How to choose a gamepad

It is much more convenient to play with a gamepad than with a keyboard and mouse. However, not all games support control from such a controller.

How to choose a gamepad for PC: what to look for

Immediately it is worth making a reservation - no prices and characteristics of the gamepad determine its compatibility with games. It depends on the software, including the drivers and emulators.

But specifications can improve gaming experience. Therefore, when choosing a gamepad, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Presence of wire;

2. Number of buttons;

3. The number of analog sticks;

4. Vibration response;

5. Body materials.

But the most important characteristic of the gamepad is its ease of use: how well it lies in the hands, how heavy or light it is, etc. Unfortunately, it is very subjective - all people have different hands, as well as the length of the fingers. So you have to “try on” the model in the store - unless, of course, this is possible.

Presence of wire

Gamepads, like many other external controllers for the PC, are of two types - wireless and wired. And each of them has all the same advantages and disadvantages as, for example, a mouse.

So, wired gamepads have two very important advantages - high response speed and no need for recharging. And their disadvantage is the restriction of the player’s freedom. Twitching and jumping around the room will not work.

Wireless gamepads provide a slightly lower response speed and need regular recharging. For example, the same Sony Dualshock 4 is able to work on a battery of only 6 hours. But they provide complete freedom of action and movement.

To choose the type of gamepad is based primarily on their preferences and manner of play.

Number of buttons

Buttons - not the main control in gamepads. However, they can “hang” all the necessary functions and actions for the game.

However, the number of buttons should not be too large. When there are more than 10-12 of them, it becomes uncomfortable to play. And there is practically no space left on the gamepad. But if the buttons are less than 10, you can get into such an unpleasant situation when you need to do something in the game - but the buttons on the controller simply do not.

Thus, 10-12 is the optimal number of buttons on the gamepad.

The number of analog sticks

Analog sticks are the most convenient controls in gamepads. They provide complete freedom of action in games and an excellent experience.

The optimal number of analog sticks should be determined based on their preferences. Many gamers need only one thing - under the right thumb, while the left one is located on the crosspiece. Others need two and a cross.

Characteristics of sticks are also among the purely subjective. So, a controller with 8 degrees of freedom will provide the same gaming experience as with full 360-degree sensitivity. However, for dynamic games, sticks with maximum sensitivity are recommended.

Vibration response

Vibration feedback is a very nice feature of gamepads.It provides a deeper gaming experience and allows you to recognize some events within the game even before they are displayed on the screen (or in the form of sounds.

Of course, controllers with vibration feedback are more expensive than without it, and they are discharged more quickly (if it is wireless), but they are highly recommended for purchase.

Body materials

Body materials determine the practicality of the controller. Of course, most of these devices are made of plastic. However, this material can be supplemented with rubberized elements, texture and other additions that make the gamepad more practical.

So, for example, rubberized handles and a textured back surface will not allow the controller to slip out of wet hands and ensure the comfort of long gaming.

Manufacturers

Among the manufacturers of gamepads for PC, there are three companies - Logitech, Thrustmaster and Microsoft.

1. Logitech produces quite low-end models. They sometimes do not receive such important functions as vibration feedback, but are well suited for use as an entry-level device. Then this gamepad, having become accustomed to a completely new experience, can be replaced by something else.

2. Thustmaster is a mid-range device manufacturer. They produce ergonomic gamepads that are suitable for a variety of games. Practically in all models of this company there is a reassignment of buttons, sticks with a large number of degrees of freedom and other useful functions.

3. Microsoft releases one of the best gamepads for PC (Valve with its one and only device, which also costs more than 5 thousand rubles as of the third quarter of 2017, you can not take into account) They have everything - and vibration feedback, and the optimal number of buttons, and allowing to do without the emulator software technology, and even a long battery life. But they are quite expensive.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.