Computer Joysticks

HotRod Joystick

2009-02-09T14:16:00.001-08:00

The HotRod Joystick is an advanced computer joystick. It is specifically made for playing classic arcade style games on your PC but it also has other uses.

The HotRod computer joystick completely dominates its niche by most accounts; which makes it a solid choice for any gamer looking for an awesome boost to their arcade gaming. So, if you are interested in a new arcade computer joystick, then you should definitely consider adding the HotRod Joystick to your collection!

Buying A Computer Joystick

2009-01-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

So you just bought that brand new game you've been eyeballin' for the last few weeks and realized that without the support of a good joystick; your experience will suffer drastically. But don't worry! Here at Computer Joysticks we've got just what you need.

The first step to choosing a computer joystick is to determine how much money you want to spend on your joystick. Simpler controller models will cost you no more than $10 but a more advanced computer joystick can set you back over $200. Once you have an idea of how much you want to spend, you can narrow down your search.

Secondly, you must consider which games you'll be playing with the joystick the most. For the most basic computer games or RPGs, a simple joystick controller similar to those used for video game consoles will do nicely. A more advanced joystick should be purchased if you'll be playing more intricate games that require a lot of movement and buttons.

Make sure to visit a local video game store! Places like RadioShack and EB Games sell both computer and console video games as well as computer joysticks and controllers. Make sure to talk to a sales representative at the store about your specific gaming needs. This person will be able to recommend the perfect PC joystick for your gaming experience. If the store doesn't carry a particular model, then you should check online retailers.

Always educate yourself by reading up on computer joystick reviews. Consumer Search is a great website that lists plenty of great reviews on computer controllers and joystick controllers. These reviews are written both by gamers like you, and even some "experts" that can give you the best information possible about the computer joysticks listed.

Lastly, make sure to look out for computer joysticks online! You may actually save a ton of money by purchasing your PC controller on the web as opposed to buying from a local game store. Nextag and similar online sites list pages of joysticks as well as the stores that sell those particular computer joysticks. Some websites even lists items by price, helping you save the most money possible!

Have fun shopping for your new computer joystick!

Best Computer Joysticks

2008-08-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

From flight simulations to arcade games and shooters, computer joysticks can make your game experience much more enjoyable. There is a multitude of joysticks available to gamers and just a select few are listed below:

1. Saitek Cyborg Evo Force Joystick

The Saitek Cyborg Evo Force Joystick is a great force feedback enabled joystick that also excels in use with games that are not force feedback compatible. The Saitek Cyborg Evo Force Joystick is also one of the most customizable joysticks you will find and works for right or left handed gamers.

2. Saitek Cyborg Evo Wireless Joystick

If you like the adjustability of the Cyborg Evo Force joystick, but don't care for force feedback and want a wireless joystick, the Saitek Cyborg Evo Wireless is for you. Like most Saitek products, this is the most customizable wireless joystick you will find. You can adjust the Evo wireless to fit most any size hand. The Evo Wireless is for both right and left handers.

3. Saitek X52 Flight Control System

If you or the gamer in your life are into flight simulations, the Saitek X52 Flight Control System is hands down the joystick for you. Not only do you get an ultra-customizable joystick, you get a separate throttle that is fully integrated with the joystick. The Saitek X52 Flight Control System is the ultimate in flight sim realism with multiple buttons and a flip up cover that protects the missile launch button. The ultimate in cool joysticks is the Saitek X52 Flight Control System.

4. Saitek Cyborg Evo Joystick

If you are looking for a basic joystick that still features great comfort while playing and a customizable design, the Saitek Cyborg Evo Joystick is a great product. While not as full featured as other Saitek joysticks, the Saitek Cyborg Evo Joystick is a great first joystick or all around joystick for multiple game types.

5. Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless Joystick

Logitech makes some great PC joysticks, and the Freedom 2.4 Wireless is one of their best. Not only is it wireless, but it uses 2.4 GHz technology to give you extended range and zero lag. It also has 10 programmable buttons so you have all the commands you need at your finger tips. Plus it looks really cool with its brushed aluminum and metal highlights.

6. Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar

The Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar is the most realistic PC joystick and throttle system you will find. How realistic is the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar? The HOTAS is modeled after the Stick and Throttle found in the real F-16 fighter jet. The included software allows you to program the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar to do virtually anything you desire. Serious hardcore flight sim gamers, this is your joystick.

7. X-Arcade Solo Arcade Joystick

If you are an old school gamer looking to bring back memories of the glory days of arcade gaming, the X-Arcade Solo Arcade Joystick is for you. The X-Arcade Solo Arcade Joystick looks and feels just like the joysticks that control the classic arcade games like Pac-Man. The X-Arcade Solo Arcade Joystick also works for newer games and gives you a large joystick and numerous buttons to help you dominate your competition.

8. X-Arcade Two Player Arcade Joystick

The X-Arcade Two Player Arcade Joystick is just like the X-Arcade solo joystick, but allows you to have a friend in on the fun. The large and stable controller is a throw back to the glory days of side-by-side arcade action. Plug the X-Arcade Two Player Arcade Joystick in and school your friends on classic games and new titles.

9. CH Products FighterStick USB

If you are a fan of the military flight simulation games and only a joystick will do, the CH Products FighterStick USB is the best out there. The CH Products FighterStick USB puts 132 programmable functions at your finger tips. The CH Products FighterStick USB also includes the software to program the joystick to your exact specifications.

10. Logitech Attack 3 Gaming Joystick

If you enjoy flight sim games, but don't have the desk space for the Cougar HOTAS or the Saitek X52, the Logitech Attack 3 Gaming Computer Joystick is a great compact throttle and joystick. Rather than using a small lever on the joystick for the throttle, the Logitech Attack 3 has a separate, realistic throttle control built into the joystick base. The force feedback function allows you to feel the forces as you climb and dive to destroy your enemy.

Please feels free to visit the links on this page for more information.

Saitek Aviator Dual Throttle Computer Joystick

2008-04-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

This post is a review of the Saitek Aviator Dual Throttle Computer Joystick.

The Saitek Aviator, like most on this site, is a flight stick. The Aviator is perfect for games like Microsoft Flight Simulator X and other similar games. This computer joystick has a lot of great features availabe, including:

Dual throttles
12 completely programmable buttons
3D rudder twist
Fully programmable with SST software included
Dual Handed
USB interface

Since this is a USB joystick, if you are using a PS/2 port, then you will need an adapter. This gaming joystick is also compatible with PCs on Windows 98, 2000, XP, vista and some select Macs.

In closing, this joystick is really great for its price but it still feels a little "sloppy" and "shaky" but its nothing that you can't control. So, if you are in need of a cheap alternative to some of the more expensive Saitek or Logitech computer joysticks then this is a great choice. But, if you are looking for a better flying experience in your favorite simulator, then you should probably take a look at some more expensive Saitek models.

Saitek Cyborg EVO Force Computer Joystick

2008-03-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

This post is a review on the Saitek Cyborg EVO Force computer joystick.

The Saitek Cyborg EVO Force is an adjustable force feedback joystick with customization options. It allows both right AND left handed people to use the provided Saitek Smart Technology (SST) to find an optimum joystick position. The Cyborg EVO is complete with a rapid-fire trigger (holding down the main trigger will result in a continuous stream of fire). It has 5 different fire buttons, 3D twist for rudder control, a lever throttle, 2 shifting buttons, and 4 base buttons. It's single spring gimbal mechanism has a 3 position handle adjustment to be able to suit all hand sizes. The Cyborg EVO also has a single spring function for games that don't have force-feedback recognition.

The Cyborg Evo is a great joystick and feels really "solid." It feels like Saitek actually put a lot of work into getting things "just right" as well. Along with the included Saitek customization software, you will be able to configure this joystick to do anything and everything you want it to do. It performs well in all tasks that might be designated to it. Flight simulation is what it was made for, but it also could be used for anything your mind could think of using it for. It should be noted that this joystick comes in a wireless version, but it lacks support for force-feedback, which could be a make or break for some gamers.

In conclusion, the Saitek Cyborg Evo Force computer joystick is a great joystick that has force feedback enabled and also excels in use with games that are not able to utilize it's force feedback features. The Evo is also one of the most customizable computer joysticks you will find and is 100% compatible for gamers who are righties or lefties.

Computer Joysticks Buying Guide

2008-02-24T17:52:00.001-08:00

Computer joysticks are sometimes preferred keyboard or other peripheral controls for some types of games. However, when selecting a joystick, you should be sure that the one you selected is compatible with your computer setup, efficient, and easy to use.

The first step is to determine what type of port your is available on the back of your computer. If you have a PS/2 port, you will probably need an adapter for most new or next-gen joysticks. If you have a standard USB port then you will have very good compatibility with most computer joysticks you encounter. If your computer doesn't have any of these ports available (they are taken up, or you lack them) you may need to add a USB card to the computer before your new joystick will be able to be used.

Whenever possible, you should try to use the joystick in-store before purchasing it. If you are having to use too much effort is required to maneuver it in different directions, you should probably pass on that model of joystick because it may cause unnecessary wrist strain and leave you unable to have the fast reaction time that new age games require. Make sure the joysticks cord is long enough to reach your computer's ports. If you want to avoid the cord altogether you should probably go the wireless joystick route. Joysticks come in a lot of varieties of sizes; including units that are small enough to hold in just one hand, as well as much larger, more detailed table-top units. Both have their pros and cons. For example: If you own a laptop, a smaller joystick has the advantage of being extremely portable.

Some good joystick brands include:

Logitech

Microsoft

Gravis

and others

Many older models of joysticks from brands like Atari, Suncom, and Commodore can still be found on auction sites like eBay or on sites like Craigslist and can occasionally still be found in their original boxes.

ThrustMaster HOTAS Cougar Computer Joystick

2008-02-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

This post is a review on the ThrustMaster HOTAS Cougar Flight Stick.

The ThrustMaster Cougar is widely praised as being the most realistic computer joystick and throttle available (It's actually modeled after the real F-16 joysticks). Its design does not outshine its performance though. This thing looks and feels like the real thing and if your looking for high quality joystick, look no further. BTW, if your wondering what the "HOTAS" in the joystick's name stands for, its "Hands On Throttle And Stick."

The computer joystick software that is included with the Cougar makes it possible to use it for almost any application, even though its obvious main purpose is for flight simulator type games. The Cougar uses a simple connection that uses full speed USB
response time that is 8x faster than traditional USB ports and is compatible with all flavors of Windows but not Mac. It has 28 buttons in total and multiple hat switches which make customization easy (especially with the included easy to use computer joystick software).

This flight joystick features a full metal controller that collaborated upon with US Air Force. The Air Force uses this joystick for simulated pilot training and has many endorsements by flight simulation enthusiast groups. Some of these include:

-Endorsed by the Virtual Thunderbirds in the U.S.
-Endorsed by the Russian Knights in Russia
-Already large community of flight simulation fans (awarded worldwide)

Overall this is a great joystick for those who are really (and I mean really, because this puppy ain't cheap) into flight simulators and games that incorporate them. Though, if you do have the cash to buy one of these you will not be displeased. This is an excellent computer joystick and will serve you well.

Hotrod Computer Joystick

2008-01-24T22:06:00.000-08:00

This post is a review on the HanaHo Games Hotrod Joystick.

The HotRod Joystick is an arcade-type joystick for computers. It is designed to look like original full size arcade games you used to find at your local gas stations and such -- whatever happened to those? :(. Anyways, the Hotrod is connected to your computer via a PS2 keyboard port on the back of your computer tower. If you don't have a PS/2 port, there are PS/2 to USB converters that are cheap and can be picked up at just about any local electronics shop.

This computer joystick was designed for the explicit purpose of playing old arcade games, and it does it spectacularly well. One of the reasons it exceeds so well in this category is because it uses real, commercial grade arcade components that look at feel like the real thing.

One thing that really sets this computer joystick apart from the rest is the fact that you can play with more than one player, so you can play with (or against) your best buddy. Also, you can play games that need to utilize both joysticks for full control and precision.

If your into the whole "old-style arcade games -- thing" then you'll definitely want to take advantage of this amazing PS/2 ported computer joystick. Also, fyi, all of your old favorites can be found with a little searching online for ROM emulators. Overall this is a great computer joystick and really inspires a sense of nostalgia.

Logitech Attack 3 USB Computer Joystick

2008-01-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

This post is a review on the Logitech Attack 3 USB Joystick.

The Attack 3 is a purely minimalistic, Mac and Windows compatible, USB ported, budget computer joystick. When Logitech constructed the Attack, they took only the basic features that every joystick must have and made a cheap, but extremely reliable joystick.

The Attack has 11 programmable buttons and a rapid fire trigger. Like always it has included with it the Logitech Profiler software which makes it almost too easy to assign specific tasks and keystrokes to certain buttons.

This joystick has a symmetrical handle so it will fit either a right or left hand, which would be infinitely easier than using your off-hand if you were born left handed. It also comes with, like all Logitechs, comes with a one year warranty (even though I suspect you won't need it).

In conclusion, if your in need of a computer joystick to "tide you over" until you get enough cash to score a new one, then this joystick just might be for you. Or, if your just an extremely frugal spender and still don't want to sacrifice quality, then this joystick just might be for you!

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Computer Joystick

2008-01-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

This post is a review on the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro USB Joystick.

The 3D Pro is a Mac and Windows compatible USB ported joystick. It's design is used primarily in flying type games such as Microsoft's Flight Simulator X and can even be used in games like Battlefield 2 to pilot jets and helicopters.

This computer joystick comes (like all Logitech joysticks) the Logitech Profiler software which can be used to easily assign different actions or commands to specific keys. Logitech's Profiler software isn't anything revolutionary but it definitely gets the job done (Especially considering the Extreme 3D Pro is a 20-30USD joystick).

This joystick is pretty "basic" in all categories, but it does whatever "basic" task it has quite well. This controller is meant for those who still want to have a lot of fun with this type of controller but don't want to pay an arm and a leg.

The 3D Pro has 12 conveniently placed buttons, eight-way hat switch, twist-able handle, and rapid-fire trigger. Its not the best in the style department, but it will definitely suffice for the average or budget conscious buyer.

Overall, if you are looking for a solid computer joystick that will not break in a few weeks and be compatible with all the current games and your computer, you should take the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick into consideration.

Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless Computer Joystick

2008-01-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

This post is a review on the Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless USB Joystick.

The Logitech Freedom 2.4 joystick is made with flying games in mind (But definitely not limited to). The "2.4" in the name stands for 2.4 GHz which is the wireless part of the joystick which gives you 20 feet of uninterrupted range without lag or dropouts. The Freedom's smooth, brushed aluminum highlights really sets off this joystick. The wireless on this model really comes in handy when you have a cramped setup like myself, or you just want to have top of the line equipment (For some reason it feels much better to gun down an enemy on wireless than it does with wired =D).

This great computer joystick works an extremely long time without needing a change in batteries (at least 50 hours of gameplay with the three included AA batteries). It has great response and has 10 programmable buttons. Also, another thing I have to commend on this unit is the way it feels in your hand; it really feels good and my hand doesn't tire after long periods of time holding it. This is probably because of the great intuitive button placement that really helps the game "suck you in."

This joystick works with both Macs and PCs, so no matter what your platform it is sure to work.

Overall, this is a great joystick for flying games and the like. Even though it has a few small flaws, they can be easily overlooked because of the price and how great a product it is. If your looking for a new computer joystick then you should seriously consider the Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless USB Joystick.

Saitek X52 Flight USB Computer Joystick

2008-01-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

This post is a review on the Saitek X52 Flight Control USB Joystick.

As the above picture shows, the Saitek X52 joystick is a controller that was built specifically for flying games. It was created based off of valuable customer feedback from the X36 and X45 models and I must say it addresses all of the problems with the previous models flawlessly. This flight joystick features 23 buttons, three 8-way hat switches and seven control axes for perfect movement control. Also, the throttle and the joystick are separate which I find extremely useful on my small, cramped computer desk.

Look at the software part of things; the X52 also includes programming software that allows to to customize the joystick to suit your specific needs. This practically eliminates the need for a keyboard during your flying games; keeping your hands right on the joystick, where they should be.

Moving on, this flight joystick looks great. It has many of beautiful blue buttons and an illuminated blue display which is great for all of those low-light setups and past midnight gaming. It uses the standard USB interface and leaves very little to be desired.

Overall this is a brilliant computer joystick for flying games like Microsoft's Flight Simulator. Although, there are two things which kind of disappointed me: No wireless support or force feedback. But those can be easily be overlooked when you take in the big picture of this great computer joystick.

XBOX 360 Computer Joysticks

2008-01-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Joysticks specifically designed for the XBOX 360 console do exist, and can be purchased from almost any XBOX-specific gaming accessory dealer. Most XBOX 360 joysticks are usually in the "arcade" style of layout. That is, they have around six round, glossy face buttons and an old fashion arcade-style joystick.

Some specific models of 360 joysticks are the Dead or Alive 4 branded joystick and the XBOX 360 Live joystick. These are both arcade style joysticks; and concerning the layout of these joysticks, they would leave much to be desired in driving or flying type games (Not for use in Flight Simulator X).

If your looking into playing driving games on your 360, there are a few steering wheel joysticks available which would put you right in the middle of the action of your favorite game. But lastly, if your looking at intense "flying-centered" games, (like Microsoft's Flight Simulator X) you should look into getting the game for the PC and using a USB or PS2 computer joystick because the experience will just not be the same without the correct airplane pilot-type controller.

Computer Flight Simulator Joysticks

2008-01-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

Flight Simulator joysticks are joysticks that are used primarily in Microsoft's line of flight simulators (the newest one being the award winning and amazing game: Flight Simulator X).

Flight simulator joysticks are usually shaped and formed like a regular pilots steering controls. Having controls so similar to the real thing really helps the person playing the game experience the game to its full effect; You really feel like you are part of the action.

These special joysticks can be purchased from many online retailers and local retailers (Best Buy and so on). Doing a quick internet search for them will yield a plethora of information, reviews, and products. In order to pick the right joystick, you should make sure to get the best price to performance ratio unless you want your new joystick breaking in the middle of a firefight. So remember, when looking for a flight simulator joystick make sure to check product ratings and descriptions for every single product you are considering purchasing.

Computer Analog Joysticks

2008-01-14T21:42:00.000-08:00

An analog joystick is basically just a fancy term for a slightly more-than-average, cream of the crop-type of joystick. Hopefully this will make sense to you: analog joysticks works by returning an angle measure of the movement in any direction or plane. No? Well read on.

This type of joystick is used primarily in commercial operations. As I mentioned in another post, a good example of this would be a crane operator and the controls he uses to maneuver huge metal support beams.

On another note, if you are in the market for analog joysticks, you may want to take a look at my industrial joysticks article. Basically the two terms (industrial and analog) are interchangeable in the joystick business. You have to buy both of them in bulk and both come in all shapes, sizes, and specifications.

Analog joysticks are meant for work type procedures. So, unfortunately, there are not very many analog joysticks that are compatible with mainstream flying or driving games.

Industrial Computer Joysticks

2008-01-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

Industrial joysticks are joysticks that are used in commercial jobs.

For example, imagine something like a construction crane lifting a huge support beam up to the very top of a new building under construction. If your going to have maximum control over that huge beam, four arrow keys just isn't going to cut it. Thats where industrial joysticks come into play.

Industrial joysticks allow crane operators and other professionals to have the pinpoint precision they require in difficult and dangerous jobs like the one described above. One wrong move and you might send it falling hundreds of feet onto an unsuspecting worker.

Usually you have to buy industrial joysticks in bulk from commercial suppliers. Your local best buy isn't going to have any in stock. Save yourself a major headache and do some research and check out some reviews before buying your industrial joysticks. If you mess up a simple specification or something similar you could have some very big liability down the road. Make sure you put a lot of research into getting the correct industrial joystick for the job.

USB Computer Joysticks

2008-01-14T21:30:00.001-08:00

USB Joysticks are the most common form of joysticks used with computers. They are plugged into the rectangular ports on the back (and sometimes front or top) of your computer.

The reason the USB interface is internationally used is because it makes it very convenient and simple to configuring and install a USB joystick. For most joysticks there are two versions: a PS2 port version for those who have an older computer with that certain port and the USB version. If you have both I would suggest going with the USB joystick version because it will usually save you a few headaches should something go wrong with the compatibility. Another reason you might want to choose the USB is if you plan on using the joystick with another computer at your friends house or something, you probably wont have access to another PS2 port; but 99.9% of the time, you WILL have access to another USB port for your USB joystick.

Computer joysticks can be used for many different types of applications and having a USB joystick instead of a PS2 ported one will make it a lot easier for your existing equipment and setup to go together fast and smoothly with your newly purchased USB joystick.

PS2 Computer Joysticks

2008-01-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

PS2 Joysticks can refer to one of two things. Either a joystick meant for the Playstation 2 console, or it is also a port similar to a USB port. The PS2 port can have keyboards and mice plugged into them as well as joysticks, but is being phased out in newer computer models because of some slight compatibility problems.

There are quite a few playstation 2 joysticks that would suit most user's needs. The only downfall is that most of them are situated and formed like a driver's steering wheel, making it extremely difficult to play flying or shooting games.

PS2 ported joysticks are also plentiful. For almost every USB joystick there is a PS2 version that offers all of the same features and performance as it's counterpart.

I recommend shopping around on online retailers and doing some research of your own when looking for a PS2 joystick. You want to get the best price to performance ratio on your new PS2 computer joystick and not end up with a piece of junk.

Computer Joysticks

2008-01-14T21:14:00.000-08:00

This blog will be entirely dedicated to computer joysticks. There will be articles discussing advantages and disadvantages of USB joysticks and PS2 joysticks. Also, I will add articles noting you should purchase this brand or type of joystick, etc.

Articles based on which joystick would be most advantageous to use with specific joysticks will be posted (such as flight simulator joysticks). XBOX 360 joysticks will be covered.

Commercial use joysticks will get their own articles. These will include analog joysticks and industrial joysticks.

Hopefully you look forward to this blog and come back to it time and again. This blog will help you determine which computer joystick is right for the thing you want to do.