Alternative controller for PC gaming

Soldato
Joined
19 Oct 2008
Posts
5,993
I see it mentioned in these forums that some use an XBOx 360 controller. Can all games be configured to use a console controller (or another alternative), or will it only work with games that have been developed to allow use of a 360 or similar controller?

The reason I ask is that I spend many hours using the PC and although I don't play games often, I wouldn't mind trying an alternative method (other than keyboard and mouse) when playing the odd game.
 
Lots of games will support joysticks/pads, you might need to configure some of the controls manually, of course.

But, a 360 controller (wired or wireless) is a very good addition :)

I use my wireless 360 controllers with the PC in the living room hooked up to the 42" LCD TV :)
 
Get xpadder. Older versions are free & let you map any mouse+kb game to the 360 controller then you can tweak as much as you like sensitivity/dead zones etc etc.

It does work very well for most games but obviously RTS or other games which need very accurate mouse+kb will be harder to play.
 
Mind if i ask why? Im really not following why you would want to use a controller over a keyboard and mouse, which is surely a lot more responsive? Unless youre gaming lying down or something...
 
Mind if i ask why? Im really not following why you would want to use a controller over a keyboard and mouse, which is surely a lot more responsive? Unless youre gaming lying down or something...
Some people do prefer a controller you know. Rather than having their hands sprawled out over mouse & kb.
 
You can also use a PS3 DS3 pad if you google search for joymotion drivers. It can even be configured for the motion sensor support, which is kinda cool to test in Windows Control Panel but I've yet to find a game that can actually use it.. lol

A PS3 pad is pretty good for racing games etc as said, trying to play some games on PC with a keyboard is a challange in itself...!!
 
360 controller + wireless receiver. Awesome controller, off set analogue sticks!

Also, loads of games come with pre-defined profiles they're on the 360, makes it much easier.

Had to use some software (xPadder?) to use it for GTA3/Vice City/San Andreas.
 
Mind if i ask why? Im really not following why you would want to use a controller over a keyboard and mouse, which is surely a lot more responsive? Unless youre gaming lying down or something...
Partly because I have my hands on the keyboard and mouse day in day out, it's nice to be in a different position when gaming I think, and it's partly for health reasons. I use the PC a lot and it's well known that using the mouse can cause RSI, so gaming where the hand is constantly on the mouse can cause a risk. The risk increases over time also, so I'm just trying to minimise that risk.

I agree. I have used a PS3 and found it hard getting used to the controller, and yes it is less responsive than keyboard and mouse, but at least it allows the hands/fingers to be in a different position than when using a PC during normal use.

Thanks for the comments folks
 
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