Controllers!

[Gmr_Chick]

Now, I know many of you here would probably scoff at the idea of using a controller to play your PC games that are controller-supported, but they feel the most comfortable to me so that's what I use to play games. Like everything else, there's a ton of choices out there for controllers, but I'm having a really hard time deciding on what will replace my over a decade old Logitech f310. I own a new Hyperkin X91 that feels great in my hands, as it's based on the look of the SNES controller, just with more modern ergonomics. Problem is it's my 2nd one -- the first one lasted three weeks at the most, before the all-important RT button became a limp mess -- and I know it, too, may very well suffer the same problem, as it's quite often brought up in Amazon customer reviews.

I've tried using my in law's XBone S controller over the past few days and noticed the LT tends to stick as I press down, and I'm having a hard time running in Battlefront II due to the mushiness of the sticks unless I press down REALLY hard. So consequently, my character tends to run in spurts

I have no experience with the PS4 controller, have been warned against buying Scuf products of any kind (besides that, I hate those damn paddle things) and while Razer makes an XBone/PC controller in the Wolverine (Tournament and Ultimate editions) only the more expensive Ultimate has bits and bobs that can be swapped, but besides that it doesn't have much going for it to me.

So then, I guess my question then becomes, what's left as far as a good, solid controller is concerned? I would build my own but I don't know how to solder, and I wouldn't know where to begin anyway.

 

[sam_86314]

I use a PS4 controller for some games. I highly recommend it.

Just make sure you use software like DS4Windows for the best experience. Then you'll get proper wireless supports and motion controls.

Some people seem to swear by Gamecube controllers, and I know that USB adapters for them do exist. You mention DIY, so maybe taking the guts from a DS4 and integrating them into a GC controller or something would be a cool project.

 

[R-T-B]

I mean honestly, I've played with this a bit and finally just settled on having a stock of the standard Xbox One Controller S's around. They aren't great, but they work, and can be had affordably vs some expensive alternative that adds (debatable) lifespan to the product.

The 360 controllers were better durability wise, but I've run out and good luck finding them anymore.

If you ever find one that truly lasts, do write me.

I use a PS4 controller for some games. I highly recommend it.

Just make sure you use software like DS4Windows for the best experience. Then you'll get proper wireless supports and motion controls.

Some people seem to swear by Gamecube controllers, and I know that USB adapters for them do exist. You mention DIY, so maybe taking the guts from a DS4 and integrating them into a GC controller or something would be a cool project.

I have to exclude this because... I dunno, maybe I'm weird but I hate the PS controller layout.

If you can stand it, it's a very valid option though.

 

[sam_86314]

I have to exclude this because... I dunno, maybe I'm weird but I hate the PS controller layout.

If you can stand it, it's a very valid option though.

I grew up on the PS2 and PS3 (because I'm young), so I'm very used to the layout. I actually find the layout of Xbox controllers to be weird. Before I got my DualShock 4, I used a DualShock 3 on my PC using ScpToolkit.

 

[Gmr_Chick]

I have long thumbs so the PS4 controller's layout isn't too hard on my hands. My f310 has the same basic layout. But I've become rather fond of the XBone layout. Kinda reminds me of the way the Gamecube controller was laid out.

 

[sam_86314]

I have long thumbs so the PS4 controller's layout isn't too hard on my hands. My f310 has the same basic layout. But I've become rather fond of the XBone layout. Kinda reminds me of the way the Gamecube controller was laid out.

I actually found this cheap Xbox 360 controller at Walmart a while ago for like $15. It's made of translucent blue plastic and uses a USB micro B connection. It was pretty comfortable and works great for games that need a controller. It doesn't have rumble (though the one in the picture on the page appears to) or motion sensing, but it's cheap.

Robot or human?

www.walmart.com

 

[Gmr_Chick]

Do 360 controllers work on PC?

 

[sam_86314]

Do 360 controllers work on PC?

I think all 360 controllers do. M$ even sold a USB wireless adapter for them. This one supported Xinput right away.

Should also point out that the analog sticks on that blue controller are just hard textured plastic; no rubber grips on them.

 

[R-T-B]

Do 360 controllers work on PC?

Most all of them have native drivers built into windows, yes. An old part of the games for windows live push that is still with us... lol.

Wireless you need some kind of adapter though.

 

[mbeeston]

Do 360 controllers work on PC?

yup, i use one.

 

[Gmr_Chick]

Cool! Good to know, thanks!

Currently looking at this controller made by 8BitDo, the SN30+ Pro that has quite a few rave reviews, has software for button mapping and all that good stuff, and looks like the result of a one night stand between an SNES controller and a Dual Shock

 

[biffzinker]

Do 360 controllers work on PC?

Drivers from Microsoft are included in Windows 8, and up too 10. I had a Rock Candy Xbox 360 wired controller. It held up for me until I passed it on to my niece for a Xbox One controller.

Drivers for Windows 7 too XP for the 360 controller: https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-gb/d/xbox-360-controller-for-windows

 

[Solaris17]

standard Xbox One Controller S

Same, I lied. I misread that. Mines a 360S controller.

I dont like the xbox myself but I dont like running software just to use a controller so I cant use the PS4. But a 360S controller feels nice and I use it for games where repetitive motion on the KB or mouse would get annoying.

Nothing wrong with using a controller while PC gaming. Though I admit I only do it for a few games.

 

[PLAfiller]

I've only played a couple of titles that feel natural with a controller on PC: Skyforce, Child of Light, tried Dead Space, but in those super tight situations I just can't aim as precise. What else, battle-brawlers like StreetFighter and racing games. I really wanted to utilize the fact of having a controller, but I just can't find where to implement it.

 

[Gmr_Chick]

The more I read about those paddle things on the back of some controllers, the more I think of how nice it would be to be able to map Run to one of them, rather than being forced to have to press the left stick down...

 

[biffzinker]

Though I admit I only do it for a few games.

I prefer using a keyboard, and mouse but some games require a controller.

 

[sam_86314]

I use my controller on racing games and emulators (Played through BotW on Cemu using my DS4, motion controls and all. It worked great).

Also found it more ergonomic to use a controller while performing an exploit in Dragons Dogma, but otherwise I use KB+M in that game.

KB+M for pretty much everything else.

 

[Gmr_Chick]

The only game I use a mouse for is Sims 4, haha. Other than that, a controller is my go-to input

 

[silentbogo]

I'd still go for Dualshock4, if you like the layout. It'll give you few benefits, like touch support on steam, and gyro.
Also, people overestimate how much they got used to one layout or the other. I spent over 15 years on PS layout and also thought that was the ultimate superior s@#t, but after I got into electronics and fixed a few elite 360's - it took me all of 5-6 post-repair "testing" sessions to find out that my fingers feel just as comfortable.
I personally went for XBone controller on my last purchase only because PS4 controllers were more expensive in my area. Had so much bad luck with third-party controllers that I've decided to never buy one again.

 

[Gmr_Chick]

^ What would you say is easier to take apart? The XBone controller, or the PS4 one? I ask because I'd like to paint mine to match my rig, and find some black/red buttons

 

[silentbogo]

Both are quite easy to disassemble, but for modding/painting XBOne controller is probably an easier choice.
PS4 controller has that touch surface, so you'll probably have to use some masking tape on it beforehand.

 

[Gmr_Chick]

^Are you able to take the ABXY buttons apart on the XBone controller? Like, are they two separate pieces?

 

[silentbogo]

I think it's individual caps on all revisions of this controller. Just look up some teardowns on YT or iFixit - you can find most answers there.

 

[Hyderz]

i use ps4 contoller hooked up with blue tooth, works mighty fine.
used to use xbox 360 one but i lost the adapter part.

 

[Calmmo]

I prefer the DS4, steam has a native xinput emulator, so games that dont natively support it play with it anyway. Games with native tend to have the correct button UI elements for it too tho some require the emulator to be switched off via steam menu to get the correct UI.