I've wanted to get a game pad for a while, but I know that there are some shitty ones out there. So does anyone have any suggestions?

I'm only interested in corded controllers. I don't want yet another wireless device that I have to constantly be changing the batteries for.

I use the Xbox 360 controller for Windows, it works pretty well

I use xbox pc pad

i've grown accustomed to this

The easiest solution is to use a controller from an existing console. Currently, every system has a controller that works on PC. To get them to work, though, is another matter entirely.

The 360 controller only works (by default) with programs that explicitly support it, or the GFW standard (ass). There is, currently, no program that just supports any of these things and allows you to button map (sadly) ... but there are programs to use them and emulate other input (like the keyboard or a virtual gamepad).

So, you can use those, if you want. I think unless you already have the controller the 360 option is a bit of a rip off. (considering it's $50USD and the charge kit is another $20USD and that's only if you happen to find the Windows version ... if you don't you can add another $20 for the RF adapter: LAME) The other controllers, while at, roughly the same price, use bluetooth and a bluetooth adapter is much more extensible.

But, yeah, I've always found that PC, specific, gamepads have been pretty terrible, so I've always used console gamepads on my PC. There are, of course, other connectors you can buy (usually around $20 USD) that will adapt whatever system controller to USB (or Serial Port :S). I know there's at least one for PSX/2, SNES, NES, and Xbox (why?) and those are all corded. (Keep in mind if these things don't have drivers, you can use that glovepie program to read their input and map them to direct input)

So, if you're more comfortable with a particular console's pad, you can probably just use that and get a way of connecting it (and using it).

I use my playstation 2 controller with an adapter that converts it to usb. Cost me 10 bucks and you can even plug in two controllers to it if you need.

Would that be one of the Joybox models? That's the only brand I've managed to find.

This is the one I have:

http://www.amazon.com/Cables4pc-Playstation-USB-PC-Adapter/dp/B000SPA46M/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1214856561&sr=8-5

Works great, analog sticks and everything. Even works under linux on my media pc.

If you have a ps2 controller and don't wanna spend too much then just get the adaptor. I really prefer getting a 360 controller.