PC Gaming Controller

R-evans · 1 Jan 2013 at 15:57

I have started gaming on my PC and will be upgrading GPU and overclocking soon. I will be using a controller to start off with and will try keyboard and mouse when I can afford to buy some nice ones.

Just wondering, what is my best option for a controller for Steam? I have a couple of Xbox 360 controllers so I could get one of the wireless receivers, is there any way I can just connect through USB?? I have Playstation 3 too, would they work?

Cheers and Happy New Year!

R-evans · 1 Jan 2013 at 15:59

Should have mentioned, I have an xbox play and charge kit, so the USB cable is already on hand.

snips86x · 1 Jan 2013 at 16:01

You can buy a PC 360 controller which runs through USB, a USB reciever for a wireless controller or a 360-USB adapter.

honosuseri · 1 Jan 2013 at 16:05

The play and charge kit does NOT work. It just charges the battery it does NOT make the xbox pad USB.

If you have a wired Xbox pad that will work, OCuk sell the wireless pad with the wireless receiver for the PC supplied with it. Or just google for the guide and software to use the PS3 pad.

martinoheat · 1 Jan 2013 at 16:49

i bought the wireless reciever for about £7 from the popular auction site. Does the job brilliantly!

snips86x · 1 Jan 2013 at 17:12

martinoheat said:
i bought the wireless reciever for about £7 from the popular auction site. Does the job brilliantly!

That's kind of where I was going with this!

VonScar · 1 Jan 2013 at 18:22

You do not need the PC version of the Xbox wired controller, simply plug your 360 control into USB, Windows will then update the drivers and will work immediatly.

Kosmiche · 1 Jan 2013 at 19:16

you can plug in a ps3 pad with the charging cable and windows will recognise it, then you just download motionjoy.

full instructions here http://www.gamefront.com/how-to-use-a-ps3-controller-on-a-pc/

you can also use the ps3 pad wirelessly with the pc if you have a bluetooth adapter.

GhostMjr · 2 Jan 2013 at 11:38

I would always go with a xbox 360.

I tried playstation 2 controllers with adaptors but they didn't work too well.

The xbox 360 wired usb is literally plug and play!

Cone Drone · 2 Jan 2013 at 12:12

I use a wireless 360 controller the only problem is if you want to use xpadder for a game the controller doesn't work on the dead-zones on the analogue sticks aren't great.

OliverDavis · 2 Jan 2013 at 12:17

I use a Microsft Wireless Gaming Receiver, that way I can also use my Wireless Earpiece for Skype!

Other than that, go into your local trade in store that rhymes with Sex, and ask to swap your Wireless Xbox Pad, for a wired one as to use on PC, they were happy to do this for me and gave me £2 in store credit. After that control became too loose, I bought the receiver.

They come in Black, White and "clear"

MatsyLR · 2 Jan 2013 at 12:19

I just bought a wireless receiver for my PC, use my wireless 360 controller with it.
Easiest solution If you already have a wireless controller. The receiver is like 6 bucks.

OptimaLnrg · 2 Jan 2013 at 14:01

i bought a wired 360 controller for racing games (arcade)

Steviepunk · 2 Jan 2013 at 14:11

I've been using the wireless receiver for the 360 pad for a while now, it's a great pad to use, much prefer it to the PS3 pads - though not tried it with Steam's Big Picture mode yet.
Not sure why, but I've never found another game pad for the PC that I liked - the 360 controllers are probably the best available IMO.

However, I did find that there was no ability to turn the pad off - always have to remove the battery when I want to put the pad off (maybe I'm missing something!). You wouldn't have that issue with a wired pad though.