Gamepads for Console/Arcade Emulators?

Mortimus asks: "I'm looking for a gamepad that is best suited for arcade and console emulators. The problems I've experienced with a previous gamepad like the Gravis GamePad Pro resides in the directional pad not being precise enough and misinterpreting directions, even with proper calibration, which can be very frustrating. I'm aware of the X-Arcade joystick, but that isn't what I'm looking for. I'm more interested in gamepad like the Logitech Dual Action, Guillemot Thrustmaster Dual Analog Gamepad, and perhaps even an original Sony Playstation gamepad with a USB adapter. What have you all found works best with most emulators (MAME, FBA, ZSNES...) and the most precise without being finicky?"

USB all the way

[Jukashi]

I bought a dual psx/usb adapter off ebay for like 10 bucks, works perfect. handles ps2 controllers/analog sticks with just the standard usb modules.

PS Joypad the way to go

[Anonymous Coward]

I got a PlayStation joypad adaptor from RadioShack a while back. It works beautifully. With it I was finally able to clear Snatcher for the SegaCD (using GENS), something my Gravis Gampad Pro couldn't handle. It works great, and the new ones are around $10. Very precise control in ZSNES, SNES9x, GENS, NESticle, FCE Ultra, and Nestopia. Not sure about MAME but I see no reason it shouldn't work there.

USB adapter and PS2 controller

[Calmiche]

Seriously, the best purchase I ever made was a USB adaptor for my Playstation controller. It functions perferctly. 99% of the games I've ever played find it perfectly. Both analog sticks work, and you can turn them off and on.

Make sure you get one that is recognised by Windows.

I use something called a Yobo game adapter, but I'm not sure if you can find them still. Mine is about 4 years old.

I can also hook in all kinds of other adapters, including my dance mat. (For dance dance revolutions.)

Calmiche,

SNES!

[nidx]

I found some directions somewhere on the net for modifying snes controllers to use the lpt /db-25 / parrelel port. not the most advanced solution but very funn for playing emu games

Resources:

mod instrustions [emulationworld.com]
XP Driver [mysite4now.com]


also psx with usb adapter is very nice ... espically for tony hawk games.

Re:USB adapter and PS2 controller

[Xistic]

This one [merconnet.com] is about perfect. Windows XP even comes with the drivers for it.

I even use my PS2 controllers to play emulated N64 games. I just had to get used to where I moved my Z trigger to.

For games like Street Fighter and the like I recommend using an old PS1 controller as extensive use of the shoulder buttons on the anolog controllers tends to break the hinges making them less responsive.

Gamepad Pro problems

[OgdEnigmaX]

I, as I mentioned, was using the non-USB Gamepad Pro...black controller, four main buttons and what I thought were two other configurable buttons but turned out to be simply autofire for buttons one and two. Completely unconfigurable, in fact...no bundled software or anything, which is odd given the fact that my original Gravis Gamepad at least came with a small sampler floppy with, like, Commander Keen on it :). I assure you that my complaints come not from an error in thumb placement but from no effort at all on my part, in fact; with absolutely no contact between my hand and the controller, it would intermittently output "right" signals. No lie. The damn thing just wouldn't center, let alone stop moving. Might've been a freak accident, sure, but it sure was an ornery bastard of a gamepad...

And yes, gamepad configurability does rock.

Re:USB all the way

[Thedalek]

Or, if you have to have it today instead of waiting a week for delivery, your local Radio Shack has them for the same price.

Just don't as the sales associate for help.