Buying A Computer Joystick

Computer Joysticks are sometimes preferred over keyboards or other types of peripherals for games. However, when selecting a joystick, you should be sure that the joystick you selected is compatible with your setup, efficient, and easy to use.

The first step is to determine what type of port your is available on the back of your computer. If you have a PS/2 port, you will probably need an adapter for most new or next-gen joysticks. If you have a USB port then you will have decent compatibility with 99% of the modern computer joysticks you will encounter. If your computer doesn't have any of these ports available (they are taken up, or you lack them) you may need to add a USB card to the computer before your new joystick will be able to be used.

If you have the opportunity, you should try to use the joystick in-store before purchasing it. If the joystick is uncomfortable or you are having to use too much force when maneuvering it in different directions, you should probably pass on that model of joystick because it may cause unnecessary wrist strain and leave you unable to have the fast reaction time that new age games require. Make sure the joysticks cord is long enough to reach your computer's ports. You might also want to go the wireless joystick route. Joysticks come in a lot of varieties of sizes; including units that are small enough to hold in just one hand, as well as much larger, more expensive table-top units. Both have their pros and cons.

Some good joystick brands are Logitech, Microsoft, Saitek, Gravis, and many more. If you are a collector, many older models of joysticks from brands like Atari and Commodore can still be found with a little hunting on auction sites like eBay or on sites like Craigslist and can occasionally still be found in their original boxes!

Tyler Geonetta runs a website with Computer Joystick Reviews For more on information Joysticks visit his blog.