The Basics:  Game Controllers

You can use your keyboard and mouse to play most computer games, including arcade-style games, board games, simulations and 3-D role-playing games. However, you're sure to miss a lot of the fun if you limit yourself to these two standard peripherals. To experience everything today's games have to offer, consider grabbing an aftermarket game controller.

Game controllers include joysticks, control pads, pedals, steering wheels and specialty keyboards and mice. Many of these devices are reasonably priced, so it's not necessary to be a diehard gamer to add one or more of them to your collection. We should warn you, though, that once you invest in a special controller, you may find it even more difficult than usual to tear yourself away from your favorite games.

Controllers are generally easy to install and use. Most support plug-and-play and are USB-based, so you will need an available USB port on your computer. Wireless products are also available, although as is typical of wireless hardware, they are more expensive than their wired counterparts.

Before you can use your new gaming hardware, you may need to install drivers, which are usually supplied on a CD. Products sometimes sit on a shelf for a while, so it's always a wise idea to check the manufacturer's website for updated drivers before installing any new hardware.

Be sure you are aware of a product's system requirements before you purchase. Some controlers will work in Windows but not in Mac OS (or vice versa), and some won't run in older operating system versions.

How To Shop

Game controller prices range from about $10 to more than $100. The more expensive products usually (but not always) offer more features and better construction.

Comfort level and construction quality are at least as important as features and price, if not more important. Comfort is an individual consideration that is based partly on personal preferences and partly on the size and flexibility of your hands. Although it's usually not possible to perform full hands-on testing of every available piece of entertainment hardware, a number of electronics and other stores allow you to get a feel of at least some of their available game controllers. Product reviews usually discuss comfort levels, including whether or not a product has rubber grips, whether it is equally comfortable for right- and left-handed gamers (many are not) and whether it's easy to reach all the buttons and other controls.

Construction quality goes hand-in-hand with comfort. A product that feels flimsy or cheap may cause you to worry that you're going to break it if you get carried away in the excitement of a game. If you are unable to check out a product personally, look for information about construction quality in product reviews. Comfort may be a personal consideration, but a determination about construction quality is fairly objective.