Computer Joysticks Buying Guide

Computer joysticks are sometimes preferred keyboard or other peripheral controls for some types of games. However, when selecting a joystick, you should be sure that the one you selected is compatible with your computer 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 standard USB port then you will have very good compatibility with most computer joysticks you 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.

Whenever possible, you should try to use the joystick in-store before purchasing it. If you are having to use too much effort is required to maneuver 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. If you want to avoid the cord altogether you should probably 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 detailed table-top units. Both have their pros and cons. For example: If you own a laptop, a smaller joystick has the advantage of being extremely portable.

Some good joystick brands include:

• Logitech


• Microsoft


• Gravis


• and others

Many older models of joysticks from brands like Atari, Suncom, and Commodore can still be found on auction sites like eBay or on sites like Craigslist and can occasionally still be found in their original boxes.

ThrustMaster HOTAS Cougar Computer Joystick

This post is a review on the ThrustMaster HOTAS Cougar Flight Stick.

The ThrustMaster Cougar is widely praised as being the most realistic computer joystick and throttle available (It's actually modeled after the real F-16 joysticks). Its design does not outshine its performance though. This thing looks and feels like the real thing and if your looking for high quality joystick, look no further. BTW, if your wondering what the "HOTAS" in the joystick's name stands for, its "Hands On Throttle And Stick."

The computer joystick software that is included with the Cougar makes it possible to use it for almost any application, even though its obvious main purpose is for flight simulator type games. The Cougar uses a simple connection that uses full speed USB
response time that is 8x faster than traditional USB ports and is compatible with all flavors of Windows but not Mac. It has 28 buttons in total and multiple hat switches which make customization easy (especially with the included easy to use computer joystick software).

This flight joystick features a full metal controller that collaborated upon with US Air Force. The Air Force uses this joystick for simulated pilot training and has many endorsements by flight simulation enthusiast groups. Some of these include:

-Endorsed by the Virtual Thunderbirds in the U.S.
-Endorsed by the Russian Knights in Russia
-Already large community of flight simulation fans (awarded worldwide)

Overall this is a great joystick for those who are really (and I mean really, because this puppy ain't cheap) into flight simulators and games that incorporate them. Though, if you do have the cash to buy one of these you will not be displeased. This is an excellent computer joystick and will serve you well.