PS2 Controller For PC Archives
PS2 Controller For PC Archives
View Full Version : Best modern PC controller?
I've been using PS2 controllers on PC (via adapter) for nearly 15 years now, but recently my adapter broke, and I replaced it with one of these (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AATQ0Y/), but unfortunately the new adapter has rather bad input lag with the D-Pad. I figure, instead of spending more money trying other PS2 controller adapters, maybe its time to switch to something else entirely.
I've been using PS2 controllers on PC (via adapter) for nearly 15 years now, but recently my adapter broke, and I replaced it with one of these (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AATQ0Y/), but unfortunately the new adapter has rather bad input lag with the D-Pad. I figure, instead of spending more money trying other PS2 controller adapters, maybe its time to switch to something else entirely.
XBox 360 or XBone controller for the win. Amazing controllers. PS gamers just need to get their heads out of their butts.
http://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-on-windows/accessories/xbox-controller-for-windows-setup
https://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-on-windows/accessories/connect-xbox-one-controller-to-pc
Edit: If you love that Playstation controoler, there is always this option:
http://www.techradar.com/how-to/gaming/how-to-use-the-ps4-dualshock-4-controller-on-a-pc-1309014
Or the dual shock USB adapter.
https://www.amazon.com/DualShock-4-USB-Wireless-Adaptor-playstation/dp/B01KWLKKQU
For the other two, a few questions;
How is the XBox One controllers D-Pad?
Do the new generation of PS4 controllers still have the issue with the rubber on the joysticks peeling off?
Can the view/menu or share/options be used to emulate Start/Select?
Does the PS4 touch pad have any issues when used to control a mouse cursor?
Originally bought it for Dark Souls (bought the horrible PC port and needed a controller) but I use it for everything. It works 100% dandy-fine.
If you want a good analog controller, buy an XBox 360 or XBox One controller.
If you want a good solution for both of these, buy an XBox One or PS4 controller. Honestly, if Microsoft got anything right, the XBox One controller is exceptional. It has a much improved D-Pad over the previous model. I tend to prefer the XBox analog stick placement to Sony's insistence that they should go low for tiny-handed folks. One of my biggest gripes about Vita. But the PS4 controller is still a fine solution as well.
I should add that almost anything from Hori is excellent. You could always try a PC gamepad if the price is good.
I've plugged it in on my Linux machine to charge, and it looks to actually recognize the device. I've not tested it though.
I used some software called DS3 Tool for that.
There's no official drivers for it. As mentioned aboive, there is that DS3 Tool to get it working. As for DS4, supposedly Steam is adding support for it. Unsure if it works otherwise, a spare XB1 controller is good enough for the few PC titles I feel the need to use a controller with.
As far as I am aware, you actually need to buy a dongle to connect them to a PC. The charging port doesn't have a data line, or so I've read.
Only on a 360.
also recommend any 360 based joystick for same reason as above (I have a mad catz brawl stick. SUPER easy to mod and switch out the crap joystick + buttons. I replaced the awful original sticker art with the Rock looking like Adam Sandler with a laminated print of Kenny Rogers)
its also possible to use just about any console controller that can be hooked up with USB. AKA PS3, PS4 and the Wii U controller if you have one. The bad bit is none of these are PnP and you have to find freeware somewhere online that will enable them.
Thanks for all your suggestions!
Thanks for all your suggestions!
Hope it works well. Really, though, the transforming D-Pad version of the updated 360 controller is pretty awesome. See thread comments and photo here: http://www.gaijinworks.com/interact/showthread.php?1348-why-are-people-buying-ps4-and-xbox-one&p=96517&viewfull=1#post96517
I used to use a DualShock 2 - USB adapter.
But man, those controllers break, and fast.
In 10 years I had to use like 4 or 5 different ones. I dont even play THAT MUCH and Im very careful, but any button can start to become unresponsive, or stuck.
When I experimented with the DualShock 4, I was so happy that it became my new Offical PC controller.
It feels tough too. I don't think this controller is going to get bad buttons for a looong time.
I then tried an XBone controller, hated it. The plastics feel like a fake chinese controller. The buttons are too clicky and loud.
And worst of all, I'm a d-pad fan, but the d-pad in the XBone controller is so wrongly positioned, that my thumb accidentally touches the RIGHT stick while im using the dpad!
The input lag is really low too on the DualShock 4 (and probably XBone too but that's besides the point) I think because it's a direct USB connection rather than an adapter.
I THINK the USB adapter was giving me a tiny amount of lag.
As of right now, for testing, I can fight Mike Tyson in Punch Out with very little problems (with the right settings too though).
I don't play rythm games though.
I used to use a DualShock 2 - USB adapter.
But man, those controllers break, and fast.
In 10 years I had to use like 4 or 5 different ones. I dont even play THAT MUCH and Im very careful, but any button can start to become unresponsive, or stuck.
When I experimented with the DualShock 4, I was so happy that it became my new Offical PC controller.
It feels tough too. I don't think this controller is going to get bad buttons for a looong time.
I then tried an XBone controller, hated it. The plastics feel like a fake chinese controller. The buttons are too clicky and loud.
And worst of all, I'm a d-pad fan, but the d-pad in the XBone controller is so wrongly positioned, that my thumb accidentally touches the RIGHT stick while im using the dpad!
The input lag is really low too on the DualShock 4 (and probably XBone too but that's besides the point) I think because it's a direct USB connection rather than an adapter.
I THINK the USB adapter was giving me a tiny amount of lag.
As of right now, for testing, I can fight Mike Tyson in Punch Out with very little problems (with the right settings too though).
I don't play rythm games though.
I hear that the original XBone controller is pretty bad, unlike the 360 controller. Evidently Microsoft sunk ridiculous amounts of money into it and turned up with something sub-optimal. I guess that they fixed it with the Elite and Type-S versions, but the Elite controller is insanely expensive. Like $140.
Actually, I've bought a fake WiiU Pro controller from China, and that one felt better too. I think it was less than $15. Doesn't work on PC but just making a point about how disappointed I was with the XBone controller, that even a cheap knockoff gave me better results.
With the DualShock 4, I was SO HAPPY with it, that I gifted one to a friend :D
Oh and BTW, setting up the XBone controller to work with PC was an ordeal.
Something about it not installing automatically and me having to look for drivers online cause of an issue with Microsoft or something. It took me over an hour to figure out.
The DualShock 4 was just plug it in, and it works.
Additionally, people have made a nice program for it if you need to use its specific features or ensuring that it works with almost ALL PC games (like those games that only accept XBOX controllers).
I used to use a DualShock 2 - USB adapter.
But man, those controllers break, and fast.
In 10 years I had to use like 4 or 5 different ones. I dont even play THAT MUCH and Im very careful, but any button can start to become unresponsive, or stuck.
When I experimented with the DualShock 4, I was so happy that it became my new Offical PC controller.
It feels tough too. I don't think this controller is going to get bad buttons for a looong time.
I then tried an XBone controller, hated it. The plastics feel like a fake chinese controller. The buttons are too clicky and loud.
And worst of all, I'm a d-pad fan, but the d-pad in the XBone controller is so wrongly positioned, that my thumb accidentally touches the RIGHT stick while im using the dpad!
The input lag is really low too on the DualShock 4 (and probably XBone too but that's besides the point) I think because it's a direct USB connection rather than an adapter.
I THINK the USB adapter was giving me a tiny amount of lag.
As of right now, for testing, I can fight Mike Tyson in Punch Out with very little problems (with the right settings too though).
I don't play rythm games though.
I've never had a dualshock 2 die on me, interesting.
I have a PS1 controller that looks like it's got some heavy use, but all buttons work! Except, the D-Pad feels hard. It hurts my thumb.
Every button and d-pad on the DualShock 4 feels great, only flaw I can notice is that somehow the buttons are either too big or too spaced apart.
I'm not sure what it is, but I feel a lot more quick to rapid shoot with an NES or SNES controller than I do with the DS4.
+Fantastic D-Pad, one of the best I've ever used.
+Triggers are well made and have a better shape then on PS3
+Textured grip is nice, feels less cheap then PS1/PS2/PS3 controllers.
+Response times are great, have not been able to notice any input lag on PC at all.
+Works perfectly with any game that supports 360 controls on PC, no extra fiddling required.
-Doesn't come with the necessary USB cord, and doesn't work with the same USB cords from PS3/PSP.
-The Options and Share buttons are hard to press without also pressing the touch pad, extremely cramped.
-Joysticks feel a little weird and are probably smaller then they should be (result of cramped design?)
-Requires 3rd party software running in system tray on Windows to work properly (not just drivers).
-Steam does not work with it unless you instal 3rd party drivers first (official Sony ones don't exist).
Universal cord though. Same cord Vita 2k uses. I've got extra from thrift.
-The Options and Share buttons are hard to press without also pressing the touch pad, extremely cramped.
I think the only time I may have done that was the first day I used it.
Yea part of it has to do with me having larger hands, I had difficulty with the Gamecube D-Pad too as a result.
Got large hands eh? :rolleyes:
How to troubleshoot game controllers in Microsoft games
Method 1: Verify that your game supports game controllers
Some games do not provide direct support for game controllers.For more information about game controller support in these games, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Method 2: Test the game controller in Microsoft Windows
Note Because there are several versions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your computer. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.To test the game controller in Windows, follow these steps:
- In Control Panel, open Game Controllers. To do this, use one of the following methods:
- In Windows Vista, click Start
, type joy.cpl in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER. - In Windows XP and in earlier versions of Windows, click Start, click Run, type joy.cpl, and then click OK.
- In Windows Vista, click Start
- Click your game controller, and then click
Properties. - On the Test tab, test the game controller to verify functionality.
Method 3: Configure your game controller as the preferred device
To configure your game controller as the preferred device, follow these steps:- In Control Panel, open Game Controllers. To do this, use one of the following methods:
- In Windows Vista, click Start , type joy.cpl in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
- In Windows XP and in earlier versions of Windows, click Start, click Run, type joy.cpl, and then click OK.
- In Windows Vista, click Start
- Click Advanced.
- Under Preferred device, select the game controller that you want to use.
- Click OK two times.
Method 4: Enable the game controller for the game
You may have to enable the game controller for the game. To do this, follow these steps:- Click Settings.
- In the Control list, click to select the Enable Joystick check box.
- Click OK to exit the settings window.
Method 5: Reset the joystick
To reset the joystick, follow these steps:- Exit the game.
- Unplug the joystick.
- Plug the joystick back in.
- Restart the game.
Method 6: Reset the controller
Step 1
To reset the controller in Flight Simulator X to the default setting, follow these steps:- Start Microsoft Flight Simulator X.
- Click Settings.
- Click Controllers.
- Click Reset Defaults.
Step 2
If the problem still occurs, rebuild the Flight Simulator configuration file. To do this, follow these steps:- Windows XP
- Click Start.
- Click Run.
- In the Open box, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
- Click Start .
- In the Start Search box, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
- On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
- In the Folder Options dialog box, click the View tab.
- Click to select the Show hidden files and folders check box.
- Click to clear the Hide protected operating system files check box.
- Click to clear the Hide file name extensions for known file types check box.
- Click OK.
- Locate and then double-click the Flight Simulator folder.
For example, the folder for Microsoft Flight Simulator X is named "FSX." The folder for Flight Simulator 2004 is named "FS9." - Right-click the .cfg file, and then click Delete.
- When you are prompted to confirm the file deletion, click Yes.
- Restart Flight Simulator.
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What do PlayStation 2 controllers, Rock Band guitars, the EyeToy, and the PS2 DVD remote all have in common? They've all been in your closet for gathering dust. However, you can still put these devices to use by connecting them to your computer.
It's understandable that you don't get much use out of your PlayStation 2 anymore. It's now a retro gaming console, with several generations of hardware succeeding it. However, while the console itself may not be of much use, its peripherals can still come in handy.
Use Your PlayStation Controllers With Your PC
Yes, you can use your PlayStation controllers on your PC. No, it's not free.
You're going to need to purchase a PlayStation to USB dongle. Don't panic, though; these are affordable. Google Shopping lists many such devices for under $10, much cheaper than buying a USB joystick for your computer.
If you're wondering how to use your PS2 controller on your PC, all it takes is plugging it in with the adapter. Once you have the device you've got one of the best PC joysticks money can buy.
PlayStation 2 controllers still hold up quite well, and you'll feel right at home using them in a wide variety of games. They work perfectly for playing old-school console games on your computer, or with any game that supports the joystick natively.
Of course, these controllers aren't as well-supported as a PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, or Xbox One controller is on a modern PC. In the case of the Xbox controllers, you'll find them natively supported in most recent PC games, while some support the PS4 controller as well. That said, if you just love the feel of the DualShock 2, it's nice to be able to use it.
Despite PlayStation 2 controllers working well on PC with a dongle, this doesn't work for anything that plugs into a PS2 controller port. For example, you can find multiple reports across the internet of PS2 owners trying to get their arcade sticks working with no success. You might luck out, but don't expect your arcade stick or driving wheel to work without problems.
This may be true for third-party PS2 controllers on PC as well. Some will work while others may not. This is hard to test due to the sheer number of third-party PS2 controllers.
Retrieve Your PS2 Saves From Old Memory Cards
Even if you don't use your old PlayStation 2, you may want access to your save data. Since these saves aren't doing you any good sitting on an old memory card in your closet, you might as well move them from your PS2 to your PC. Whether you're playing your old games on your PC or you simply want to back them up, it can be nice to have them around.
As with using PS2 controllers on PC, this requires a piece of hardware. Unfortunately, this hardware isn't especially cheap. There are a number of different devices you can use but one popular option is the PlayStation 2 Action Replay. At the time of writing this article, this sells for $279, so you would need to be pretty serious about your saved PS2 games to purchase one.
That said, this isn't the only thing this device can do. You can also download completed save files for games, or even manipulated saves that give you a maxed-out character or all the weapons in the game, for example. If you're looking for a way to breathe some life into old PS2 games, this is one way to do it.
Use the PlayStation 2 EyeToy on Your PC
The EyeToy was an early, clunky version of Microsoft's Kinect, and like that device, the EyeToy never really took off. Few games made use of the peripheral, and those that did were clunky and difficult to use. The EyeToy developed a bad reputation straight out of the gate and was quickly forgotten.
Fortunately, you can use the EyeToy as a webcam on your Windows, macOS, or Linux PC. It uses a standard USB port, so you won't need to buy any new hardware in order to get it to work.
If you're using a Linux distribution like Ubuntu, the EyeToy should be supported out of the box. Simply plug it into a free USB port and it should be ready to use. This may differ from distribution to distribution, but with a little searching, you should be able to get it working.
For macOS users, you don't get EyeToy support built into macOS, but getting the EyeToy working is simple. Support comes courtesy of the macam project, which lists the EyeToy as fully supported on its camera support page.
For Windows, things are slightly more up in the air. You can find Windows drivers for the EyeToy from the EyeToy on Computer project. The problem is that this project appears to be gone. While you can still find the drivers to download, there are no instructions on using them.
Even if you do get it working, the EyeToy is pretty dated by modern camera standards. If you're just trying to get it working to say you did or because you don't want to shell out money for a webcam, feel free to try. For a much nicer experience, try taking a look at our guide to the best budget webcams.
Use the PS2 DVD Remote With Your Computer
Part of the reason the PlayStation 2 sold so well is that it doubled as a DVD player. Sony capitalized on this functionality, selling a PS2 DVD remote that let you just the console to watch movies without needing to pick up the controller. If you still have the controller and the dongle that plugged into the PS2, you can easily use them with your PC.
You'll need the same PlayStation 2 to USB dongle that you need to plug in a controller. Simply plug the dongle into the adapter, plug that into your PC, and you'll be able to use the remote with your PC. If your PS2 DVD remote is otherwise going to waste, this is a nice way to make use of it.
We haven't tested this, but the DVD remote might even function as a remote for using Kodi from your couch.
Use Your Old Guitar Hero/Rock Band Guitars
Even if you don't have some plastic instruments lurking somewhere in your closet, the chances are you know someone who does. While the glory days of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises is long gone, that doesn't mean those plastic guitars are useless. For proof, look no further than Frets on Fire.
An open source clone of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games, Frets on Fire is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports a wide range of plastic instruments, including your old PS2 plastic guitars. Even better, it can rip songs from Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero 2. All you need to do is insert the game DVDs and let Frets on Fire do the rest.
Using your old PlayStation 2 guitars works just the same as how you use your PS2 controller on PC. Just plug them into the PlayStation 2 to USB adapter and plug that into the computer. Once you've done this, you're ready to rock.
And if you're the hacking type, know that there are many mods out there capable of making Frets on Fire even better. Check them out!
Don't Forget About Your Old PlayStation 2 Games
Yes, the hardware might be dated but there are plenty of great games for the PlayStation 2.
If you have a PlayStation 2 or PlayStation 3, you could pay for them again to play them on your new console, but that's not your only option. You could buy an expensive upscaler like a Framemeister to plug your PS2 into your TV, or you could play those games on your PC.
While the link with video game piracy makes people think that playing games via emulators is illegal, that isn't the case. As long as you actually own the games, you're free to use emulators and ROMs.
If you feel like firing up your old games again with a shiny higher resolution, we have a guide explaining how to play PS2 games on your computer. Now would be a great time to revisit some of the classics, such as the best PlayStation 2 RPGs of all time.
Image Credit: kolidzeitattoo/Depositphotos
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Kris Wouk is a musician, writer, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. A tech enthusiast for as long as he can remember, he definitely has favorite operating systems and devices, but uses as many others as he can anyway, just to stay caught up.
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