Introduction to PC joysticks

Most PC games can be played with a simple mouse and ordinary computer keyboard – if you’re an average gamer, that is. But if you are a serious and inveterate gamer, those peripherals are not enough. That is why the manufacturers created and developed different game tools to provide a more fun and real life experience. And one of these great tools is the joystick.

The joysticks are usually compatible with game consoles like X-Box or Play Station, but they have also been redesigned to be compatible with computers. PC joysticks are used for arcade type games and flight simulation games. The different joystick models are designed to suit specific types of games.

When choosing a device for your computer, first determine what type of device you need. Think about the games you usually play. So if your games require joystick control, you’re in the right direction.

Below are the features and layout of the controller: hotkeys, throttle, trigger, etc. Different manufacturers created different joysticks for PC, so be enthusiastic but diligent. And finally, determine how much you are willing to spend and stick to your budget. The ordinary PC gaming joystick can cost as little as $ 20, while the high-end PC joystick can cost up to $ 300. Most of the time, the additional joystick functions mean extra money. So again, ask yourself what it is that you really need. Will you go for quality, brand name, or features? Always check if the game control device is compatible with your machine and if your computer meets the minimum requirements for the joystick. If you do all of those things, you surely won’t waste your money.

There are different brands of computer game controllers available on the market today. One of the most talked about is the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 joystick. It was Microsoft’s newest joystick model, a better adaptation of its first joystick version: rebuilt and redesigned. Force Feedback 2 is sleeker, slimmer, and lighter. It has a built-in AC power supply and is USB compliant. It has an on-board 16-bit processor and optical digital technology for a close-to-reality flight experience. With its 16 programmable action buttons, hat switch, rotary handle, and rock-solid base, you’ll definitely enjoy and feel the game. a bestseller then and still a bestseller now.

Another well-known brand of joystick for PC is Logitech. Logitech has been creating great gaming peripherals and its line of PC joysticks is one of the best on the market. Attack 3, Extreme 3D Pro, Freedom 2.4, Forces 3D Pro and Flight System G940 Force are the most sought after by the gaming community.

  • Logitech Attack 3 is highly recommended for beginning gamers due to its simple and fluid setup and design; although it is suitable for all players. Attack 3 comes with an ambidextrous handle that offers comfort for both left and right handed players. It has eleven programmable buttons, rapid fire trigger, force feedback mechanism, and throttle control for an excellent and accurate gaming experience. It is compatible with PC and Macintosh computers and can be connected via the USB port.
  • Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is designed to offer a realistic gaming experience. With its twelve programmable buttons, high-precision throttle, eight-way rubber switch, and easy-grip rotary handle, accessing multiple commands is easier, faster, and smoother.
  • Logitech Freedom 2.4 provides freedom of play with its 2.4GHZ wireless technology that gives you access to games within a 20-foot range. Its features include an eight-way hat switch, aluminum trigger and throttle, ten programmable action buttons, rotary handle, and weighted rubber base. Logitech Freedom 2.4 is battery powered and ergonomically designed in brushed metal and rubber. And with its price tag you’ll also get three “AA” batteries.
  • Logitech Forces 3D Pro belongs to the list of the ten “best devices for PC”. With its improved force feedback mechanism, eight-way rubber hat switch, high-precision throttle, rotary handle, and twelve programmable action buttons, you’ll get maximum control and a realistic gaming experience. Logitech Forces 3D Pro is PC and Mac compatible and can be connected via the USB port.
  • The Logitech G940 Flight Force System is not for the faint hearted. This one is definitely for the gaming enthusiasts. It is designed to look, function and feel like a real commercial and military aircraft. With its dual throttle system, dropout, brakes, force feedback mechanism, rudder pedals, programmable buttons on the throttle base, and indicator lights, you’ll feel G-forces, turbulence, wind shear and bumps right in your game. Logitech G940 Flight Force System will increase your gaming experience by up to ten levels. If you are a true gamer, the high tag price of $ 300 or more will not be a problem.

Besides Logitech, another popular and highly rated PC joystick brand is Saitek. Saitek released four joystick models; ST90, ST50, Aviator, Cyborg X and X52 Flight System.

  • Saitek ST90 is a perfect PC joystick for beginners. It has a unique retractable tripod design that provides stability and easy storage. It is designed with four position digital throttle, LED indicator, two fire buttons, quick fire trigger, and single spring gimbal mechanism for quick and easy control. And for the beginner it is quite affordable.
  • Saitek ST50 comes in a simple and compact design. Features include rapid-fire trigger, force feedback system, built-in throttle, three action buttons, and pistol grip palm rest. Saitek ST50 can be connected via USB port.
  • Saitek Aviator belongs to the list of the ten “best devices for PC”. It is the first dual throttle PC joystick released on the market. It has a rugged military design with high-quality features and performance. It comes with an eight-way hat switch, rapid fire trigger, illuminated missile launcher, rudder twist, two-mode switch, and dual-throttle stick. Saitek Aviator uses Saitek Smart Technology (SST) that can program up to 40 commands.
  • Saitek Cyborg X has been on the market for ten years and is still one of the best-selling PC joysticks. This futuristic device was designed to combine cutting edge engineering and innovative design. For superior performance, Saitek packed this Cyborg with twelve programmable action buttons, dual throttle stick, adjustable point of view hat switch, tilt head mechanism, shift knob, rotary shaft rudder, and adjustable handle.
  • The Saitek X52 flight system is designed for maximum aeronautical authenticity. It is designed with full rubber grips, partially metal construction, and multi-function display. It uses Roger Wilco Chat software and Saitek Smart technology that can program 282 commands. Its features include toggle switch, three-way mode switch, steering wheel on the throttle, trigger buttons, eight-way hat switch, five-way rotary handle, and rudder control.

Another well-known manufacturer of PC joysticks and gaming devices is Thrustmaster. They used the HOTAS system for computer flight simulation games and have licensing agreements with prestigious brands such as Ferrari, Splinter Cell, Top Gun and others. They have launched five models of joystick for PC; USB joystick, T-Flight Stick X, T16000M, T-Flight HOTAS X and HOTAS Cougar.

  • The Thrustmaster USB joystick is the cheapest in the Thrustmaster line of PC joysticks. It has a simple and basic design that is perfect for beginning players. It comes with basic joystick features like thumb throttle, three-axis button, trigger, four-action button, and easy camera control.
  • Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X is ergonomically designed for comfort and easy control. Its features include motion sensor function, internal memory, 12 programmable action buttons, air brake trigger, rotary handle, four axes, multi-directional hat switch, throttle lever, and rapid-fire trigger. Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X is compatible with PC and PS3 and can be connected via the USB port.
  • Thrustmaster T16000M is a fully ambidextrous joystick that has three removable components to accommodate both right and left handed people. This joystick has exclusive PRECISE HALLEFFECT (HEART) TECHNOLOGY, twelve buttons to enable switches, 16 action buttons, multi-directional hat, rudder control and four axes.
  • Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X comes with a detachable throttle control, wide palm rest, dual-system aerodynamic system, internal memory, 12 programmable buttons, 5-axis, high-precision stick, rapid-fire trigger, multi-directional hat, mapping buttons and brake triggers. Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X is licensed.
  • Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar is the joystick for gaming enthusiasts. It is an exact replica of the legendary F-16 fighter plane. Featuring 28 programmable action buttons, Foxy programming software, all-metal construction, and multi-hat switch. This virtually realistic PC joystick is a must have if you have $ 200 to $ 270 to spare.

So when you’ve decided to indulge yourself and buy your own PC gaming devices, get ready for a hunt. A search for the cheapest, a search for the best, and a search for what you need. You can find the best joystick for PC at your nearest computer and electronics store or you can search for it online. If you are not ready for a high tag price but want a good deal; try an online auction or thrift store.

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