What to look for when choosing a gamepad for PC
How To Choose Devices / / December 19, 2019
The mouse and keyboard are not the only devices that can help you enjoy games on the PC. For platformers, sports simulation, racing, fighting games are best suitable gamepad. Also, such a device is useful if you want to connect your computer to a TV and play from the couch.
connection methods
There are two main options: a wired connection and a wireless (via Bluetooth or via USB-adapter).
Wired gamepad very simple to use: just plug the device into the USB-port and you're done. No need to worry about battery power, or batteries. In addition, such Soup easier and cheaper wireless controllers. But there is an obvious negative - cables. They can get in the way on the table or get in the way.
Cordless gamepads much easier, although it requires more attention. As is the case with many other gadgets, they have to be recharged. How often - depends on the chosen model, the average charge is enough for 7-10 hours of play.
Compatibility
Today, almost any gamepad can be connected to a PC. The main thing that he had at least one free USB-port and Bluetooth support. Even such exotic devices as dzhoykony from the console Nintendo Switch, you can
connect to the computer.It is worth noting that the controllers on the consoles Xbox 360 Xbox One and traditionally good "friends" with computers on Windows. For their work do not need to install additional drivers, after all, the console and the Microsoft operating system develops.
Support XInput and DInput
XInput and DInput (DirectInput) - technology, which transmits the information to the computer game pad. If there is gamepad support XInput, virtually all modern games at once recognize it and fine-tune its interface.
DInput - the older protocol. Gamepads that support only this input method, are cheaper, but they need to spend time setting. You need to download additional drivers to make the controller work in modern games.
Typically, manufacturers and online retailers indicate in the product description, which technology supports the controller.
Some devices support immediately XInput and DInput. Usually they have a dedicated button to switch between them. Because of this you will be able to use the controller in a new and old games.
Location analogue sticks
To begin, you should decide whether you need a controller with analog sticks. If you're not going to play in the news and want to buy some gamepads for friendly gatherings for Mortal Kombat 3, Tekken 2 and other classics, the option of "peers" will be for you just a waste money. Devices without sticks are the most affordable. In some cases, less than 600 rubles, you can buy a set of four copies.
If you do decide to take a controller with sticks, then this characterization there are two basic types of devices: from the asymmetrical arrangement of the stick (like a gamepad Xbox) and symmetric (as in gamepad PlayStation). In fact, all the other manufacturers are copying either one or the other.
The choice between them - it is entirely a matter of taste and personal preference. Two gamers can be diametrically opposite opinion about the convenience and the overall ergonomics of symmetric and asymmetric arrangement of sticks.
From my own experience, I have two gamepad from Xbox One and Genius MaxFire Blaze 5. "Analogs" they are located in different ways, but even so I pretty comfortable to switch from one to another.
Vibration, accelerometer and other features
Previously, vibration gamepad could be called premium features, and it was only available in high-end models. Now vibro motors are added to almost all devices. Their presence is considered by many playersController vibration is one of the most important tech in gaming, and I've been taking it for granted - is one of the main advantages of the controllers to the mouse and keyboard.
Vibration function allows you to better immerse themselves in the game and feel the impact of fire or other actions. In addition, developers often use this as geymdizaynersky element. For example, in the simulator detective L.A. Noire gamepad vibrates, if a character is adjacent to the evidence.
Accelerometer, the touch panel and additional programmable buttons can also vary or even simplify gameplay. But, as in the case of vibration, the developer himself has added to the game to use these functions.
Price
Up to 1 500 rubles
If you play a few hours a month and do not treat gaming as a main hobby, it makes no sense to buy the expensive device. For such purposes, the gamepad is enough for about 1000 rubles. Today, for the money is quite possible to buy a wireless controller with XInput and DInput. Yes, it will not by and large famous brand and not the most expensive materials, but his work he performs.
In this category I can recommend:
1. SVEN GC-3050 - from 955 to 1200 rubles
Wireless Controller with support DInput and XInput, copying the design of Sony DualShock 4. Assessment "Yandex. Market "- 4.5.
Buy
2. SVEN GC-2040 - from 850 to 990 rubles
Also it works without wires and supports DInput and XInput. It differs from the older model fewer buttons and hull shape. Assessment "Yandex. Market "- 4.
Buy
3. CBR CBG 920 - from 540 to 780 rubles
The most available device on the list. It works without wires, but does not support XInput. The shape of the body - a complete copy of Sony DualShock 3. Assessment "Yandex. Market "- 4.
Buy
From 1500 to 4000 rubles
Devices in this category - selection most gamers. Such game pads, usually made of better materials and better assembled. Therefore, they will last longer than their cheaper counterparts. Also, all the controllers in this price range and support XInput DInput.
If you want to find a middle ground and buy the device, which will please you for a long time, then you here.
In this segment, I advise you to buy:
1. Microsoft Xbox One Controller - from 2999 to 4990 rubles
Gamepad from the last console of Microsoft. Supported "out of the box" in all modern games. Assessment "Yandex. Market "- 4.5.
Buy
2. Xbox 360 Wireless Controller - from 1 650 to 2 990 rubles
Accessory from the Xbox 360. Despite the fact that after the console it's been 14 years, many gamers still consider this the best choice gamepad. Assessment "Yandex. Market "- 4.5.
Buy
3. Logitech F710 - from 2695 to 4127 rubles
If you do not like the asymmetrical arrangement of the stick, but you want to get high-quality and user-friendly controller, look for the device. Assessment "Yandex. Market "- 4.5.
Buy
From 4000 rubles
Crème de la crème of the world of gamepads. They use the most expensive and quality materials of the housing. In addition, some models have the ability to quickly change and cross sticks for selecting a suitable configuration, and configure additional buttons. The main thing - do not tell the wife, husband or parentsHow much you spent on them.
In this category I recommend:
1. Microsoft Xbox Elite - from 9838 to 12 490 rubles
Bleed the conventional version of the gamepad Xbox One. The device has additional keys. Also it supports rapid change and cross sticks. Assessment "Yandex. Market "- 4.5.
Buy
2. Razer Wolverine Tournament - about 11,915 rubles
The shape of the controller repeats from the Xbox. The device is aimed at professional gamersSo to reduce the delay output ( "INPUT-lag"), it uses a wired connection. Assessment "Yandex. Market "- 4.
Buy
3. SteelSeries Stratus Duo - from 6758 to 7721 rubles
Like the Logitech, the controller of the SteelSeries - is an alternative option for those who want to buy an expensive device with a symmetrical arrangement of sticks. Assessment "Yandex. Market "- 4.5.
Buy
see also🧐
- How to enjoy video games on a journey
- How to enjoy video games without harm to health
- 5 reasons to buy Xbox One instead of the PlayStation 4