Steam - Big Picture

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GeoffisPure

459 posts

Ultimate Geek

#112351 5-Dec-2012 20:53

http://store.steampowered.com/bigpicture/

Has anybody given this a go? It looks quite nice and I wasn't aware that there were so many games that you could play on your PC (via TV) with a game controller.

Can anyone recommend what controller I might get? Currently looking at this - not a bad price and comes with the USB dongle I think.

GBristow

178 posts

Master Geek

#727705 5-Dec-2012 22:17

That's what I use and it works brilliantly. I just gave Big Picture a go and I recommend using the "controller supported" filter. Unfortunately some "supported" games are not very controller friendly, but hopefully the list gets pruned in time. Also, I'm not sure why it begins with Store highlighted. I'd prefer to just launch right into my list of games. There's no option to do so. Hopefully this also gets fixed in time.

All in all, it's a solid option for people who use their PC with a remote for gaming on a television. I'm just a bit dubious about how big this market is right now.

zaptor

745 posts

Ultimate Geek

#728004 6-Dec-2012 12:53

Looks promising. I like the UI, and the fact you can launch games without being forced to swap media.

But, until they sort out a genuine standard platform spec (hint: Valve, hurry up with that Linux console already), I just can't see it making huge in-roads on existing console makers.

wasabi2k

2096 posts

Uber Geek

#728010 6-Dec-2012 13:00

Xbox Controller is really the only option you should consider for the PC - games are written to support it and OS support is built in.

I have both a wired and wireless - use the wired most often as I can't be arsed with batteries for the wireless.

wasabi2k

2096 posts

Uber Geek

#728218 6-Dec-2012 19:28

also pbtech has them on special on the 8th for $39+GST from the looks of it (not sure if thats the PC version).

Cylon

18 posts

Geek

#728595 7-Dec-2012 14:55

Great played on steam for years. used to be good, NOW JUST ONE BIG PRoblem, The ping from nz broadband providers is so bad that most games are unplayable

Hobchild

623 posts

Ultimate Geek

#728817 7-Dec-2012 23:54

The Xbox 360 controller is almost the only controller I would recommend getting for PC. The other one I'd consider is the Razer Onza or it's big brother. Both are wired though.

urban

487 posts

Ultimate Geek

#730942 11-Dec-2012 22:55

wasabi2k: Xbox Controller is really the only option you should consider for the PC - games are written to support it and OS support is built in.

I have both a wired and wireless - use the wired most often as I can't be arsed with batteries for the wireless.

Don't you also need the 360 wireless adapter to use the wireless controller?

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

zaptor

745 posts

Ultimate Geek

#730950 11-Dec-2012 23:06

urban:
wasabi2k: Xbox Controller is really the only option you should consider for the PC - games are written to support it and OS support is built in.

I have both a wired and wireless - use the wired most often as I can't be arsed with batteries for the wireless.

Don't you also need the 360 wireless adapter to use the wireless controller?

Not sure if they can be purchased separately, but the wireless adapters are included with the Xbox 360 for Windows controllers.

zaptor

745 posts

Ultimate Geek

#730956 11-Dec-2012 23:16

wasabi2k: Xbox Controller is really the only option you should consider for the PC - games are written to support it and OS support is built in.

I have both a wired and wireless - use the wired most often as I can't be arsed with batteries for the wireless.

I find wireless extremely convenient (also have wired). However, I do use Microsoft rechargeable batteries with the charge kit and a spare battery so never have to wait for a recharge.
I avoid AA batteries like the plague - too expensive.

Hobchild

623 posts

Ultimate Geek

#730980 11-Dec-2012 23:38

zaptor: Not sure if they can be purchased separately, but the wireless adapters are included with the Xbox 360 for Windows controllers.

You can but my advice would be to steer clear of any third party ones as I bought one off trademe for a friend for her birthday and it didn't work straight out of the box. I looked online and found that a lot of them have a high failure rates and terrible connection issues.

Bituser

26 posts

Geek

#733423 17-Dec-2012 10:31

I think you can purchase the adapter individually, legitimate Microsoft. I'm sure I've seen them somewhere. You could try Mightyape. I might be wrong though.