Choices On Wireless Gamepads?!?

[mjkovis]

I would like some feedback on wireless gamepads that are out right now. I searched through the archives and recent threads here on PC-Mech, but I didnt find enough information to even start to help me.

First off, what are some good wireless gamepads? What would you recommend for me? I would be using it for games such as EA's Madden Football and FIFA Soccer.

One of my options is the Saitek P3000 Wireless Pad USB -RETAIL (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=26-127-501&depa=0) from NewEgg. Any information on this? How does it compare to the good ole Microsoft Sidewinder? I would like to get something comparible to the Sidewinder, button wise. I guess what I mean is the same configuration. My other choice is a Logitech WingMan Cordless Rumblepad 2.4 GHz (USB) (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005USQA/104-6359759-2375900?v=glance&s=electronics&vi=reviews) that I found on Amazon.com.

Last question, what happened to Microsoft and its Sidewinder gamepads? I love using them and cant find them anywhere except eBay...

Thanks in advance!

AK

[Steady Teddy]

I own the Wingman Cordless Rumblepad and I think it's a very good all around controller. I also play Madden & FIFA 2005. :) What I like about this controller is that it's very durable, not like that cheap garbage Dual Action pad made by Logi.

On the downside, it is a pretty big controller compared to most others. But it won't take long to get used to the feel of it. It's fully compatible and easy to set up with Madden.

But FIFA 2005 is a little but tricky. You can configure the controller so you can use ALL of the commands, but it's no so cut and dry. The most difficult commands to use are the "in game strategies". I have to press one of the buttons plus the left analog stick, which I'm also using for moving my player, but I never really use IGM that much anyway. You can get more help on configuring at www.soccergaming.tv

Overall I'd say I'm very happy with this controller.

*EDIT* I don't think any of the old Sidwinder controllers have analog sticks, do they? If you play Madden or FIFA, analog sticks are a must!

I'm not familiar with the Saitek

[mjkovis]

Thanks for information teddy! I appreciate it. I actually have been trying to find the Logitech pad out in stores, but no one carries the wireless version of the pad. I guess I have to order it off of the web from somewhere.

How do you like playing with the analog controls on Madden?

Just wondering... Never used a analog capable gamepad on Madden of FIFA before.

AK

[Steady Teddy]

How do you like playing with the analog controls on Madden?

Just wondering... Never used a analog capable gamepad on Madden of FIFA before.

AK

Hi AK,

Because of the nature of the game(s), you have to be able to move your players in any direction (360 degrees) at any time, which is hard to do with a directional pad. It's just so much better and realstic.

Besides, you have to use a controller with analog sticks for both of these games in order to use ALL of the features like "Off the Ball Control" in FIFA and "Playmaker" in Madden. They wont work with a controller that only has a directional pad.

[mjkovis]

I know I need analog for to get the full extent of game play from each game, but I didnt know if you used directional before analog. I was wondering if it was hard to switch over to.

Thanks!

AK

[Steady Teddy]

I know I need analog for to get the full extent of game play from each game, but I didnt know if you used directional before analog. I was wondering if it was hard to switch over to.

Thanks!

AK
No it's not hard at all and it doesn't take long to get used to. I used to use a directional game pad for older versions of Madden & FIFA and I still use one for other games but now most of my gaming is done with analog stick controllers.

[mjkovis]

No it's not hard at all and it doesn't take long to get used to. I used to use a directional game pad for older versions of Madden & FIFA and I still use one for other games but now most of my gaming is done with analog stick controllers.

Sweetness.... I will take your word for it then. The analog stuff had kind of had me worried... I dont want to lose my "game" on Madden one bit! LOL!!! :D