I'm looking to get a gamepad primarily for emus and other random games for my PC. What are you guys using and what do you suggest. TIA

I know there's a way to convert as SNES pad to LPT1 port.. I'd love to be able to use that, almost every PC gamepad I've tested is crap..

There was one.. I think ProPad 6 that was ALMOST good enough.. ALMOST.. I can't be sure if that was the name cause it's in my old apartment still.

Saitek P2500

An XBox Controller S (best controller of all time IMO) can be converted for use on the PC. Basically, the XBox console has USB ports for the contollers, but they changed the connectors. All you have to do is cut open both the controller cable and a USB cable, and then match up the wires on the inside together-they're even the same colors so you know which to connect. More information here: http://www.rc55.com/rc55/gallery/Xbox-Pad-Mod

Several different drivers are available around the net for this. Some of them use the shoulder buttons as throttle and rudder controls; some use them as digital buttons.

I assume this can be done with a 'L' as well...I'm not fond of the 'S' at all.

I use a PS2 Dual Shock in conjunction with a Radio Shack USB adapter and it pretty much fits all my PC control needs.

*notes future project*

Or you can just shell out around $13-$17 and get an XBOX USB adapter for the PC.

http://www.levelsix.com/detail.aspx?ID=97

Have you or anyone else purchased from them in the past? I've never heard of that site before.

I have a Gravis Eliminator Aftershock. I think it is a fantastic controller, although the D-Pad is a little weak.
http://www.gravis.com/products/pro_eli_d1022.html

Yea, I actually bought from them twice. First time around, I bought a DC -> PS One controller adapter. The 2nd time, I purchased the EMS USB PS One controller adapter for the PC. I was pleased with their services both times.

Bump for any other recommendatiosns..thanks for all your thoughts so far

Then this must be you:

I am not a little red 'x'

weird. I don't see a little red x.

I linked to this photo. Maybe that'll work for you.

I just picked up a PS2 style gamepad at BestBuy last week made by Gamer's Factory for $10, it doesn't have force feedback but I really like it.

Another cool thing you can do with the XBox controller connected to a PC: if you insert a memory card into the controller, Windows will recognize a new device. Install the Action Replay driver and application, and voila! Back up your XBox game saves to a PC and download new ones.

Can't you do that with an AR without the controller anyway?

Yes WITH an AR you can. This lets you do it without one. This could save some people about $30.

I know you asked me this but apparently my opinion doesn't matter to you any more

You can probably pick up a Microsoft Sidewinder on eBay for dirt cheap. I have the non-USB one from like 6 years ago and it still works perfectly fine and it handles emulators just fine.

I'm just looking at other options

dancinns: are you running XP? Because I've had nothing but problems with the gameport sidewinders in XP. Great if you're still running 98 though. The USB sidewinder, while visually similar, sucks.

I would recommend one of the Saitek pads though. Someone already suggested the P2500, and that's the one I have, but they're pretty much all good. They have them with or without rumble, with or without wires, and whatever other options you're willing to pay for, or not. The point is they have a good digital pad and six face buttons. Those are my two big requirements for emulation. The PSX style is an added bonus.

I've had no problems with my gameport Sidewinder in XP

Where do you get a Saitek P2500 in the US. I tried a google search and everything I found was in europe.

-D