Converting a PSX Controller for PC Use

BigMan writes "Anyone that has ever used a Playstation pad will think they are great, but I long ago stopped using my Playstation and haven't touched a console in a while. I much prefer the gameplay and graphics of PC games, but a keyboard just doesn't cut it on driving games. So I set about converting my Playstation pad to work on a PC. There are several converters that cost around $6 to $15, but being a student in search of a part time job I am reluctant to spend the money and it's more satisfying to do the mod yourself."

Comments

Expense

[SilentSheep]

Makes me wonder how much it cost him to do it.

Couldn't have been a lot less than $15 !!!

Seems like a bit of a waste of time/money!

Playstation controller usability issues

[specialJay]

From a usability standpoint, the Playstation controller leaves a lot to be desired. I would rather see someone adapt one of Nintendo's controllers due to Ninty's adherence to more usability guidelines.

For example, the buttons on the Playstation controller are marked with an X, O, Square, Triangle and are arranged in a cross configuration. One usability guideline says to "Minimize the user's memory load"... now which symbol goes logically on the north, east, south, and west points of the cross? A casual user is unlikely to be able to know unless they have spent a lot of time with it and have memorized the configuration. This is unnecessary user memory load when compared to Nintendo's controllers which use a much more intuitive button labeling scheme and arrangement. Less to remember = easier to use.

Re:I'm not sure I'd call this cost-effective.

[Kethinov]

It's cheaper, easier, and quicker to just buy a USB Gravis Gamepad Pro. It's identical to a PS controller minus the analog sticks. But who uses those analog sticks anyway? Their positioning on the controller sucks, just like XBox's. Port a GC controller to the PC and THEN I'll be impressed.