Windows PC FFXI Game ControllerFollow

So, I need yet another new controller. Here's a little background:

I have a Joytech wired Xbox 360 controller that *almost* works great on the PC. The problem is with the drivers which recognizes all buttons but the lower shoulder ones, which causes a serious issue with the amount of bindings you need in FFXI. I encountered the same issue with an Microsoft branded xbox wired controller, so it's a driver issue and not the hardware. Both controllers install the same Microsoft driver, automatically downloaded from their site.

Before anyone points me over to the unsanctioned third party hacks - I've tried them. It seems that once you have installed the Microsoft version of the controller drivers, you can't install the XBCD drivers with any success without ripping apart the registry in your system, and that project has long since been abandoned anyway. Please don't point me to that site, because I am looking for a solution from a reputable company that will work with minimal intervention from me, and XBCD is NOT it.

I have been through two controllers that are designed for the pc but are pieces of junk. They are the retractable cord kind, and what happens is whenever you put the controller down something jars loose and the usb connection is broken for a few seconds. On occasion, this locks up the game. I have been unable to find any wired PC controllers that appear to be of good quality.

While I do enjoy the style of both the Xbox controllers and the SixAxis controllers, it would probably be more useful to invest in another Xbox controller since I have a 360 but no Ps3.

1. Does anyone use the new wireless Xbox controller that is designed for use in Windows specifically with FFXI? The reason I ask is because it is imperative that the lower shoulder buttons are recognized as individual buttons rather than axis, which is what the drivers for the wired versions sees them as. The lower shoulder buttons when playing on the 360 are typically bound to the left and right macro sets, and the left top is bound to the autorun button. This is incredibly convenient and something that is sorely missed when using the wired xbox controllers on the PC. I have had to bind the autorun key to the start button in order to use the top shoulder buttons for the macro palettes, and I can't even begin to tell you what a pain in the *** this is.

If someone could be so kind as to either confirm that all the buttons work, or let me know that they don't work on the newer wireless ones either, I would appreciate it. I am in dire need of a fully functional controller and I am not throwing money away on any more second rate cheap pieces of PC garbage.

I have heard testimony that the Sixaxis controllers work well with the PC, but for now I am only concerned with the 360 controllers.

Thanks for any help you can give!

Ya, Keyboard > All.

I haven't used the Xbox controllers, but I have two from Logitech:

Here's a list.
I have #1 and #3 on that list, and they work just fine, all the buttons.

It may be awkward at first, but in a week or two you'd greatly improve your gameplay.



[:shrug:] I've used Logitech for years, and never had any problems.

And all your problems would be solved with one (any, really) of them, because I know for a fact, that they work 100% with FFXI. So, whose got the higher quality controllers?


So, have you tried manually installing the driver from the CD prior to plugging the device into your computer? (Which means you'd have to uninstall the device from the hardware manager.) Sometimes Windows automatically installs the wrong driver, or a generic driver (which is why many devices have big letters saying "Install CD first!".

I'm going to ignore the insinuation that I am a poor player because I prefer the ease of a controller. I didn't come here and ask the question to argue keyboard vs controller. The macro sets have a delay when you use the keyboard and that delay can be costly. The controller has no such delay. It is far easier in my opinion to move and pan the camera using the directional sticks, and I still have the macro sets at my fingertips without having to shift my hand in order to reach and hold it down long enough for it to come up, and then move my hand again to move along the palette.

You stick with the keyboard, and as I said before, I will stick with the controller.



Love arguments by anecdote: I can do that too. I have have Logitech controllers and keyboards before and they were crap. I don't want more crap, and you will never convince me that a 16 dollar logitech controller is higher quality than either a 360 or a sixaxis (especially the Sixaxis/Dualshock).




What cd? There IS no cd, the drivers come from Microsoft directly. Again, you clearly do not know anything about what I am asking, so I suggest you stay out of the conversation. Do a little research before you come in here accusing people of not knowing what they are doing. If you go to both Microsoft and Joytech's websites, they both state very clearly that the driver will be downloaded and automatically installed from the Microsoft gaming site. This is only for the wired controllers. And, the driver doesn't work properly. I have emailed Microsoft and they have no plans to release an updated driver at this point in time.





Thanks very much for the reply! I might end up going with the Sixaxis if nobody can confirm whether the new wireless controllers for 360 work. I wanted to look at the 360 ones first since I actually have a 360 and could use it on both. In any event, your information is most helpful.