons and Sawna stick. It also has quick disconnects if you should wish to change parts out to personal preference.

JPeeples

10-04-2007, 06:50 PM

I actually saw a PSX/Xbox/NGC > USB converter for $10.00 at flippin' Walmart the other day.

I got it a few months ago and LOVE it. I had no luck finding a USB pad for a good enough price, but this works about as perfectly as can be expected. I haven't found lag to be an issue with it, which surprised me given that I figured it'd be a low-quality product due to its price and compatibility with three controllers (well, four, counting the original PlayStation pads).

Snapple

10-04-2007, 06:51 PM

I have a Gravis Gamepad Pro, and I've used it for probably six years. It only cost me like $4, and it works just fine. Very durable. It looks exactly like the original PS1 controller, except with different colors.

diskoboy

10-04-2007, 06:53 PM

I use my wireless 360 controller w/ the PC adapter for MAME. It works quite well.

Of course you can always get a wired one, too...

Damaramu

10-04-2007, 07:02 PM

I actually saw a PSX/Xbox/NGC > USB converter for $10.00 at flippin' Walmart the other day.

Yup! I bought one of these!! Great shit! I even did a thread on it HERE (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101794).

Ed Oscuro

10-04-2007, 08:12 PM

Using a PSX pad for emulation seems horrible to me, unless you like the D-pad. Ugh.

The "best" option seems to be a Hori Real Arcade Pro type stick, at least for the sort of games I play...

Oh yeah, if anybody wants my Saitek P220, message me...

nate1749

10-04-2007, 08:58 PM

This web site is dedicated to just this =)

http://www.retrousb.com/

edit: oh i see someone already reference this site, oh well =) they've got other cool stuff too.

InsaneDavid

10-04-2007, 09:04 PM

Using a PSX pad for emulation seems horrible to me, unless you like the D-pad. Ugh.

The PSX interface is why I like this option, there are so many great PSX controllers out there and custom sticks that use the interface as well.

Ed Oscuro

10-04-2007, 11:36 PM

That's a fair point. There's at least one Hori stick with the interface, and that should work well. I'd get one, although it would receive limited use as I really need just a regular PSX pad replacement (my old one's been flaky for years).

Cryomancer

10-04-2007, 11:54 PM

I use both an Xbox or Xbox 360 controller, and a PC Joybox I bought from Jandaman. It does psx, dreamcast, and saturn va USB. I wish there was an updated version though, it has issues with some psx hardware, adn some DC analog problems. however the saturn controller seems flawless, and mostly what I use it for, that and DC arcade stick.

Gentlegamer

10-05-2007, 12:16 AM

I use a Gamers Factory pad. It has 6 face buttons, 4 shoulder buttons, 2 menu buttons, autofire, and program, and dual analog. It works great with every old school emulator I use (I don't emulate past the 16-bit era). It rocks!

DeputyMoniker

10-05-2007, 12:33 AM

I prefer the Saturn USB controller. Good luck finding one, if you do let me know!

Yes...it's my fav and I'm very proud of it! It looks all fancy with my new Macbook.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/DeputyMoniker/SEGA1.jpg

Here's a top secret one for emulating INTV. :P
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/DeputyMoniker/2dbd4be5.gif

Family Computer

10-05-2007, 01:39 AM

Yes...it's my fav and I'm very proud of it! It looks all fancy with my new Macbook.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/DeputyMoniker/SEGA1.jpg

I'm using a white Saturn USB pad on my Powerbook too!

UniHamachi

10-05-2007, 02:46 AM

The SuperSmartJoy is great, but very tempermental -- sometimes it just won't recognize and you need to reboot your system multiple times to get it back up. Plus it won't play nice with any other controller adapter. Also, I don't think they sell these anymore (I got mine from LikSang -- remember them)? I also have a dual PSX/N64 USB adapter, and I've decided to just use the N64 controller because I can use the D-Pad for NES and SNES games, and because, quite frankly, the N64 is my favorite system.

IronBuddha

10-05-2007, 02:51 AM

I use this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v402/ironbuddha/controller2.jpg), it's a 2 player PSX converter. Most games I just use a regular PS2 controller but for fighting games I like using this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v402/ironbuddha/controller.jpg) I picked up 2 of them when blockbuster had them on clearance for $5.99 each (they only had Akuma left)

DeputyMoniker

10-05-2007, 04:51 AM

I'm using a white Saturn USB pad on my Powerbook too!

That scientifically proves we're cooler than the rest of these guys.
Sorry, guys. It's science.

Scream And Fly

10-05-2007, 05:11 AM

That scientifically proves we're cooler than the rest of these guys.
Sorry, guys. It's science.

But minus two points for using a Mac. :bareass:

I use a Logitech Dual Control and it works great :)

Jorpho

10-05-2007, 09:02 AM

Word is that there's a DS homebrew app that will let you use the Nintendo DS controls as a wireless joypad with your PC.

Pity the DS Lite is a little too small for me to hold comfortably. I should be getting an attachable grip soon.

Griking

10-05-2007, 09:23 AM

The standard Xbox360 controller is my personal choice.

ALAKA

10-05-2007, 09:31 AM

I would have to go with the gravis gamepad pro also. its cheap, durable and gets the job done. of course i also play emulated games on my xbox and the xbox controller s gets it done too. :)

IronBuddha

10-05-2007, 02:20 PM

Just don't buy a Recoil retractable pc controller, buttons get messed up easily all kinds of problems. Just a horrible controller.

Gapporin

10-05-2007, 04:53 PM

I got it a few months ago and LOVE it. I had no luck finding a USB pad for a good enough price, but this works about as perfectly as can be expected. I haven't found lag to be an issue with it, which surprised me given that I figured it'd be a low-quality product due to its price and compatibility with three controllers (well, four, counting the original PlayStation pads).

Yup! I bought one of these!! Great shit! I even did a thread on it HERE (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101794).

F'n thirded. The rumble feature for each joystick is worth the $10 alone.

Pete Rittwage

10-06-2007, 05:19 PM

I find that USB controllers seem to have a slight delay to them- enough to kill a fast paced game for me.

If you still have a 15-pin "GamePort" or can dig up a PCI sound card that has one (and don't run Vista) you can grab an old MS Sidewinder and they work pretty well, but the d-pad is a bit 'mushy'. I also have an old cheap blue InterAct Propad that has a nice feeling d-pad.

Some stuff you just have to play with an X-Arcade, though- even if it is USB. :)

Barbarianoutkast85

10-06-2007, 06:50 PM

All I use is a USB adapter that lets you use your PS2 controller on your PC. I think they always have one for the Xbox, and Gamecube.

CosmicMonkey

10-06-2007, 07:26 PM

Yes...it's my fav and I'm very proud of it! It looks all fancy with my new Macbook.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/DeputyMoniker/SEGA1.jpg

I've been searching for one of those for ages to use with my Mac Mini and possibly even the Apple TV if anymore emulators are ever released for it. Didn't that come packed-in with the OSX version of Puyo Puyo, or was it available separately?

I'm probably gonna mod up a standard white Saturn pad with a retrousb kit until I can get my hands on one of those.

DeputyMoniker

10-06-2007, 09:39 PM

I've been searching for one of those for ages to use with my Mac Mini and possibly even the Apple TV if anymore emulators are ever released for it. Didn't that come packed-in with the OSX version of Puyo Puyo, or was it available separately?

I'm probably gonna mod up a standard white Saturn pad with a retrousb kit until I can get my hands on one of those.

Yeah, it was a pack in item but it was sold separately as well. I didn't buy the game, just got the controller separately. I didn't have a Mac back then.

By the way, I don't knwo if this will help you but here's a little list a guy made of emulation options. If you get a little creative, any of them could be USB through different adapters. For instance, Neo-Geo CD controller for PS2 -> SmartJoy PLUS = Neo Geo CD USB controller.
http://www.1emulation.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t13925.html

DragonBomber

10-08-2007, 10:22 PM

Whatever you end up using, if you lack decent keyboard mapping software (usually included with the pad) you should grab JoytoKey. I have yet to find an emu that this would not work with it. I had to use it after getting a dirt cheap PS2-style dual shock USB twinpad set that seems to have issues. This should also work well with any 15 pin controllers you get at a discount online or used locally. They have adapters for 15 pin to USB but I've yet to try them.

All I know is that I used a 15 pin Gravis Pad forever (until needing more buttons) without problems that mapping to keyboard keys couldn't solve. My brother swears by Saiteks. His Navy buddies managed not to destroy them yet and they did seem fairly sturdy and inexpensive. My Sidewinder's d-pad is the most horrible in creation and I would destroy it had it not been a gift. I would vote against the cheap Twinpad PS2 style pads unless you get them REALLY cheap and want to mess with getting them to work properly. They liked to cut out without JoytoKey running.

If I was getting pads for each system, I'd go with USB adapters for actual pads. Nothing beats the feel of the real controller in your hands. You may have to buy a couple models to switch in as the console played changes. Some USB pads just will never do what the n64 controller does without trying.

Drache

RadiantSvgun

10-08-2007, 11:14 PM

I actually saw a PSX/Xbox/NGC > USB converter for $10.00 at flippin' Walmart the other day.

I bought one earlier for MAME. Its actually pretty good.

vintagegamecrazy

10-09-2007, 10:49 AM

Thanks guys, I'll have to track down a few of those adapters.

fahlim003

10-09-2007, 03:11 PM

I've been searching for one of those for ages to use with my Mac Mini and possibly even the Apple TV if anymore emulators are ever released for it. Didn't that come packed-in with the OSX version of Puyo Puyo, or was it available separately?

I got mine seperately. I also snagged a bunch of boxed units off Yahoo around the same time.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5097/usb002kb8.th.jpg (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=usb002kb8.jpg)

These are easily the best pads around for USB.

CosmicMonkey

10-09-2007, 03:55 PM

I didn't even know there was one with orange buttons! How many different colors are there? Pics?

fahlim003

10-09-2007, 11:18 PM

Mine is the Puyo Puyo version.

Other colours you say?

http://www.ncsxshop.com/images/products/large/1004/usb_saturn_pad_black_ft.jpghttp://www.ncsxshop.com/images/products/large/0804/usbpadft.jpghttp://www.ncsxshop.com/images/products/large/1004/saturn_usb_pad_shop.jpg

smork

10-10-2007, 01:34 AM

I didn't even know there was one with orange buttons! How many different colors are there? Pics?

My Saturn pad is gold with black buttons. I'll post a pic when I get home!

I shoulda bought like 5 of 'em when I got it -- they are great.

strongmanx

01-26-2008, 09:04 PM

How do you the Zsnes to recognize the game controller? I've installed the software for my logitech controller and tried to play zsnes and nothing. I went though the configure screens on the Znes and chose gamepad and nothing. I know the computer recognizes the controller and the game pad is definetly on. I just want to be able to play zsnes without using the key board.

shertz

01-26-2008, 09:23 PM

I swear by my Super Smart Joy for NES/SNES emulation. It's a direct SNES controller-to-USB jack. I've gone through about a dozen controllers over the years and this is by far the best I've used.

I have this one too and love it. Too bad they dont make them anymore =-( Love your Sunny Day Real Estate avatar ;-)

zdan80

01-27-2008, 01:29 AM

The only thing you need it at www.retrousb.com

If you want a good feel for NES games, what better than using an actual NES controller....I bought one of the adapters, best thing Ive done as far as playing NES on computer goes.

ssjlance

01-27-2008, 12:02 PM

I actually saw a PSX/Xbox/NGC > USB converter for $10.00 at flippin' Walmart the other day.

This is the one I own. WOrks like a charm. Only problem is that XBox controller require a seperate driver. Other than that though, it's perfect. Although, some Dreamcast/Saturn ports would be appreciated.

Trebuken

01-27-2008, 01:13 PM

This is the one I own. WOrks like a charm. Only problem is that XBox controller require a seperate driver. Other than that though, it's perfect. Although, some Dreamcast/Saturn ports would be appreciated.

I got this as well. Works great. Recently I have found it useful for PCsx2. I am hoping it will work perfectly with the PC version of Resident Evil 4 -- a PC game that truly needs a PS2 controller...

MeTmKnice

01-28-2008, 06:41 PM

I actually have a pin-out diagram wher eyou can use a original NES controller, you use the pins via parallel port. I can find it if anyone wants it. I know there is a company that also makes a usb to SNES controller adapter. And then there is a site which has a PS2 controller adapter that has usb/xbox/cube connectors on it. I have a couple and they work great. PS2 controllers are my controller of choice as far as newer consoles go.