Best USB controller adapters?

[Josh]

I want to buy USB controller adapters so I can use original console controllers to play games in emulators on my PC.

I'm looking for NES, Super NES, N64, even GameCube, the PlayStations, etc. etc. controller adapters. Really, I'd like to have adapters for every system, but for now I want to focus on Nintendo.

But I only want ones that have no input lag. So, basically, what are the best USB controller adapters? Is there a community consensus on this?

[Ed Oscuro]

Be aware that lag is a possible issue, and that can become worse if you have only the original USB version or if you have a lot of USB devices or ones that use a lot of bandwidth (i.e. a Razer laser mouse, USB key plugged into Windows Vista for ReadyBoost, and so on).

I've seen varying reports on lag for controller to USB adapters, up to an eighth of a second. Add in any lag from your LCD monitor, emulator inaccuracy, and you're getting a much worse experience for serious playing than you'd have with a real system and a CRT television.

For N64 and especially the PlayStations there's little reason not to get a Xbox 360 controller which works very well for most all programs that use controllers in Windows - additionally the driver lets you use some functions of Live for Windows (via the center button).

For the NES and SNES, there's a great solution ready with the Saturn USB pads (some are branded SLS but they're official and pretty good). Again, they work perfectly with applications. It's got all the buttons a normal SNES pad would have plus a couple.

Frankly, I feel that USB controllers can beat the original thing (especially if it's the NES d-pad or the N64 controller we're talking about), especially if you have a good emulator built around accuracy and a fast machine.

[MASTERWEEDO]

Retrousb has a bunch of usb controllers and adapters

[norkusa]

Retrousb has a bunch of usb controllers and adapters

This. I haven't bought anything from RetroUSB yet, but I hear that their NES/SNES controller adapters are great and plan to buy both soon.

I bought one of the Saturn USB pads off Ebay a few months ago for $20 shipped and love it. Feels just like the real thing. I've heard stories about the d-pad breaking from hardcore use with fighting games, but its been good to me so far.

I also have one of the 2-port USB adapters for N64. Works great with one emu but the other has a huge dead zone with it that I can't adjust.

[MeTmKnice]

USB PS2 controller adapter FTW!

[Josh]

Be aware that lag is a possible issue, and that can become worse if you have only the original USB version or if you have a lot of USB devices or ones that use a lot of bandwidth (i.e. a Razer laser mouse, USB key plugged into Windows Vista for ReadyBoost, and so on).

I've seen varying reports on lag for controller to USB adapters, up to an eighth of a second. Add in any lag from your LCD monitor, emulator inaccuracy, and you're getting a much worse experience for serious playing than you'd have with a real system and a CRT television.

That 1/8 of a second number is terrible, and that's what I want to avoid. I'm not interested in the external factors here (monitor input lag, etc.), just controller input lag.


For N64 and especially the PlayStations there's little reason not to get a Xbox 360 controller which works very well for most all programs that use controllers in Windows - additionally the driver lets you use some functions of Live for Windows (via the center button).

I disagree there, especially for N64 games. The original controllers are almost always the best. But this is beside the point.


For the NES and SNES, there's a great solution ready with the Saturn USB pads (some are branded SLS but they're official and pretty good). Again, they work perfectly with applications. It's got all the buttons a normal SNES pad would have plus a couple.

SLS? Anyway, all the ones I find on eBay seem to be fake non-SEGA-made ones...


Frankly, I feel that USB controllers can beat the original thing (especially if it's the NES d-pad or the N64 controller we're talking about), especially if you have a good emulator built around accuracy and a fast machine.

I'll definitely be using accurate emulators and a fast machine, but I also do want the original controllers.

So, if anyone can name any specific controller USB adapters that are known to have no or very little input lag, please do tell me.

[Kitsune Sniper]

I use a GameMon adaptor that I bought at Walmart. This thing has ports for PS2, Gamecube and XBox pads. I've used it for years and have never noticed any sort of lag.

Nowadays they only sell the PS2/Gamecube model.

[Ed Oscuro]

I disagree there, especially for N64 games. The original controllers are almost always the best. But this is beside the point.
N64 controllers not only have terrible ergonomics, but they aren't very tough mechanically. The analog stick is infamous for wearing out. Hori did make some smaller N64 pads that reportedly have a tougher stick, but I haven't gotten one yet.

There are lots of systems for which the original sticks simply don't help my accuracy or speed. Anything on the NES and the default SNES pads are a good example. I have Advantage sticks and a Hori joystick for the SNES, but most of the time the Saturn pad is better. For the NES, it's the d-pad; for the SNES, it's mainly the shoulders which don't like to stay depressed (big problem in Operation Logic Bomb). YMMV, but may times original controllers fail miserably at meeting my needs.

SLS? Anyway, all the ones I find on eBay seem to be fake non-SEGA-made ones...
Mine came out of China and were "SLS" branded. SLS stands for Sega Logistical Services. My simple testing of three units (not complete) hasn't ruled out the possibility these are production overruns (meaning factory backdoor sales) or use cheap components randomly (although that doesn't seem to be the case), but they are essentially legit product (and the packaging was included so the only thing I don't get is why these were still in China) and very nice. I'm told that the SLS branded ones may even be better than the original runs sold by Sega a few years ago (and which have become somewhat scarce).

[369WIERDO369]

Well, what I do is, I have a 3-in-1 Xbox/PS2/GC USB adaptor, and then I also have a NES/SNES/Gen/N64 > GC adaptor. So I use those four on the 3-in-1 USB adaptor and it works fine.

Both can be found on eBay, and probably other online sources as well. Cost me under $50 for both.

[Aussie2B]

Another vote for RetroUSB. A perfectly flawless experience for NES and SNES. I got one of each for my boyfriend, and while they're a little pricey, the quality and durability can't be beat. I believe they're manufactured in China like the cheap adapters made by Chinese companies, but RetroUSB is a US company and the manufacturer follows a US design.

Heh, I sound like a commercial for them, but we really are that happy with their products. :)