Would be the first time playing PC games with pads, just getting sick of PC games with stupid PC K&M controls. I'm more interested in compatibility and comfort, than programmable buttons and other features I won't even use.

EDIT:
Initially thought about getting wired, don't like the hassle of keeping track of batteries.

More questions from me:

• Is there any some sort of battery warning indicator in the pad?
  
• What's the usual lifespan for the batteries?
  
• Logitech and MS, which is heavier for wireless?

Thanks.

Does price matter? How about the 360 gamepad? I would have gotten it, but I didn't want to pay over $70 for it. I got a logitech 310, price was $30, and not bad. Not as comfy as the 360 controller, but still great for it's price.

The XBox 360 pad for PC is probably a good bet in terms of quality and compatibility - I don't know about other countries' prices, but here in the UK it can be found for under ￡20.

I've used a Logitech Rumblepad and the XBox 360 pad, myself. I like both but the Logitech had an anolog stick go on the blink too quickly for my liking, and it wasn't compatible with all the games I own that I'd like to use a controller for. The 360 is comfortable for me to use (I'm left-handed, though I use the default right-handed control scheme), and is more compatible. In fact I think there's a number of PC games out there that will only recognize the 360 controller, for whatever reason...

I forget what I paid for mine; somewhere around $30-35USD, IIRC. (It's a wired one; wireless typically costs at least $5 more.)

Logitech Rumble F510. Playstation style, and is XLive compatible and has a handy switch on the back to go to normal DirectX mode. Perfect.

I use my PS3 controller. Takes a bit of fiddling to get it to work the first time but it's smooth sailing after that. Before that I used Gamestops cheap controllers, but they broke after a year of use.

I'd rather just use a wired 360 controller. Same price, better triggers, and I personally prefer the stick layout, having the left one offset.

The 360 gamepad has a really crappy d-pad. If you want one for fighting games I would recommend something else. Normally I'd recommend a Logitech controller but the last one I got had a really crappy d-pad as well. Actually it functioned fine but it felt really loose and cheaply put together. I finally ended up getting a Playstation Dual Shock controller and a USB adapter and it works perfectly.

I use my Logitech Rumblepad 2 wireless a lot, it works with most games and you can always use an xbox360 controller emulator for the rare games that can't detect the rumblepad. :shrug:

It's pretty cheap too

I have the wired version of the Rumblepad 2 and it works well. I have a friend who has a couple wired ones and a couple wireless ones, some of them broke andLogitech replaces them fairly quickly and easily. I would recommend the Logitech controllers but if you have a game that only supports the 360 one go with that.

http://code.google.com/p/x360ce/

Initially thought about getting wired, don't like the hassle of keeping track of batteries.

More questions from me:

• Is there any some sort of battery warning indicator in the pad?
  
• What's the usual lifespan for the batteries?
  
• Logitech and MS, which is heavier for wireless?

Thanks.

I use a bluetooth number pad - I think the brand is microsoft.

I usually have to remap some key bindings, but it works great, even when gaming on my sofa.

EDIT: 2 AAA batteries last for months.

Xbox 360 controller is the best controller on the market.

Well, that's personal preference really. I'd rather suggest trying out both and go with whichever fits better. I personally can't use a 360 controller. Granted, I can use it better than the original box controller, but it's still much too clunky and the stick and pad switch hurts my hands.

I'd get a wired controller for PC use, since you'll be close to the tower anyways.


Except for all the games that require precision d-pad control.

I use my wireless 360 controller and a wireless adapter that I got for like $10, it works great. The 360 controller has always been the most comfortable one to me, and it works with a lot of games. Although I'd recommend the wired one, as some games won't detect the wireless version for whatever reason.

Logitech Wired Dual Rumble pad, with http://code.google.com/p/x360ce/ for most games. I felt that the wireless one was heavy, but I like my controllers light because I'm a weakling.

I also use the FragNstein.

I prefer using a mouse over a controller, but using a keyboard not designed for gaming always drove me nuts. I use http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823161023. They don't make them anymore, but you can usually find a couple on ebay.

I use a wireless 360 controller. I've noticed many PC games natively support it right out of the box. (All GFW ports do from what I can tell.)

Many Steam (source) games (TF2, HL) can either see it natively, or use 'exec 360controller' into the console and it works. And 'undo 360controller' to turn it off.

If you don't mind the feel of the 360 controller, I vote it's the easiest to set up for games.

As an owner of both the normal 360 controller and the http://windows7themes.net/pics/tron-xbox-360-controller.JPG I can say that the Tron controller is the best. It's D-Pad in particular is far better than the original one, and it's got those sweet lights. I use it in Street Fighter IV all the time.