Despite the fact that I've been primarily a PC gamer for years now, I'm finding it difficult to use the keyboard for Guilty Gear X2 #Reload (on GOG), and I was wondering what controllers people tend to use for fighting games on the PC. I don't want to use an arcade pad for reasons of cost and unfamiliarity, just FYI.

So far, it looks like the Sega Saturn USB controller (6 face buttons and presumably two shoulder buttons) is a favorite. Is this impression correct, and would you recommend said controller, or another? Also, please include a URL to a reliable seller of whatever controller you recommend (Saturn controller included).

I use a PS2 controller with a usb adapter.

You can buy them on amazon.

I think you want a real fightstick.

Sony controllers are some of the worst controllers I've ever used. Oddly shaped and designed for tiny hands.

Personally, I'd recommend the OP go with an xBox 360 controller. It's easily the most comfortable controller I've ever used. Plus, it has all the right buttons.

But OTOH, I think Orc is likely right, one of those arcade stick controllers is probably exactly the right thing.

http://www.gog.com/en/forum/general/pc_gamepads_xinput_vs_directinput

I am very happy with the Logitech Gamepad F310. It handles both new XInput and older (GOG!) DirectInput games great, without any compatibility issues. And it is pretty affordable too, without any useless "wireless rumble bumble" crap.

Here's a reliable seller from which I got mine (and I'll probably get a second one soon too, just in case), but I am unsure if you really want to order yours from Finland:

http://www.verkkokauppa.com/fi/product/47331/ctdvs/Logitech-Gamepad-F310-PC-peliohjain

I'm seconding the Logitech F310.

I don't play fighting games with it, so I'm not sure how well it works with those, but it's a good gamepad, and quite cheap.

The OP mentioned "I don't want to use an arcade pad for reasons of cost and unfamiliarity"

PS2 controllers are very cheap, and those adapters are like £3 including postage (thats like $5-6 dollars)

I like the Xbox controllers but they are expensive to buy for the official pc 360 controller. It's over £20 last i saw (around $35)

Yes, but that's no excuse for getting a PS controller. The controller will last quite a long time and is one of the best engineered controllers I've ever seen.

It's better to save up a bit, even if it requires waiting, then to go half assed on something like this. A bad controller can wreck game play.

Plus, for this genre, getting a comfortable, well designed controller is even more important than it is for other genres. Hand cramping can put a serious damper on playtime.

EDIT: And a proper arcade pad last time I checked was easily 2 or 3 times as expensive as an xBox controller. If you want one that's super durable.

I still have PS1 controllers that are in perfect condition.

Anyway, like i said, the 360 official wireless controller is a good option.

All i'm saying is that what i'm using works fine in alot of my games that support controllers, and it works perfect with Guilty Gear X2 here on GOG.

I second the X360 Controller. I have a wired one for my notebook and I've been using it for about 1.5 years. The ergonomics are excellent and the buttons have a nice, solid feel to them.

Playstation controllers feel terrible for me as well, and I can't understand why third-party manufacturers decided copying the original shape is the way to go.

The XBox 360 controller is much better, but it has a rather poor D-pad in my opinion. That's not a problem for me, but I'd imagine it would be less ideal for someone who plays fighting games.

I have a Xbox 360 pad and it's great for modern games but want a joypad with both XInput and DirectInput for old GOG games, does anybody recommend the wireless rumble version of the Logitech F310 the F710?

Maybe it is about what you are used to? I have mostly used the PS gamepads ever since the first Playstation, hence:

I personally don't like the XBox360 controller design that much (the little I've used it, I'm actually more familiar with the first XBox controller), e.g. how the analog sticks are not placed symmetrically, and the bulky design overall reminds me of the horrendous Atari Jaguar console controller. (And I don't think it has nothing to do with having "small hands", as my hands are actually a bit on the larger side...)

Part of it may be also that I prefer smaller and more compact gamepads that are easier to carry around with my laptop.

I'm planning to treat me one of these beasts for Christmas.

http://www.ebay.it/itm/390436139145

It should be a real shocker for beat'em ups, MAME, SF IV and the likes....

I got myself a cheap Hama Blackforce, a cheap ps2 ripoff. It works great with guilty gear, at least for me. I've played Guilty Gear and the mortal kombat kollection on steam and haven't had any problems with it. I would have wanted an xbox360 controller but it's way more than i'm willing to pay for one. The only problem with my gamepad is that there are newer games that only support xbox360 gamepads and i have to use some 3rd party software to emulate it, but it's better than paying 20 euros for it.