best way to play pc games on HDTV (keyboard+mouse or 360 controller?)

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im finding im playing more and more on the xbox i have rather than the PC.

this is partly due to it just being easier, but some of the newest games do look poor. there are also some games that i love that are PC only

what do you guess use?

an xbox controller or a some sort of table with a keyboard and mouse? This would be awkward with wired with trailing cables. I have a g700 mouse but no decent keyboard (my LED media keyboard is laggy wireless)

also, considering playing on the TV would you always opt ofr the xbox or PC version of the game if there is a choice?

How do you guys do it?
 
Depends on the game really. Games like FIFA, Skyrim, racing games etc i happily play using the 360 controller via the PC but others like BF3, MMO's etc i couldn't do without the keyboard and mouse. Just play with whatever you're comfortable with, some games require the complexity and accuracy of keyboard and mouse while others don't.

For choice of whether to play on Xbox or PC, then i don't see any reason to not play the PC versions. I'm probably biased though as i no longer even own a console.
 
ive just started with fallout and it seems clumsy on the controller but i havent got the equipment (decent wireless keyboard or playing surface) for it.

My HTPC can handle it
 
If you intend on setting your rig up in a similar way to a games console, there is no reason whatsoever to own a games console. Grab a wireless 360 controller and an adapter, put your PC next to your TV, wire it up, boom.
 
I used to have my PC in my living room attached to my 40" TV. What I did was run 2x powered USB extender cables around the edge of the room so I could plug in my keyboard and mouse near the couch. I put a dinner table mat thing on the arm of the chair and put a mouse mat on it and I would have the keyboard on my knee.

I found it OK to play FPS (not as good as at a desk), and games with a controller were just like playing on a console. After a while it started to do my head in and I had to go back to using a desk and 22" monitor.
 
Dave**** said:
I used to have my PC in my living room attached to my 40" TV. What I did was run 2x powered USB extender cables around the edge of the room so I could plug in my keyboard and mouse near the couch. I put a dinner table mat thing on the arm of the chair and put a mouse mat on it and I would have the keyboard on my knee.

I found it OK to play FPS (not as good as at a desk), and games with a controller were just like playing on a console. After a while it started to do my head in and I had to go back to using a desk and 22" monitor.
Click to expand...

This is what im wondering, will it just be too much hassle? i would definitly need a table, i dont think keyboard on lap would work for me. another reason i like using it on the tv is for the 5.1

the simplist way would be to just plug a keyboard into the front of the htpcs usb ports and unplug it when done.

I guess i need some sort of table to make this any way viable

Omaeka said:
If you intend on setting your rig up in a similar way to a games console, there is no reason whatsoever to own a games console. Grab a wireless 360 controller and an adapter, put your PC next to your TV, wire it up, boom.
Click to expand...

the console is mainly for 2 player situations, thats a fair point, why even play on a console if as i can use the pad on the PC and map the keys? I have one of those adapters for PC.
 
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When I had an op last year, I was in bed for a few days and I used usb extenders to play from my bed:p. A cut up boogie bug on a chessboard-win. I found it worked fine. Thought I lost a lot of accuracy/skill in fps, so I would never play online unless I was at a desk tbh
I also use a controller for a fair few games....xbox hasn't been turned on in over 18 months.
 
I have my setup in the living room as the missus says she would never see me otherwise.

Keyboard on lap (sometimes with dinner try sometimes without) and mouse on a marble place mat with mouse mat on top. I certainly dont think i lose any accuracy on the couch as the arm rest puts your arm in a great position. What i will say thought is typing fast can be a issue. I game like this all the time and i would hate to go back to a desk now. Being able to recline on the sofa is amazing and often have a mate around with his PC and he also enjoys it.

I do from time to time use a pad. But mostly keyboard and mouse which are wired as the PC is next to the sofa with the monitor and i run a cable round the room to the TV.
 
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I have my PC hooked up to both my 50" plasma and my 24" lcd... When I want to chill on the sofa and play. I turn on my wireless 360 controller. When I want to compete or play RTS games, BF3 etc. Then I sit at the desk...
 
agnes said:
I have my PC hooked up to both my 50" plasma and my 24" lcd... When I want to chill on the sofa and play. I turn on my wireless 360 controller. When I want to compete or play RTS games, BF3 etc. Then I sit at the desk...
Click to expand...

Not much help when the PC is in a different room though...
 
ColdAsIce said:
Listening to giant bombcast and they have been talking about the steam beta for big picture. Purposely designed to game on your tv.

http://store.steampowered.com/bigpicture/
Click to expand...

looks quite useful, will definitely give it a try

this is the table, i have a feeling it was designed for laptops
IMG_20121114_101751.jpg
 
Been doing this for at least 6 years now its so easy with a wireless 360 controller but only obviously for games which have native support or you can use xpadder on.

For RTS or other games with complex controls its too awkward so I use another PC for those hooked up to a 28" Monitor.

Recently bought a 60" Plasma for PC gaming though & its pure awesome :D
 
AWPC said:
Been doing this for at least 6 years now its so easy with a wireless 360 controller but only obviously for games which have native support or you can use xpadder on.

For RTS or other games with complex controls its too awkward so I use another PC for those hooked up to a 28" Monitor.

Recently bought a 60" Plasma for PC gaming though & its pure awesome :D
Click to expand...

im jealous! i only have a main rig (desk) and a HTPC-gaming pc has to have a decent gpu and small, i can see you have them separate!

also i only have a 46 :( lol

i have just remembered i have a game pad spare (another thread reminded me) so may go for this

Yay or nay?
IMG_20121114_154229.jpg
 
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