Best PC controller for emulated games?

[sequent_blender]

I'm looking to buy a USB control pad for my PC to play my emulated SNES, NES, GBA, PC Engine and Genesis/Megadrive games.

Can anyone recommend a good, reliable and comfortable pad? (I had envisaged some like the sega saturn or genesis six button pad, but for the PC, but am open to anything except a joystick).

Any info appreciated,

Dave.

[sd0m]

I use my wired Xbox360 pad for all my emulated gaming.

[Dr_Slump]

After trying and becoming sick of many pads, my favorite is this one (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/gamepads/devices/301&cl=roeu,en). Else, you can try the real deal (http://www.retrousb.com/index.php?categoryID=81).

[sequent_blender]

That Logitech one looks good (and cheap too). Might go with that, thanks.

Dave.

[PhreQuencYViii]

360 wired pad is always great.

[Dr_Slump]

I hate 360's d-pad.

[retro]

You can get USB adapters for PS2 sticks from Logic3. Logic3 also sell a stick themselves that isn't bad. I'd go with an analogue, in case you wanna use it for more than just oldschool digital control console emulation.

The Microsoft Sidewinder was always a good pad. However, in my opinion, the best thing is to go with a 360 pad. Wired is cheaper, but I prefer the wireless option. If you have a 360, great! Just get the Wireless Gaming Receiver ([url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelessgamingreceiver/]click here[url]). Otherwise, get the pack that comes with a pad.

[WolverineDK]

Well, if you are fond of the saturn pad, then there are a USB version of that pad. And if color isn´t a problem, then if I remember
corect, then the pink saturn USB pad is cheapest.

[Alchy]

The 360's d-pad is atrocious, and that Logitech pad doesn't look much better.

The obvious choice is a genuine pad from an older console like Saturn or SNES, I've got a SNES-USB converter and it's glorious. Bloody expensive things, though.

[subbie]

For 2D, Saturn USB Pad (they rock)
For 3D, Xbox 360 USB Pad (Sucks for 2d tho)

[Druid II]

X360 dpad may look bad but its lightyears above anything else on the PC.

Get a Saturn USB pad for games that use 6 button setups (ABCXYZ, like 2d fighters), and a X360 pad for everything else.

Also, use these drivers for the X360 pad:
http://www.katch.ne.jp/~morii/x360c/
They give you absolute full control over the button configs. The default drivers are horrific and leaves half the joystick inoperable, but with those custom drivers you can do literally anything.

[sequent_blender]

I'll only be using it for NES and SNES-era games, so 2D play is all I'm after. Play Asia says the Saturn USB ones are out of print, and I can't find any on eBay. Anyone know of an online stockist (that delivers to Australia)?

Edit - there are a few on yahoo Japan, but after fees and postage, they'd be over $100. What did/do they retail for?

Ta, Dave.

[WolverineDK]

I'll only be using it for NES and SNES-era games, so 2D play is all I'm after. Play Asia says the Saturn USB ones are out of print, and I can't find any on eBay. Anyone know of an online stockist (that delivers to Australia)?

Ta, Dave.

Try asking Yakumo-sama, he was the guy who gave a link to the online seller I was thinking of.

[Alchy]

Last I checked I found them going for somewhere around £30-40, so they aren't exactly cheap. I think they also came with a PC version of Puyo Puyo... may be wrong there though.

Probably cheaper to buy a Saturn-PC USB adapter.

[madhatter256]

You can also make your own. All you need is a parallel port (male connection) and a PSX Controller. Splice the wires and solder them to the appropriate points and download a driver and you have your very own Emu-joypad.

[PhreQuencYViii]

Ah, MS Sidewinder was a cool controller...

[sayin999]

Believe it or not the 360 pad is perfect for snes games since it has the same button layout. While the dpad is a little off, it is way better then most pc pads. I use it for all my pc emus.

[GaijinPunch]

Get a PS2->USB converter. Use your PS2 controller for normal games, and you can upgrade to a Real Arcade Pro or a modded Sanwa arcade stick when you want to play games that require more pronunciation.

[Jamtex]

This is one of the nicest digital USB pads that I've used.

http://www2.elecom.co.jp/peripheral/gamepad/jc-u1608t/index.asp

[Borman]

You can use a PS3 controller if thats your thing (wired via USB)

[sirmosh]

Nothing comes close to a Saturn pad for 2D as far as I'm concerned.

[Taucias]

Dual Shock and USB adapter. Easily the best IMO.