So, um, what are the GOOD controllers?

Has anyone else noticed that any time you go to a forum/website/whatever for an opinion of a controller or joystick its always a bunch of people saying "oh its so unresponsive/its junk/I broke it/what a shitpile." So, um, what are the GOOD controllers supposed to be? The only controllers I ever hear being universally lauded are first party console controllers and Sanwa or Seimitsu (sp?) arcade components. Sorry, but I beg to differ. My USB gamepad was $10 and its awesome, the only reason I'm buying the Saturn USB pad is because the Logitech Precision is a PSX layout and I want a 6-button Saturn layout instead. I've used all kinds of expensive custom arcade sticks and none of them felt any better than any other cheaper equivalent (i.e. microswitch vs. microswitch). Is this just another car in the SNES/FF VII fanboy bandwagon?

Well there is a 3rd party controller for the Genesis called the "Asciipad SG" and it is the single best Genesis 3-button controller I've ever used. D-pad is responsive and it is comfortable.

There is a 6-button version called the SG-6, but the d-pad on that is crap, and the C+Z buttons are on top...like the SNES L+R buttons.

I always like there fighter Stick SG. It has a very nice solid feel to it. Those the buttons could be a bit further apart.

I think what a person likes it based on their had size and many other factors. I personally like a solid feeling controller, that is comfortable, with buttons and a dpad that just feel right to me. Usually aftermarket stuff is bad but not always.

The Agetec Dreamcast stick owns.

The Wavebird (good aside from the fact that it's a gamecube controller)

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Originally Posted by Rusty Venture

Well there is a 3rd party controller for the Genesis called the "Asciipad SG" and it is the single best Genesis 3-button controller I've ever used. D-pad is responsive and it is comfortable.

There is a 6-button version called the SG-6, but the d-pad on that is crap, and the C+Z buttons are on top...like the SNES L+R buttons.

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Asciipad SG sucks, I have that one and the buttons on mine are hardly responsive. It's horrible.

Yours is probably used. I've had mine since 1993 and it has been rock solid.

I like many logitech, thrustmaster, and gravis pads. I like some of microsoft's too. (I like the original Sidwinder -kind of a more ergonomic Saturn rip-off- too bad it isn't USB)

I've got a logitech extreme 3d pro joystick I like, and my standard gamepad is a thrustmaster firestorm. My favorite is the gravis xterminator, extremely versitile and with enough action buttons for games that are normally keyboard intensive. Unfortunately the original format has been discontinued, thoug the late models supported USB. (through a simple passthrough adaptor using the midi pins, same as some late MS gameport controllers)

And finding a really good usb gameport adaptor seems difficult, and even the expensive ones seem limited. Of course I could ge a gamepot/midi port card, or use an old sound card on my PC, but that won't work for a laptop, and there isn't support for the port past XP. (though there may be some open-sourse/homebrew drivers for vista, I'm not sure about Linux)

For the Ascipad, I know it's for the SNES but the one I have is better than the Nintnedo version. Then again, I've always liked their stuff. They were the only third party controllers I'd buy.

I think it goes without saying that the Genesis 6-button pad is the best all-digital pad ever made. :)

NAKI made one for the Genesis and SNES back in the day. It was one controller with a plug that connected to both systems. In addition to L+R / Z+C as shoulder buttons, it has 6 face buttons and independent turbo for all of them. I can't find a picture of it anywhere but it's been one of my favorites ever since I got it.

The original MS Sidewinder game pad is great. Again, 6 face buttons, 2 triggers, and daisy chainable for as long as you'd want to. Its only disadvantage was that the second and later players in the chain would sometimes end up with control lag.

The Neo Geo old-style stick is awesome.

Finally, Playmessiah's wireless SNES controllers are very nice. The d-pad takes some getting used to but I really like mine a lot. They also work with the Retro Duo, so I can now play NES games with RF wireless controllers. I wish they'd followed through with their plans to make some for the Genesis.

I have both of those Ascii pads, and the one with the shoulder buttons is very hard to use, but it can be used with practice. The three button one is pretty good, though.

Had a Sega 3 button joystick, liked it a lot but had to trade it off.

My favorite is the Sega 6-button, though, I use it every time I play anything these days.

As odd as it seems I really like using the Gamecube controller, as it does not cramp my hands (major liking point) and the buttons are weird and that makes them very easy to distinguish just using tactile response.

Kind of the same with the Dreamcast controller. I like it. It's big and feels good.

I know some prefer the feel of the 3-button pad to the 6-button one.

Kind of a cool not on 3rd party SNES controllers:

http://www.sitesnes.com/photo/pads.htm
http://www.sitesnes.com/photo/img_pads/Super-4%20x2.jpg
http://www.sitesnes.com/photo/img_pa...%20Pro%202.jpg

Note: most versions of the competition pro pad weren't made with the screw-in thumbpad capability. (though that is cool)

I'm temted to get the pro pad just to see how much more comfortable the L+R buttons are. (and that super-4 pad is obviously better for a lot of games using L+R action buttons, at least for fighters)

ooh, those look pretty sweet, never seen those before. They're in a great shape, too.

How much does these go for??

[/IMG]http://www.sitesnes.com/photo/img_pa...Game%20Boy.jpg

I've used some 3rd party genesis controllers that were as good as 1st party (can't even remember the brands and am too lazy to look). I usually play with the 1st party genesis controller just for looks (and they're top notch as well), but there have been plenty of good third party controllers on many of the systems I've played (as well as utter shite ones, like anything made by Pelican).

My cheap $10 logitech digital joypad for emulation works great. I'm not a big fan of the PSX button layout for Genesis emulation, but for most games it doesn't matter...

I myself use a Logitech Precision controller. It works excellently, the only games I've had problems with are Golden Axe, Battle Squadron and pretty much any 64 game. The d-pad is probably the best I've ever used, right on par of the Mega Drive 6 button controller.

I uh, don't actually have much else to say on the subject in relation to PC's.

My favorite regular controllers:

- Japanese Saturn controller (aka model 2)
- Mega Drive / Genesis 6-button controller
- SNES controller
- NES controller
- GameCube controller
- Wii Classic Controller
- Dreamcast controller
- Dreamcast Agetec Stick
- NeoGeoCD controllers

I can atest that Interact before they went out of business in the early 2000s and were acquired by cheap accessory maker Mad Catz, they use to make good controllers.

USB/Gameport Parallel controller
http://i.neoseeker.com/p/Hardware/In...ofilelarge.jpg

I've had this controller for a decade now and it still works. I sort of broke the left analog stuck, where it now rotates instead of staying stationary. But get this. The left analog stick still works, and when I use the controller calibration tool in Windows XP it is still centered perfectly despite that I can twist it in 360 degrees.

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Originally Posted by kool kitty89

Kind of a cool not on 3rd party SNES controllers:

http://www.sitesnes.com/photo/img_pa...%20Pro%202.jpg

Note: most versions of the competition pro pad weren't made with the screw-in thumbpad capability. (though that is cool)

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i've got the comp pro pad alas no screw in thumb stick :( that would have been cool though, but the stock snes controllers are much nicer to use IMO

i love my naki but it never worked well on the snes the start wouldn't work

it truly was the batarang

http://www.sega-16.com/forum/picture...&pictureid=112

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Originally Posted by KnightWarrior

How much does these go for??

[/IMG]http://www.sitesnes.com/photo/img_pa...Game%20Boy.jpg

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Those things look freaking' sweet. Now I want to find one of them.

No love for the Wii-Remote here?

Honestly though I thought we only had topics on "Worst Controllers EVAR" because its apparent the best controller ever created is the model 2 saturn controller. The Genesis controller is also up there but its almost the same thing as a Saturn controller in most respects.

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Originally Posted by gamegenie

I can atest that Interact before they went out of business in the early 2000s and were acquired by cheap accessory maker Mad Catz, they use to make good controllers.


I've had this controller for a decade now and it still works. I sort of broke the left analog stuck, where it now rotates instead of staying stationary. But get this. The left analog stick still works, and when I use the controller calibration tool in Windows XP it is still centered perfectly despite that I can twist it in 360 degrees.

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What are you talkin about? Mad Catz makes great controllers. I'm dying to get their Dreamcast controller. Their N64 controller is the only one that uses a normal PS2 style potentiometer instead of a dumbass POS that the OEM controllers use.

To everyone else: What about arcade joysticks, I hear everything but Sanwa and Seimitsu joysticks getting bashed to shit all over the internet for being "unresponsive."

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Originally Posted by AD2101

No love for the Wii-Remote here?

Honestly though I thought we only had topics on "Worst Controllers EVAR" because its apparent the best controller ever created is the model 2 saturn controller. The Genesis controller is also up there but its almost the same thing as a Saturn controller in most respects.

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I really like the Wii Remote, but it annoys me because trying to pinpoint things with the cursor absolutely sucks with it. Move too far away from the TV and the cursor moves so erradically I can't stand it. And using the web browser? Forget it.

It's up there though in terms of functionality. Now if the Wii had something just as good to be used for regular games, that'd be great. Gamecube is good, but Saturn controller is much better.

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Originally Posted by 17daysolderthannes

What are you talkin about? Mad Catz makes great controllers. I'm dying to get their Dreamcast controller. Their N64 controller is the only one that uses a normal PS2 style potentiometer instead of a dumbass POS that the OEM controllers use.

To everyone else: What about arcade joysticks, I hear everything but Sanwa and Seimitsu joysticks getting bashed to shit all over the internet for being "unresponsive."

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you're kidding right?

I wasted money on this Mad Catz Fightpad controller. It uses a float D-pad that has directional connections worse than the 360's d-pad.

http://ak.buy.com/db_assets/large_im.../210674152.jpg






I still await my Hori controller arrival in the mail.

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Originally Posted by 17daysolderthannes

What are you talkin about? Mad Catz makes great controllers. I'm dying to get their Dreamcast controller. Their N64 controller is the only one that uses a normal PS2 style potentiometer instead of a dumbass POS that the OEM controllers use.

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Don't the SuperPad controllers use normal pot's? (they looked pretty standard when I was repairing my controller, and they feel more like normal analog sticks than the OEM ones)
Btw, what does the stock controller use? I've heard it doesn't have a "real" analog pot's.


And this is my famlies standard controller:
http://english.ircfast.com/screensho...330f4fadc2.jpghttp://www.gamesmarket.com.au/images...art/gmr319.jpg
Wev'e got 2 of those plus another 2 wireless ones and one different version:

http://www.matos2000.com/Aut/manette...sb/gamepad.jpg

The only difference is the D/A mode button is moved to the added middle oval button, and the round center bunton is now an action button. (I use it as start) I like the other D-pad a bit more though.

And there's a 3rd L+R button at the bottom of the handles behind the front ones. The position is comfortable, but they're too clicky (resistance, clicking sound and feel) for my taste. There are added buttons on the old Xterminator too, and those have the same feel, one of my few dislikes of that controller.

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Originally Posted by 17daysolderthannes

To everyone else: What about arcade joysticks, I hear everything but Sanwa and Seimitsu joysticks getting bashed to shit all over the internet for being "unresponsive."

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All I own as far as "arcade sticks" is the Official Genesis 3-button controller and the Saturn Mission Stick.

If I have the means/room to mount that Mission Stick to a board or something, I'd play tons more "Space Harrier" and "Afterburner".

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Originally Posted by 17daysolderthannes

To everyone else: What about arcade joysticks, I hear everything but Sanwa and Seimitsu joysticks getting bashed to shit all over the internet for being "unresponsive."

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Hori Real Arcade Pro is the way to go imo. Esp the HRAP SA

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Originally Posted by 17daysolderthannes

What are you talkin about? Mad Catz makes great controllers. I'm dying to get their Dreamcast controller. Their N64 controller is the only one that uses a normal PS2 style potentiometer instead of a dumbass POS that the OEM controllers use.

To everyone else: What about arcade joysticks, I hear everything but Sanwa and Seimitsu joysticks getting bashed to shit all over the internet for being "unresponsive."

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Yeah, I've never gotten the beef with Mad Catz. Their stuff has never given me problems.

My candy cab has Seimitsu LS-32 sticks and I think they're great.

For wooden cabs / control panels, I prefer the IL (used to be Happ's OEM) Competition style stick with the square actuator because that's pretty much what I grew up playing. The square actuator makes for better response in the diagonals (for consistent dragon punch action). Some people also like the Supers because they seem to work better for circle-type movements.

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Originally Posted by 0x15e

Yeah, I've never gotten the beef with Mad Catz. Their stuff has never given me problems.

My candy cab has Seimitsu LS-32 sticks and I think they're great.

For wooden cabs / control panels, I prefer the IL (used to be Happ's OEM) Competition style stick with the square actuator because that's pretty much what I grew up playing. The square actuator makes for better response in the diagonals (for consistent dragon punch action). Some people also like the Supers because they seem to work better for circle-type movements.

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square as opposed to what? You mean a square gate or one of those big square blocks that hit the switches themselves?

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Originally Posted by gamegenie

you're kidding right?

I wasted money on this Mad Catz Fightpad controller. It uses a float D-pad that has directional connections worse than the 360's d-pad.

http://ak.buy.com/db_assets/large_im.../210674152.jpg






I still await my Hori controller arrival in the mail.

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So the FightPad's crap after all? Worse than the Nuby Anniversary Edition pads from a few years back (I own an Akuma one)? I was planning to get the just-announced bundle of the PC version of SFIV,that comes with this controller.......guess I won't.

Also, ThrustMaster, back around 2002-ish used to sell these BADASS pads that had six face buttons and four shoulder buttons. Its D-Pad was similar to this one's:

http://www.matos2000.com/Aut/manette...sb/gamepad.jpg

and it was GREAT, which is unheard of for PC pads. It played well with everything, Genesis, SNES, arcade etc. Around 2003 they stopped making these pads, and replaced them with a version which only has 4 face buttons. WTF man, its as if they crushed my emulation dreams. Best digital PC pad I've ever owned, PERIOD.

I think tou meant this:
http://www.amazon.com/Guillemot-2960.../dp/B000056Q1C
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA280_.jpg

My all time favorite is the Gravis Xterminator
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA280_.jpg

The classic Sidewinder is nice too:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Side.../dp/B000069JX9
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA280_.jpg

Unfortunately I've got the gameport version, and no gameport anymore. I may eventually build a new PC with a gameport card (though newer OS may not support inless there are 3rd party or open sourse dirvers, XP is fine though)
ANd I'd rather find a USB compatible Xterminator anyway.

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Originally Posted by Aarzak

So the FightPad's crap after all? Worse than the Nuby Anniversary Edition pads from a few years back (I own an Akuma one)? I was planning to get the just-announced bundle of the PC version of SFIV,that comes with this controller.......guess I won't.

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I never heard of the Nuby Anniversary Edition pad until now. Just looked it up and it looks nice, has the Genesis 6-button shape to it.

Apparently Mad Catz failed at delivering a potentially good controller, there's a lot of defective Fight Pads out there, and I ended up with one of them. Here's a thread where another person has the same issue. Returned it though and ordered a Hori EX Pad import from Japan.


It boggles my mind on how Sony gets a lot more 3rd party controller support than Microsoft.

It's because Microsoft has a terrible 3rd party controller policy. No one wants to make shit for them.

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Originally Posted by 17daysolderthannes

square as opposed to what? You mean a square gate or one of those big square blocks that hit the switches themselves?

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All the Happ / IL sticks use round gates. The difference is the actuator. The Competition uses a square block at the end of the stick that presses the direction switches directly. The others use a round part at the end of the stick that presses levers that activate the buttons.

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Originally Posted by gamegenie

It boggles my mind on how Sony gets a lot more 3rd party controller support than Microsoft.

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If I understand right, it's because MS charges a licensing fee or sells a protection chip (or both) that is required for controllers to work with the 360. That's why some oddball unofficial 360 controllers and adapters require a wired controller to be connected to it to be functional.

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Originally Posted by 0x15e

All the Happ / IL sticks use round gates. The difference is the actuator. The Competition uses a square block at the end of the stick that presses the direction switches directly. The others use a round part at the end of the stick that presses levers that activate the buttons.

If I understand right, it's because MS charges a licensing fee or sells a protection chip (or both) that is required for controllers to work with the 360. That's why some oddball unofficial 360 controllers and adapters require a wired controller to be connected to it to be functional.

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yuck, I hate round gates, I never know what direction its really pressing. I'll have to see if I can find a block bottom jostick, that seems like something I would prefer to the levers.

As for 360, they have to have some sort of lockout chip in them and they only give it to a select few developers. Even if you want it, they might not sell it to you, regardless of price. Kinda dumb IMO. X-Arcade says something about it on their website because people complain about not having a 360 adapter.

Yeah there's no Xbox 360 adapter. You can't use any other controller on it. On the other hand, you can pretty much plug any USB PC controller into the PS3 and it works, as well as a number of PS2 converters.

The ps1/2 are the most versatile controllers though. I'm pretty sure they convert to everything except the 360.

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Originally Posted by Puffy2k316

Yeah there's no Xbox 360 adapter. You can't use any other controller on it. On the other hand, you can pretty much plug any USB PC controller into the PS3 and it works, as well as a number of PS2 converters.

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You can plug a PS2 controller into your PC, using a USB adapter, and it will work; I use my PS2 controllers for emulation software on my PC. I have a USB adapter (original Xbox) that is supposed to work with the PC, but my PC can't find the drivers to support it.

My controller of choice for my PC is a usb xbox360 controller, I quite like it!:D

http://images.google.co.nz/url?sourc...xbMPlrHxddO8Pw

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Originally Posted by Puffy2k316

Yeah there's no Xbox 360 adapter. You can't use any other controller on it. On the other hand, you can pretty much plug any USB PC controller into the PS3 and it works, as well as a number of PS2 converters.

The ps1/2 are the most versatile controllers though. I'm pretty sure they convert to everything except the 360.

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yeah, lol, I just bought a PS2->XBOX and gamecube adapter, so now I can use PS2 controllers on my XBOX or Wii.

I wish I could find a nice PS2 style controller to use on my PC that has analog buttons. I have a nice Logitech one, but the buttons are digital...so when I play Vice City (or the Back to the Future MOD) its either no gas or pedal to the metal.