Joystick of choice for emulation on PC

[Snapple]

Simply put, for those people who play roms and otherwise emulate on their PCs, what kind of joystick do you use?


About six years ago, I bought a Gravis GamePad Pro from Best Buy for only about $10. It may be cheap, but it's one of the best bang-for-buck purchases I've ever made, because it's a really excellent console-style controller that works just as good as the day I bought it.

Here's a review I found of the controller from 2000:
http://www.macgamer.com/reviews/gamepadpro/gamepadpro.html

http://www.macgamer.com/reviews/gamepadpro/gamepadpro.jpg

As you can see, it's basically a clone of a PS1 controller with a USB port. It's very comfortable, and perfect for PS1 and SNES games especially. Although, I also use it for everything else, too. One of the negatives he lists is that "wear and tear takes a fast toll," but I have no idea what he means by that, because like I said, I've had this controller for six years. I've logged hundreds of hours on it, and it's still great.

[DeputyMoniker]

I think I have that exact model. I used it until I got this (I love it when I get to mention it) official Sega Saturn USB controller.
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2004/news/07/02/controller_screen001.jpg

[Imstarryeyed]

I use a standard 9 pin Wico Bat Handle Joystick for my emulators like old consoles and computers. (Vic 20, C64, Amiga, Atari, etc)

I also use a standard 9 pin 6 button gamepad for consoles that need more buttons.

I connect the classic joysticks to my machine by either using the Catweasel MKIV PCI card which has 2 9 pin connectors on it or I use PPJoy and a Parallel Port cable I made (simple) to connect 2 9 pin digital joys to the PC.

With this setup I am able to play 4 player Gauntlet 2 on Amiga or other games.

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

I use a Microsoft Sidewinder control pad. It's 6 front mounted buttons make it easier to use when emulating the Sega Genesis, and can still be easily configured for SNES use.

JY

[Berserker]

I just use my PS2 controller with the aid of a Smart Joy adapter. Works wonderfully. I also use this for many things other than emulators... the analog stick makes a huge difference in playing things like Neverball (http://icculus.org/neverball/), which is basically an open source Monkey Ball clone for the PC.

The combination of analog sticks and d-pad makes it extremely adaptable to just about any game you throw at it. Best 10 bucks I ever spent.

[Greg2600]

I have a blue version of that Gravis Gamepad Pro USB, and swear by it. Gravis is great for hand held joysticks.

[Cryomancer]

Xbox / 360 via USB, and then I also have an adapter that does Saturn, DC, and PSX, which i mostly use for the Saturn controller.

I also just got a wii remote working on my PC so once i get a second sensor bar, hopefully it will make a good MAME lightgun.

[Classicgamesdepot]

I also use that exact controller shown in the pic, it rules.

[mrmeatball]

I'm also currently using my wired 360 controller for emulation. I'm tempted to get Hori's PS3 arcade stick that recently came out since its compatible usb as well since the 360's Dead or Alive 4 stick couldn't register the two trigger buttons to be pressed at the same time (for street fighter and marvel vs. fighting games)

[Flack]

I had one of the pictured Gravis pads, but I wore it out. Now I use a PS2 to USB adaptor with a Madcatz Retrocon controller.

[Hwj_Chim]

I use a logitech precision. It is very nice. It has a floating d pad like the saturn so it is very good with 2d fighters
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q197/hwj_chim/boksbilde-full-300x200.jpg

[Damaramu]

I've been using a Sidewinder gamepad Pro for years now (at least 7).

[Captain Wrong]

I'm currently using the Nuby 15th Aniversery Street Fighter PSX pad with a USB adapter. I like that arrangement a lot.

[Griking]

Xbox / 360 via USB,

Same here. Its a very nice feeling controller

[Damaniel]

I'm using a PS2 controller hooked up with a PS2 to USB adaptor, which works great. I've thought about picking up one of the Microsoft USB wireless receivers so I can use my XBox 360 controllers instead, but I like the directional pad on the Playstation controllers much more than the 360 ones (plus, unlike my consoles, I'm only sitting a couple of feet away from the PC, so a cord isn't a big deal).

[kedawa]

I currently use a $10 usb clone of the american Saturn pad, which miraculously works better than not only the pad it's cloned after, but also the japanese Saturn pad. It's bondi blue like the original iMac.
Unfortunately, it's on its last legs, and the dpad tends to rotate, making it hell for diagonals. I'll try and rebuild it if I can find an actual Saturn for parts.
I'd like to get a new S Controller, but they're no longer available, so I've been looking at the logitech pads.
Does anyone know if there's a version of the logitech dual action controller that has the same dpad as the precision? That would be ideal.

I'm currently using the Nuby 15th Aniversery Street Fighter PSX pad with a USB adapter. I like that arrangement a lot.
Do the SF pads work better once they're worked in?
I have a dual xbox->usb adaptor and two of the xbox SF pads, but I never use them because the dpads require an insane amount of force to register up-right and down-right.
They are literally the worst pads for SF that I've ever used. I can play better with a keyboard, in fact.

[diskoboy]

For arcade emulation - I use X-Arcade on my desktop.

I'm just a perfectionist like that.

I do have a hori DOA4 stick, and I've set it up on my laptop, but I can't get mame to recognize it. I'm contiplating getting that 360 wireless PC adapter.

[ryborg]

I used to have a couple Gamepad Pros, but I didn't like how the D-Pad kept breaking. I tend to choke the life out of my controllers quicker than usual.

I now swear by the Super Smart Joy SNES-to-USB. It's intended for SNES emulation, but it works just as well for other systems that have an equal or fewer amount of buttons than the SNES system. The best part is that you use an actual SNES controller, instead of some third-party potential-crap.

Unfortunately, Lik Sang (the company that makes the SSJ and similar controllers) got sued into oblivion (thanks Sony) and they're tough to come by. Fortunately, I saw it coming and bought a bunch, in case of emergency.
________
IOLITE VAPORIZER HOW TO USE (http://www.vaporshop.com)

[Ed Oscuro]

Mad Catz 360 controller via USB. Works great for a lot of games, but some are touchy about diagonals and it sucks for those. On the whole, works great (not to mention it's useful for newer games too).

[DeputyMoniker]

Mad Catz 360 controller via USB. Works great for a lot of games, but some are touchy about diagonals and it sucks for those. On the whole, works great (not to mention it's useful for newer games too).

I don't understand. If the d-pad doesn't always function properly...then why do you consider the controller to work "great"? It isn't just a cosmetic flaw...we're talking about the most basic requirement of a controller. The buttons have to work.
My car runs great but it doesn't start.
Did I misunderstand your post?

[cyberfluxor]

I think I have that exact model. I used it until I got this (I love it when I get to mention it) official Sega Saturn USB controller.
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2004/news/07/02/controller_screen001.jpg

Where can I get one of those? I'd like 2-4 white ones at the cheapest price possible (cause it'll really add up!).

[DeputyMoniker]

Where can I get one of those?

I got mine from either playasia or lik-sang. That was back when they were released and the pure white one usually sold out within an hour.

[cyberfluxor]

I got mine from either playasia or lik-sang. That was back when they were released and the pure white one usually sold out within an hour.

Yeah, I see that and might just make my own:
http://www.gamesx.com/controldata/usbsatpad/

Seems easy and I know where I can pick up some USB cables for $1 and extra controllers for $3 or less.

[DeputyMoniker]

Yeah, I see that and might just make my own:
http://www.gamesx.com/controldata/usbsatpad/

Seems easy and I know where I can pick up some USB cables for $1 and extra controllers for $3 or less.

Huh? I thought the Saturn D-pad was a true 8-way!

[scorch56]

I use this one:

http://www.joy-stick.net/images/usb-pads.gif

Which is reviewed here:

http://www.joy-stick.net/reviews/gamepads/chusbpad.htm

I can't believe that site is still up.. I used to visit it all the time, but it looks like the last update was in 2004.

Someone (ALPS) made a Playstation controller with the exact same casing:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a315/emdeesee/Collection/PSXhrdwr.jpg


They're actually a lot more comfortable than they look, and they last forever (I've had mine for 6 years.). But I haven't seen one anywhere in ages.

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

I use this one:

http://kiskerarak.hu/img/goodies/g8203.jpg
The Powerramp Mite by ACTlabs

I looked around a lot for a contrleer that would suit my needs. It seemd like most that I saw were patterned after the Playstation controller, which meant that they only had four face buttons arranged in a diamond, which doesn't cut it for my needs. I would have bought the Saturn USB one, but it was too expensive. Then I found the Powerramp Mite. It's got a perfect layout, including four shoulder buttons like a Playstation controller as well as the six face buttons. The best thing about it, though, is that it's not USB or even 15-pin gameport, instead it actually plugs into the PS/2 keyboard port and is recognized as a keyboard. That means it's compatible with *EVERYTHING*--old DOS games, eny emulator, newer Windows games, flash games and even Windows itself if you turn on mousekeys under accessibility features--and doesn't require any drivers, installation, callibration or anything like that. All the buttons--including the dpad--are remappable to any keyboard key or even a series of keys and this is done on the pad itself rather than through a piece of software and you can five complete button settings set and select between them with the switch.

Based on all that, I was already sold on the controller, but I was especially happy to find that it's a really good controller physically as well. Very comfortable to hold, the buttons have a perfect feel and even the dpad--which I thought looked and felt pretty weird at first--turns out to be one of the best and most responsive I've ever used.

I've been meaning to buy another one so that I can play two player games. It has a passthrough for a regular PS/2 keyboard (this is also used for programming it with extra keypresses), but I think I should be able to plug a second PowerRamp Mite into it, too.

I just checked ACTlabs' page and the price for the thing has actually gone up from $10 to $20 since I ordered mine, which is sort of odd for such an old controller, but at least they still have it in stock.


...word is bondage...

[Zing]

I used the MS Sidewinder gamepad from its release until about a year ago. Then I snagged the Saitek P880. It is essentially a PS2 dual shock but with only one trigger on each side. The layout is perfect for all the must haves: NES, SNES, N64, MAME. I don't really care about Sega, etc. :P

[stargate]

I use the Thrustmaster Firestorm Dual Analog 3. Wow, that was a mouthful.

Seriously though, it rocks the house. You can get it with force feedback, but I don't prefer it. It is comfortable, responsive, and you get the dual analog controls for games like Robotron and Smash TV. USB Plug and Play and it is pretty cheap. I can't imagine a better controller.

http://www.thrustmaster.com/product.aspx?ProductID=27&PlatformID=5

[Mangar]

Such a perfect time for this thread. It's taking place exactly when i am setting up a new emulator box for my living room. I have an X-Arcade, but it's not exactly the greatest for when you are sitting on a couch or with guests. :)

Was literally doing gamepad research yesterday when i happened upon this thread.. heh

[stargate]

Such a perfect time for this thread. It's taking place exactly when i am setting up a new emulator box for my living room. I have an X-Arcade, but it's not exactly the greatest for when you are sitting on a couch or with guests. :)

Was literally doing gamepad research yesterday when i happened upon this thread.. heh

Check out the Thrustmaster I listed above. I have the exact same situation. I have an X-Arcade, but wanted something to play while sitting on the couch with friends. We play mostly arcade emulation like Mame and this thing is fantastic...

My only complaint is that I haven't been able to find a gamepad that has an option to set the gamepad or analog stick to 4 directional for games like Pac Man or Donkey Kong. That would be amazing, but I do not think it exists. It's not imperative to have this, but it would be nice.

[kedawa]

Aside from the logitech precision and Saturn usb pads, almost everything posted in this thread has an atrocious dpad. I've used dozens of pc gamepads from gravis, saitek, thrustmaster, logitech, microsoft, and many smaller companies, and 99% of them are pure crap for any game that requires precise diagonals, like fighting games. The sidewinders are among the worst, with a dpad that's rotated about 15 degrees off center. The rest generally have the wonkiest shaped dpads ever, and even the dpads that have nice shapes are usually stiff and unresponsive.

[spunibard]

usb to ps2... i find any d-pad other than nintendo or PS style to be unacceptably clumsy. (seems like this is due to patents) the messiness is most evident in games like Zelda which require precise 2d control. (i play Zelda on real hardware anyway because i'm paranoid about timing differences) also find them more comfortable.

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

Aside from the logitech precision and Saturn usb pads, almost everything posted in this thread has an atrocious dpad. I've used dozens of pc gamepads from gravis, saitek, thrustmaster, logitech, microsoft, and many smaller companies, and 99% of them are pure crap for any game that requires precise diagonals, like fighting games. The sidewinders are among the worst, with a dpad that's rotated about 15 degrees off center. The rest generally have the wonkiest shaped dpads ever, and even the dpads that have nice shapes are usually stiff and unresponsive.
Yeah, that's what I thought about the dpad on the Powerramp that I posted about, too, it looks like the most horrible thing I'd ever seen and I thought it would be pretty much useless for fighting games, but in actually using it, I find that I can hit a dragon punch type move more consistently than I even can with a Saturn pad, for example.

What I'd really like is a pad with a clicky stick like the Neo Geo Pocket has. Those are the best type of directionaly input, in my opinion--even better than a real joystick. The only PC pad I know of with that type of stick is the Blaze Viper pad, but unfortunately is has a Playstation button layout


...word is bondage...

[kedawa]

I've only ever used the 'clicky' microswitch dpad on a NGPC, but I agree, they really are the best. I should have bought a 6 button NGCD-style pad for PS2 when they were available. I'll have to look into the Blaze Viper. I actually prefer the diamond button layout for everything but Genesis/Saturn games, so it may work well for me.
btw, what's up with that blue thing in the middle of the Powerramp?

[Zing]

The sidewinders are among the worst, with a dpad that's rotated about 15 degrees off center.
Yes, the newer sidewinders are like this. I bought one to replace my gameport sidewinder, but had to return it due to the angled d-pad. Who was the idiot that thought of setting it up that way?

The original gameport Sidewinder has a really tight, accurate d-pad. It also came in a USB version later on. It just doesn't have analog sticks.

[Leo_A]

I use a USB Xbox 360 gamepad.

[Retsudo]

I used to have that same Gravis pad. As of now, I use a usb to PS controller I got from Radioshack. Works great.

[rcgamer]

Axis pad with dual analog like ps2 controller. Works great as long as it stays calibrated.