Hello,

I'm new to this forum and joined to ask this question. I originally had Skyrim on my PS3 and got rid of it because the DLC isn't available. Instead of going to 360, I decided to run my new laptop through it's paces and downloaded Skyrim from Steam.

After using the keyboard and mouse and having to remember the multitude of buttons required for the many actions, I want to look into a PC controller. I actually bought one, but I don't like it. Even after assigning the buttons in the Control list, some don't work or another button works in its place.

Anyway, I'm wanting suggestions from actual gamers for good PC controllers out there that are compatible with Windows 7 64-bit and actually work while playing Skyrim.

Thanks in advanced

I'd go for an XBox 360 Wireless with a USB wireless adapter, mainly because the hardware is officially supported on PC and it's all plug&play.

Where can I find the adapter? Do you have a link so I know I'm getting the correct one?

These are the controllers for the 360 that work on the PC

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_kk_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3A360+controller+pc&keywords=360+controller+pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1352143987

Note, the wireless one can be problematical for some folks to get working on their systems, has nothing to do with the game. For that reason, unless you need a wireless controller, get the wired one. Cheaper, no batteries and no issues.

How will I know if it's compatible with my OS? I've never used a console-like controller with my PC before, and while shopping at Best Buy for one, I looked at the packaging for a 360 controller for Windows, and under system requirements it said "excludes 64-bit". Now, does that mean it won't be compatible with my laptop? Is that even relevant? I know the number refers to different processor capabilities, but I figured a better process would handle the controller?

You could look at a Razor Nostromo gamepad. It's essentially a gaming keyboard for your left hand, and works extremely well with a mouse...but takes about 2 months to really get the hang of.

Just look up "XBox wireless reciever" on ebay, at least I'd get it on ebay as it's a lot cheaper (<$10). The issue with the wireless reciever seems to have been resolved with Windows 8, but it still works fine with Windows 7. The problem is that often the driver will cease to line up with the device, so you have to assign the driver manually with your device manager periodically. All said and done, the 360 wireless setup works fine with Win7, 8, and, IIRC, even Vista.

You can also use the wired 360 controller You also have the added benefit of the buttons already being mapped. You can also change the mapping.

Hmmm? Buttons are already mapped with the wireless controller and are just as easily remapped.

Somewhere along the line (probably after detangling a zillion computer cables or my friend's pugs unplugging stuff with their specialized tails) I resolved that anything that can be wireless should be wireless. Just a personal preference, I'm sure, but I've not looked back (bluetooth mouse and keyboard even work with BIOS, pre OS load) and there is *no disadvantage to the wireless version save the intermittent Win7 driver thing (which is easily resolved).

*well, I guess needing batteries would qualify, but I use rechargeable AA batteries for a bunch of other devices already, so they're on tap.

Yeah go for wired its best i dont like wireless controller its heavy, battery life svcks, additional charger costs $10 and has a big battery pack at the back of the controller which is kinda annoying and makes it lot heavier. wired will work with both 64bit and 32bit and if u have windows 7 its plug and play windows will automatically install the drivers no need to insert driver disk or anything.

Like you said personal preference I like wired. I also don't have anyone else using my PC so that helps. I liked wired because is does not turn off during game play.

I started with the wireless Xbox360 controller and then switched to the wired version. I definitely preferred the wired Xbox360 controller. Don't have to worry about recharging batteries and it does appear to feel slightly more responsive (could be my imagination). I am on Windows 7 64-bit.