Which Xbox controller for the Apache?

[sobe]

I have never used an Xbox controller, but now with the Apache, it seems to be recommended.  I took a look on Amazon and realized that there appears to be a number of Xbox controller knock-offs plus the ones from Microsoft.  So I am looking for some actual user experiences and recommendations  with the Xbox controller in order to decide what to buy for the Apache.  The prices are all over the place from $20 to $150 and from battery to plugin USB. 

[Lace]

I use an XBox controller for flying when I'm away from my main simpits.  For me the original, genuine Microsoft ones are the best for a couple of reasons.  I have tried others, from cheap knock-offs, to the fancy Razer Wolverine, but none are as useful for DCS.  With the original MS product, the triggers are independent axes, i.e, you can map the left and right triggers to separate things.  I use left and right toe brakes.  In addition, the 'back' and 'start' buttons are recognised by DCS as actual buttons.  This allows me to use them as modifiers, which doubles (actually quadruples) up the number of inputs you can map to the controller buttons.

The other controllers I tried do not have these functions, which massively limits the utility of the controller.  Some have additional re-mappable buttons which sounds good, until you realise they are just mimicking other button presses, and not actually adding anything to the functionality of the device.

Battery/wired is down to personal preference.  At least wired don't shut down mid-flight if you forget to charge them.

I know people look down on game controllers, and I'm not going to argue they are better than a proper HOTAS setup, but with a bit of thought, you can find them very useful for complex aircraft.  I've attached my Viper controls to demonstrate just how much can be mapped.

[sobe]

Lace

That was a great response and your views on MS Xbox controllers are well taken.  So on just a quick look at what is available on Amazon, I noticed several controllers from MS and I have no idea what is their (and maybe others) differences.  Below is just a sample of what I found.  When you say "original MS"  what do you mean?

 

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller + Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 - Xbox

Nov 10, 2020 | by Microsoft

4.5 out of 5 stars 938

Xbox

 

$79.99

$85.50

Get it Thu, Nov 4 - Tue, Nov 9

FREE Shipping

Only 8 left in stock - order soon.

More Buying Choices
$60.79(14 used & new offers)

 

Microsoft 4N6-00001 Xbox Controller + Cable for Windows, Black

4.5 out of 5 stars 7,612

 

$69.97

FREE Delivery Sun, Nov 7

More Buying Choices
$59.98(27 used & new offers)

 

 

Xbox Core Controller - Carbon Black

Nov 10, 2020 | by Microsoft

4.7 out of 5 stars 51,150

Xbox One

 

$49.49

$59.99

FREE Delivery for Prime members

More Buying Choices
$43.49(67 used & new offers)

 

And a ton more:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=xbox+controller+for+pc&rh=n%3A468642%2Cp_89%3AMicrosoft&dc&gclid=CjwKCAjwoP6LBhBlEiwAvCcthKHbWjxkcSYVKhw7kmMXOzl3UsFm0xphPQeqjV3bjCgweGhDukXnaBoC_9oQAvD_BwE&hvadid=338580930417&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9033176&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17319205688808112193&hvtargid=kwd-296688899725&hydadcr=26613_9642397&qid=1635780004&rnid=2528832011&tag=googhydr-20&ref=sr_nr_p_89_1

I like the first one above.

 

Edited November 1, 2021 by sobe

[Lace]

Ha ha, yes, that is the question.  I have an older model.  Short of buying the newer ones and testing them out I can't honestly say, but I would like to think that any genuine Microsoft (I should have said 'genuine', not 'original' in my response above) controllers will behave in the same way.  My point was that in my experience, the non-Microsoft copies do not perform as well.

[Roosterfeet]

I would go with one of the newer models (circular D-pad and 3 buttons in the middle). I had the shoulder buttons break on the old model and that is apparently a common problem. I've also seen some stands out there that might be pretty handy for a HOTAS for flight / Gamepad for TADS setup.

[GoodHope]

6 hours ago, sobe said:

 

Xbox Core Controller - Carbon Black

Nov 10, 2020 | by Microsoft

4.7 out of 5 stars 51,150

Xbox One

 

$49.49

$59.99

FREE Delivery for Prime members

More Buying Choices
$43.49(67 used & new offers)

 

 

 

I went with this one and I've been using it with the Gaz--it works well.  My only complaint is that I wish I could figure out how to change the two triggers from axis to buttons.  MS has an app where you can change buttons and flip axis and such, but I don't see a way to change them to buttons.  Sorry, not trying to hijack your thread, but to me it is an important point.  I'm wondering if a playstation controller wouldn't have that issue.

[Mad Dog 762]

I have one I use for other games, it is wireless but I actually just plug it in and leave it, it seems to work better that way.  I get some glitches on wireless.  I have never used it in DCS, but I am seriously going to consider using it for the TEDAC on the Longbow.