Console-like controllers

telex4 · l33t Joined: 21 Sep 2002 Posts: 704 Location: Reading, UK

Does anyone know what game controllers work with GNU/Linux?

I'd like to get a cheap console-like controller (just a snes sort of thing would do) to make playing various games a little easier and more fun. I just don't want to buy one to find it doesn't work!

I've done some googling, but all I can find are a very out of date Linux Joystick Driver page (talks about kernels 2.2 and 2.3!) and little else of use.

I'd particularly like to get the Logitech Dual Action gamepad, if anyone has this model...

kapheine · n00b Joined: 01 Aug 2002 Posts: 31 Location: Rochester, NY

Using the directions in /usr/src/linux/Documentation/input/joystick-parport.txt I've connected a NES and SNES controller to my parallel port. It works great, and it is pretty easy to do.

The other option is the Gravis GamePads that are very similar to playstation controllers. I'm a bit too lazy to find a link, but just check the gravis webpage. I've successfully used their snes-like and playstation-like controllers in linux. The only thing that wasn't supported, if I remember correctly, was being able to use the multiple gravis pads at once feature.
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telex4 · l33t Joined: 21 Sep 2002 Posts: 704 Location: Reading, UK

Hmmmmm, any controllers that work out of the box? I'd rather not go playing with wiring

kapheine · n00b Joined: 01 Aug 2002 Posts: 31 Location: Rochester, NY

telex4 · l33t Joined: 21 Sep 2002 Posts: 704 Location: Reading, UK

Bah, according to this page, Gravis no longer sell in Europe, and I can't find any in UK stores

I can find joystick port ones on ebay, but not USB... hmm

cylgalad · Veteran Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 1327 Location: France

I like my PSX controller plugged to an USB adapter, it works nicely, though I didn't get any vibrations under Linux yet

I know you can find some adapters for SNES controllers and others (look in the kernel config, there're modules for it).

maxmc · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 4:13 pm Post subject:

chizu · Tux's lil' helper Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 127

My USB Axis Pad works great. And on a PS2 it still works (for most games) in the usb port on the front. Like a playstation controller, but you don't need an adapter to hook it up to a pc. Of course if you have a playstation you might as well save some money and just buy a 10 dollar playstation controller -> usb adapter, those also work great.

I18N · n00b Joined: 09 Apr 2002 Posts: 25 Location: Auckland NZ

I have a Logitech cordless rumblepad that works great in linux.. makes tuxracer easier

and also a playstation controlpad connected via a usb adapter
both were incredibly easy to set up
the 2.6 kernels actually have explicit support for the rumble functions of the logitech
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kapheine · n00b Joined: 01 Aug 2002 Posts: 31 Location: Rochester, NY

Since we are on the subject of joysticks, I was just checking the Linux Gamer's FAQ and saw the following:

belgarion · n00b Joined: 22 Jul 2003 Posts: 26

I concur with above about PSX/PS2 controllers via USB. xmame even supports this directly. I had a bit of confusion about how to set up js0... but a bit of kernel diving later I had joydev.o modprobed and ready to go

I also have an old SpaceOrb 360 in my closet just waiting for me to get a Linux version of Descent3 so I can use it again... I loved that thing for the Descent series... and I see that there's a driver for it...

IntergalacticWalrus · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 5:35 pm Post subject:

telex4, to answer your question, pretty much any USB gamepad should correctly work with Linux. It only needs to be HID-compilant.

But since all PC gamepads currently on the market suck, I recommend you get an console controller adaptor. Lik Sang has a good collection. They should all work under Linux too.

Another solution, I you are lucky enough to find one, is the Interact HammerheadFX. Sadly Interact is now dead, but this was the best. controller. ever.

Boricacid · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 11:27 pm Post subject:

Xbox Controllers works with Linux, all you need is either the patch for your 2.4 kernel or a 2.6 kernel.

You can order USB adapters for xbox controllers at liksang.com or codeunderground.com or find instructions on the web on how to do your own.
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Decker · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2003 1:27 pm Post subject:

I have a PSX joypad and an USB-adaptor connected to my box. So, how do I set it up?
"modprobe hid" maybe..and then?
I would really like to play some of my snes games on the snes9x emulator, and maybe some mame games. But I have no idea what to do now. The Linux Gamer's FAQ doesn't help me out of this.