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[Trif]

I recently got into 2D platformers, and apparently gamepads are useful for playing them efficiently. The problem is: I'm playing on PC, and I have no idea which one I should get.

I considered getting one of these pseudo-SNES controllers, but the reviews are always mixed. Does anyone have experience with that?
Are modern controllers any good for jumping and running in 2D? Is a D-pad or an analog stick more important?

Basically: What should be baby's first gamepad if all you want to do is platforming?

[Aptus]

I am using my PS3 controller for any game that's better with a gamepad, it works well for platforming stuff as well since it has a good old fashioned d-pad with separate buttons.

Note that to use the PS3 controller on PC you need custom drivers. There are a few around but I use motioninjoy.

[Darkmere]

I bought a Playstation2 -> USB adapter and used my PS2 controller, which cost me about $5. If you already have a console controller you like, that might be a cheaper option that works with something you're familiar with.

If not, I think Xbox controllers are USB by default and should just plug and play. Don't quote me on that, though; I haven't bought a console since PS2's went on clearance... As for PC native, everything I've bought since this thing left the market has been crap, but I tried to be cheap, so I brought it on myself.

I think if you have analog drivers, thumbstick vs D-pad is personal preference, though if you're exclusively playing on emulators for older systems the analog input doesn't matter. Are there any in particular you've been looking at?

[Bdthemag]

Both standard PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers will do the job fine, and if you go with the former make sure to look up third party software to map the ps3 buttons to the game (Since I think some games don't initially recognize the ps3 controller.)

[Trif]

Oh, I should have mentioned, I don't have a console.

I mean, I could get a 360 controller (default USB sounds nice) but it's not that cheap so I'd like to be sure that it's the best option; and I've heard that the D-pad isn't that great...

[Lectorog]

A PlayStation setup of controller is best for dpad platforming because the dpad and buttons are on the same level, instead of the weird contortion the Xbox controller has.

I'd say you should go with a controller with analog sticks rather than a NES style because you'll have the same buttons but also more, and an arguably more comfortable setup. It's about personal preference though.

I picked up the Logitech F310 for cheap, and I've not been disappointed with the dpad and buttons for platforming.

[Bdthemag]

Well, the Xbox 360 isn't necessarily the "best choice". It all depends on personal preference along with what games you're planning on playing most. It's nice the Xbox 360 is recognized by most games, sure. But making your PS3 controller work with most games isn't really a big deal, you just find one of the multitude of programs that will do it for you.

[Darkmere]

I mean, I could get a 360 controller (default USB sounds nice) but it's not that cheap so I'd like to be sure that it's the best option; and I've heard that the D-pad isn't that great...

Yeah, the price point is a bit over pocket change budget but all of my console controllers back to original NES still work like new. Every corner-cutting PC gamepad I got has been crap straight out of the box. If you buy a decent console-native one and treat it right, you will never need another.

Eh now that I think of it, I did pick up a MadCatz GC controller that felt like it was poorly made. I didn't spend much and it never broke, but it was lighter than average and felt a bit stiff. I tried a cheap USB PC controller from them and the D-Pad was stuck to one side, thumbstick refused to calibrate properly. So, useless.

[Rose]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104402

I have the predecessor to this one, which, as far as I know, has lack of X-input as the only difference, and it's served me very well over the years. Highly recommended. There's also wireless and rumble versions of it, if you're into that kind of thing.

[Bdthemag]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104402

I have the predecessor to this one, which, as far as I know, has lack of X-input as the only difference, and it's served me very well over the years. Highly recommended. There's also wireless and rumble versions of it, if you're into that kind of thing.

I was trying to remember what Logitech gamepad I thought was a good alternative, and that's the one. Granted I've only used that controller a few times, but it was fine and it worked good enough.

[Trif]

That's three recommendations for the F310, the price is alright and the reviews are good - now that's what I call a simple choice!

Thanks, everyone!