SlowCoder Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 I have emulators for multipe game systems. I play them on a laptop, which I often take on trips. I would like to be able to use a controller that is both: compatible with the widest variety of console platforms (enough buttons to support all functions), and is small enough to pack in my laptop case. I have been using the PS3 controller with Bluetooth without problems, but it's a little bulkier than I'd like for travel. The rectangular NES controller is ideal size, has the Start and Select buttons, but only has 2 play buttons. The Sega Genesis controller has 3 (or 6) play buttons, and Start, but no Select. I guess I could configure one of the play buttons as Select for the platforms that require it. I've never seen one of these firsthand, so I don't know how bulky it actually is. I know I can purchase a USB conversion kit for an existing controller, or purchase a converted controller (e.g. RetroZone), or a 3rd party controller. However, but my real question for those of your who emulate is, what controller to do you prefer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akator Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 If I was forced to only use one, it would be a Logitech USB Dual Action Gamepad. I haven't been able to kill one yet, but even if I did they're under $20 and easy to find new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Video Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 I was going to say a stock 360 controller, or a madcats version (thy got abetter Dpad) But if you don't like the size of the PS3 pad, that's going to be to big too. PSX style controllers are about as small of a stock controller as your going to get....though I think Stoneage Gamer has a SNES USB gamepad I have no experience with this one, but I like the SNES pad, and it's got plenty of buttons for most games, and if this third party is as sturdy as the original, you won't break it carrying it around with your computer stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_c Posted August 29, 2010 Share Posted August 29, 2010 i've got the Retrolink USB SNES controllers. they work great. got a couple for my niece and nephew and now they play all the emulators on their netbooks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoneAgeGamer Posted August 29, 2010 Share Posted August 29, 2010 We sell a ton of http://stoneagegamer.com/pcmacusbsnescontroller.aspx and I have never had a complaint about them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassicGMR Posted August 30, 2010 Share Posted August 30, 2010 We sell a ton of http://stoneagegamer.com/pcmacusbsnescontroller.aspx and I have never had a complaint about them. Do you know when you'll have more in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenegg Posted August 30, 2010 Share Posted August 30, 2010 I used to use Sega Saturn style USB controllers, like this one eBay Auction -- Item Number: 110411098396 I now use a MadCatz SSF4 Fightpad http://www.madcatz.com/productinfo.asp?page=347&GSProd=3424&GSCat=130&CategoryImg=PS3_Controllers It uses a USB based RF receiver, which works perfectly in both Windows and MAC based systems. It's bulky for travelling, but I highly recommend it for pretty much all other emulator usage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatta Posted August 30, 2010 Share Posted August 30, 2010 Golden Egg and Akator both have great suggestions. I use the Saturn USB pad for just about everything. Perfect for Atari, NES, Genesis, & Arcade. It's a little unsatisfactory for SNES, as the buttons aren't symmetric. Don't play SNES Smash TV with this one. It's very sturdy, and very responsive. If I had to choose just one controller for the rest of my life, this is it. For SNES and PSX I pull out the Logitech Dual Action. I like this controller better than any Sony controller. Very well built, and the thick handles make it easier to grip than a PSX controller. Oh, and it has a real D-pad too. The only complaint I have is that the holes through which the analog sticks come out are square. Dunno what was wrong with a circle, even an octagon would have been better. Oh well. Since you're travelling, you probably just want one. I'd go with the Saturn pad. It's not awful for SNES, just a little awkward on games that use all four face buttons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omegamatrix Posted August 30, 2010 Share Posted August 30, 2010 I too use a Logitech Dual Action, and I'm quite happy with it. Good all around controller. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Video Posted August 30, 2010 Share Posted August 30, 2010 We sell a ton of http://stoneagegamer.com/pcmacusbsnescontroller.aspx and I have never had a complaint about them. Cool to know. I'll have to get me a couple. I love my legacy controller, but it's so bulky. One question, is the cord detachable, or hardwired? If detachable, what type off connector does it use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoneAgeGamer Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 We sell a ton of http://stoneagegamer.com/pcmacusbsnescontroller.aspx and I have never had a complaint about them. Do you know when you'll have more in? this Friday or next Monday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoneAgeGamer Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 We sell a ton of http://stoneagegamer.com/pcmacusbsnescontroller.aspx and I have never had a complaint about them. Cool to know. I'll have to get me a couple. I love my legacy controller, but it's so bulky. One question, is the cord detachable, or hardwired? If detachable, what type off connector does it use? Hardwired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Video Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 Cool, I figured so, but wanted to check (damn loose wires, I go through more of those than anyone will ever know "I need a USB with x connection, ask Video, he's got millions ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowCoder Posted September 1, 2010 Author Share Posted September 1, 2010 Alrighty folks, I think I may go with the SNES controllers of StoneAge's. They appear to be compact enough for my purposes, and I think the number of buttons available is acceptable. I appreciate everyone's input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Helmet Posted September 1, 2010 Share Posted September 1, 2010 I use either a wired Xbox 360 controller, a 2600 compatible controller via Stelladapter, or an SNES pad with a USB adapter from http://www.retrousb.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoneAgeGamer Posted September 2, 2010 Share Posted September 2, 2010 We should have them back in stock tomorrow (Sept. 3). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Dart Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Here's my vote for the USB Sega Saturn-styled pads. Work great on the PS3 too, by the way. Far better than those crappy Mad Catz SF4 pads for SF4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MitchSchaft Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 (edited) How about the USB Classic Joystick Controller? I ordered one 8/24 to use with my laptop on my upcoming business trip this Sunday, but it hasn't arrived yet :( . I'm bringing my Flashback2, so I hope the TV's in the hotel room has hookups. I hope it works well when it does get here. Edited September 10, 2010 by MitchSchaft Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Sega Saturn controller, always. They're cheap on eBay and very much worth the price. Alternately, you could stick with the Dual Shock 3... that's not an entirely bad option, since the controller is already familiar to you and works quite well for 3D games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowCoder Posted September 10, 2010 Author Share Posted September 10, 2010 How about the USB Classic Joystick Controller? Cool controller! Only problem is I'm emulating Atari, NES, SNES, Genesis and others. That controller would not work for most of those, and is also not compact for travel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MitchSchaft Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Oops, I can't read. But you can unscrew the stick atleast . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deteacher Posted September 12, 2010 Share Posted September 12, 2010 How about the USB Classic Joystick Controller? I ordered one 8/24 to use with my laptop on my upcoming business trip this Sunday, but it hasn't arrived yet :( . I'm bringing my Flashback2, so I hope the TV's in the hotel room has hookups. I hope it works well when it does get here. Those are pretty good. I purchased them from Curt a while back and I like them. The controls are responsive and the overall feel is good. They're great for the price, but if you want an authentic CX-40, I'd suggest getting a real CX-40 and a Stelladaptor. Nothing against the USB Classic Controller, but nothing compares to the feel of the real thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Video Posted September 12, 2010 Share Posted September 12, 2010 How about the USB Classic Joystick Controller? Cool controller! Only problem is I'm emulating Atari, NES, SNES, Genesis and others. That controller would not work for most of those, and is also not compact for travel. Yep, that's the "legacy" that I mentioned earlier. I got the clear version. It's a nice controller, but as I said, it's very bulky, even with the stick unplugged from the base. I got the clear version, but it's basically the same stick. Perfect for Atari games, though you can mount more buttons on it if you wanted to, it supports up to 12, though it's not exactly "button friendly" if that's a phrase Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NinjaWarrior Posted September 14, 2010 Share Posted September 14, 2010 I use the USB Saturn Pads Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlatWiiCCFan Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 (edited) Everyone always says "Oh, just use an Xbox controller, they're already USB." But to me, the 360 controller just doesn't cut it. It may have good buttons and tight analogs, but it has the worst Dpad in the history of Dpads, period. The only time a 360 controller is good is when it's some aftermarket like Nyko or Madcatz, when they swap out that rocker switch for a legit cross Dpad. With the 360, it's way too easy to accidentally hit diagonals. I had a 2 port PSX/PS2 controller adapter for a while, and that was good, but even Sony's Dpad with its separated diamonds hurts to use after a while. Nintendo has had the best Dpad since the original NES, SNES and N64. I wouldn't want to use anything less for classic game emulation. Once I got the Mayflash wireless Classic Controller to USB adapter and got to use the old flatty on my emulators, that was it. I never looked back. This isn't meant to be "spam." This isn't meant to be a "thread necro." I'm just letting people know this thing is out there. Mayflash makes some awesome stuff. HOPEFULLY this gets left up so the other contributors / watchers of this thread can know that such an option exists. Honestly, what's better for retro games than a controller that Nintendo themselves designed specifically for them??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VjLI3rNkzk But for those who, for whatever reason, dislike the Classic Controller. Mayflash is also planning to put these out soon... http://www.mayflash....USB/PS3003.html http://www.mayflash....OWiiU/W009.html You have a choice of using the Wii U Pro or Sony Dual Shock 3, and each of these adapters can support up to four controllers. No BT dongle, no MotioninJoy, Glovepie or Bluesoleil required. Just straight DirectInput (and Xinput) conversion. (Not that you couldn't get Xinput with x360ce.exe) http://s14.postimg.o.../xbox360_CE.png http://s18.postimg.o...ey_Settings.png Edited May 21, 2013 by FlatWiiCCFan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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