Better Game Controller for PC...PS3 or X360?

[8IronBob]

Since both the X360 and PS3 game controllers are USB-enabled, as well as wireless, I'm just debating which one to ultimately use for the PC? They both seem to feel rather good, and right now, trying to decide on the better controller is gonna be tough, since I just love them both, but only plan on using one. As far as compatible games with both controllers, which one seems to have better compatibility with PC games?

[Hudson]

Well, the 360 controller is built for many PC games with the "Games for Windows" seal.. however i'm sure the PS3 controller would work just fine (as any other controller would).

Just map the controls, and off you go. Been using a DualShock2 on my PC for eons.

[CommanderZx2]

There are manufacturers that make PC gamepads too. Although I am not sure why you want one. Don't say you want to play an FPS with it...

[Echo Black]

While I like the Dual Shock myself, I'd say get a 360 one simply for the whole GFW thing. Ensures less headaches, and more plug-and-play...Ness.

[Hudson]

Yeah, but the reason I haven't got the adapter for my 360 controller is that it takes like.. six seconds to set up the DS2 to work in absolutely any game i've ever tried it with.

For the non-tech inclined, I agree 100% getting a 360 controller is the best headache-less option however.

[HazMat]

I bought a wired 360 controller for my pc and everything has been sweet so far. Crysis works perfectly and i hope other games in the future will work this good.

[superevilcube]

Although I've used neither on the PC, I think the 360 controller would be the best choice.

[Daveman]

I have a 360 controller (though I can't find it at the moment :mad) and it works amazingly well. Almost every new game that you'll want it for has built-in support for it and the rest can be mapped easily using a third-party program. I also prefer the feel to the PS3 controller's feel, but that doesn't have anything to do with which is best for you.

[Simon Charles]

I'd recommend the 360 pad. The triggers are outwards so your fingers can "get" them better. The sixaxis's triggers are curved in the opposite way. Plus I find it more convenient to remember brightly colored buttons than black ones with X and O on them.

[Yatta]

360 pad. The positioning of the triggers is much more comfortable for the thumbs.

[The Stinger]

I'd rather use the ps2 gamepad, but maybe thats just because I'm used to it.

[HazMat]

Shooting just feels way better on the 360 controller. double tapping bitches in the chest with a trigger is much better.

[Fjallraven]

Oh, there's a lot of people who say the X360 Gamepad.

I have to agree with them. The X360 controller is pretty comfy, the PS3 one isn't as good placed in the hand as the X350 is.

If you're unsure, just check the prices.

[Geir]

360 pad. The positioning of the triggers is much more comfortable for the thumbs.

You're a strange gamer to be pressing the LR buttons with your thumbs instead of your fingers. :o

Anyways. There is more compatibility with the 360 pad right now. Personally, I just like the simple feel of a DualShock and the fact that the DualShock 3 has motion-sensing AND vibration AND it is a gamepad. For the PS3 gamepad, the problem is that you need to execute a certain filter program just so you can use the Sixaxis controller on USB; you cannot use it's wireless or motion-sensing capabilities yet. I'm assuming that people are going to make drivers for the DualShock 3 once it hits shelves in the North Americas. We still only have the Sixaxis, a dumbed down version of the DualShock 3, here.

The (wired, original) DualShock 2 controller has supreme analog stick controls. but I think the 360's controller has a few extra buttons. I'm not sure whether the 360 has pressure-sensitive buttons but the PS has them. In order to play with a DualShock 1 or 2, you would need a USB adapter. You can find them online, usually in the same websites that sell modchips and all that kind of illegal crap. The 360 controller has right-out-of-the-box compatibility with your computer.

[Steve]

Definitely the 360 pad.

[Yatta]

You're a strange gamer to be pressing the LR buttons with your thumbs instead of your fingers. :o

I meant analog sticks when I said triggers. :o

[avatar_58]

As always I recommend the Logitech Dual Rumbelpad 2 (wired and wireless available). Works in every game I've tried and has never given me any issues. Also has a 'mode' switch to force the game to swap between the analog stick and the d-pad, which is very useful for some games that only support one or the other.

[Karthik]

As always I recommend the Logitech Dual Rumbelpad 2 (wired and wireless available). Works in every game I've tried and has never given me any issues. Also has a 'mode' switch to force the game to swap between the analog stick and the d-pad, which is very useful for some games that only support one or the other.
Yeah, the Logitech Rumblepad 2 is a good investment. Though the only drawback is that it doesn't support rumble under XInput. The 360 pad on the other hand doesn't support rumble in DirectInput mode. I'd say get both controllers just to be on the safe side.

[avatar_58]

I rarely use the rumble nor really care anyway. Most games that support rumble I don't even play with the gamepad, so it never comes up.

[8IronBob]

Yeah, you're probably right about the X360 controller. Even tho Vista does recognize the Sixaxis, it's just a pain in the ass, doesn't even work with the GTA games or GFW games that I've been wanting it to work for. I can always remap the X360 controller to work with the GTA games to work like the console counterparts. I'm guessing that the only thing that Vista's good for with the PS3 controller is for recharging it? Haven't noticed any apps to make it a working controller for GTAIII/VC/SA at all. At least the X360 controller has more native support with Windows-based games. I believe that Sony had Linux in mind with their controller, I have a hunch.

[Daveman]

The only real issue with the X360 controller is that if there's no native support for it (GTA:SA) the triggers don't really work properly and are just considered regular buttons. Use a program like xpadder for games that don't support it natively.

[8IronBob]

Sounds good... I guess X360 controller it is. Gave the PS3 Sixaxis a thought, but now that I'm playing GTA III with the X360 controller, and fixing the in-game controls, I got it as close as I could to the console counterpart, and it feels rather good. Might as well see how this controls on San Andreas then. Also, I believe that Duke Nukem Manhattan Project uses controller support, last I checked. Could be great to try this on as well...

[avatar_58]

See after dealing with Gravis gamepads, GRIP and all that jazz I will never....EVER buy another gamepad that needs a third party app. Never again. I hated that era with a passion, needing to setup games by hand and worrying about whether it would cause issues.

I would much rather just plug and play, and maybe remap a button or two in the game's browser if need be. I love that 95% of modern games don't need anything done. Just set control to "gamepad" and it works.

[Daveman]

GTA:SA needing third party support has nothing to do with the controller. The game just has depressingly shitty gamepad support, including a complete lack of trigger support. Rockstar could so easily release a patch adding full compatibility for X360 controllers, but they don't care. :mad:

[avatar_58]

No, but I keep seeing xpadder mentioned with the console pads. I hated doing that with my gravis gamepads, it was nothing but a pain in the ass. Just give me a gamepad that works and functions without any such utilities.

[Daveman]

Well, with new games support for the 360 pad is almost universal. San Andreas is just annoying in that it doesn't have it.

[CommanderZx2]

Well, with new games support for the 360 pad is almost universal. San Andreas is just annoying in that it doesn't have it.

Why would you want to play GTA SA with a gamepad anyway?

[8IronBob]

Hmm... Interesting that GTAIII and GTA VC have controller support but GTA SA doesn't. What was Rockstar thinking not adding the controller support for PC ports of all GTA games across the board like that? Just better hope that GTA IV will have controller support, especially if they want to fit under the "Games For Windows" model, they sort of have to.

[Geir]

Yeah, the Logitech Rumblepad 2 is a good investment. Though the only drawback is that it doesn't support rumble under XInput. The 360 pad on the other hand doesn't support rumble in DirectInput mode. I'd say get both controllers just to be on the safe side.

But the rumblepad wireless is HEAVY! Seriously heavy. Four batteries. You use a usb wire, not a dongle or bluetooth.

[Daveman]

Hmm... Interesting that GTAIII and GTA VC have controller support but GTA SA doesn't. What was Rockstar thinking not adding the controller support for PC ports of all GTA games across the board like that? Just better hope that GTA IV will have controller support, especially if they want to fit under the "Games For Windows" model, they sort of have to.
There's support for gamepads, but it doesn't like the 360 pad. The triggers don't even register as buttons.
Why would you want to play GTA SA with a gamepad anyway?
Because driving with mouse and keyboard is really quite annoying. There's no precision because pressure isn't picked up. Aiming isn't hard anyway because of the lock-on system.

[CommanderZx2]

There's support for gamepads, but it doesn't like the 360 pad. The triggers don't even register as buttons.

Because driving with mouse and keyboard is really quite annoying. There's no precision because pressure isn't picked up. Aiming isn't hard anyway because of the lock-on system.
I hate lock-on in games... The only games that should have lock-on are air combat games.

[Daveman]

I think you can manually aim if you want, but shooting isn't the main mechanic in that game so it doesn't matter much.

[Claws]

The 360 controller's D-Pad is terrible for fighting games. If you play any with emulators, do yourself a favor and get any other controller!

[Daveman]

Yeah, that's really really true. Emulators with the 360 pad are, at best, an acquired taste. :(

[hanged_man]

I bought a wired 360 controller for my pc and everything has been sweet so far. Crysis works perfectly and i hope other games in the future will work this good.

now that's weird, to play a pc fps game with a console gamepad !!! why would you do that !!

[HazMat]

now that's weird, to play a pc fps game with a console gamepad !!! why would you do that !!

whats with the !!! in your post? do I upset you that I may sometimes use a controller?

chill out with the !!! stuff and just worry about yourself and things will be better:)

[Steve]

now that's weird, to play a pc fps game with a console gamepad !!! why would you do that !!

Not weird at all. Sometimes I don't want be close to my monitor so I sit back on in my lounge suite and use a control pad.

[8IronBob]

I'm wondering how well the X360 gamepad would do in Duke Nukem Manhattan Project? Would that play nicely with a sidescroller like that?

[Yatta]

I'm wondering how well the X360 gamepad would do in Duke Nukem Manhattan Project? Would that play nicely with a sidescroller like that?

I should reinstall it just because of what you said, actually. I can probably map up perfect controls using Xpadder, hack the FOV for widescreen support, and it'd be a whole new game.

[HazMat]

I'm wondering how well the X360 gamepad would do in Duke Nukem Manhattan Project? Would that play nicely with a sidescroller like that?

It works fine. but there are many buttons and i use the keyboard as well.

[Steve]

I'm wondering how well the X360 gamepad would do in Duke Nukem Manhattan Project? Would that play nicely with a sidescroller like that?

Works great for that game indeed. Much easier than the keyboard. :)

[dungeon]

i seldom when i use pc controller for PC games ! but lately i got involved into PSX emulation stuff so i wanted a gamepad like exactly the PSX controller but with wireless connection , i found these on ebay called Dragon plus or something [/URL] mine has arrived month ago they're Excellent build quality, feels right into my hands , and the buttons layout are acceptable , i just hooked the wireless device into my "psx/usb converter" now it worked perfectly although i still don't know How do i test vibration function in Emulator or PC games :confused:

EDITED : oops almost forget ! here's the link (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DRAGONPLUS-2-4GHz-USB-WIRELESS-CONTROLLER-FOR-PS3-PS2_W0QQitemZ190202590713QQihZ009QQcategoryZ149475 QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p163 8.m122)

[Reaper]

Sounds like the most obscure controller ever made. ;)

[Geir]

Wireless PSone, PStwo controllers usually don't have vibration. Plus, the analog sticks are less precise. I know because I use 2 I-cons at home.

[8IronBob]

I know that the PS3 controller can be detected by Vista, since it automatically installs default drivers for it, just so long as you connect the supplied PS3 USB cable to the PC. However, I'm wondering what apps will allow for the PS3 Sixaxis to be recognized in any PC games? I mean, Vista might detect it, but it doesn't let it do anything by default, which is utterly disappointing.

[HazMat]

Wireless PSone, PStwo controllers usually don't have vibration. Plus, the analog sticks are less precise. I know because I use 2 I-cons at home.


The 360 one vibrates for crysis quite well and the sticks are smooth and move the player around well allowing for good accuracy. of coarse the mouse is superior for accuracy but we all know that.

[0marTheZealot]

I've always liked the PS-style controllers better than the Xbox's. They just feel more natural to my hands.

[8IronBob]

Well, it's not that I don't think that the X360 controller is better, it is more native to more modern PC games, but for GTA games, and older controller supported games, I just believe that PS-style controllers would be better for older games that don't have the full X360 controller support. Just wonder if the Sixaxis would be the best choice for those games at all.

[Steve]

You could always just use xpadder to support older games for your 360 control pad.

[evanazzo]

anyway to get a ps1/2 controller to work

[Steve]

anyway to get a ps1/2 controller to work

Yes :) Buy a USB Playstation 2 control pad adapter. I have one.

Something like this:
http://www.redoctane.com/universaladapter.html

[8IronBob]

Xpadder? Sounds great. At least some of these older games won't have a choice but to give in with the X360 controller in that regard.

EDIT: Oh yeah, and as far as Sixaxis is concerned, I believe that it's "charge-only" connection by default. Can't wait to see if the people behind Xpadder will eventually make an app for the PS3 controller sooner than later. Probably would be a nice gesture for those who have either or.

[Steve]

Xpadder? Sounds great. At least some of these older games won't have a choice but to give in with the X360 controller in that regard.

Yup. Here you go:
http://www.xpadder.com/

I've used it with Prey and a lot of other new games. Works for all :)

[8IronBob]

Might consider trying other non-FPS games with Xpadder, might as well see how well this would do. The GTA games are a given. Might give other games a chance. Let's see...

[alexgk]

Both PS3/360 controllers work just fine.

[Kit]

Has anyone played Metal Gear Solid 2 using a controller? Just ordered the game but can’t decide which one to pick up.

I only really want it for MGS 2 and possibly GTA 4/MGS 4 - if/when they’re released.

[Boo Boo Juice]

My only complaint about the 360 pad is the LB and RB. They're really small. If they were the same size as the R1 and L2 buttons on the PS2, then the best controller in the world would be even better.

Regardless, the 360 controller is excellent. It becomes even more excellent when you download a third-party program like "XPadder". It makes older games much easier to set up as well. It lets you map keys from your keyboard to your controller. Its real boss.

[Daveman]

Well I couldn't find my old 360 controller so I went out and got another one yesterday. It's great for Audiosurf, and I need to install San Andreas again.

If you need to use Xpadder for a game and it uses all the buttons, or if the buttons are hard to remember, you have to remember to back up the configuration files. Nothing sucks more than forgetting to save it or accidentally deleting it when you uninstall the game. Especially GTA, where you'll use almost every button.

[8IronBob]

Well, that's simple, I just look at the default keyboard commands for any said game, and try to map that game to work exactly like the Xbox or X360 counterpart, and hope that it'll control about the same when I play it on the PC. It's simpler than it seems, really. Just need to study around Google or IGN for the Xbox or X360 controls, and see what the keyboard controls are to the PC game, and try to match the X360 controller mapping. Well, it's easy to do, yet hard to explain... Sort of intermediate task difficulty.

[Daveman]

Well yeah, that's what I do too, but with San Andreas I'm trying to map it as closely as possible to the PS2 controls because that's what I played it on originally, but I'm using a 360 controller, and it took me quite a long time to get things the way I like them. There are also more buttons in the game than there are on the controller so there's some prioritization to be done.