Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
for Windows.
10
As the product name implies, it's an Xbox 360 controller
designed to work with Microsoft Windows games. The controller is available
in both a wired and, for about $20 more, a wireless version. I use the wired
version since I don't play a lot of platform titles that require the use of a game
controller. The wired version (which the next figure shows) has enough length
in the cable to reach around most desktop PC setups.
Figure 73—The Xbox 360 wired controller for Windows
For flight-simulation enthusiasts, a well-constructed joystick with a heavy
metal base is ideal. As for gamepads, a number of manufacturers offer a
variety of joystick configurations that range in price from a couple to hundreds
of dollars. I've been a fan of high-end Thrustmaster products for years. The
top-of-the-line Hotas Warthog and throttle package is made with solid plastic
and metal construction and modeled against authentic joysticks used in real-
world fighter jets (it's even officially licensed by the U.S. Air Force).
11
In addition
to flight simulators, the Thrustmaster joystick-plus-throttle combination
works great with big mech robot games. It's one of the most expensive PC
gaming peripherals on the market, but for die-hard flight-simulation fanatics,
it's the only controller that feels perfect.
