Controls
Firstly if you do not like messing with wires and such you can just purchase a plug and play arcade controller such as the X-arcade tank stick. The great thing about this control is that you do not need to was any time learning how everything works and concentrate on the actual building of the arcade system. These completed arcade controls can be pricey but it sure does save a lot of time and aggravation. |  |
The next one would be to buy the buttons and joysticks as a kit off of e-bay then get an i-pac which will interpret all the buttons and send it to the computer usually through a USB. This method allows for the most customized options such as a trackball and all the placing of buttons on the panel. As for price this is not all that much cheaper once you buy everything but it is the preferred choice by hardcore builders. |  |
The last and cheapest option would be to hack a gampad then attach all the wires with solder. With this option you still need to buy the buttons and controls but you decrease the cost of buying the game pad vs. the i-pac system. This can be very time consuming and lead to some serious aggravation but it is proven to work well. |  |
