(Part 2) Best pc game joysticks according to redditors

Buy a wheel.

Even if it's a more affordable one like this.

Just a basic HOTAS like this or or with pedals but you don't really need them. Actually all you really nned is something like this

I still use my old Microsoft Sidewinder 2 joystick. You can find used ones all over the place (new are hard to find), but its been a solid stick and has lasted years and several moves without issue.

Now they can get an F-18 stick for it though! Thrustmaster VG Thrustmaster F/A 18 Grip Add On - PC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H1Z3L67/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_q.6iDbNDN098M

Hori Pokken and Mayflash F100

https://www.amazon.com/MAYFLASH-ARCADE-FIGHTSTICK-Android-Switch/dp/B073DYLPKZ

You can go as cheap as this or as expensive as this

An in-between may be this or this (larger, comes with plexi and has custom artwork capability) since you could swap the parts out with your sanwa parts pretty easily.

Another option would be this if you want the same as the F300 but with bluetooth but it'd require some cable splicing as it only has four 2pin connectors while Sanwa uses 5pin for the joystick.

Well if you want to have a controller like experience, get some touch triggers (idk what they’re called,) they go on the top of your phone and you pull it like a trigger and it shoots. You have to move your shoot button to the top of the screen though, which I think you can do now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C4VCR51/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FM2.AbM9X30NC

Edit - added link

It's a bit more indirect though. The current buttons are on top of the screen, so they just go in. L/R you're probably looking at something like these phone triggers: https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Version-Mobile-Game-Controller/dp/B07C4VCR51/

But then where do you put them? on the back of the phone?

The cord running into my trusty wired Xbox 360 controller is loose, which causes constant disconnections. I'm in the market for a new controller for pc gaming, any suggestions? This one looks pretty good.

Update: decided to just get an Xbox One controller with a cord and some rechargeable batteries. I was pretty hesitant about getting a knock-off item, which is why I asked. Thanks for the info!

Here's the link to Ace Combat 7 at amazon. T-Flight hotas(Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) controller on a slight sale atm too.

I use this Logitech joystick, and it's good enough for procedural (IFR) work:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A76N8RO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_NW5YAbD25JHRF

Best recommendation I can make is PilotEdge.net

Here's a Primer on X-Plane that I prepared for those just getting started with X-Plane.

I just got my 8Bitdo controller (https://www.amazon.com/8Bitdo-Wireless-Bluetooth-Controller-Joystick/dp/B078125QQ8) running on my Switch last night (I actually have the NES version, but I couldn't find that one easily on Amazon). The D-pad seems to be really good. I tried it out with Tetris and with Shovel Knight and it seems to work great. I got it because there are tons of games that need the D-pad in the primary position to be comfortable and easy to use. Might be worth checking it out.

I love it, it got the feel down so well, the brand is 8bitdo, i just checked mines the SN30 Pro it got like really really good reviews from major sources so i got it and i can say it really is like using a snes controller and it's cheaper then a pro and has motion and all that. Only thing i noticed is it has a weaker vibration but i don't care much about that lol. There is a Super Famicon Version as well and different variations with grips and extra comfort options im pretty sure. Its a lot cheaper then the pro i got it for $30 i think so about half the price? I really like it its simple to set up and works really well. Sorry for the overly long comment! I actually got it cause when i visit my sister who's 13, she always wants to play overcooked 2 lol .

Edit: sorry to make this even longer. This is the one i have https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Bluetooth-Controller-Classic-Joystick-Gamepad/dp/B078125QQ8

Looking it up i saw there are a lot of new variations that might be better for some people. I got big hands and it seems fine. I can see smaller hands having an issue pressing the offset start select buttons. But i don't think that's so bad. (I paid less than it sells on Amazon, idk if it went up or its cheaper else where)

I didn’t go Sanwa either, any cheap replacement sticks and buttons will be far better quality than the plastic stock ones. I’d swap out with the zippy sticks and any concave buttons. Same really goes for the encoders, ones like in the link below work great on the pi and are still small enough to stick to the underside of the control panel 👍🏻

Quimat Zero Delay Arcade USB Encoder PC to Joystick for Mame Jamma & Other PC Fighting Games https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XD1WF8G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.Mi0CbCHFFEVM

I think they should include snap-on cellphone/tablet style joysticks like this. https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Joystick-Rocker-Screen-Controller/dp/B072Q3GZHX

Not ideal but cheap and would be better for locomotion movement.

I prefer tap to move but tried to use a mobile joystick since I've seen a lot of people like it. The mobile joy stick I used was found on amazon 'Mobile Game Joystick Phone Game Rocker Touch Screen Joypad Tablet Funny Game Controller For Phone or Pad (left+right)'

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072Q3GZHX/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm sure they do. However, N64 emulation itself is hit or miss because... of technical reasons I don't fully understand. You might be better off sticking with your actual N64, from what I hear. I was not a big fan of that console, mostly due to the controller being weird AF and the texture compression looking like total ass.

That said, I oddly couldn't find any Bluetooth-connected N64 controllers, but I found this wired one for $11. I only ever used wired controllers with mine. They work fine. Well, the generic Super NES controllers I had (I had a 2-pack) worked fine.

Anyway, it was a lot of fun, but there's a lot of metadata to tangle with. For some reason, people are fine sharing ROMs (which is technically illegal), but sharing ROMs with good metadata is some huge taboo. I remember there was a controversial fork of Recalbox or RetroPie (the other one) where it would download ROM packs from a private server, but if you tried to export them, it would run some script that would fry your RPi. I don't know how valid that is, though. Once I heard that I backed away slowly from the project. Never tried it. I forget the name.

So, if you do Pi, you probably know a bit about Linux. How Linux isn't an OS, it's a kernel, and a Linux distro is just the Linux kernel and a bunch of software that goes with it. Well, by the same token, Recalbox and RetroPie are sort of the same thing. They're both combining RetroArch with EmulationStation on top of a headless Raspbian, but RetroPie has more options if you dig deep, and updates more frequently. Recalbox has more options in its main menu, but fewer under the hood, and updates less frequently. They both have different splash screens. Recalbox is definitely better for beginners, while more advanced users will love RetroPie's more advanced options and deeper customization.

Lastly, if this kind of thing interests you, I'd recommend checking out or maybe subscribing to ETA PRIME on YouTube. He taught me a lot of what I know about both platforms and got me into Raspberry Pi a couple years ago. I don't follow him anymore, but he's good people. DrewTalks is another one.

Controller HDMI+VGA+DVI+Audio Input LCD... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9NJ2NR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

CanaKit Raspberry Pi 3 B+ (B... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BC7BMHY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Kinter MA170 12V 2 Channel Mini... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TUSXEY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3)... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWZWYVP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

EG STARTS 2x Arcade DIY Kit Parts... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7R7YW3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Easyget 4 Pcs/Lot 5V LED... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5Y8E2Z?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

TecUnite LED Maple Garland LED... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7J1ANA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Pyle Marine Speakers - 4 Inch 2... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JF26LF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Car Interior Lights, CJRSLRB APP... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073DZQRZC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

LDKCOK USB 3.0 Mount Cable –USB... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076DPQFZB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It's a £40 wheel and pedal set, and like I said I think it's intended for Lorry Sims (which it works well for) so it's quite a large wheel. It just doesn't feel right, you have to turn it about 90 degrees to get round a small bend.

I think it's this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-Gaming-Steering-Vibration-Feedback/dp/B00Z9KRO6E

Gotcha. Very helpful. I bought some 220 grit for when I am cleaning some drill holes. Will that work?

Also, I am using these buttons for the arcade. The details say the buttons mount into a 24mm hole and some into a 28mm hole. My spade/paddle its are in inches and don't match the metric measurements. Thoughts?

I bought some clothes from wish.com once. It was the single most egregious lesson in “you get what you pay for” I’ve ever experienced. These clothes didn’t even come close to approximating the pictures of them. Seams were misaligned more than a Picasso painting, made out of some rough nylon that felt like a kids Halloween costume. I bought a bunch of pieces and ended up just donating the lot, and feeling bad about even giving them to some poor soul.

Never, ever, go anywhere near wish.
If you need reasonably priced joysticks, buttons and encoders, this set is awesome, and I’ve bought it twice


Easyget LED Arcade DIY Parts 2x Zero Delay USB Encoder + 2x 8 Way Joystick + 20x LED Illuminated Push Buttons for Mame Jamma Arcade Project White + Blue Sets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WAYVR9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wz8kDbBCJARRG

This is my bartop arcade that I built and I really happy how it came out.

I used the following parts from Amazon:

Raspberry Pi 3 Kit

Joystick and Buttons

Monitor

I used 3/4'' MDF to build the structure and had a buddy who owns a print shop design and print the decals for me including the marquee. Most of the hardware used for electrical was bought at a local hardware store (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.)

Took about 15 hrs to build and was so much fun as is it to play with it. I mainly built it for my daughter which is just discovering retro gaming.

Maybe I will upload a video in action but everyone knows what it looks like and how it functions for the most part.

If there is anything you guys have a question about let me know in the comments.

Album not link?

dot has better quality, i think the dot is actually a newer version of the dash one.

Here are links:

T-16000M

T.16000M

T.16000M With Throttle Included

CH FighterStick

I would recommend a Sidewinder Precision 2: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Sidewinder-Precision-2-Joystick/dp/B00005NIMA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1312580077&sr=8-5

It seems they don't sell them anymore but you can get a good used one on eBay for ~$30.00. The Logitechs are to stiff, to me, and Thrustmasters are too big. I also didn't like the Saitek either.

$75 asteroids from walmart via brickseek

$12 replacement control panel from Arcade1Up (now $25)

$139 vinyl KI graphics from escape pod

$60 lcd controller and aftermarket joystick bat tops/extensions/zero delay control boards from amazon

$50 seimitzu joysticks/octagonal restrictor plates from Arcade Shock

I'm a fan of the actual form factor of the switch. Regardless, I got a gaming grip and some triggers and I've been supper happy with it. The combo really elevates the game, makes it so much more like a portable console than a phone. I can't recommend the setup more. Here's what I'm using, the full thing was $15.

Triggers- 10$ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CXHV8YC

Grip- $5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D2B9TW5

I've tried 2 other well review triggers and these are my favorite. I have one more pair coming tomorrow that I'm hopeful for, but we'll see. The setup I posted as is is simply amazing.

Well get some.

For the triggers I’ve found this one to be decent, and it allows for 4 fingers, so shoot, aim, jump and mark are my favorite actions.

AnoKe Mobile Game Controller -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K214SVB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Then get a cheap clear case and cut it up. It stops the triggers from sliding. Mine looks funny, but it’s been cut so all the other pieces will slot in.

And some pads to mimic a controller really help with gripping your phone.

LTC "Scissorhands" Trigger M2 Mobile Game, Metal Buttons, Sensitive Shoot Aim as L1R1 Mobile Game Joysticks Shooting Survival Games, Fit Android iOS Smartphone (Black Holder) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D2B9TW5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A48KDbKCTACSH

But the last thing, turn on motion controls, it’s weird, but the micro aiming you can do is neat.

Also don’t do what I do, I only play at home while riding my stationary bike, but somehow I have 76 solo wins overall

It's this POS here:

https://www.amazon.com/Flight-Joystick-Trigger-Button-Arcade/dp/B0786NFSLM

Has a trigger and a top button. I use it for Tron, Discs of Tron, Ikari Warriors, Heavy Barrel, etc.

I already diced up the cables, but if the stuff to re-connect the sticks comes in later today and works successfully, I'll be happy to take some pictures. Right off the bat, I'm gonna go with Scanline City's recommendation on that start button, though, and replace it with a 12mm pushbutton (should fit the hole).

edit: On the Google Sheet, I went ahead and updated the controls across pretty much everything from Saturn to Xbox 360. So far covered mappings for:

• Virtual-On (Saturn)
  
• Virtual-On OT (Dreamcast)
  
• Virtual-On / Sega Ages 2500 v31 (PS2)
  
• Virtual-On Marz (PS2)
  
• Virtual-On OT (Xbox 360, Xbox One BC)
  
  These have all been verified, either in an emulator or on the console in question. It also includes the mode you'll want to set the controls to in-game. This should hopefully be pretty easy to make diagrams for with the 3D model.
  
  They actually nearly all use the same mapping:
  
  Stick Button|Controller Button
  --|--
  Left Stick Movement | D-Pad Buttons
  Right Stick Movement | Face Buttons (in d-pad orientation)
  Left/Right Trigger | L2/R2 or Left/Right Triggers
  Left/Right Dash | L1/R1 or Left/Right Bumpers
  
  Exception include:
  
  
• the Saturn version, which has a really strange arrangement
  
• the Dreamcast version, which I'm not sure you can actually map properly unless you reverse engineer the controller chip to send out signals that a Dreamcast controller cannot send naturally. (C/Z/D buttons, right d-pad)
  
• The PS2 game has a "repair" button, which is mapped to select by default. That's kind of a pain.
  
  Finally, you might be able to hack together a home Twin Stick with this thing connected to either a Zero Delay USB or Brook Retro adapter.

Thrustmaster VG Thrustmaster F/A 18 Grip Add On - PC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H1Z3L67/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YC2vDbS6Z033F

This isn't in the price range but you can look at similar items, hope it helps.

I downloaded the game and can play it with no glitches with KBM. But I wanted to play with a controller so I bought this controller from Amazon (amazon.com/gp/product/B06XBX1R55) which is a usb controller with the xbox layout. I plugged it in and it was immediately recognized by Windows 10, but when I started the game and switched to "gamepad" in the UI menu, nothing happened, the game acts like the controller isn't there. I confirmed in the W10 settings "test" area that the controller works and is sending commands mapped to the correct buttons. So I tried adding both ElDorado.exe and updater.exe to Steam, then using the steam controller configuration feature to recognize the gamepad (which it does, and responds to the controller in the Steam menu UI), but again, even after doing this then opening the game through Steam, it acts like the controller isn't there. I tried downloading x360ce but it crashed and said the file became corrupted; then I downloaded Durazno but when I open it the program never responds (I get the little mouse "loading" wheel indefinitely on mouseover) until I force close the program. I was REALLY looking forward to playing Halo Online with a controller, since I have many years of experience with a controller and I suck with KBM... Is there any way I can get this controller to work or did I just flush $19 down the toilet?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07449HLKJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I used this one for OOT. It's a little touchy and oversensitive, and the thumbstick definitely feels a tad cheap, but it got the job done for a nostalgia trip. Note that the cord is pretty short, I had to use an extender cable.

MAYFLASH ARCADE FIGHTSTICK F100 for PC/Android/PS3/Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073DYLPKZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tKAfAbA4DMFY0

Still a garbage stick, but it's cheap ($40) and somewhat representative of the actual expirience as opposed to the hori mini

There's a 2 star review sure but that's criticizing the modding capabilities, not the out-of-box functionality of it.

I'd personally just get a zero delay encoder board and wire it up to that. It'll make it USB, the boards are super cheap and you can find them on ebay and aliexpress too (the link is just an example, feel free to search around) and they work pretty reliably.

It's a Gravis Blackhawk

i have some random offbrand one from amazon that's pretty decent. the turbo button is super nice for the games i play.

i want that mini ps4 one though cause i have widdle baby hands.

Yup, I have 2 speakers that I have plugged into my Raspberry Pi 3. I didn't use any type of AMP, I find it sounds really good already. I used Retropie for the games, it was actually pretty easy to use.

Here are the some of the things I bought:

Raspberry Pi 3 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01M5AGSGN/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Speakers - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B003JTHO3U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Speaker Cover - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B076CN6256/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Buttons - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01M7R7YW3/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

SD Card - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073JYVKNX/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

SD Card Adaptor - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01MSL6KJ4/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cooling Fan - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00G059G86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Acrylic-Joystick-Replacement-Machine-Controller/dp/B01IJAQS9Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1539937818&sr=8-2&keywords=arcade+stick+enclosure

​

Something like that would fit those parts. You can find one with buttons and stick already built in if you have no clue how to wire up everything.

​

These cheap buttons and stick are not very good though, and they won't provide you with a very good experience and imo not worth the time and trouble. If you're building from scratch, it's worth it to spend a little bit extra for some quality parts.

> thrust gxt 288

is that this one?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-20293-Racing-Vibration-Feedback/dp/B00Z9KRO6E

Also, can you give us a review when you receive it please?

I want to get a wheel but not sure I'm ready to hand over 200 quid for one just yet...

We definitely will continue developing for motion controllers. A lot of people love them, and it's fun flying using "only" VR.

Some people might take issue with this, but I don't think there's any need for a fancy/expensive joystick. I do the vest majority of my flying with a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. I wouldn't buy it for $60, but you can usually find them for $30-$40 (unless there's been a major price increase lately). The stick itself is solid, twist rudder works once you get used to it, and despite being pretty skimpy, the throttle paddle gets the job done. I can fly helicopters reasonably pricely too with it.

If you want a nicer throttle, and something slightly fancier, you can upgrade to the Thrustmaster Hotas.

Either of these joysticks will take you far in flightsim, and won't break the bank. I've found the sensor quality to be nicer than some of the pricier hotases like the x52 as well.

To truly appreciate the Huey, I'd highly recommend at least a stick and pedals. The Thrustmaster T16000M has the best sensors in its price range and a relatively light centering force, so it would be good for helos. The old Microsoft FFB2 is also good if you can find one. Pedals would also greatly improve the experience; a set such as the Thrustmaster TFRP would suffice. While a throttle is nice, the slider on the base of the stick can function as throttle for the time being.

As for head tracking, the TrackIR5 is pretty pricey. The DelanClip is cheaper, and it has a guide on how to use the free software.

DCS Modules go on sale all the time, so I'd wait until the next one (probably christmas) to pick up Huey.

For me, headtracking and rudder pedals improved my experience tenfold. Even if it takes time, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase them if it is for the happiness and well being of your father.

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-16000M-Flight-Stick-PC/dp/B004PZIEF4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1481762169&sr=1-1&keywords=Thrustmaster+T-16000M

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-Flight-Rudder-Pedals-Playstation/dp/B015PII6YI

http://www.delanengineering.com/shop/#!/DelanClip-Gamer/p/43397050/category=0

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Sidewinder-Precision-2-Joystick/dp/B00005NIMA

can find some here

Using actual gaming tools reminds me of this:

Behold the Star Trek Insurrection Gravis Black Hawk Joystick presented like an Rockstar

Or buy one on Amazone used