PC GAME CONTROLLERS

Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2

This award-winning game controller is one of the best general gamepads on the market and it's wireless, to boot! The Cordless Rumblepad 2 connects to your PC via 2.4GHz RF signals and has a 30-foot range (50% longer than the previous version), so you can put some space between you and the screen. And the wireless operation gives you the freedom to twist, turn, and move around without tangling or unplugging any cables.

As to the gamepad itself, the Rumblepad 2 incorporates realistic vibration feedback effects that let you feel every explosion as you play. Two independent vibration feedback motors provide maximum tactile feedback, and you can customize the amount of feedback generated.

The gamepad features dual analog mini-sticks, an eight-way D-pad, 11 programmable buttons, and a slide throttle. The mini-sticks are particularly responsive, with precise 360° movement. Even better, you can customize all the buttons and double the number of buttons by using the shift button.

Logitech's software lets you quickly switch between different controller configurations for different games. The Rumblepad 2 includes profiles for hundreds of popular games, and you can easily download new game profiles from the Internet.

All in all, a great force feedback game controller with the added bonus of wireless operation.

Model: Cordless Rumblepad 2 Manufacturer: Logitech (www.logitech.com) Price: $39.99

Gravis Xterminator Force Feedback Gamepad

If you want a no-compromise high-quality game controller, check out the Gravis Xterminator Force, one of the most popular controllers among hardcore gamers. The Xterminator Force offers one of the best force feedback systems today, with proportional-control D-pad and flippers. Just push the D-pad and it pushes back! This rugged gamepad also offers six programmable buttons, a Precision button for hyper-accurate play, and an ultra-comfortable design. It connects to your PC via USB.

Model: Xterminator Force Manufacturer: Gravis (www.gravis.com) Price: $69.99

Saitek X52 Flight Control System

Saitek's X52 is a two-piece control system for flying games, like Microsoft Flight Simulator. Piece one is a precision joystick with two-stage trigger, 4 fire buttons, and 3D rudder twist. Piece two is a progressive throttle with tension adjustment, 2 fire buttons, scroll wheel, and a clutch button. Put them together and it's just like flying a real airplane on your own PC, of course.

Model: X52 Manufacturer: Saitek (www.saitekusa.com) Price: $129.95

CH FighterStick USB

The FighterStick USB is simply the best joystick/flightstick controller available today. It's modeled after the Air Force's F-16 control column, and features 3-axis control, a side slide throttle wheel, 24 buttons, and three separate programming modes. You even get dual rotary trim controls for precision adjustment of ailerons and elevators. But the best thing about this flight stick is its sturdy base and solid feel; this is one controller that just feels right.

Model: FighterStick USB Manufacturer: CH Products (www.chproducts.com) Price: $149.95

X-Arcade Solo

When you're playing old school, you want a controller that feels like those classic arcade games of the past which is what the X-Arcade Solo delivers. The X-Arcade Solo is an accurate reproduction of a classic arcade controller, complete with joystick and 9 operation buttons. It's an industrial-grade controller, coming in at a hefty 12 pounds it'll take all the punishment you can give it. And you can purchase adapters to use with any current game system, as well as your PC.

Model: X-Arcade Solo Manufacturer: X-Arcade (www.x-arcade.com) Price: $99.95