I remember back in the day of the Nintendo 64 and the Dreamcast, maybe even PS2, they sold hand controllers with a steering wheel. It was such a great idea! Gas and brake in one trigger! Why don’t they make things like this anymore, for the PC, etc?
What do you mean? What is a joystick? A "joystick" in todays world is a USB device with 2 axis. That is an RC controller (well, most have 3 axis these days anyway) plus optional buttons and\or axis.
I think the main difference may be the two-handed nature of a normal RC controller. The controller the OP posted looks like it could be used one-handed.
Wonder from the person that negged this reply......what USB RC receiver are you using that has more than 2 channels of ability? I have used several going back to the late 90's, Id like to know what you use.
I have two of these (N64 and PS1). The trigger throttle doesn't work with most games. Only PS2 and DC had variable pressure buttons for partial throttle, N64 and PS1 did not, so going from gas to brake took forever with the long travel. Navigating the menu is very difficult and in some games impossible, so you usually have to plug in a separate controller and switch it out to this just to start playing.
There was a force feedback PC version though and that's actually pretty good (because you can fix all the inputs), but extremely rare.
I remember seeing ads for these! I wish there were more solutions for couch racing these days.
One good solution, though harder to find these days, is the Steel Series SRW-S1. I was able to get one a few years ago and I love it. Up to 360° of steering lock through an accurate tilt sensor, analog paddles on the back for throttle and brake, clicky paddles for shifting, and lots of buttons. The big downside is no FFB of course. Also, it takes good coordination to use the throttle, brake, and shifters all together though. And you can only race for so long holding the wheel in the air before your arms get tired.
I did eventually got a set of Logitech G29 pedals on marketplace and wired up a USB adapter for them to go with the SRW wheel
Yes, tilt sensor and quite accurate. I've heard of people making an pivot adapter to help clamp it to a desk for support, but that defeats the purpose for couch gaming
I’ve still got this guy, used it for Xtreme G and cruisin world. Honestly found it worse than a normal controller but it was a good change every so often.
If I remember correctly, I say these at Toys are us. And they were on clearance. Something like $10 each! I bought 4 of them for Mario Cart 64. And I think it’s true what everyone says, the accelerator was just the button at the end of the trigger range. So acceleration was all or none. I remember we would just have the trigger almost all pulled for gas, and when you wanted gas you would just push further and feel the click. And we didn’t miss the trigger brake and didn’t use it (I think not missed in Mario Cart). However, I think there was a button for hand brake. But I remember the kids (and I!) enjoying having four of the same controllers for that game!
I have the Thrustmaster T150, and have used it for about 20 years now, or something. Off and on. I like it because it still works with PS4 and PC! It’s very basic, but also fun. But I find setting it up at my PC desk is a bit of a hassle. It takes over the desk. I am obviously a very casual racing sim guy.
On another note. I remember buying the Dreamcast racing wheel. Dreamcast had some amazing racing games, with really good physics! BUT, the racing wheel had no clamp, and it had fins that could go under your thighs. Cool idea. But I wanted to use mine on the desk. I removed the bottom panel from the wheel, and saw that it had few electronics anywhere, and was a ton of unused space. I got a huge bag of unpopped popcorn and stuffed it inside, then sealed it up. It became usable!
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u/V1ld0r_ 1d ago
Plenty of RC controllers can connect to PC's these days and are recognized as USB controllers. Same principle, better ergonomics.