Computer joystick(s)

[Obiwanshinobi]

Is there any DIGITAL joystick for PC (USB plug preferred) you'd recommend for the sake of retro-gaming? Like, a worthy replacement of keyboard/gamepad/arcade stick in C64/Amiga etc. computer games of yore, played on more contemporary systems?

[SGGG2]

Nothing I can specifically recommend, but Toodles MC Cthulhu PCB http://www.focusattack.com/toodles-cthu ... nsole-pcb/

has built-in PC, Mac and PS3 support over USB and can be used with most classic consoles simply by adding an RJ45 connector and custom cables. This allows you to use what ever stick and buttons you like.

http://forums.shoryuken.com/discussion/ ... rial-ver-2

[louisg]

I had a really cool box that I think was from Rockfire. It was made to convert NES pads to AT keyboard signals, completely programmable (and of course that can be then converted to PS/2). If you're interested I could dig it up when I get home and find the model number! I'd assume it wouldn't introduce lag, though maybe that's not a safe assumption.

[shmuppyLove]

You can still find those old PC joysticks from Gravis, Logitech, etc on eBay for pretty cheap.

Then you just need a DB15 gameport joystick USB adapter which are also cheap.

[Obiwanshinobi]

I've eaten my fill's worth of cheap pre-owned sticks. Can't expect those to be of much use without any further modding, thanks.
Some QuickShot (I think) replica mass-produced lately with nostalgia gaming in mind was supposed to "feel" (and sound!) just right... and lag mercilessly nonetheless. Was hoping to find something along those lines, yet without any relevant input lag (i.e. digital, at least one button where thumb rests, USB plug).
If it wasn't for laterality and button(s) placement, a good PSX arcade stick working with my PC, Wii and Dreamcast adapters would be enough. Alas, you can't wield an arcade stick like a computer joystick.
No wonder arcade sticks outlived the latter (stick in one hand, buttons beneath another is ergonomic alright), but having had fun times with my flight stick recently, I'd like to feel something digital in my right hand for a change. Just working fine out of the box.

[shmuppyLove]

I used to rock a few different ones back in the day, but the only time I used them was when I needed analog control for something like X-Wing or Wing Commander.

Both the CH FlightStick and Logitech Wingman Extreme served me very well in those days.

For digital controls, I had one of the amazing ACT Labs PowerRamp joysticks, or otherwise used my Namco PS1 stick with a USB adapter.

I shudder when I think of the terrible joysticks I used to use on my C64 and early XT and AT computers ...

[Obiwanshinobi]

Again, the whole purpose of getting a separate digital stick for the PC would be so I can:
a) hold it in my right hand and
b) press at least some buttons with my right hand's thumb and index finger.
Just for the heck of it. That visceral feel of pressing the fire button with either (something PlayStation gamepads did for me to be fair) as I control movement with my dominant hand (something neither arcade sticks nor gamepads did for me).

[LEGENOARYNINLIA]

http://www.cmsco.gr/home/index.php?opti ... =6&lang=En

[Obiwanshinobi]

Looks promising. Shame about the plugs, but I haven't kept this old rig for nothing.

[LEGENOARYNINLIA]

I have a CMS Super 8+ that the previous owner modded by installing a Gravis USB controller's guts inside. I play Duke Nukem, Keen etc with it, so I can recommend it.