PC Hardware in a Nutshell, Second Edition

Choosing a Game Controller

More so than for any other input device, the “best” game controller is a matter of personal preference. If it feels right to you, it probably is right. If it feels wrong, it’s probably wrong, no matter how much someone else may like it. Use the following guidelines when choosing a game controller:

Get the right type(s)

Make sure the game controller type is appropriate for the games you play most often. If you frequently play two or more games that are ill suited to using the same controller, buy two or more controllers, and use the type most suited to whatever game you play. We make some suggestions as to appropriate types on the web site listed in the Our Picks section.

Avoid analog game controllers

All current game controllers worth having are digital models, although some analog models are still available. Note that many digital controllers use the analog gameport interface, including many high-end models. Digital gameport models are acceptable, but fully digital (USB) models are easier to swap in and out if you use multiple controllers. The only time it makes sense to use an analog controller is for games that run only under DOS or older Windows versions that do not support digital controllers, or if your system does not have USB ports and your gameport does not support digital controllers. Of course, you’re unlikely to be playing games on such an antique system.

Check compatibility

If you buy a model that connects to the gameport, verify that that controller ...