+1 for x360 controller, the dpad is awful for fighting games though. I've used that controller for a long time but the cable somehow got a cut and now it doesn't work properly, i've been using the DS4 but i wouldn't recommend it, the rubber on the stick is garbage and it's a common problem to the stick wear out, besides, for racing games it's also terrible because the triggers doesn't have too much resistance so it's worst to control the speed (full trigger, half trigger, etc).

I'm also using a Logitech F710, which I can gladly recommend to anyone. It's wireless and the batteries last pretty long.

youdo need a bluetooth module unless you already have bluetooth
i am intrigued
pray tell me more

Sadly, no. So thanks for the heads up! At least it's something else to look into.

Here's another vote for the ( wired ) 360 pad. Been using mine for some 2 years maybe, and it still works fine, and is also compatible with the XBOX 360. It's probably the most convenient option, since it has native support for most new games ( AAA & Indie ). Don't neglect other options, but if you're already used to the 360 style of controller, it's probably a good choice for you.

The thing about the 360 controller is that a great many games are designed to use it. Meaning that it will work better with those games than other controllers could hope to. That makes it difficult to recommend anything else.

There you go

http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-XInput-Wrapper-for-DS3-and-Play-com-USB-Dual-DS2-Controller

If you want simplicity, go with the WIRED 360 controller. I say simplicity because a number of games and systems assume the 360 layout, and letters are easier to translate. Even if you don't you'll find there are many cases where it is assumed and changing it to work with another controller is difficult. If you get the wireless, you'll have to get a wireless hub that can read it (I got a secondary brand that works with the official drivers, does the job!) i think this is it


If you don't care for simplicity, and might be running XP, then the original Xbox controller becomes an option with drivers 3rd party have made. PS2 controllers also work quite well in that regard, but the generic windows drivers only identifies the buttons as 0-15 and nothing really useful. On the other hand the adapters are really cheap, you can get them off ebay or other sites with retro gaming, even controllers from the NES/SNES/Genesis, probably $5 each.


For other PC controllers like the sidewinder or logitec i'm not sure. They tend to be too expensive vs what i already have. Last handheld controller that wasn't a console one is crap and hard to play with, still got it curled up gathering dust.

If you're fugal and can live with things being a little wonky and using a script or joy2key converter, a surplus store or pawn shop you can probably get a controller between $5 and $15 that's in good shape.
Reminds me of the scripts i wrote that build little background translators for my PS2 to keyboard... Works well, although a little hard to debug on one's own if it doesn't have a particular feature to handle... Like Trine and mouse support....

Awesome, thanks everybody for all the replies. You guys are the best community of gamers out there, hands down :)

I bought a Xbox One controller for PC a few months ago, been working great. I got it mainly for racing games and no complaints. It's not very easy to get used to, it's my first controller. I choose a Xbox controller because it had good reviews and most games seem to have better support for Xbox than other controllers.

The Logitech F710/510/310 series and Xbox 360 controllers are both solid and affordable options with very minor issues. Unless you're going to do some competitive gaming or try to play FPS games (which are better with KB&mouse anyway), you'll be absolutely fine with any of them.

The Logitech controller is perhaps a bit more suitable if you have bigger hands or are used to PS controllers. It has a great d-pad, but the shoulder triggers can be a bit hard to press down -- it's not too bad if you have to do it once in a while, but it gets noticeable when a game requires you to press it multiple times rapidly (which rarely happens). It also uses the Xbox button labeling (XYAB). The 360 controller is much lighter in comparison, but its d-pad is kind of crappy. Other than that, it's a decent alternative.

Agreed... Tried restarting a new game of Valdis story and it keeps activating the ability making me drop down... Quite annoying... makes the timed puzzles a pain that i ended up putting the game on pause.

I could play with the PS2 controller, but... the D-pad on it digs into your thumb after a while...

I would also recommend the Xbox 360 controller for Windows. Most games are optimized for that color coded buttons and it works great with most games that you would use a controller for. It's also fairly cheap and I've had mine for almost 3 years now and no complaints there.

the only complaint i have with my 360 controller is that after 5 years of use the rubber is starting to wear off the thumbsticks