^
I have a PS3 controller, the DS4 WAS $50 before holidays, I think. The prices went up during holiday sales for the DS4, I know right?
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That's very weird, considering all the ones I saw during the holidays were on sale for $40, and I recall that being the usual sale price for them. :/
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Maybe it depends on your location :X I see them $10 more than my usual sale prices >.>
I am very happy with a PS controller though, since someone is always making sure the PC can use them. Generic controllers sometimes don't work so well, driver problems, compatibility etc.
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Huh. Well, what I said was true for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, but the Christmas ads just came out, and now DS4s are listing at $60- so, just like what you said. Were you referring to Christmas sales, as well? In that case, I apologize; it looks like we're seeing the same things.
(That's so bonkers, that they'd 'sale price' at $20 higher than the previous sale price, just a few weeks after.)
The person just below pointed out a NewEgg deal for $36 on a DS4, so I ended up going with that. :)
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If price is the only reason you're hesitant to get a DualShock 4 (and you're in the US), see here: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16879261666&Tpk=N82E16879261666
Use promo code EMCBCBG46 to drop it to $35.99.
I've used both the DS4 and DS3, and the DS4 is considerably better. You lose pressure sensitivity on the face buttons, but that's about it, and PC games don't really use it (not many PlayStation games used it, either).
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Tempting, but with the charging cable, it'd still come out to $44.
Still, that's within budget, and the DS4 would be pretty convenient to have..
Thanks for the info! ^.^
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I went ahead and ordered it. Here's hoping it meets expectations. :)
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Hope it works out! :)
Also, I had forgotten that they don't include micro USB cables, but you can often get them for under $4 (many of mine were free after rebate). Eg. https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5139 should be under $4 with shipping.
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I was under the impression that generic ones didn't correctly allow for data transfer, only charging?
I may just be thinking USB2 versus USB3 functionality differences. Edit: It just seems to be an issue with cheaper cables, apparently.
In any case, I'd be using it as a wired controller, so the distinction is important.
Edit:
After browsing through threads comparing Monoprice to other brands for the purposes of Dualshock use, this cable is apparently the one that actually compares to other Dualshock4-intended cables (being fitted to actually hold in the controllers when playing with them, and actually being intended for the relevant kind of data syncing), so the $8.50 that two of those would run me isn't much less than the $10 an AmazonBasics 2-pack would.
While I haven't had issues with Monoprice in the past, I think I may just stick with the AmazonBasics pack (and Amazon's reliable product support) and avoid any unnecessary complications. Thank you for the info, though. :)
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Ah, I see, I actually hadn't considered how well it would hold the controller in (there's a review saying it worked with the PS4, so I figured it was ok) and my personal usage was with Bluetooth.
Best of luck!
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if you want my advice: don't buy cheap controllers. buy a quality product. the xbox one controllers are great. i don't know who told you xbox controllers would break early. my experience is completely different. i have two 360 controllers, two one controllers, and a one elite controller. not a single one ever broke. before those i tried to save money with cheap copies. not a single one of those is still intact. if money is no concern, go for the elite. best controller i ever had. else go for the regular one. very solid controller, and the best digipad on the market.
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The main issue appears to be quality control:
N64 controllers and Playstation 1 controllers were on the flimsy end, and the analogs on early DS4 models and on Wii U controllers apparently wore down with similar ease, but generally, Sony and Nintendo have a reputation for quality controllers. Meanwhile, it seems there's just a reputation for Microsoft controllers- like their consoles- shipping with defects on a regular basis. Given that it seems to be a quality control issue rather than a production quality issue, it's quite feasible for people to have entirely different experiences with Microsoft controllers. Further, while Sony corrects its issues with later controller (or in the case of the PS3, console) releases, Microsoft seems to take an 'if it isn't broke- well, entirely broke, anyway- don't fix it' approach. :P
Well, it's a thought, at least. Matches to the experiences I've heard from friends and seen on the internet about the controllers, as well- and certainly, the way my 360 controller fell apart right after getting helps support the "buy Microsoft and you might just get a defective/poorly constructed controller" theory. :S
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I'm currently using a DualShock 4 as a friend more than he needed when he bought a PS4 and sold it me cheap. My preference though is still for Xbox controllers, preferably wired. I won't even consider cheap variants and the third party brands that may be worth considering aren't generally any cheaper and often have mixed reviews at best.
Also I wouldn't consider wasting your money on those warranty plans as they pretty much only cover manufacturing defects. If buttons wear out or a cable snaps from bending or any other of the similar issues that are likely to effect a controller that's just wear from product usage and won't be covered. That's not even considering how bad the reviews for the company are.
EDIT: For Steam the DS4 is perfectly fine now that it is natively supported but you'll still need additional software to use it with games on other platforms.
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My 360 controller works and works for at least 5 years (much longer i guess). How the f have you broken it :D
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Bump! Thanks for the gibs. The one in the other thread was hard.
I just bought a Logitech F710 for myself. It is the wireless version of the F310 you mentioned. So far, it looks very comfortable to handle, so I'm happy with it. In case your Dualshock doesn't meet your expectations, maybe you should go for one of these two.
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Yeah, I figure my initial idea of the F310 and the recommended use of off-brand One controllers would be my next options, if I end up disfavoring the DS4, or it ends up not being compatible with something. A Microsoft controller'd likely be nice to have for FPS games, of course (though those usually can be played fine or better with kb&m, so they're rarely in need of it).
In theory, the DS4'd be nice to have if I ever get a PS3 or PS4, as well- though the next console I'm saving up for is a Wii U (Nintendo will always be my first choice for consoles [so long as they keep releasing amazing first-party games], despite Sony's great RPG and Adventure game exclusives), so it'll be a long while 'fore I can consider getting an additional console (given my tight finances).
You can expect to see a "which Gamecube-style controller is best for SSB on the Wii U" thread soon. ;P
(Though considering the price of Wii-U-specific ones, it already seems pretty certain I'll end up just going with a standard adapter.)
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I've had the Logitech F510 for several years now and the Steam Controller for a couple, a few thoughts:
The Logitech F510 is the same model as the F310 but with added rumble support and the soft rubbery coating on the back like its wireless sibling, the F710. That rubber coating turned out to be a curse when after a few years of existing just fine, one exceptionally hot and humid summer, it somehow transformed itself into a sticky 'orrible mess that I ended up having to scrape off completely with some alcohol, taking up the better part of an evening. So since then, I have the F510 sans rubber coating but with a smooth finish instead which is probably not too far off from the F310 and isn't unpleasant for even longer gaming sessions. The D-pad is far superior to the X360 one, which is one of the reasons I opted for this model. After all these years, I feel the controller is a good piece of kit that just works. The cord is almost uncomfortably long as I usually don't sit too far away from my desktop. On the rare occasions I play via Steam Link on the TV, a wireless option is preferable, however. The added D-input switch is a nice bonus but I don't really need it. Hence, I was hoping that by getting the Steam Controller, I would be able to completely replace my de-rubberised, but still fully functioning F510.
I had read all manner of great things about the Steam Controller and after getting one two years ago, I find a lot of them ring true. How cool is it to be able to play something like Endless Legend on the couch or without having to touch a keyboard and mouse, for example? The configuration options were almost overwhelming in the beginning, to be honest. Most of the time I ended up using one of the many community profiles and tweaking it to taste as I went. Which is actually an amazing resource to be able to draw from. I love the added paddles on the back of the controller. They just feel like a natural extension of the current gamepad paradigm--it's no wonder the (obscenely priced) Xbox Elite Controller also features something similar. The gyro sensor is also quite cool, and you can use this for steering in racing games, for example. However, despite all these nifty bells and whistles, the d-pad--which is actually a haptic "touch" pad--can't really compete with a true, dedicated physical d-pad. It isn't fun playing a fighting game with the Steam Controller for this reason alone. Even stuff like Rocket League which depends on the analogue stick for movement felt better on my (yep, gonna say it again) de-rubberised F510 than the Valve-stick.
So nowadays I just switch between the two as the situation demands. The novelty, expanded functionality and almost limitless configuration abilities of the Steam Controller continue to fascinate, however, the old-school down to earth fundamentals of the ol' rubberless Logi still show their worth even after all these years. No idea if any of that will help you, but with all that talk of rubber and sticks and whatnot at least I've probably supplied you with an opportunity for a silly pun or something :D
Edit: Missed the update where you said you went for the Dualshock 4. I'm also intrigued by that one, so would be interested to hear your thoughts on if after you've had it for a bit.
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I can confirm what many other said regarding the Steam Controller: it is clearly the most versatile and customizable controller, also one of the cheapest (on sale it is very cheap, you can get it by selling trading cards basically, or bundled with a game). Its only weakness is the absence of the second analog stick, and for some titles you just NEED the two sticks (Rocket League or most fighting games like emotionengine said, for example). I think it's up to your general gaming preference; for me, I always prefer mouse+keyboard, but sometimes when I lie on the bed or on the couch, it's great to be able to play a turn-based strategy game with a gamepad, or any other game built specifically for the PC. The only fighting game I played recently is the first Injustice, but being a very casual for the genre I didn't missed the second analog stick.
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https://www.amazon.com/963188-0403-Logitech-Wingman-Gamepad-Extreme/dp/B00001RMDE
nothing can go wrong with that
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My favourite controller of all time is hands down the Original Xbox "S"-Controller. It has the perfect feel (beefier and more ergonomic feeling than the more slender 360 version)...robust triggers...and an amazing D-Pad. The only problem is that hardly any Steam games natively support it (XInput only), so I have to run it through a 3rd party app (XPadder). Also, some games just won't function properly when it's connected (the controls go haywire), so I also picked up an off-brand 360 controller for those ones (grudgingly).
I just wish this puppy was 360 compatible...I'd be in heaven ツ
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I rather like my S controllers, but I lost driver compatibility for them when I updated to Win10 (in other words, it's no longer recognized by the system at all). If you've come across any workarounds for that, do let me know. As you said, it had some quirks, as well, so it wasn't ideal- but it did at least feel like an upgrade to the 360 controller (especially the defective one I ended up getting).
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Hi Sooth, yeah the driver I am using for it is this one here...although I am on Windows 7 64bit (which it works perfectly on). So I have no idea if it'll also work on Win 10.
I do remember having to manually add its Hardwire ID to xpad.inf in the Windows inf folder however...in order for it to be detected (there were a few different ones for the S-Controllers...this is mine...
[TigerGame.NTamd64]
%XPAD.Desc%=XPAD,USB\VID_045E&PID_0289,
There's also this solution as well, which may be helpful to you.
It's at times like this that I am so happy I didn't install Win10 : ]
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Right, yeah, that's the issue. All the usual drivers for it are no longer compatible with 10, but worked perfectly fine before I updated my system. Bleh. :S
Yeah, Win 10 has been a regular stress since I installed it. I definitely prefer 7.
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The 2nd link drivers are definitely for Win 10...but it's a real process to get them installed.
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Sorry, didn't realize you'd added something up-to-date. I first posted this thread July 2016, and there weren't any workarounds available at that time- I'll definitely try and see if I can't set aside the time to figure out the info you provided. Thanks! :)
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i have the steam controller of 1 year and 2 months of use and a couple of bad falls, still going strong, not even fading on the trackpads that i heard is farly common. cant say the same for my PS4 controller witch thumb sticks are breaking appart
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Apparently the analog wear on the DS4 controllers was common for early models, but got fixed for later releases. I hope so, anyway, given that I ended up going for a DS4 this time around. :P
It's good to hear the Steam controller can be more durable than the rumors suggest. Now if they can just tweak out Big Picture Mode utilization and lower the price, I'll definitely have to give it a shot. :)
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i got mine on black friday, for 35$ and this year it also got down to that price, thats the time to attack :,v
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Oh, well, the discount someone linked me to brought it down to $36, so it was about that; likewise, it only got down to $40 for Black Friday and Cyber Monday out here and in all the digital shops I searched (I made a point of looking around at controller prices those days), so it all worked out rather favorably in the end.
It sucks that yours is so recently bought, and yet still having those issues- the way I heard it, Sony offered free mail-in replacements for all the analog-defective controllers back in 2014, and they hadn't had any issues with that problem since. Likewise, as I understand it, they'd still offer replacement even now, under their standard limited warranty.
At the very least, I'm going to hope yours was a fringe event that's easily fixed if it does happen, given that I'm sitting here anticipating my own controller coming in, and I had such a rough experience with that last 360 being defective on arrival... :S
After all, Sony's big appeal is that it's not Microsoft.. right? ;P
No.. really.
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I use the xbox one s controller and this one too
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Huh. I've been interested in Splitfish (Well, the nunchuck. The mouse looks absolutely awful.), but I haven't really heard anything at all about the brand (and I thought the mouse was mandatory, and that they didn't have a button controller to go with the nunchuck). What are your specific thoughts on the controller? :)
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I went with the wireless controller as I wanted to be able to use any mouse of my choosing not their crappy one. They have console specific models that work for FPS on consoles but they can work on PC/MAC as well. I have issues with playing FPS with WSAD for extended periods of time so I have hunter for a better option.
The controller itself works great. I would love to customize it a bit though. The analog stick height, for one, and the 3 button on the trigger area, I wish it was shifted down to be used by the middle finger instead.
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Tried F710 and XBOX ones - did not like them. Next stop DS4
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I've had three 360 controllers and two of them became unusable because the wire stopped working.
I know have a One controller and I believe it's the best option. The wire is not attached to the controller which means you can change it if it breaks. And the good thing is, you don't even need an official xBox wire, any typical USB to micro USB will do. You can also but batteries in your controller and use it wireless with an adaptator.
Apart from that the One joysticks feel more comfortable than the 360 and the D-Pad is 100 better. And last but not least the design is much more elegant :3
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I have both 360 and One controllers, I think both are them perfect. I don't think one of them is superior to another. I bought One (wireless) because 360 was wired and now using One. I don't have benchmark about how long battery lasts but I can easily say more than 24h and that's enough for me since I have rechargeable Amazon batteries.
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I wouldn't use anything other than DualShock 4 v2 at this point.
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I wasn't too impressed at first with the flimsy original PS1 controllers, but by the PS2 era, Sony'd fully won me over. The early DS3s had imbalanced weight distribution, but otherwise, it's been a reliable controller design that they've smartly not strayed from. I mean, this may still be the single-best controller design ever (ergonomically speaking), and the Dreamcast/Wii-U in-controller-display gimmick is interesting enough, but when you're just looking for a general controller, the playstation design is a safe and reliable one. It's a pity that off-brands- like with the Logitechs- tend toward bulkier, more clunky versions of the design (in addition to lacking Sony's production quality).
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If u didnt buy it after one year just leave it keyboard in heart! :D
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I bought a 360 controller after the initial posting of this thread, but it arrived defective. I've ended up buying a DS4 controller after this recent resurrection, hopefully it'll be less of a disappointment.
I can't use keyboard and mouse for the games in question, either because they're not compatible with kb&m at all, or because they play so poorly with it (due to poor optimization or complex input requirements) that they may as well not be compatible. Likewise, fighting games and racing games (and certain adventure and FPS games) are always better with a controller. :)
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Ahh okay got it,idk most of games im playing with keyboard&mouse cant play with controler anything expect pes or fifa xD and was thinking to get some controller just cuz of rocket league ... :D
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Rocket League is an important one to get a Dualshock controller for- it has input delays and optimization issues with keyboard & mouse (and kb&m lacks the pressure sensitivity the game needs for its more complex maneuvers, besides), and last I heard, it still was optimized poorly for Microsoft controllers (since Rocket League was specifically designed to be used with Dualshock controllers, due to the shared platform presence with Playstation 4 consoles). Getting a controller of any sort noticably ups your game in RL, and a DS is mandatory if you're playing at higher tiers and need the extra precision and reliability of response.
Brawlhalla is another game with the exact same traits- poor kb&m optimization, and specifically optimized for Dualshocks. So if you get a DS, you'll get the best possible experience with those two games, at least.
(Disclaimer: I haven't played either game for a few months now, so it's certainly possible one or both of them have improved optimization for kb&m or Microsoft controllers since then- but after years of waiting on it, and a trend on both games of dismissing core fixes in favor of ESports and Cosmetic updates, it seems unlikely.)
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I'm looking to get a controller for PC and this one looks quite interesting to me since I'm into retro stuff and I grew up with the NES
http://www.8bitdo.com/n30pro-f30pro/
I haven't bought it yet so I have no clue about it.
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Found an easy one - but I'm not sure if that's all there is. So, here, have a partial bump :-)
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Dec. 15, 2017 (Now with free pie (Animal Lover, ChargeShot, and Fermi's Path giveaways))
Alright, back at it again. Seems like I'm getting more and more controller-only/controller-specialized games in my library, so I'm itchin' to get a new controller (as the last 360 I had arrived defective and finished breaking itself fairly quickly). Figured I'd check in with you all again first. ^.^
Currently I'm heavily favoring the Logitech F310, though this off-brand 360 has cheap 3/4 year warranty plans through Amazon, so at $20 total it feels like it'd be an acceptable gamble (despite its sparsity of reviews).
I missed the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales on the Dual Shock 4, and I'm a bit loathe to pick this over the Logitech F310, without a clear indication that Dual Shock 4s have the performance and durability to warrant having three times the price of the Logitech.
Official 360 wired controllers seem to be going off the market (I can't find a single online store with stock, other than a small handful who indicate they're shipping from a dubious source out of China), and honestly, I don't want to go with one again anyway (it's what I picked after this thread, originally), as the D-Pad was as much of a concern as people noted it'd be, and the controller started having issues fairly early on (meaning there's no appreciable reason not to just go off-brand).
The Steam Controller looks promising, but I haven't heard if early durability considerations were ever addressed, and the price tag is still a bit intimidating, especially considering that the DS4 is in the same price range, and generally better considered.
I prefer wired controllers, and I prefer cheaper controllers, so generally wireless controllers aren't a feasible recommendation for me.
My top budget'd be $60 (but you'd have to convince me the controller is worth paying 4 times the cost of the low-end ones ;P). So far, there's only One controller in that range that I'm rejecting outright.
Update: Ended up ordering a Dualshock 4. Thanks to everyone who helped out!
Leaving the thread active a while longer so the giveaway can get more entrants. ^.^
Original July 6, 2016 post below:
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