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General discussionWhat game controllers would likely suit my needs?(19 posts)(19 posts)
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Posted December 11, 2018
I am interested in getting another gamepad, one that I would primarily use for 2D games, particularly classic or classic-style games. I wouldn't use it for 3D games, or for games that expect the player to use analog controls. (I have an Xbox 360 controller for those.)

Anyway, here are my requirements:
* Must have at least as many buttons as a Super NES controller (4 face buttons, 2 shoulder buttons, Select and Start).
* Must have a good D-pad. (This is important because most of the 2D games I'd use this for are designed to be controlled this way.)
* Must not have or need a battery. (This pretty much rules out wireless controllers.)
* Must not have rumble.

Other things that would be nice to have:
* Controller should be light, and I would prefer it to be as thin as an NES/SNES controller.
* It would be nice to have a second set of shoulder buttons; some indie games (Timespinner comes to mind) would benefit from them. (In Timespinner's case, I could work around it, but would only be able to quickly switch orb setups in one direction instead of two.)
* Analog controls are less important, but it's not a dealbreaker either way. (With that said, I suspect that a controller without analog sticks might feel better for this purpose.)

So, any suggestions?
Posted December 11, 2018
Anyone? (Bumping because this post has fallen off the first page.)
Posted December 11, 2018
I like logitech. I use one of their wired gamepads for both my computer and my ouya. They are inexpensive, work nicely with a wide variety of system setups (linux and windows!) and are roughly the size and shape of a playstation controller.

Alternatively, there actually are USB SNES controllers out there. I can't vouch for any brands as I'm happy with my logitech, but if you use ebay or amazon you can always do returns if the one you snag turns out to be junk. That said 8bitdo is probably your best bet as I have heard decent things about them. Either way, If you can't find a brand in more than one place DO NOT BUY IT! Chances are it's cheap junk they slapped their own name on to try to make it look boutique. It's a common trick.

Happy hunting.
Post edited December 11, 2018 by kitsuneae
Posted December 11, 2018
Dunno, I've been using a PS2-Controller for 10+ years now and am perfectly happy with it. It works with all the PC games on GOG (even something like Star Wars: Dark Forces if I wanted to) as well as all the emulated console ones. And if my current one should ever break down, I have a new, shiny one in reserve.
Apart from that, I use a Gamecube controller for Gamecube games and would like to use a Nintendo 64 controller for those games but unfortunately, I can't find a new official one where I live.
Posted December 11, 2018
I recommend Buffalo/iBuffalo's USB Super Famicom controller if you're after something wired, not to be confused with the generic cheap USB SNES controllers that tend to be pretty terrible.

If you'd prefer wireless, check out 8bitdo's offerings, the SFC30 is a great quality Bluetooth SNES controller and the SFC30 Pro is basically a fully featured Xinput controller with the form factor of a SNES controller with extras.

My experience of Logitech controllers isn't great in terms of d-pads so I can't recommend them.
Post edited December 11, 2018 by SirPrimalform
Posted December 11, 2018
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Lucumo: Dunno, I've been using a PS2-Controller for 10+ years now and am perfectly happy with it. It works with all the PC games on GOG (even something like Star Wars: Dark Forces if I wanted to) as well as all the emulated console ones. And if my current one should ever break down, I have a new, shiny one in reserve.
Apart from that, I use a Gamecube controller for Gamecube games and would like to use a Nintendo 64 controller for those games but unfortunately, I can't find a new official one where I live.
What adapter do you use? I have been looking for a decent USB-PS2 adapter for awhile now.
Posted December 11, 2018
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kitsuneae: What adapter do you use? I have been looking for a decent USB-PS2 adapter for awhile now.
"Speed-Link SL-6502 PSX2 Gamepad Converter". Works like a charm, never had any issues (Windows Vista/Windows 7).

And then I use "3-in-1 Magic Joy Box" for my Gamecube controller. It has a pretty dodgy name but at least it works. Haven't tried it with my PS2-Controller or an XBOX-Controller.
Posted December 11, 2018
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kitsuneae: What adapter do you use? I have been looking for a decent USB-PS2 adapter for awhile now.
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Lucumo: "Speed-Link SL-6502 PSX2 Gamepad Converter". Works like a charm, never had any issues (Windows Vista/Windows 7).

And then I use "3-in-1 Magic Joy Box" for my Gamecube controller. It has a pretty dodgy name but at least it works. Haven't tried it with my PS2-Controller or an XBOX-Controller.
I'll check them out. Thanks.
Posted December 12, 2018
From what I know,

Playstation gamepad has superior D-Pad . So if you have PS3 / PS4 gamepad just plug a usb cable and use it.

Other than that, how about Logitech F310 ? A cabled gamepad by Logitech with Playstation layout. Anything by logitech is usually of decent quality. And this one is not expensive either. I too want to buy it for myself

You may want to look at 8bitdo SF30. It's a SNES gamepad copy. But it won't have additional shoulder buttons
Posted December 12, 2018
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SirPrimalform: I recommend Buffalo/iBuffalo's USB Super Famicom controller if you're after something wired, not to be confused with the generic cheap USB SNES controllers that tend to be pretty terrible.

If you'd prefer wireless, check out 8bitdo's offerings, the SFC30 is a great quality Bluetooth SNES controller and the SFC30 Pro is basically a fully featured Xinput controller with the form factor of a SNES controller with extras.

My experience of Logitech controllers isn't great in terms of d-pads so I can't recommend them.
Looking at reviews of the Buffalo/iBuffalo controller, there are mentions of "ghost inputs" on some of them, which would make then not that good.

I am not interested in wireless, due to latency plus having another battery to worry about.

I have also looked into the Mayflash adaptor for the mini NES/SNES controllers (I already have the controllers, but they don't use USB), but there are reports of some mini SNES controllers not working with it.
Posted December 12, 2018
Man, it's just true, I love the Xbox controller but the D-pad is just the worst part of it.
Posted December 12, 2018
I went through this process myself. You don't mention whether you are interested primarily in PC games, or emulated console/computer/arcade games, but here is my background:

I started with a Logitech Dual Action controller which I used, or tried using, for racing games, emulated console/arcade/computer games, and the occasional action game (Shadowgrounds, e.g.). At one point I thought I had done well for myself by picking up a Logitech F310, which replaces two shoulder buttons with analogue triggers and can switch between XInput and DirectInput. However, I realized I had wasted my money, as, unlike the Dual Action, the analogue sticks have a gargantuan physical dead zone which makes precision impossible, and racing games unplayable.

The turning point came when began a play-through of the Zelda series. It was in The Legend of Zelda while battling the most difficult of enemies that I realized the Dual Action also has a fatal flaw: The directional pad is a "floating" design, which means the entire pad can be pressed down. This means that when rolling the thumb to change direction, instead of the pad pivoting on a central fulcrum, the entire pad is briefly depressed, meaning a crap-shoot as to which direction is sent. This makes the execution of rapid and precise maneuvers impossible.

After a fair amount of research I ended up with two solutions:

1. An original SNES controller combined with a Mayflash SNES Controller Adapter (USB) (Amazon: B002IXZ5DE)

2. A Nintendo Wii U Pro controller combined with a Mayflash Wireless Wii U Pro Controller to PC USB Adapter (Amazon B00E6553PW)***

As I had already started my series play-through, I didn't want to spend more time than necessary testing products, so I purchased these simultaneously. As can be expected, the SNES controller is an ideal choice for both NES and SNES games, but the Wii U Pro controller performs well also, with a good directional pad. Also, the Mayflash adapter allows the Wii U Pro controller to be used as either DirectInput or XInput.

*** I apologize--As stupid as it sounds, it didn't occur to me that the Wii U Pro controller violates your no-battery requirement, lol. For what it's worth, I don't like wireless myself--I use a wired mouse--but I chose this controller because it appeared to be the most solidly-constructed and versatile option that suited my needs. I've never owned any Wii console, either.

The battery lasts a very long time between charges. If you can deal with the battery, I think it may be a good possibility for you.

EDIT: I can confirm that latency is not an issue with the Wii U Pro controller and Mayflash combination. There is no way that The Adventure of Link could be defeated if it was!
Post edited December 12, 2018 by Dryspace
Posted December 12, 2018
If you can get your hands on a Sega Saturn pad it covers almost all your bases except for extra shoulder buttons. This is my go to pad on PC for fighting games and all other 2d only games.
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Post edited December 12, 2018 by X-com
Posted December 12, 2018
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dtgreene: Looking at reviews of the Buffalo/iBuffalo controller, there are mentions of "ghost inputs" on some of them, which would make then not that good.
Dunno what to say, I've owned one for probably nearly 10 years and it's been absolutely great.
Posted December 12, 2018
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Dryspace: 2. A Nintendo Wii U Pro controller combined with a Mayflash Wireless Wii U Pro Controller to PC USB Adapter (Amazon B00E6553PW)***

As I had already started my series play-through, I didn't want to spend more time than necessary testing products, so I purchased these simultaneously. As can be expected, the SNES controller is an ideal choice for both NES and SNES games, but the Wii U Pro controller performs well also, with a good directional pad. Also, the Mayflash adapter allows the Wii U Pro controller to be used as either DirectInput or XInput.
Actually, I have a Wii U pro controller, too. If you have a USB cord to charge the pro controller you can use the same cord to plug it into your computer. I haven't tested it yet, but Windows recognizes it as a controller so it might still be a viable option for those who want a "wired" controller.

Also, as Wii U is an unpopular last gen system now, it may be easier to find a pro controller for less than it used to be.

Edit: Well, it looks like Windows 10 eventually decided it was charging the controller and not using the controller despite recognizing the Wii U controller as a controller. Maybe there is a way to make it work that I don't know of? My windows is very wonky. Either way, the logitech controller was fine.
Post edited December 12, 2018 by kitsuneae
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General discussionWhat game controllers would likely suit my needs?(19 posts)(19 posts)
(19 posts)