Just buy a modern USB Controller. In theory, every controller device that's working correctly in Windows (and Linux or other OS) should work with DOSBox, too. A big advantage of modern controllers is that you don't have to calibrate them every few minutes, like these old Gameport devices (; . I remember going through a lot of both cheap and expensive joysticks in the DOS days, and always had the problem the devices went out of calibration after a short while.

I'm a big fan of the Microsoft controllers for the Xbox and Xbox 360. As these controllers were designed for "heavy-duty" console usage, they are very sturdy. I did try a few Logitech joypads, and was very disappointed when they started falling apart quickly after some gaming sessions (one major problem were the analog sticks, which would wear off and become "wobbly" very quickly). For the "old" Xbox controller you'll need an adapter (or you can "convert" it to USB yourself, with a little bit of soldering), the (wired) Xbox 360 controller has a standard USB interface. If you go for one of these, you should take a look at XBCD/XBCD360, which is an unofficial driver for both devices, and allows setting up each and every aspect of the controller in great detail. The Microsoft driver for the Xbox 360 pad hasn't got any configuration options at all, and Force Feedback doesn't work with older games.

There's no reason to buy a USB controller, other than preference; using an adapter is fine. As for the question, DOSBox will use any input device the host system offers, so yes, DOSBox will use "legacy" joysticks, no special config required, will work as well as any other joystick. If the joystick is recognized on the host, DOSBox should see it. DOSBox only knows devices through the SDL API, everything is an "SDL" device from DOSBox's view, and SDL only knows devices through host OS APIs, SDL in windows sees devices as Directx devices, so if your joystick comes up in the control panel and functions, it's OK.

So you're saying that no matter whether I use the old joystick or a new one, it should work in DOS Box? Then I think I'll shop around and see what's cheaper. I only have one Xbox 360 controller and it'll probably be in use by someone else when I'm on the computer. I'll check the back of my computer when I wake up, and then evaluate my options. If there's no game port, I'll either have to buy a new USB joystick, an adapter (not as easy to find on a "trustworthy" website as I'd like), or...some sort of card. Probably best if I look and see what slots I have available too then. Another concern I have is that certain adapters that I've found have a switch for different brands, and Gravis isn't one of them. Maybe I'm a simple man, but sometimes seeing those new joysticks with their extra buttons and features is intimidating. Hahaha...Back in the good old days, there were two buttons and none of the extra bulk.

ih8registrations wrote:

There's no reason to buy a USB controller, other than preference; using an adapter is fine.

Did you actually ever use a combination like that? Especially with a real "legacy" joystick from the DOS days? I'll bet my right arm that using an USB controller is _much_ easier, and they're not expensive, too.

WarGreymon77, if you already have a wired Xbox 360 controller, why not simply try it? All you have to do is to download and install drivers (either from MS, or XBCD360), plug in the controller, and test it in DOSBox.

As I explained, it either works or it doesn't, there is no easier. What it sounds like is you're conflating using an adapter with digital vs analog, which is a separate issue.

ih8registrations wrote:

As I explained, it either works or it doesn't

Ah, what wisdom! (;

I didn't "conflate" anything, i was recommending a quick, easy and relatively cheap soution. I didn't theorize about what could work and what couldn't, with statements grabbed out of thin air.

I used to not like gamepads at all, because of the bad experiences i've had when testing the flimsy Logitech stuff, and, much earlier, Gravis pads. But now, i'm playing all my games with Xbox pads, and found that these pads are a wonderful solution for casual use (hardcore flight sims are a different topic, as you need proper throttle and rudder control for these). They are easy to install, work perfectly well with all games and emulators, are compact and durable. I'm shuddering when i think about the last "DOS-Joystick" i had - a monster of a joystick called "Gravis Phoenix" or "Firebird" or something like that. The thing was huge, and quite expensive, and after two or three gaming hours, the analog stick started to creak loudly (mechanics), and "lost" it's calibration more and more often.

You say you didn't conflate anything and then go on to describe your analog joystick experiences, conflating that with the game port, just like you did the first time talking about having to recalibrate "every few minutes." That is an issue with analog joysticks.

Blah Blah Blah.

To get back on topic: As long as your old joystick has no more then two functionally different buttons, the type you select on the adapter should be the most basic one, no matter which company made it. All those old sticks are compatible with each other. The special types are for special joysticks from the mid-90s only.

Make sure the adapter is Vista compatible if you decide to get one, I'd guess that some aren't.

Hmm. Well, after taking a look at the back of my computer today (didn't last night because the desk is against the wall and I have to pull the tower out, possibly unplugging something by accident), I see that the sound is embedded. All ports are USB and Firewire. I had anticipated and feared as much. Looks like I'm going to have to shell out $13 to $30 for a new joystick. I'd buy an adapter, but judging by the reviews I have read, it sounds a bit risky.

Thanks for all of your help, guys. I look forward to playing my beloved old games now.

There's just one thing...The Walmart right here in town had absolutely no joysticks whatsover. The only thing close was a PC gamepad that resembled a PlayStation DualShock-style controller. I don't want a gamepad, I want a joystick with a trigger button. It would feel very weird playing NASCAR Racing with a controller's analog stick and buttons. I have played the newer series on the consoles without a joystick of course, but that somehow is different in my mind.

So I guess I'll have to make a 30-60 mile trip to the nearest Circuit City or Best Buy.

I'd get something online. I wouldn't spend the time or gas money(the cost of your joystick just went up) on such a trip, and the selection to choose from is much greater.

http://www.google.com/products?q=usb+joystick … ow=dd&scoring=p

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=GC-FBJ1&cat=JOY

http://www.google.com/products?q=usb+racing+w … ow=dd&scoring=p

cgi.ebay.com/saitek-joystick-used-very- ... 286.c0.m14

So, I have it that it is showing in dosbox, its a saitek st290 pro usb, now how can i make it work in a games such as Mechwarrior 2 dos ver?

Cyber