How can I use a joystick or gamepad on the XPi?
Since there is no 15-pin joystick port (called the “gameport”) on the rear of the laptop or on the port replicator, you have to connect the joystick some other way. You can do one of three things: 1. Purchase a PCMCIA game controller card to which you would attach the joystick. A popular card was the Basics Gameport by NewMedia Corp (which is now Synchrotech) which is pretty hard to find these days. Synchrotech has a card called Game Traveler which you can purchase direct for $79. Check the specs page for compatibility. Some cards only support analog or digital. 2. Purchase a joystick that attaches to the serial or PS/2 port. A popular brand was ACT Labs’ PowerRamp joystick/gamepad which connected to the PS/2 port. These seem to be rare, too. 3. Purchase a CardBus USB card (which fits into the PCMCIA slot) and use a USB joystick. This is probably the most accessible solution.
