Looking For a Good PC Controller

[WhiteTigerShiro]

Currently I'm using a 360 controller, and for the most part it's fine, but Microsoft did the dumbass move of making their so-called "Dpad" an analog stick in disguise. As a result, playing some games gets extremely frustrating. If I'm using the Dpad, it's because it's supposed to give me accurate up/down vs left/right controls. With the 360 controller, if my thumb is even SLIGHTLY off-center, it'll read both inputs and screw me over. So what controllers do you guys suggest that are good all-arounders for any game I might prefer a controller, but that have a good Dpad that doesn't misread subtle directional inputs?

 

[Saelune]

...Which 360 controller? Is it the one where you can adjust the D-Pad? It always breaks on me.

My suggestion? Xbox One. For one, looking at it now, the D-Pad is very much a D-Pad, so no worries on that. Plus well, Xbox controllers just work on PC games. If it doesnt, then it is unlikely any other controller will work by default. (Some exceptions include Dead Rising Off The Record, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance) I cant stand using 3rd party programs to force a controller to work, so I dont use them.

Most controller problems I see people have is cause they want to use some shitty 3rd party (technically that label doeant work, but you probably know what I mean when I say it) controller...or a PlayStation one.

Spoiler: If you do not believe me about the D-Pad

 

[Kyrian007]

Saelune is pretty right on. I've used a Xbone controller and they work very well. I don't own one, but only because my 360 controller was really well made and I've had no problems with it through 5+ years of pretty hard (almost daily) use. If I ever do break that 360 controller I will get the Xbone.

 

[Here Comes Tomorrow]

Didn't PS4 controllers recently become plug and play as well recently?

 

[Vigormortis]

Could always use my two go-to defaults.

Spoiler: Either this:

Spoiler: Or this:

I find either more comfortable, adaptable, and useful than either of the Xbox controllers or any 3rd party monstrosity. In fact, with both of those and a good ol' mechanical keyboard and precision mouse I'm pretty much set for any and all of my gaming input needs.[footnote]Though, I DO occasionally use my flight stick setup for certain mech and space-sim games, but not that often. And, I'll admit, I've been considering picking up a fighting stick, if only for shits and giggles.[/footnote]

 

[Saelune]

Supposedly PS4 controllers can work, but I would not hold my breath. If you use them instead, do not be surprised if some games that should work easily, dont. I just think, why not play it safe with the one that is most reliable to work? Steam itself is trying to enhance the controller experience though, and I do appreciate that. It all depends on what effort you're willing to put up with though.

As for the Steam Controller...the touch pad does NOT suffice as a replacement for a second analog stick, it just doesnt. And it is less comfortable than either Xbox or PS4 controllers. It is not as uncomfortable as it looks, but well, I hope they update with new designs some day.

 

[WhiteTigerShiro]

Didn't PS4 controllers recently become plug and play as well recently?

I know some games are (MKXL for example) but for whatever isn't there's always DS4Windows.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

If you have a console, I would suggest getting another OEM controller for that platform providing the PC supports using it. In most cross-platform games, designed for contoller inputs but ported to PC, 360/PS type controllers simply work the way they do on consoles. Examples of this are Dark Souls and GTA titles.

Alternatively, the Steam controller is a legit thing if you use Steam. It's very different and requires an amount of extra work to use, ranging from none whatsoever up to as much as you're willing to put in. The reason is that it supports customisation of all its features to a great extent. For example, in games you can frequently press 1 to one thing or use the SHIFT or CTRL keys as modifiers, such that SHIFT+1 is a different thing. So to can the steam controller support such things. Modifiers, OSMs (on-screen menus), sensitivity, etc. It is really great and many players share their custom profiles with the community. I for example created my own custom profile for X3: Terran Conflict and used another player's profile for Dark Souls 1. It's very powerful, though it has some foibles. It is a good option and well worth consideration, particularly if you use Steam or Steam Link.

 

[Guffe]

So Mouse and Keyboard aren't the chosen controller of The Master Race anymore?
How the mighty have fallen!!

Sorry...
I'll see myself out...

 

[Blood Brain Barrier]

I'm using this one. It's really good.

Spoiler

 

[Maximum Bert]

I just use the PS4 controller or if I do not need an analog stick I use the Hori Fighting commander pad I have which does PC/PS3/PS4 easy and is pretty comfy definitely one of my favourite pads also great D pad since as the name suggests it is really meant for playing fighters.

Havent tried an Xbox one pad but apparently they work ok as well but I could never get my 360 pads to work on either of my PCs and the PS3 ones always needed a work around although I did manage to get them to work for a few years until recently which is very annoying.