Good joysticks to use with MAME, Stella, etc.

[Derek]

After six years of less than stellar performance my Logitech Wingman joystick has suddenly become invisible to my computer. I reinstalled it, still does not appear on the controllers list. The red light on it is out, switching to other USB ports makes no difference. I guess it just died in the night. Since I was never particularly impressed with it especially on games with corners, Lady Bug, Ms. Pac, etc., as it never reliably steered where you pressed, I'd like to know what others here who play games on the computer, the old style games using emulators, have had happy game playing success with. One can get really fancy with ones that actually match joystick and buttons like you remember from standing in front of a game back in the day. Are they worth having? I'd like to stick with something small like the Logitech controller versus the Hotrod or the big black one whose name I can't think of, starts with a X, and has two joysticks and a truck load of buttons. That is overkill for the space I have to work with. Thanks for any helpful thoughts everyone.

[jaybird3rd]

You must be thinking of the X-Arcade. They're certainly fine joysticks, and are the best option if you're looking for controllers for a MAME cabinet (now that HanaHo doesn't seem to be around anymore), but most of them are too large to be practical for desktop gaming.

 

After trying a few different options over the years, I've finally settled on using a PlayStation 2 controller connected to a USB adapter. It gives me more than enough buttons for the games that I play, it's a good solid controller, and it certainly wasn't expensive to buy: about $12 for the controller and $5 for the adapter. I'll get myself a proper PC-compatible arcade joystick eventually, since certain games are better with a joystick than with a gamepad (for reasons I've explained elsewhere), but for casual use, my current setup suits my purposes.

[Derek]

After trying a few different options over the years, I've finally settled on using a PlayStation 2 controller connected to a USB adapter. It gives me more than enough buttons for the games that I play, it's a good solid controller, and it certainly wasn't expensive to buy: about $12 for the controller and $5 for the adapter.

 

Thanks for that, though I have no idea where to go to buy a Playstation 2 controller, or an adapter. Even if I find them, how does the ps2 controller communicate with the computer? I have never used a joystick that didn't have an installation disc. Does that come with a ps2 controller?

 

Please excuse my ignorance about the new style controllers as the 7800 is the newest console that I own and the Logitech came from Future Shop six years ago after simply asking them for a decent joystick to use on my computer to play old style games. The clerk was no older than the games I wished to be able to play on the computer...sigh...getting old, so old

[cimerians]

I use a PS3 controller too (well its a PS3 not a PS2 but they are basically the same).

 

Here is some info:

http://news.filefront.com/how-to-use-a-ps3-controller-on-a-pc/

 

I'm not sure if I used that guys driver. The driver I used was from a Japanese guy and it worked perfectly. I may still have it somewhere....

 

For single fire button games I always use an Atari joystick via a parallel connection. Because the response time is perfect like a real Atari etc. I'm lucky enough to have a parallel cable modified for an Atari joystick I got like 10 years ago and I still use PPJOY.

 

http://ppjoy.bossstation.dnsalias.org/

 

I also use Legacy Engineerings USB Atari joystick.

[Hatta]

The best arcade controller you can get is the one you build yourself. Just particle board, an i-pac, and some Happ buttons and sticks.

 

I have an X-arcade. If you can get one cheap (I got mine off of CL) I wouldn't recommend against it. But if you get serious, you'll end up replacing at least the sticks.

 

I would absolutely recommend going with a twin stick setup, whether you get an X-arcade or build your own. Robotron 2084 is amazing.

[NE146]

I have an dual stick X-Arcade. It's fine.

 

However what I would really like is a good dedicated 4-way joystick option for a lot of the games I like to play . I know they're out there, but it's just not as common to find.

[mckafka99]

I have a dual stick X-Arcade also and love it. I only wish they had included a spinner; then it would have been complete.

[Hatta]

I have an dual stick X-Arcade. It's fine.

 

However what I would really like is a good dedicated 4-way joystick option for a lot of the games I like to play . I know they're out there, but it's just not as common to find.

 

Apparently the X-arcade can be switched to 4 way mode if you open it up. I haven't given that a try yet. I play too much Robotron.

 

 

And, on a second reading I see that the OP is not looking for an arcade style stick but a joypad. The absolute best joypad out there is a USB Sega Saturn pad. Unfortunately eBay is flooded with fakes. Even the Sega Licensed PlaySega pads are cheap chinese crap. My PlaySega controller broke after 2 days of light use. (Thanks SEGA! )

 

I recently ordered one of these. I haven't received it yet, but they're pretty clear about it being legit.

 

I will try to check in once I get it and let you know if it's the real thing.

 

I also have a Logitech dual action. It's styled after the PSX pad. The D-pad is pretty good, much better than the PSX pads. My only major complaint is that the restricter plates around the thumbsticks are square instead of circle. No good for Robotron at all.

[Pyromaniac605]

After six years of less than stellar performance my Logitech Wingman joystick has suddenly become invisible to my computer. I reinstalled it, still does not appear on the controllers list. The red light on it is out, switching to other USB ports makes no difference. I guess it just died in the night. Since I was never particularly impressed with it especially on games with corners, Lady Bug, Ms. Pac, etc., as it never reliably steered where you pressed, I'd like to know what others here who play games on the computer, the old style games using emulators, have had happy game playing success with. One can get really fancy with ones that actually match joystick and buttons like you remember from standing in front of a game back in the day. Are they worth having? I'd like to stick with something small like the Logitech controller versus the Hotrod or the big black one whose name I can't think of, starts with a X, and has two joysticks and a truck load of buttons. That is overkill for the space I have to work with. Thanks for any helpful thoughts everyone.

Is that a flight joystick? if so i think we have the same one and mine has the same problem I'd rather fix it though then get a new one.

 

-Darren-

[jamesk]

I soldered a USB connector to an Xbox controller. Works good for emus. I also use it for racing games and Batman: Arkham Asylum.

[user42]

I have a dual stick X-Arcade also and love it. I only wish they had included a spinner; then it would have been complete.

 

 

I stuck a spinner into a mostly unused button hole, and the knob slides off if I want to play 2 player...

 

Edited April 3, 2010 by user42

[nesrulz]

My custom made Arcade Stick...

 

Sanwa + Logitech equipments.

 

 

http://www.podmornice.com/stick/novi.html

Edited April 18, 2010 by nesrulz

[galagafirstdefender]

I've been using this controller in stella:

The Ultimate Arcade Fighting Stick - Nintendo Super NES: by Ascii

 

Using an adapter that you can find online, the response is amazing on the atari games. It brings out a arcade like dimension to the gameplay. Really good with the shooters and pac clones.

[+Trebor]

For the X-Arcade, you could go with the single if the double is too much space:

http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-joysticks-and-game-controllers/product/x-arcade-solo-joystick/

 

I've been using a HotRodSE for over a dozen years. Once I converted to Windows 7 I purchased the PS2 to USB kit for the controller and it still works like solid gold and smooth as butter.

 

In addition to the HotRodSE, I also have the X-Arcade standalone trackball:

http://www.xgaming.com/service/trackball-support.shtml

Unfortunately, it appears they no longer make the trackball as a standalone device.

 

For console gaming, If you have multiple available USB ports, then to best replicate the experience use a authentic controller and obtain a USB adapter.

 

For the 2600/Stella...here is one options:

http://www.retrousb.com/index.php?cPath=21&osCsid=65921de0f5469846feede3d597e1ffb2

 

The also have USB adapters for the NES, SNES, and Genesis.

 

Additionally, you can obtain a 2600 controller already built for USB here:

http://www.syzygycompany.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=59

 

I highly recommend the higher price model ($24.99) for the best quality 2600 controller, but the less expensive one ($18.99) is no slouch either.

 

Last but certainly not least similar to the aforementioned USB adapters there is the 2600-daptor II:

http://home.comcast.net/~tjhafner/2600-daptor.htm

 

It covers all 2600/8-bit joystick controllers as well as 2-button independent support of the 7800 controller.

 

Also available are adapters for the following console/systems:

 

Atari 5200 (Includes Trackball support)

Bally Astrocade

ColecoVision/Intellivision/Sega (Includes keypad (All applicable systems) and expansion module (Driving wheel) support (ColecoVision)

NEO-GEO AES

 

A lot of options and again encouraging obtaining and utilizing the authentic controllers for their respective consoles and a solo X-Arcade for space concerns and not a DYI-type.

 

As a suggestion for an all-around decent PC-controller I would recommend the Saitek P880-P990 or a similar model. (P2600 I think have rumble support). These however are likely discontinued and may be difficult to obtain but have the six button layout, a very nice digital d-pad and great analog sticks. Includes shoulder buttons and programmable options if desired. I've been using them for years under multiple operating systems with no problems or complaints from me.

 

Finally, if you obtain a controller which you want to map to keyboard inputs (Due to an emulator or game supporting that layout the best or/and doesn't support/functioning fully with your controller of choice), then I highly recommend downloading/installing and have running in the background prior to launching the game or emulator:

 

http://joytokey.net/en/

 

Joy to Key. It can take any mouse or joypad/joystick inputs and map them to keyboard ones.

[Cynicaster]

I have had a generic Logitech USB gamepad for about 10 years and it works great for general purpose console emulation. Still, for me, you can't beat a custom made arcade controller. Admittedly it doesn't work very well for certain types of games (mostly platformers like Mario, Sonic, Mega Man, etc.) but it's great for shoot-em-ups, beat-em-ups, fighters, and arcade-style console games.

 

[5200Fanatic]

For the X-Arcade, you could go with the single if the double is too much space:

http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-joysticks-and-game-controllers/product/x-arcade-solo-joystick/

 

I've been using a HotRodSE for over a dozen years. Once I converted to Windows 7 I purchased the PS2 to USB kit for the controller and it still works like solid gold and smooth as butter.

 

In addition to the HotRodSE, I also have the X-Arcade standalone trackball:

http://www.xgaming.com/service/trackball-support.shtml

Unfortunately, it appears they no longer make the trackball as a standalone device.

 

For console gaming, If you have multiple available USB ports, then to best replicate the experience use a authentic controller and obtain a USB adapter.

 

For the 2600/Stella...here is one options:

http://www.retrousb.com/index.php?cPath=21&osCsid=65921de0f5469846feede3d597e1ffb2

 

The also have USB adapters for the NES, SNES, and Genesis.

 

Additionally, you can obtain a 2600 controller already built for USB here:

http://www.syzygycompany.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=59

 

I highly recommend the higher price model ($24.99) for the best quality 2600 controller, but the less expensive one ($18.99) is no slouch either.

 

Last but certainly not least similar to the aforementioned USB adapters there is the 2600-daptor II:

http://home.comcast.net/~tjhafner/2600-daptor.htm

 

It covers all 2600/8-bit joystick controllers as well as 2-button independent support of the 7800 controller.

 

Also available are adapters for the following console/systems:

 

Atari 5200 (Includes Trackball support)

Bally Astrocade

ColecoVision/Intellivision/Sega (Includes keypad (All applicable systems) and expansion module (Driving wheel) support (ColecoVision)

NEO-GEO AES

 

A lot of options and again encouraging obtaining and utilizing the authentic controllers for their respective consoles and a solo X-Arcade for space concerns and not a DYI-type.

 

As a suggestion for an all-around decent PC-controller I would recommend the Saitek P880-P990 or a similar model. (P2600 I think have rumble support). These however are likely discontinued and may be difficult to obtain but have the six button layout, a very nice digital d-pad and great analog sticks. Includes shoulder buttons and programmable options if desired. I've been using them for years under multiple operating systems with no problems or complaints from me.

 

Finally, if you obtain a controller which you want to map to keyboard inputs (Due to an emulator or game supporting that layout the best or/and doesn't support/functioning fully with your controller of choice), then I highly recommend downloading/installing and have running in the background prior to launching the game or emulator:

 

http://joytokey.net/en/

 

Joy to Key. It can take any mouse or joypad/joystick inputs and map them to keyboard ones.

Thanks for the links!

[+Trebor]

No problem...glad it helps

[+save2600]

X-arcade is an excellent choice for a pre-built stick but for something more desktop friendly, I like the Neo*Geo X stick for most gaming. Yikes, I see they're $100 now on Amazon! Okay, maybe this is no longer a viable choice. Was nice when they were $50 or less a little while back.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Neogeo-x-Arcade-Stick-Electronic-Games/dp/B0098F6PSY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1389979413&sr=8-4&keywords=neo+geo+x

[WispFollower]

I know someone will post about how much they hate these, but I get lots of enjoyment from using an nes Advantage and a Honyu Explorer I. Both are very well built, I love the stick and button action, and the whole setup, including adaptors is very cheap. They are great for all kinds of console and arcade games. I have set personal bests in many games with these including Tapper, Robotron, Donkey Kong, and many others.

[chrisballer]

If you want to go in a different direction than an X Arcade. You could just get a wireless XBOX 360 controller and a wireless usb xbox controller adapter which only costs about 10-12 bucks.

 

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574883395&toolid=10001&campid=5336500554&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2Flike%2F251274955709%3Flpid%3D82

 

 

Or a USB to Genesis adapter cord which are only a few bucks and get your self a six button Sega Genesis arcade stick or just a six button saturn controller that is usb. just google these they are everywhere.

 

I have the X Arcade dual stick, but I also have the USB to nes, sega, and the wireless XBOX 360 controller for most other games. They all work great.