[General Discussion] Controllers: Wired or Wireless?

I was just wondering what the preference of controllers was for GFFers. Do you prefer regular, wired controllers that connect to the console, or wireless ones that are connected wirelessly to the console by a port?

I prefer wired controllers, mainly because I always sit kinda close to the TV anyway, and I don't like dealing with the batteries (rechargable or otherwise) of wireless controllers. I actually have a general aversion to most things wireless anyway, and while I'll still use them (like the wireless mouse we have at home), I would much prefer to have something wired in hand.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I'd have to say wired controllers if only for the almost unnoticable different between playing Super Smash Bros. Melee with a wired controller and an wireless one.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Wired. I don't feel like wasting batteries just to play a game. Either way, i'm usually not very far from the TV anyway. Half the time i'm trying to sneak it, so playing close is a must.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I'd prefer wireless, unfortunately it's hard to get the wireless "formula" correct:
1. Batteries: If so, which size? Did the controller come with some? How quickly does the controller sap them?
2. Internal battery pack: How long must the controller be charged? How fast does the controller sap it? What does the charger look like? Is it cumbersome or quite simple?
3. Weight: Is the weight of these batteries causing me grief?
4. Ergonomics: Is the shape of the controller causing me grief? (Generally bad ergonomics is based on the poor placement of a batter pack
5. Range: Does it seem like the controller is controlling where I sit?
6. Price: Nope, don't want to pay $40 for something that isn't even a game.
7. (Only applies to computers): What kind of device do I have to have hanging out my USB port to use this thing? Is it clunky, or so lightweight it won't stay in place?

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I personally prefer wired controllers because when I get mad enough at a game, I can wrap the cord around the nearest person's neck. But seriously, I really do prefer wired ones because I'm used to them. I've grown up with them so I'm kinda scared to deviate from the norm.

How ya doing, buddy?

Wireless controllers are better, I've been using them for years. Every controller I use for every system is wireless, including my mouse & keyboard. As for batteries, I have rechargable ones. All of my wireless controllers uses 2 AA batteries, so I just keep 2 rechargable batteries in my controllers and 2 in the charger, and I always keep it plugged so everytime need new batteries, I put the discharged batteries into the charger, and swap them with the charged ones, it takes ten seconds. Most of my controller last through 50 hours of gameplay or more on videogames, so I barely have to switch those batteries, my mouse drains the batteries quick though, I usually switch them out once a week. But again, it only takes 10 seconds or less. And I've been using the same batteries for at least 2 years.

I guess wired controllers are fine if you have a small tv with the console close to it, while you sit real close. But for me, I used to have a big screen tv, with my consoles on top of it, not only would I have had to have extension cords for all of them, I would have the wires in the way of the screen. Now I have a projector blazing a 120" image, so I sit far back, and I have my consoles behind me, I couldn't imagine going back to wired controllers.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Wired, unless it's a Wavebird. Wavebirds are so incredibly hot.

FELIPE NO

Both have their pro and cons, but I prefer wired controller basically because I hate to play a game then suddenly run out of batteries and don't have any.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Wireless, but only if they're wavebirds... Nothing even comes close.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by sprouticus

Wireless, but only if they're wavebirds... Nothing even comes close.

Logitech's Wireless Action smacks that bitch in the face and says hi.

Personally, I'd take either one when done right even though there are very few wireless controllers that do so.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I've never had a wireless controller but I have a wireless keyboard and mouse. The key board uses a battery and like never runs out ever. The mouses recharge lasts for a really long time so there are basically no cons.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I have both but use mainly wired controllers. I don't have a problem with either, but I found wireless controllers more convenient when having visitors over to play games.

Most amazing jew boots

I prefer wireless alot more now (I'm talking about the wavebird.) My room gets packed with wires and controllers real quick so it was almost a god send whenever I have friends over.
But for everything else, I would much prefer a wired controller!

edit: but I voted for wired since I do use them far more often, my gamcube being the only exception =p.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Since there is no option for Don't Care, I voted Wired, because I never actually held a wireless controller before. However, if I did, I would probably like it, but not that much better.

EDIT: I want to change my vote to Wireless. I forgot about the godspokking TANGLES. I actually got 9 controllers to get tangled up within each other one time. It was annoying as all hell.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I'd be all over a good wireless Dual Shock 2 controller or a wireless SNES-style Hori pad.

FELIPE NO

With the wireless Xbox 360 controller, Microsoft got the formula down perfectly. The controller fits well in my hand, is sturdy, and looks damn nice next to a set of remote controllers on the coffee table. Unfortunately, Microsoft has failed in two major areas, price, and compatibility.
The controller already carries a heafty price tag, and with the addition of the Play-and-charge kit, a few more dollars are tacked on to the price.
I love the controller for the Xbox, but only the wired version works for the PC!! This is most crucial, where I'd definetly want to pick up one for my PC. Though they say that there is a "wireless dongle" to come out for the PC soon, Microsoft is still leaving many PC gamers hanging...

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I prefer Wired. I don't want to have to use batteries for my controler, and the wire has never become an issue with me. I wouldn't mind having a wireless controler though, expecially if it comes with a recharge dock.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Pietak

I love the controller for the Xbox, but only the wired version works for the PC!! This is most crucial, where I'd definetly want to pick up one for my PC. Though they say that there is a "wireless dongle" to come out for the PC soon, Microsoft is still leaving many PC gamers hanging...

Oh yes, I actually bought a xbox360 wired controller the other week just so I could play my emulated games on my laptop properly =P. That, and so I could join in on the frag fest on my friend's PDzero; which by the way isn't all that great.

A wireless usb dongle is coming out? Heh, I bet that'll cost another 25 dollars.

How ya doing, buddy?

I prefer wired. For me, there's a psychological latency issue with wireless controllers that people blame when they suck. However, I like dealing only with official hardware, so I'm a fan of the Wavebird. In fact, I prefer the Wavebird over the default wired one for Gamecube.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Wired, doesn't really matter. Unless the cord's way too short, like GameCube's controller. They probably did that on purpose to rack up WaveBird sales.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

The cords are short because children like sitting close to the TV.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Infernal Monkey

Wired, doesn't really matter. Unless the cord's way too short, like GameCube's controller. They probably did that on purpose to rack up WaveBird sales.

What about Genesis or Turbo-Grafx 16 controller cords? Those were like a couple feet, and then BAM controller! It was like they were promoting cancer, what with you sitting more in the electrical field of the TV and console.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Wired, because I don't care for wireless. The PS2's selection of wireless controllers is terrible, and I wouldn't want to recharge controllers.

I also don't like the idea of wires, seeing as how there's more that can go wrong iwth them, but it's a small sacrifice for actually knowing and feeling that your controller is connected to your console or PC.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Dyne

What about Genesis or Turbo-Grafx 16 controller cords? Those were like a couple feet, and then BAM controller! It was like they were promoting cancer, what with you sitting more in the electrical field of the TV and console.

Oh yeah, I forgot about how shitty the Mega Drive one was. I had to drag the console itself out to almost where I was sitting. =\ Then there was the deadly risk of forgetting it was there and standing on it, killing millions.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Infernal Monkey

Oh yeah, I forgot about how shitty the Mega Drive one was. I had to drag the console itself out to almost where I was sitting. =\ Then there was the deadly risk of forgetting it was there and standing on it, killing millions.

You have to admit though, it made changing games easier.

Jam it back in, in the dark.