Daily Q: What's the best controller of all time?
Category: Features, Posted: 05/18/2008 at 12:39PM CDT by Eddie Inzauto, Senior Editor
After yesterday's rumble, I figured I'd delve even further into the war of the videogame consoles and ask specifically about controllers.
In my opinion, Nintendo has always been the biggest innovator in videogame controllers. The Big N always seems to think something is wrong with the way we're manipulating what we see on-screen, and then creates a solution for those problems. But have they created the best controllers in videogame history? Or has someone else?
By now, we have seen a great number of controller designs from a multitude of manufacturers, and we all have our favorites. To me, Microsoft has nailed it with the Xbox 360 controller. Its four equidistant and equal-sized face buttons, two analog triggers, two traditional shoulder buttons, an intuitive and functional dual-analog + d pad layout, ergonomic design, and wireless connectivity make it the closest thing I can think of to a perfect controller. I'm sure it will be beaten one day, but for now, it's my champion. How about you?
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nintendo 64 controller. came up with the trigger button,rumble pack, joystick type of thingy lol. looked cool too
In before mouse+keyboard.
Right now.....360.
+1 for 360
Most functional and IMO most comfortable.
360. It's just so perfect in its design. It may not have many (or any) new and original features, but everything it has, it does so perfectly.
I have to go with the Wavebird for the Gamecube...
I'd say the Dual Shock for the PSX. It's comfortable, with a gazillion of buttons, and two analog joysticks.
http://n2.cdn.spikedhumor.com/1/343000/68275_ps4controller_vw.jpg
I cannot in good conscience give the top spot to a controller with the worst D pad I've ever used. So I'll have to shove aside my 360 controller and give the honors to the latest Dual Shock from Sony. If Microsoft ever fixes the problem, I'll reconsider.
Of the current gen consoles, all I have is the 360. And it's D-Pad really leaves something to be desired. So... I'll go with the GameCube's controller.
Spot on cobra. I like the 360 better, but thanks to the d-pad, six axis all the way.
GCN (for the proper placement of the analogue stick, I hate the PSOne/Dual Shock config) and the 360 for overall comfort.
Points need to be awarded to Nintendo for lots of things. First, they invented the controller. Then re-invented and refined it every generation since. The SNES controller put that diamond shape of buttons on the right side, something still present today. The N64 Controller added an analogue stick and camera buttons, much needed in 3d space. The GC controller put two analog sticks in the right place and was the first to make first party wireless (wavebird). The Wiimote enables Nintendo to make a completely different console than everyone else and it is the perfect controller for that system.
That said, the best controller, i feel, is the 360 controller. It fits so well in my hand, it's as if it was molded around by body. Durable plastic, great analogues and pressure sensative buttons all around round off my top reasons for loving it. Yeah the D-pad is crap, luckily most games don't use too much of it.
N64 controller. The first with a stick, and it had 3 ways you could configure it for use. No other controller has had the same luxury except the wii-mote.
Nintendo Powerglove.
lol @ brokenfridgehinge
The best controller is sticking your hand into the controller port and using your mind to control things.
Dont really know, i remember the old N64 one, just love it still wouldnt mind playing with it :p its comfortable and has buttons enough
Though ill think ill go with xbox360s controller its the best! that is if i cant choose keyboard+mouse because thats the absolute best control
worst must be the ps controller dont ask which of them they are all the same to me, uncomfortable! :p
as comfortable as 360 and gcn controllers are, my favorite stays with the SNES controller
my favorite controller of all time was a mad catz n64 controller. it was longer, had more weight, and had a rubber grip on the center of the first handle thing. it was the most comfortable, except the wiimote for lostwinds :)
360 is probably the best I've used, but I do have a soft spot for the Dreamcast controller. Most people hated it, but I liked the feel.