PC control pads

[Atariguy]

I finally got into MAME, but I don't have any kind of control pad for the PC. I was wondering what the consensus is on which pads are good. I was also considering getting a Saturn>USB converter, but I've heard mixed reactions on their quality.

[calthaer]

The best gamepad of all time is the original Microsoft Sidewinder. It uses the "gameport / midi port" connector, though, and not a USB. Maybe they came out with one that's the same shape but is USB; I don't know. They're only available used, as Microsoft stopped making these, I believe.

If not a Sidewinder, then you might want to try a Gravis.

[SoulBlazer]

Well, I swear by my Gravis GamePad Pro. It's just like a PS1 controller.

If you're REALLY serious about emulation, then do what I did -- get a adapter so you can play real controllers on your computer. :) I do that with my NES, SNES, Genesis, and PlayStation games.

For games that need a joystick, nothing beats a Microsoft Sidewinder. Although they stopped making them over a year ago, I'm sure you can still find one if you look.

[Zing]

Saitek P880.

It is very similar to a PS2 controller. The difference is that it has 6 face buttons and 2 shoulder buttons instead of a 4/4 split. This is great for games like Street Fighter.

If you really are into MAME, then this is the pad for you. It allows you to play games that use two sticks, such as Crazy Climber. It allows you to play games that have analog controls.

I have two MS Sidewinder pads that I used since almost the day they were released. My wife snagged the P880 earlier this year for use with Final Fantasy XI. I gave it a try and never looked back. The Sidewinders are now in the closet.

[Bratwurst]

I had a Saitek for two years and it saw some very heavy use. And I mean like every day. The rubber boots under the buttons finally started to crack. Overall I loved that gamepad, and it was just the P150 model, but it had its quirks.

The d-pad wasn't very good for accurate compass directionals, diagonal left/up, etc would get mixed during some serious action gameplay. Great for fighting and shmup games though, circular motions were really easy.

Best ergonomic designs I have ever handled. Even trumps Nintendo because they design their controllers for like one game (N64 = Mario64) and then let the rest of the games mold awkwardly around it. Saitek design their pads for flexibility. The shoulder buttons are more like triggers so your index fingers rest easy, the face buttons are arranged like arcade cabs and the grips are long but slender, good for big or small hands.

[Flack]

I bought a Retrocon controller and PSX > USB adapter from Zektor and I love it. Before that, I used a newer Gravis GamePad (blue, I think?). I had a generic one but it was so light and after a while all the buttons started sticking.

[whoisKeel]

i go with the psx->usb adaptor. i have nothing but good things to say about it.

[Atariguy]

I'm leaning towards the Saitek P880 right now, but does it have the same directional issues as the P150?

[Lady Jaye]

I've had 3 different controllers: a Gravis GamePad Pro (which is ok, but its tiny screw-on stick is a joke), a MS Sidewinder USB (which is crescent-shaped, a bit like the Genesis pad) and a Macally iShock II, which is a great pad, but I gave that one to my boyfriend because it's too large for my hands.

My fave out of the three is the Sidewinder. It works like a charm. Only thing: it doesn't have any joysticks so games like Robotron and Crazy Climbers are no-go with it.

I think I might get a Saitek.

on second thought, the PSX-to-USB adaptor sounds like a great idea. And unlike the iShock II, I know that the PSX/PS2 pad fits my hands great.

[SMB]

Well, I swear by my Gravis GamePad Pro. It's just like a PS1 controller.

If you're REALLY serious about emulation, then do what I did -- get a adapter so you can play real controllers on your computer. :) I do that with my NES, SNES, Genesis, and PlayStation games.

For games that need a joystick, nothing beats a Microsoft Sidewinder. Although they stopped making them over a year ago, I'm sure you can still find one if you look.

I bought my Gamepad Pro off ebay and I love playing PSX games with it on my PC :)

[ventrra]

The nostromo n40 and n45 pads are pretty good ps1-ish clone pads as well.

[yoursisterspretty]

I use a PS>PC USB connector with a PSone Dual Shock and would never live without it. With 12 available face buttons (if you count L3/R3), an accurate D-pad and 2 analog sticks, I've never found a program/game where I didn't have enough buttons. I found most PC controllers to be lacking in their D-pad, but a Dual Shock works great. I mostly use it with zSNES, and being able to switch games while sitting infront of the TV without touching the computer is great.

[PentiumMMX]

I have 2 good PC controlers:

No-Name 4-Button Joystick
and
SideWinder FreeStyle Pro game pad

:D

[orangemage]

i was thinking about getting this sega saturn usb pad for my computer
http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/CS2-0004.html

[Atariguy]

i was thinking about getting this sega saturn usb pad for my computer
http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/CS2-0004.html
So was I, until I started hearing reports that it's like the Saturn pad only visually: the pad is supposed to be less responsive than most people were hoping for.

[JesterDev]

I used to use a sidewinder. Well I still do but it's modified with Arcade controls now. :) Nothing like real arcade controls for MAME. You can build a control panel that will fit on your desktop for about $30. Most likely less.

[Atariguy]

I got the Saitek P880, but I have no idea how to get MAME to recognize it. Can anyone help?

[Zing]

If you have Windows XP, the P880 is plug and play and will automatically install the drivers. If you have an older version of Windows, I assume you must install the drivers from the CD or website. There are also updated drivers available from Windows Update.

Check your Game Controllers applet in the Windows Control Panel. Remove any devices listed that are no longer connected.

If you are using the command line version of MAME, you need to use the -joy command line parameter. If you have MAME32, it is a checkbox in the program options.

[XxMe2NiKxX]

You should've gotten the 750 model -- it's simmilar to the PS2 controller minus one analog stick and features a side button and a wheel.

[jonjandran]

I second (OR THIRD , FOURTH ? ) the PS2 Dual Shock w/USB adapter.

Works perfect and has plenty of buttons and the thumbsticks work good as joysticks...

[ddockery]

Atariguy - if it shows up in the control panel, it will show up in MAME. Just make sure you turn joysticks on in MAME. How to do this varies by version, but reading the documentation should show you the way.