[Utako]

I have been using the Xbox Controller for Windows for several years. I really do love it, buuuut...

The D-pad. Sweet, merciful crap.

Are we all just screwed? I honestly never see anyone use any other gamepad. How is Logitech on this front?


One thing: I personally can't do anything but wireless. Comfy couch and all.

[Lulubop]

http://www.amazon.com/Snakebyte-Fina...6095131&sr=8-1

Probably.

[tkscz]

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0347402

That one is pretty good.

[RealDeadOne]

I swear by the PS3 Dualshock 3 with MotioninJoy drivers. works like a 360 controller with way better buttons and D-Pad. I do miss the concave sticks and triggers though...

EDIT: Also has bluetooth compatibility for wireless business.

[gdt]

New 360 pad with the decent enough d-pad.

[Orayn]

If you need something for d-pad centric games...

Classic Controller Pro

+

Any Wiimote if your PC has Bluetooth

=

Ecstasy

[Nif]

I have been using the Xbox Controller for Windows for several years. I really do love it, buuuut... The D-pad. Sweet, merciful crap. Are we all just screwed? I honestly never see anyone use any other gamepad. How is Logitech on this front? One thing: I personally can't do anything but wireless. Comfy couch and all.

That logitech isn't bad, probably one of the better alternatives, but the triggers are so uncomfortable coming from a 360 pad. The buttons are stiffer than a Dual Shock, too.

It's wired, but I always wanted to try a logitech ChillStream.

[Seventh]

You can also try modding the d-pad on the 360 controller to improve it. I used this guide to do mine, and found the d-pad to be a lot better afterwards.

[injurai]

I swear by the PS3 Dualshock 3 with MotioninJoy drivers. works like a 360 controller with way better buttons and D-Pad. I do miss the concave sticks and triggers though... EDIT: Also has bluetooth compatibility for wireless business.

Best thing ever, Truly. I much prefer it over the 360 Controller, and you can emulate a variety of different controllers with motion joy. For me this is the only way to go now.

[BiggNife]

If you need something for d-pad centric games... Classic Controller Pro + Any Wiimote if your PC has Bluetooth = Ecstasy

Maybe most people have better luck than I do, but every time I've tried to get my PC to recognize my wiimote its a pain in the ass. It only seems to recognize it like half the time and even then it randomly disconnects sometimes.

[BibiMaghoo]

I swear by the PS3 Dualshock 3 with MotioninJoy drivers. works like a 360 controller with way better buttons and D-Pad. I do miss the concave sticks and triggers though... EDIT: Also has bluetooth compatibility for wireless business.

This was going to be my answer. Although I use it with an extra long cable rather than the bluetooth.

[MTMBStudios]

If you want a decent DPAD and have native xinput (haven't actually used these much, a friend had one and I briefly used it and it seemed alright):
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Stree...6097003&sr=1-1
360 Arcade Sticks work great too for applicable games.

[Orayn]

Maybe most people have better luck than I do, but every time I've tried to get my PC to recognize my wiimote its a pain in the ass. It only seems to recognize it like half the time and even then it randomly disconnects sometimes.

If you want a decent DPAD and have native xinput (haven't actually used these much, a friend had one and I briefly used it and it seemed alright): http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Stree...6097003&sr=1-1 360 Arcade Sticks work great too for applicable games.

OP said wireless, unfortunately. I would have recommended the Mayflash CC->PC adapter if wired controllers were an option.

[Striek]

I have the Logitech F310 and its really good. Good buttons, good triggers, decent dpad and good analog sticks. Having the DirectX - Xinput switch is handy too. Its not wireless but I think the F710 you linked is the same thing just with wireless and rumble.

[Lyphen]

Hot swap between a 360 controller and a 360 PDP Fightpad.

[kevinski]

Whenever I need analog sticks, I use a Logitech RumblePad 2. If I don't need analog sticks, then I use a Saturn USB controller. They're both amazing controllers.

[alf717]

Maybe most people have better luck than I do, but every time I've tried to get my PC to recognize my wiimote its a pain in the ass. It only seems to recognize it like half the time and even then it randomly disconnects sometimes.

I tried to do this as well. Never found a decent guide on how to do it.

[Cyrano]

Hot swap between a 360 controller and a 360 PDP Fightpad.

This is my solution. The only pads that are better are the Saturn USB pads, but good luck finding those (and if you do, prepare to pay $300 or more).

[UrbanRats]

For 2d games i use a ps2 pad with an usb adapter.
It works pretty well with stuff like Dustforce, Cave Story or Super Meat Boy.

[ZealousD]

I have an older Saitek 6-button pad. Great for fighters, shame they don't really make them anymore.

[The Faceless Master]

I swear by the PS3 Dualshock 3 with MotioninJoy drivers. works like a 360 controller with way better buttons and D-Pad. I do miss the concave sticks and triggers though... EDIT: Also has bluetooth compatibility for wireless business.

this.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=410974

[Kibbles]

MS Wireless Gaming Receiver + New 360 wireless controller with new twisty d-pad. That, or one of those shitty MadCatz 360 controllers, which the thumbstick problem probably won't matter for PC games, at least the ones that don't have native support for the controller.

[BreakyBoy]

I know, it's not wireless. Well worth the hassle to get a USB extension cable. I comfy couch game with this.

If you've never used a Neo Geo pad, it's a digital (not-analog) click stick. Think a miniature arcade stick for your thumb with feedback. It works well with pretty much any game I'd rather use a D-Pad for. From shmups, to fighters, to platformers.

If you absolutely refuse to bow to the above glory, I used to use a MadCatz PS3 Fightpad that worked wirelessly. It's not bluetooth though, it uses it's own USB dongle as a wireless receiver, which works on the PC. It was a perfectly serviceable pad. I just bow to the greatness above now and deal with the cord.

[Emitan]

OP said wireless, unfortunately. I would have recommended the Mayflash CC->PC adapter if wired controllers were an option.

This thing is great. It's how I play Super Meat Boy (well it's how I did before it stopped working...)

MS Wireless Gaming Receiver + New 360 wireless controller with new twisty d-pad. That, or one of those shitty MadCatz 360 controllers, which the thumbstick problem probably won't matter for PC games, at least the ones that don't have native support for the controller.

He says in the OP he needs a good d-pad. Why recommend the 360 controller?!

[Kanik]

Was going to suggest the logitech rumble pad 2 but...it seems to be out of production.

In addition to being awesome it comes with Logitech's own keyboard/mouse emulation software that features the best mouse emulation to a joystick I have ever used. Makes playing games like Diablo 3 with a controller possible.

(The Wireless Gamepad F710 might be the newest model)

[SteelAttack]

I swear by the PS3 Dualshock 3 with MotioninJoy drivers. works like a 360 controller with way better buttons and D-Pad. I do miss the concave sticks and triggers though... EDIT: Also has bluetooth compatibility for wireless business.

This is the way to go for me as well. I have a Logitech pad lying around unused since I first got MotionInJoy working properly.

[Utako]

http://www.amazon.com/Snakebyte-Fina...6095131&sr=8-1 Probably.

Wired : /

I swear by the PS3 Dualshock 3 with MotioninJoy drivers. works like a 360 controller with way better buttons and D-Pad. I do miss the concave sticks and triggers though... EDIT: Also has bluetooth compatibility for wireless business.

MotioninJoy is notoriously bad with wireless. Just tried it and, sure enough, it doesn't recognize my onboard bluetooth :(

New 360 pad with the decent enough d-pad.

Juh? Link please!

If you need something for d-pad centric games... Classic Controller Pro + Any Wiimote if your PC has Bluetooth = Ecstasy

This is intriguing. How the heck does it maintain compatibility with PC games? Surely the Wiimote doesn't rock its own Windows gamepad profile.

That logitech isn't bad, probably one of the better alternatives, but the triggers are so uncomfortable coming from a 360 pad. The buttons are stiffer than a Dual Shock, too.

Is the d-pad a big enough improvement to warrant a purchase?

[BreakyBoy]

So my reply doesn't get lost in my bowing to my wired overlord:

Try the PS3 FightPad. The USB wireless dongle it comes with works fine on Windows. It recognizes it and it works well. Comfortable enough, good saturn-style d-pad, 6 good face buttons, and decent shoulder buttons.

[RedSwirl]

Jesus damn Christ I have the same problem as the OP. That's exactly why I got the 360 fightpad before I even owned a 360, but I still want something with a good D-pad, the native 360 connection, and both analog sticks. This goes for 2D games on the 360 too! All I want is a 360 pad with a good Dpad. Is that too much to ask Microsoft?!

There are a couple options for this, but both are ridiculously expensive:

You've got the newer version of the 360 pad that has a better Dpad, but it normally costs $65: http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Silve...6105714&sr=1-4

Then you've got the MLG pad which looks great... but is $100: http://www.amazon.com/Offically-Lice.../dp/B0063BCQ1Q

[playoverwork]

I know, it's not wireless. Well worth the hassle to get a USB extension cable. I comfy couch game with this. If you've never used a Neo Geo pad, it's a digital (not-analog) click stick. Think a miniature arcade stick for your thumb with feedback. It works well with pretty much any game I'd rather use a D-Pad for. From shmups, to fighters, to platformers. If you absolutely refuse to bow to the above glory, I used to use a MadCatz PS3 Fightpad that worked wirelessly. It's not bluetooth though, it uses it's own USB dongle as a wireless receiver, which works on the PC. It was a perfectly serviceable pad. I just bow to the greatness above now and deal with the cord.

I actually have one of these and feel very lucky. Last I checked, these things are so ludicrously rare and expensive. When I ordered one on Nin-nin game, it took them at least a month to ship it. It felt like there was no guarantee that it would actually come, so I emailed them about it and, graciously, they responded and finally got it out to me. It's a great pad but way more rare than it ought to be, because the build quality isn't exactly stellar. For instance, do you know if the microswitches are destined to go out sooner than later? Because it's what the NeoCD pad, that it is based on, was infamous for.

The rarity just drives me insane. Once I accidentally rolled over the cord on this controller with a desk chair, and freaked out the way a true otaku should. There was external damage but it seems to be fine.

[Why would you do that?]

+1 for PS3 controller with MotionJoy, and if you really need wireless, a cheap $1 Bluetooth adapter from a place like DealExtreme. As mentioned, the wireless can be a little finnicky, or annoying to set up each time.

The Wii Remote and Classic Controller is better than PS3 controller IMO, and easier to set up (not finnicky), but 1) no Xbox 360 controller emulation, and 2) no rumble.

Before I got my PS3, I bought a PS3 controller for PC use. 'Twas awesome.


Edit: Don't use onboard Bluetooth. Use a cheap adapter. MotionJoy gives you the option to install its own customized Bluetooth drivers for use with the PS3 controller wireless. (When you do this, be sure to disable your onboard Bluetooth before install so it won't overwrite those drivers.) Allegedly, you can have it so pressing the PS button will auto sync the controller to your PC.

[theBishop]

I swear by the PS3 Dualshock 3 with MotioninJoy drivers. works like a 360 controller with way better buttons and D-Pad. I do miss the concave sticks and triggers though... EDIT: Also has bluetooth compatibility for wireless business.

That's my favorite. Also, MotionInJoy can easily swap triggers, so you're not stuck using the L2/R2 sponges.

[vazel]

I prefer using a dualshock3 with motioninjoy and for 2D games a USB Saturn gamepad.

Logitech's latest controllers seem to be a varation of their old Rumblepad 2 gamepads but with triggers now(bleh!). They're fine controllers except I find the d-pad disc to be a little too small and thick.

[RoadDogg]

I have one of these for my Classic Controllers, it works pretty well for my purposes. Took a while to re-bind all of the keys how I wanted them to be though.

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-...n-70-3nu3.html

[Minion101]

The ps3 controller gets annoying cause many shooters force you to use L2 and R2 for aiming and firing. Bought a 360 solely because for this annoyance.

[TheExplodingHead]

If you need something for d-pad centric games... Classic Controller Pro + Any Wiimote if your PC has Bluetooth = Ecstasy

This

or

Saturn USB with wireless dongle which I swear by. But I would strongly recommend against using Motionjoy, it's buggy as hell, causes driver conflicts and has been known to cause BSOD on certain PC's.

I want one badly, just haven't been able to find one. :(

[BreakyBoy]

I actually have one of these and feel very lucky. Last I checked, these things are so ludicrously rare and expensive. When I ordered one on Nin-nin game, it took them at least a month to ship it. It felt like there was no guarantee that it would actually come, so I emailed them about it and, graciously, they responded and finally got it out to me. It's a great pad but way more rare than it ought to be, because the build quality isn't exactly stellar. For instance, do you know if the microswitches are destined to go out sooner than later? Because it's what the NeoCD pad, that it is based on, was infamous for. The rarity just drives me insane. Once I accidentally rolled over the cord on this controller with a desk chair, and freaked out the way a true otaku should. There was external damage but it seems to be fine.

I want one badly, just haven't been able to find one. :(

Oh man, I bought mine from nin-nin about 6 months ago, and I checked just a month ago for a friend asking a similar question, and they still had it in stock. Not anymore. It took about a month to get to me too, but I didn't contact them about it. I'm used to that from lots of import places.

It sucks that they're out of stock now though. :/

[Sega1991]

My primary PC controller is actually a Dualshock 2 using a USB adapter.

I actually should pick up some new Dualshock 2s before they disappear completely. They're already pretty scarce.

Edit: I would also like to say fuck you to Sony while I'm at it because once they killed Lik-sang SmartJoy USB adapters have become impossible to find. The day mine stops working will be a tragedy indeed.

[Themacabre]

Logitech Cordless rumblepad 2 is what I use.

[QueenOfThorns]

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0347402 That one is pretty good.

This one gets my vote too. The only thing I don't like about it is the PS3 style joysticks, but it more than makes up for it by having the deadzone be perfect. Every 360 joystick I've used has had problems getting back to the center. Mostly apparent in games like Mass Effect where even when you let go the character will keep moving. Very annoying.

Right now I use a CCPro for platformers and any game that doesn't need every 360 button, and the logitech one for everything else. If the CCpro had clicky sticks and 360 style trigger buttons it would be the only one I use.

[Metal Gear?!]

If you want a decent DPAD and have native xinput (haven't actually used these much, a friend had one and I briefly used it and it seemed alright): http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Stree...6097003&sr=1-1 360 Arcade Sticks work great too for applicable games.

The best thing about these is they have a selector switch to allow the d-pad to emulate the left analog, so it's great for a lot of games that don't like the hat switch mapping.

There's no wireless 360 version alas but there are wireless PS3 versions that use a dongle. From there you can use x360ce to make it work like any 360 pad (you've probably had to use x360ce already anyway if you have a wireless 360 pad).

[snack]

I know, it's not wireless. Well worth the hassle to get a USB extension cable. I comfy couch game with this. If you've never used a Neo Geo pad, it's a digital (not-analog) click stick. Think a miniature arcade stick for your thumb with feedback. It works well with pretty much any game I'd rather use a D-Pad for. From shmups, to fighters, to platformers. If you absolutely refuse to bow to the above glory, I used to use a MadCatz PS3 Fightpad that worked wirelessly. It's not bluetooth though, it uses it's own USB dongle as a wireless receiver, which works on the PC. It was a perfectly serviceable pad. I just bow to the greatness above now and deal with the cord.

I want this.

[Ploid 3.0]

I use a DS3 with motionjoy emulating a 360 pad.

[CO_Andy]

For casual play the Dualshock 3 is perfect.

[Susurrus]

New 360 pad with the decent enough d-pad.

How did you get that to work on PC? I have the wireless adapter for Windows, and I can get old controllers to sync with it, but anything new won't sync (more specifically, the silver controller w/ the better dpad, and a black controller that came w/ the new style 360).

[Parallax]

I swear by the PS3 Dualshock 3 with MotioninJoy drivers. works like a 360 controller with way better buttons and D-Pad. I do miss the concave sticks and triggers though... EDIT: Also has bluetooth compatibility for wireless business.

Do you know if motioninjoy works with a ps2 controller?

[Jorok Goldblade]

Maybe most people have better luck than I do, but every time I've tried to get my PC to recognize my wiimote its a pain in the ass. It only seems to recognize it like half the time and even then it randomly disconnects sometimes.

Maybe something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Wii-Classic-Co...7498107&sr=8-1

[Psxphile]

You can also try modding the d-pad on the 360 controller to improve it. I used this guide to do mine, and found the d-pad to be a lot better afterwards.

I did the same w/ my wired 360 controller that I bought for PC gaming a few years ago. It's amazing how much better the Dpad feels afterwards. I think I might even have used the same tutorial (but I never needed to sand anything down, just adding the plastic spacer did the trick).

Afterwards I used a similar "mod" to improve my old PSP 1.0's dpad. so_good.gif

[Truespeed]

I swear by the PS3 Dualshock 3 with MotioninJoy drivers. works like a 360 controller with way better buttons and D-Pad. I do miss the concave sticks and triggers though... EDIT: Also has bluetooth compatibility for wireless business.

Don't even bother with the MotionJoy drivers. Use the official one from Sony ;)

[Victrix]

Don't even bother with the MotionJoy drivers. Use the official one from Sony ;)

Link? I didn't realize there were any