How to connect a joystick to a PC
Consoles have their own control scheme and internal configuration, which is noticeably different from computer systems. With the advent of consoles, the entire gaming world was divided into two parts. Some still preferred computer toys, while others liked the gaming platform. Each option has advantages, it all depends on the personal preferences of the users.
Initially, set-top boxes had their own unique settings, configurations and control schemes. For work, joysticks were used that combine everything necessary for a complete and high-quality gaming experience: convenient keys, a simple combination scheme and a quick connection to the console.
However, with the development of technology, our life becomes easier and advanced developments are being introduced into it. Thanks to adapted systems, it became possible to connect joysticks to a computer. Now players can experience all the fun of playing console games even on PC. In our article we will talk about possible ways to connect and synchronize devices to ensure gameplay, and also consider possible problems and connection problems. For convenience, we will analyze each method separately and write a connection plan.
The content of the article
Can I connect via USB?
The classic method of interaction between devices, which provides the best connection of all the options listed, is the wired connection method using a USB cable. Different models may require a different connector. You can purchase a suitable wire with the appropriate input, or buy an adapter to adapt the wire to the computer and joystick socket.
To do this, you will need a working gamepad, a suitable cord, and a turned on computer to make the settings. The process is distinguished by its simplicity and quality of synchronization, which is why it is most common among users.
The commissioning scheme is carried out in stages according to the following plan:
- Connect your computer to the network and activate it by pressing the power button.
- After this, connect the equipment to each other using a suitable wire, or connect an adapter. It is important to charge the device. If it was discharged, you will have to wait a few minutes before activating the work. Some models in a discharged state may not respond to user actions at all.
- Now the computer should recognize the equipment and display it in the list of connected devices.
- To configure, you need to go to the appropriate section on the control panel and adjust the operation of the controller according to your preferences.
- In the equipment line, find your gamepad and open its properties.
- In the presented list of possible characteristics, try changing the parameter values and adjusting the control circuit.
- Try different operating modes and evaluate their capabilities in the game. This way you can choose the best option.
This method can simultaneously activate up to 8 controllers, which is very convenient for games with multiplayer mode. Also, during operation, the system does not crash or freeze, since the cable provides a good and high-quality signal. In some cases, problems may arise with recognizing the technology. We will talk about ways to detect and eliminate them a little later.
ADVICE: For each game, you can separately adjust the sensitivity, control scheme and relative position of key combinations. Choose a convenient configuration and enjoy the gaming process to the fullest.
How to connect via Wi-Fi?
Another possible option is to use a communication channel via local Wi-Fi. Wireless communication is convenient primarily due to the freedom of movement of the player at the control panel, which can be extremely important in dynamic games. But this method has a disadvantage in periodic braking and freezing, since synchronization directly depends on the quality of the network signal. Pairing of devices is achieved by performing a series of manipulations. For convenience, we recommend using a step-by-step connection diagram:
- Start the computer and turn on the joystick's power using the start button (located in the center).
- Select the network type “wireless” and connect Wi-fi to distribute the signal. Enter the code and activate it.
- Go to the main menu by pressing the start key or clicking in the corresponding field.
- After that, go to the control panel and select the device line.
- Among the proposed options, select the function to add devices or Bluetooth, from the drop-down list, click on the line “all others”.
- Activate the connection with your joystick by clicking on the appropriate section.Then confirm your selection by pressing the “OK” or “DONE” button.
- Save the changes and restart your computer. After this, check the operation of the equipment; if connected correctly, all systems should work.
IMPORTANT: When you first try to recognize a controller, keep it as close to the computer as possible so that the system quickly detects it and synchronizes work. The same rule should be applied for connecting via Bluetooth.
How else can you connect a joystick to a PC?
The most common method of synchronizing various types of equipment lately is the Bluetooth wireless system. The gamepad was no exception, and the developers added this option to it. The connection process does not take much time and is quite easy to complete; for this you will need working equipment and a Bluetooth system updated to the latest version. There are some differences depending on the device model, but in general the plan looks like this:
- Turn on the equipment as described in the previous methods. Place the gamepad close to the PC.
- Start the joystick by pressing the activation button located on the body of the equipment. In some versions and types of controllers, the activation button must be held for several seconds until a characteristic signal is heard. You can find out more about this in the instruction manual.
- After that, go to the Bluetooth settings menu for your computer equipment.
- There will be two operating positions in the located line. Drag the slider to the active position.
- Start searching for devices, and after a few minutes the system will provide you with a list of all pairing options.
- Select the item you are interested in and synchronize with it.For convenience, the next time you turn it on, remember the equipment as the main one when you activate Bluetooth, the system will automatically select the joystick to pair with it.
In addition, there are special emulators and computer-adapted versions of controllers used on consoles. If you have the time and desire, you can reconfigure almost any gadget and change its control scheme in accordance with the software requirements.
IMPORTANT: Connection via Bluetooth may not be available on all devices. In older versions, this scheme has not yet been used, so the connection will not be possible for them.
If desired, you can purchase special adapters with a built-in transmitter that provide wireless synchronization and integrate them into your equipment. You can also download an update for the system and its drivers to improve communication parameters and improve performance.
Why doesn't the joystick connect to the computer?
There are situations when controllers are not recognized and do not connect. This happens quite rarely, in which case it is necessary to know exactly the cause in order to eliminate it in a timely manner. Most often the problem is the following:
- Lack of drivers on the equipment or outdated software version.
- Damage to the controller or the wire used for connection. Damage to the USB connector.
- In the case of wireless communication, the reason may be incorrect synchronization.
- Software infection by virus programs.
Slow operation of the equipment is also possible. If you did everything correctly and the gamepad becomes visible to the computer, but all actions are performed with a delay, most likely there are problems of the following nature:
- System overload with a large number of running programs and applications.
- Outdated software and drivers.
- The presence of a malicious program that slows down the operation of the entire system.
- The gamepad is not designed to work on a PC.
Connect your equipment correctly and enjoy the gaming experience of computer games with convenient controls used in consoles.