Windows + 360 Controller

Viper007Bond · May 23rd, 2008, 12:27 PM

I'm trying to figure out if I should get GRID for my PC (1080p, max settings, no AA) or my PS3 (720p, whatever settings). The really nice thing about the PS3 is the variable throttle -- something lacking from the keyboard (not a big fan of wheels even though I have one).

So it was suggested to me that I get a 360 controller for me PC by Kip or someone here. However, I have some questions. Well, one question really: does it work with all/most games? I don't wanna invest in a 360 controller if it won't even work with most of my racing games.

Anyone have experience with this?

Viper007Bond · May 23rd, 2008, 12:47 PM

Hmm, did some reading and it seems like it's worth it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16874103020

"Only" $42 and I end up with PS3 controls with PC graphics.

eltoro507 · May 23rd, 2008, 01:30 PM

Just plug it in with the play & charge cable.
It installs itself.

vanMould · May 23rd, 2008, 01:56 PM

I'm using a 360 controller as a universal gamepad on my pc. I'm not entierly happy with it when it comes to racing though. The trigger buttons works as one single axle so you can't use them to accelerate and brake at the same time, which shouldn't be necessary but is kinda annoying. But other than that, it's a brilliant gamepad!

Paco · May 23rd, 2008, 01:56 PM

I've had a 360 controller on my PC for well over a year now. It has been great on all the Prince of Persia games, Test Drive Unlimited, the Need For Speed games since Most Wanted, although there was a big problem with lag on ProStreet, but that's partially due to my rig, CMR: Dirt, Race Driver games, Splinter Cell, and more.

With a lot of newer games, especially those that are available on the 360, the controls are automatically mapped to what they are on the 360. The wired controller's wire is pretty long and they released the wireless drivers a while ago.

I'd definitely recommend it. images/smilies/thumbsup.gif

Viper007Bond · May 23rd, 2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanMould

I'm using a 360 controller as a universal gamepad on my pc. I'm not entierly happy with it when it comes to racing though. The trigger buttons works as one single axle so you can't use them to accelerate and brake at the same time, which shouldn't be necessary but is kinda annoying. But other than that, it's a brilliant gamepad!

Ooof, that sucks, but I hope it's just the game(s).

I think I'm gonna get the wired one. I've been spoiled by my PS3 (sorry 360 fanboys, the PS3 has ya beat with it's controller setup) and I don't wanna deal with batteries or paying an arm and a leg more for a charger as well as a receiver. Built in battery + charging via USB = win. images/smilies/happy.gif

chaos386 · May 23rd, 2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

Built in battery + charging via USB = win. images/smilies/happy.gif

I have mine charging off my Wii right now, just for the irony. images/smilies/cool.gif

Buba · May 23rd, 2008, 03:37 PM

Meh, whenever the battery thats built in quits, your controller is dead, and the 360 folk buys another set of AAs (recharchables, do the charging yourself) for 5 Euros and off you go. Or I'll use some 10 cent / piece batteries that lasted 50 hours of GTA IV. The 360 controller feels more natural to me anyway...

Back to the topic:
AFAIK: If a game is 360 controller compliant, it will get the throttle/brake as separate axis! If its not such a game, it won't unless you use Vista, or a Wired controller with xbcd360 drivers (afaik, they don't work on the Wireless one images/smilies/sad.gif

)

Otherwise the controller is great, and I hope the alternate drivers will someday support the Wireless one..

db2450 · May 23rd, 2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buba

Meh, whenever the battery thats built in quits, your controller is dead, and the 360 folk buys another set of AAs (recharchables, do the charging yourself) for 5 Euros and off you go. Or I'll use some 10 cent / piece batteries that lasted 50 hours of GTA IV. The 360 controller feels more natural to me anyway...

Back to the topic:
AFAIK: If a game is 360 controller compliant, it will get the throttle/brake as separate axis! If its not such a game, it won't unless you use Vista, or a Wired controller with xbcd360 drivers (afaik, they don't work on the Wireless one images/smilies/sad.gif

)

Otherwise the controller is great, and I hope the alternate drivers will someday support the Wireless one..

I remember something on IGN saying Sony going to sell the batteries or they can be sent in and replaced. I don't know how expensive they would be though.

jeffy777 · May 23rd, 2008, 07:01 PM

I recommened it to you in the GRID thread, and I recommend it again here. The 360 controller rocks, specifically for racing games.

I would go for the wired one. Less hassle and cheaper.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

I've been spoiled by my PS3 (sorry 360 fanboys, the PS3 has ya beat with it's controller setup)

I'm not a 360 fanboy, and I think you're talking about the wireless setup, but in terms of the actual controller, I disagree. The analog pressure sensitive triggers on the 360 are much better for racing games than what the PS3 controllers offer. The 360 controller is easier to control the exact amount of throttle/brake you want.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buba

Back to the topic:
AFAIK: If a game is 360 controller compliant, it will get the throttle/brake as separate axis!

Yes, this is correct.

Certain games such as DiRT/GRID are designed specifically for the 360 controller, so they allow you to do things you can't do with other controllers, such as control the menu. Before I bought my 360 controller, I was just using some other gamepad, and I was so annoyed that I had to switch to my keyboard every time the race was over.

Vltros · May 23rd, 2008, 08:40 PM

Bought mine when I realized I couldn't play Test Drive Unlimited too well with the keyboard. Got a Wired one: just Plug & Play. And wirless isn't that necessary, only if you really want to play far from your monitor.

Speedtouch · May 23rd, 2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffy777

I'm not a 360 fanboy, and I think you're talking about the wireless setup, but in terms of the actual controller, I disagree. The analog pressure sensitive triggers on the 360 are much better for racing games than what the PS3 controllers offer. The 360 controller is easier to control the exact amount of throttle/brake you want.

I'm another one who disagrees with you and agrees with Viper. I certainly feel the 360's controller is weirdly shaped/sized. It just doesn't feel right in my hands, whereas the PS3's does. And I've always said that I find the analogue sticks on the 360 to be in the wrong place. Its just too awkward for me, because it feels like I can't have proper control with the left analogue stick, but with the PS3's I can. I feel (for me at least) that the phrase 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' is perfect for the Playstation's controller. People have mocked it for never changing in design since the start, but I believe its because they got it right first time.

jeffy777 · May 23rd, 2008, 10:58 PM

Yeah, I think the PS3 feels good in the hands, but it sucks that it uses buttons for throttle/braking instead of the nice analog triggers on the 360. Even the L2/R2 on the PS3 is nowhere near as good as the triggers on the 360 controller, IMO. That is the only advantage of the 360 controller. And also that it works so well with Windows.

Hidden_Hunter · May 24th, 2008, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

Ooof, that sucks, but I hope it's just the game(s).

I think I'm gonna get the wired one. I've been spoiled by my PS3 (sorry 360 fanboys, the PS3 has ya beat with it's controller setup) and I don't wanna deal with batteries or paying an arm and a leg more for a charger as well as a receiver. Built in battery + charging via USB = win. images/smilies/happy.gif

Lol no the ps3 controller is a turd sorry images/smilies/sad.gif

My mum's bring back a dualshock 3 from the states for me so we'll see how that fairs (it's less than half the price in the US)

Also I hate playing shooters on PS3, the 360's offset analog sticks make it much easier imo.

powah · May 24th, 2008, 02:50 AM

So, the PS3 and 360 controllers work with windows? And with any game?

Viper007Bond · May 24th, 2008, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buba

Meh, whenever the battery thats built in quits, your controller is dead

It gets a full charge in 5-10 minutes and you can still play when you have it plugged in. images/smilies/wink.gif

Hidden_Hunter · May 24th, 2008, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powah

So, the PS3 and 360 controllers work with windows? And with any game?

correct, it shows up as a gamepad

I finished tie fighter with mine

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

It gets a full charge in 5-10 minutes and you can still play when you have it plugged in. images/smilies/wink.gif

You obviously own a different ps3 controller to me, it takes ages on mine (also wth sony why doesn't the controller turn off watching a movie)

Viper007Bond · May 24th, 2008, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffy777

Yeah, I think the PS3 feels good in the hands, but it sucks that it uses buttons for throttle/braking instead of the nice analog triggers on the 360. Even the L2/R2 on the PS3 is nowhere near as good as the triggers on the 360 controller, IMO. That is the only advantage of the 360 controller. And also that it works so well with Windows.

Depends on the game. GT5P is like this (and it drives me nuts), but in GTA4, R2/L2 are the throttle and brake and I love them.

jeffy777 · May 24th, 2008, 03:03 AM

Quote:

May 23rd, 2008, 12:27 PM	#1
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: 01:13 PM Location: Portland, Oregon Age: 24 Posts: 20,214 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 224	Windows + 360 Controller I'm trying to figure out if I should get GRID for my PC (1080p, max settings, no AA) or my PS3 (720p, whatever settings). The really nice thing about the PS3 is the variable throttle -- something lacking from the keyboard (not a big fan of wheels even though I have one). So it was suggested to me that I get a 360 controller for me PC by Kip or someone here. However, I have some questions. Well, one question really: does it work with all/most games? I don't wanna invest in a 360 controller if it won't even work with most of my racing games. Anyone have experience with this? __________________ Fight back against the evil Quiky by +1'ing this post! There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

May 23rd, 2008, 12:47 PM	#2
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: 01:13 PM Location: Portland, Oregon Age: 24 Posts: 20,214 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 224	Hmm, did some reading and it seems like it's worth it. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16874103020 "Only" $42 and I end up with PS3 controls with PC graphics. __________________ Fight back against the evil Quiky by +1'ing this post! There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

May 23rd, 2008, 01:30 PM	#3
eltoro507 Joined: Jun 3rd, 2005 Last Online: 02:01 PM Location: Antwerp, Belgium Age: 25 Posts: 80 Car: Citroen Berlingo Candyvan, Peugeot 309 RIP :'( Rep Power: 19	Just plug it in with the play & charge cable. It installs itself. __________________ //ASUS P5K S775 P35//4GB GEIL PC2-6400 CL4 Dual Channel//Intel E6750//EVGA 8800GT SSC//

May 23rd, 2008, 03:37 PM	#8
Buba Wants Rick Astley's Babies Joined: Nov 12th, 2004 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Regensburg, Bavaria Age: 26 Posts: 5,899 Car: Golf LFS Status: Rep Power: 30	Meh, whenever the battery thats built in quits, your controller is dead, and the 360 folk buys another set of AAs (recharchables, do the charging yourself) for 5 Euros and off you go. Or I'll use some 10 cent / piece batteries that lasted 50 hours of GTA IV. The 360 controller feels more natural to me anyway... Back to the topic: AFAIK: If a game is 360 controller compliant, it will get the throttle/brake as separate axis! If its not such a game, it won't unless you use Vista, or a Wired controller with xbcd360 drivers (afaik, they don't work on the Wireless one ) Otherwise the controller is great, and I hope the alternate drivers will someday support the Wireless one.. __________________ [18:11] MXM: it means buba is better than you now [18:12] sam-l: In what way? [18:12] Slycer: longer penis

May 23rd, 2008, 08:40 PM	#11
Vltros Joined: Sep 6th, 2006 Last Online: 03:19 PM Location: Manresa (Barcelona) Age: 23 Posts: 759 Car: Ford Escort 1.4 Xtra Rep Power: 11	Bought mine when I realized I couldn't play Test Drive Unlimited too well with the keyboard. Got a Wired one: just Plug & Play. And wirless isn't that necessary, only if you really want to play far from your monitor. __________________ GT'aime

May 23rd, 2008, 01:56 PM	#4
vanMould Joined: Apr 19th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Södertälje, Sweden Age: 21 Posts: 844 Car: Volvo 480ES -88 Rep Power: 16	I'm using a 360 controller as a universal gamepad on my pc. I'm not entierly happy with it when it comes to racing though. The trigger buttons works as one single axle so you can't use them to accelerate and brake at the same time, which shouldn't be necessary but is kinda annoying. But other than that, it's a brilliant gamepad!

May 23rd, 2008, 01:56 PM	#5
Paco Joined: Jun 12th, 2007 Last Online: September 3rd, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 241 Car: 08 VW R32 (w00t! no more van!) Rep Power: 13	I've had a 360 controller on my PC for well over a year now. It has been great on all the Prince of Persia games, Test Drive Unlimited, the Need For Speed games since Most Wanted, although there was a big problem with lag on ProStreet, but that's partially due to my rig, CMR: Dirt, Race Driver games, Splinter Cell, and more. With a lot of newer games, especially those that are available on the 360, the controls are automatically mapped to what they are on the 360. The wired controller's wire is pretty long and they released the wireless drivers a while ago. I'd definitely recommend it.

May 23rd, 2008, 10:58 PM	#13
jeffy777 Joined: Feb 8th, 2005 Last Online: 05:54 AM Location: US Age: 27 Posts: 5,460 Car: '04 Toyota Sienna, crippled people like vans.... Rep Power: 45	Yeah, I think the PS3 feels good in the hands, but it sucks that it uses buttons for throttle/braking instead of the nice analog triggers on the 360. Even the L2/R2 on the PS3 is nowhere near as good as the triggers on the 360 controller, IMO. That is the only advantage of the 360 controller. And also that it works so well with Windows. __________________ A man named Jeffy once said, "If laziness is craziness, then I've lost my marbles...and I don't feel like trying to find them." Last edited by jeffy777; May 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 PM.

May 24th, 2008, 02:50 AM	#15
powah Previously Known As powerof1000 Joined: Mar 13th, 2007 Last Online: 02:09 PM Location: NZ Age: 15 Posts: 1,232 Rep Power: 11	So, the PS3 and 360 controllers work with windows? And with any game? __________________

May 24th, 2008, 03:03 AM	#19
jeffy777 Joined: Feb 8th, 2005 Last Online: 05:54 AM Location: US Age: 27 Posts: 5,460 Car: '04 Toyota Sienna, crippled people like vans.... Rep Power: 45	Quote: