i’d say the gamecube controller. holding it in my hand is really such a pleasure- it’s perfectly contoured, the buttons are perfectly, intentionally placed- a veritable mass-produced ergonomic masterpiece. if only the indigo color weren’t so horrific.
I would have the say that right now its the Super Nintendo controller. Have you played with thing lately? I forgot how good games felt with that thing. The Wii remote in my opinion should not be a choice yet because it has not proven its true potential yet. Maybe when the Wii has lived through its life span will I consider it.
For me, it’s a toss-up between the SNES controller and the 360 controller. The SNES has probably the best D-pad ever, and is very comfortable to hold. The 360 is then the most refined controller ever made. The only thing holding it back from perfection is the weird and stiff D-pad it has.
you almost have to look at it by when they came out. I LOVED the SNES controller, but of course you need a stick now. I really liked the way the Gamecube controller felt, but the button layout was a little funky. Easy to use, but hard to learn what did what from the screen instructions. I haven’t actually held one yet, but I would think that the VC controller would be pretty good, as it’s a lot like an SNES controller with sticks.
Hands down I have to say the dual shock controller for the Playstation. One of the best designed input devices ever which is proven by the countless copies produced by other brands and the fact that Sony didnt neceserally need to redesign it.
You could even say that the classic controller for the Wii is a copy, only less ergonomic and a restructure of the shoulder buttons.
Yes, Nintendo does innovation, but Sony made there the effort to combine the best from everywhere to the most useful controller ever.
SNES has always been my favorite so therefore the Classic controller wins. Not only does it do everything an SNES controller does, it also has two wicked-awesome joysticks and better triggers. I liked the feel of gamecube but it was too impractical for a game like Street Fighter, so it was slightly crippled, but I can’t even imagine playing RE4 with a dualshock.
Gonna have to agree with Gamecube at this point. I know some people don’t like its funky button situation, but I find it works perfectly. I also am one of the few people who cannot stand ps/dualanalog/sixaxis. The shape and feel of it is just all wrong in my hands.
Xbox’s original was terrible, but the smaller (and now default) version 0isn’t too bad, but I still prefer the Gamecube’s. It just felt like it melted to fit your hands…
Well, I think one of the best controllers is the ddr mat. It allows you to put your whole body into your decisions–the magnitudes of the motions are so much bigger.
but if we r gunna talk handheld controllers, I’ll go with either the N64 controller (i love how versatile it was) or the orignal atari lynx–a chunky lil dream.
Oo it’s close. I love the Wiimote, and not just for the innovation part. It’s incredibly multi-functional and I think it’s great that you can turn it on its side and use it as a NES Controller or a steering wheel or whatever. But I also agree with Metaldave, it’s unfair to judge it now, as it’s is largely untapped in terms of potential.
If we’re talking in terms of input device, I’d like to nominate the Touch Screen from the DS. Brilliant bit of kit and allows you to do so much!
I also hated the PS controller and never could see what all the fuss was about. Most games used the analogue stick and yet when you pick it up the natural position for your thumb is over the D-Pad. Seems daft to me, and I can’t believe Sony still haven’t changed the design one iota.
The Saturn controller hand down. It has one of the best d-pads ever. For controlers with analog sticks I’d say its a toss up between the 360 and gamecube.
I’ve got to put my vote in for the manly prong of the N64 controller. While everything left of the joystick was pretty much useless, using the whole thing felt very natural, and quite comfortable. More so than the cube, actually.
My best controller experience has been using two N64 controllers to handle a single pod racer using an obscure cheat that existed in Star Wars Pod Racer. But it only worked for that game!
Having said that, so far the best controller I’ve had has been the GameCube’s wavebird, which I still use on Wii for VC games. Too soon to put Wii’s remote ahead of it, but it’s getting close.
I haven’t experienced the Xbox 360 yet, although I hear it is really nice.
Some have a very nice grip (GC and N64), some have quite a lot of funtion along with a nice form (360 controller), some are great for being lazy (Wiimote+nunchuk).
It all comes down to which games you’re gonna be playing.
Try picking up an N64 controller after playing the Gamecube for a while It’s almost imposible. You’re hands are so close together, they cramp up in minutes. At least, that’s what I’ve found. And now, ANY controller feels cramped after the Wii (I play with a wide-open stance now).
I was only OK with the Playstation controllers. The left stick was too low (compare the D-pad placement on the GC controller). Also, I’m sorry, but I HATE the shapes. My brain just can’t remember where the X or the O button is when I’m doing something from on-screen instructions (like the mini-games in GTA!). Nintendo got it right with AB XY LR. That’s enough buttons. Oh!, and I hate pressing R1 when I need R2. There should only be ONE shoulder button if they are the same size and shape.
My perfect controller would be basically the XBOX 360 controller, but replace the d-pad with the SNES’s (that thing rocks), use the GameCube’s analog stick, and add the SIXAXIS tilt function. And for good measure, throw in the Wiimote’s IR sensor on the back.
the best controller i have owned was the Coleco Vision Super Action controller. It just felt so cool to be able to have those 5 coloured buttons on your left hand and the joystick up top for your right.
other than that was the Playstaion Dual Shock or the Wiimote.
My vote is the original NES Advantage joystick. Big stick, two big buttons, and the thing was heavy and immobile. Felt like an arcade controller in the home. Loved that thing and refused to play an NES that didn’t have one after I got accustomed to it.
i don’t want to date myself, but nothing has felt as good as the atari 2600 joystick. it felt so solid, and even with only the one red button you felt like you could conquer the world.
I’m a big fan of the analog Saturn controller that was packed with NIGHTS:Into Dreams. The analog stick was sublime and the ABC XYZ buttons were set up perfectly for Capcom fighters.
There are a lot of controllers that I love but have a couple quirks that prevent them from achieving perfection. Gamecube is great, but the B button needed to have been kidney-shaped, like the others and Z was nigh-impossible to press. As mentioned, 360 has great controllers, aside from the horrible d-pad. Plus now I expect to be able to do *something* when I tilt the controller after playing the other motion sensitive ones.
Much as I love it, even the Wii-mote/nunchuck combo has a glaring over-sight – I can’t believe they haven’t adopted the “click-down” button under the analog stick; this would be useful extra functionality in FPS and other games.
Next up, DS Lite. (Touch screen and all). I am also saying this due to it baing a handheld but also in the future, it will be a Wii controller for some games.
Gamecube controller was close to the best due to the contour, although that D-pad sucked! Other than that, perfection.
The fact that was just released 3 months ago and is catching up with the 1 year old xbox360 just because people wanna feel what this new thing is. THE WIIMOTE is by far the best ever, or in fact, it created a whole new level of competition from regular sticks and buttons controllers.
As far as console controllers go, I’ve got to plump for the 360 controller. It’s comfortable and I don’t have to stretch to reach any of it’s controls. The crap D-pad is it’s one downfall.q
It perfectly blends ergonomics (with those sweet rounded handles) and simplicity. There were not too many buttons so as to confuse older gamers (my dad being a HUGE fan of anything Castlevania), and not so few buttons as to limit the amount of things one could do in a 2D environment.
Plus just look at that design. It reminds me of those immaculate games like all of the DK Country games (especially 3), Super Mario All Stars, and Super Metroid, among many. Oh, the memories!
And I miss those cool, colorful buttons.
Yeah, awesome controller.
The Gamecube follows at 2nd and the Wii remote follows at 3rd, for me (only because of the limitations on the Wii remote, like limited camera control).
I might be showing my age, but the worst goes to ColecoVision.
Ergonomics was a foreign concept to whoever designed that piece o’ junk. The edges pinched your hands. The joystick caused blisters. The keypad rarely worked on the first try and was hard to get to in the heat of battle. The side buttons were awkwardly placed.
Second place for worst controller has to go to Intellivision.
The NES probably isn’t the best controller ever, but it’s simple and more ergonomic control scheme was a huge jump from prior systems.
First version of the ps with analogs and the wiimote are awesome. But the best controller is, even though a lot of people might argue its not a controller. The controle scheme for the GBC (not the GB it was a frickin brick) It feels so damn nostalgic playing with that damn thing an its not even that old, pure joy
I’d have to say the N64 controller or the NES controller. Now, I’m not saying those because I’m a bit of a Nintendo fanatic, but just because of how awesome they were (I also loved the Gamecube controller.) The NES controller because, as far as I know, it introduced A and B and the D-Pad which are now extremely popular. N64 because, as far as I know, it introduced the ‘trigger’ button (Z in this case), joystick and shoulder buttons (C buttons too, but they don’t really count.)
I may have my facts wrong, but as far as I know, that’s the real deal.
…@Mark “I can’t believe they haven’t adopted the “click-down” button under the analog stick”…
I totally agree. I don’t understand why Nintendo hasn’t used this additional button on their analog sticks yet. It’s such a convenient location for a button. Plus, rumble on the Nunchuck would have been nice…it just feels a little awkward and I feel cheated when I’m blasting down the slopes in SSX Blur and only my right hand is feeling the rumble. In fact, I would say it’s poop on a stick that the nunchuck has no rumble.
in my opinion, the ‘Cube controller is great, wiimote & nunchuk comes second, then xbox360 controller. the ps3 controller’s dual analog sticks dont feel natural for me…
1. Wii Remote and Nunchuck – you can sit in any fashion you like!
2. 360 controller – it just feels natural in my hands.
3. Mouse & Keyboard – nothing beats the good old mouse and keyboard except maybe the 360 and wii remote controllers.
4. Dualshock 2. I liked it except for most FPS games.
5. N64/SNES controller tie – I actually liked the 64 controller even though it could have gone with out the D-pad and L button. The SNES controller was just pure greatness though.
SIXAXIS.
el oh el re: that!
i’d say the gamecube controller. holding it in my hand is really such a pleasure- it’s perfectly contoured, the buttons are perfectly, intentionally placed- a veritable mass-produced ergonomic masterpiece. if only the indigo color weren’t so horrific.
I would have the say that right now its the Super Nintendo controller. Have you played with thing lately? I forgot how good games felt with that thing. The Wii remote in my opinion should not be a choice yet because it has not proven its true potential yet. Maybe when the Wii has lived through its life span will I consider it.
- Gamecube. I felt so good. -
For me, it’s a toss-up between the SNES controller and the 360 controller. The SNES has probably the best D-pad ever, and is very comfortable to hold. The 360 is then the most refined controller ever made. The only thing holding it back from perfection is the weird and stiff D-pad it has.
you almost have to look at it by when they came out. I LOVED the SNES controller, but of course you need a stick now. I really liked the way the Gamecube controller felt, but the button layout was a little funky. Easy to use, but hard to learn what did what from the screen instructions. I haven’t actually held one yet, but I would think that the VC controller would be pretty good, as it’s a lot like an SNES controller with sticks.
Hands down I have to say the dual shock controller for the Playstation. One of the best designed input devices ever which is proven by the countless copies produced by other brands and the fact that Sony didnt neceserally need to redesign it.
You could even say that the classic controller for the Wii is a copy, only less ergonomic and a restructure of the shoulder buttons.
Yes, Nintendo does innovation, but Sony made there the effort to combine the best from everywhere to the most useful controller ever.
SNES has always been my favorite so therefore the Classic controller wins. Not only does it do everything an SNES controller does, it also has two wicked-awesome joysticks and better triggers. I liked the feel of gamecube but it was too impractical for a game like Street Fighter, so it was slightly crippled, but I can’t even imagine playing RE4 with a dualshock.
Gonna have to agree with Gamecube at this point. I know some people don’t like its funky button situation, but I find it works perfectly. I also am one of the few people who cannot stand ps/dualanalog/sixaxis. The shape and feel of it is just all wrong in my hands.
Xbox’s original was terrible, but the smaller (and now default) version 0isn’t too bad, but I still prefer the Gamecube’s. It just felt like it melted to fit your hands…
Wavebird. Nothing beats a gamecube controller without wires.
Well, I think one of the best controllers is the ddr mat. It allows you to put your whole body into your decisions–the magnitudes of the motions are so much bigger.
but if we r gunna talk handheld controllers, I’ll go with either the N64 controller (i love how versatile it was) or the orignal atari lynx–a chunky lil dream.
YAY!
Definately the Wii remote, nothing like it has ever been around the gaming world.
Oo it’s close. I love the Wiimote, and not just for the innovation part. It’s incredibly multi-functional and I think it’s great that you can turn it on its side and use it as a NES Controller or a steering wheel or whatever. But I also agree with Metaldave, it’s unfair to judge it now, as it’s is largely untapped in terms of potential.
If we’re talking in terms of input device, I’d like to nominate the Touch Screen from the DS. Brilliant bit of kit and allows you to do so much!
I also hated the PS controller and never could see what all the fuss was about. Most games used the analogue stick and yet when you pick it up the natural position for your thumb is over the D-Pad. Seems daft to me, and I can’t believe Sony still haven’t changed the design one iota.
The Saturn controller hand down. It has one of the best d-pads ever. For controlers with analog sticks I’d say its a toss up between the 360 and gamecube.
Snes…all the way.
The SNES controller or the DualShock (or DualShock2).
I’ve got to put my vote in for the manly prong of the N64 controller. While everything left of the joystick was pretty much useless, using the whole thing felt very natural, and quite comfortable. More so than the cube, actually.
My best controller experience has been using two N64 controllers to handle a single pod racer using an obscure cheat that existed in Star Wars Pod Racer. But it only worked for that game!
Having said that, so far the best controller I’ve had has been the GameCube’s wavebird, which I still use on Wii for VC games. Too soon to put Wii’s remote ahead of it, but it’s getting close.
I haven’t experienced the Xbox 360 yet, although I hear it is really nice.
Some have a very nice grip (GC and N64), some have quite a lot of funtion along with a nice form (360 controller), some are great for being lazy (Wiimote+nunchuk).
It all comes down to which games you’re gonna be playing.
Try picking up an N64 controller after playing the Gamecube for a while It’s almost imposible. You’re hands are so close together, they cramp up in minutes. At least, that’s what I’ve found. And now, ANY controller feels cramped after the Wii (I play with a wide-open stance now).
I was only OK with the Playstation controllers. The left stick was too low (compare the D-pad placement on the GC controller). Also, I’m sorry, but I HATE the shapes. My brain just can’t remember where the X or the O button is when I’m doing something from on-screen instructions (like the mini-games in GTA!). Nintendo got it right with AB XY LR. That’s enough buttons. Oh!, and I hate pressing R1 when I need R2. There should only be ONE shoulder button if they are the same size and shape.
My perfect controller would be basically the XBOX 360 controller, but replace the d-pad with the SNES’s (that thing rocks), use the GameCube’s analog stick, and add the SIXAXIS tilt function. And for good measure, throw in the Wiimote’s IR sensor on the back.
the best controller i have owned was the Coleco Vision Super Action controller. It just felt so cool to be able to have those 5 coloured buttons on your left hand and the joystick up top for your right.
other than that was the Playstaion Dual Shock or the Wiimote.
My vote is the original NES Advantage joystick. Big stick, two big buttons, and the thing was heavy and immobile. Felt like an arcade controller in the home. Loved that thing and refused to play an NES that didn’t have one after I got accustomed to it.
i don’t want to date myself, but nothing has felt as good as the atari 2600 joystick. it felt so solid, and even with only the one red button you felt like you could conquer the world.
I’m a big fan of the analog Saturn controller that was packed with NIGHTS:Into Dreams. The analog stick was sublime and the ABC XYZ buttons were set up perfectly for Capcom fighters.
There are a lot of controllers that I love but have a couple quirks that prevent them from achieving perfection. Gamecube is great, but the B button needed to have been kidney-shaped, like the others and Z was nigh-impossible to press. As mentioned, 360 has great controllers, aside from the horrible d-pad. Plus now I expect to be able to do *something* when I tilt the controller after playing the other motion sensitive ones.
Much as I love it, even the Wii-mote/nunchuck combo has a glaring over-sight – I can’t believe they haven’t adopted the “click-down” button under the analog stick; this would be useful extra functionality in FPS and other games.
360, then N64
worst goes to ps2. i hated it.
Wii-mote hands down. Computer mouse-like sensitivity.
Next up, DS Lite. (Touch screen and all). I am also saying this due to it baing a handheld but also in the future, it will be a Wii controller for some games.
Gamecube controller was close to the best due to the contour, although that D-pad sucked! Other than that, perfection.
The fact that was just released 3 months ago and is catching up with the 1 year old xbox360 just because people wanna feel what this new thing is. THE WIIMOTE is by far the best ever, or in fact, it created a whole new level of competition from regular sticks and buttons controllers.
Standard 101 button English keyboard.
As far as console controllers go, I’ve got to plump for the 360 controller. It’s comfortable and I don’t have to stretch to reach any of it’s controls. The crap D-pad is it’s one downfall.q
My TOP List:
1. Wii Remote (Wii)
2. DualShock 2 (PS2)
3. 360 Controller (XBOX 360)
4. Logitec Cordless Rumblepad 2 (PC)
No old skool love for Intellivision? I loved the Intellivision controller:
http://obviousdiversion.com/images/intellivision-controller.jpg
For modern consoles, the GameCube wins hands down for me.
Atari 2600 controllers. Both the Joystick and the Paddle feel awesome for those games, and they still work perfectly in my machine (25 years later)!!!
SNES, fact.
The SNES controller is the best, in my opinion.
It perfectly blends ergonomics (with those sweet rounded handles) and simplicity. There were not too many buttons so as to confuse older gamers (my dad being a HUGE fan of anything Castlevania), and not so few buttons as to limit the amount of things one could do in a 2D environment.
Plus just look at that design. It reminds me of those immaculate games like all of the DK Country games (especially 3), Super Mario All Stars, and Super Metroid, among many. Oh, the memories!
And I miss those cool, colorful buttons.
Yeah, awesome controller.
The Gamecube follows at 2nd and the Wii remote follows at 3rd, for me (only because of the limitations on the Wii remote, like limited camera control).
I might be showing my age, but the worst goes to ColecoVision.
Ergonomics was a foreign concept to whoever designed that piece o’ junk. The edges pinched your hands. The joystick caused blisters. The keypad rarely worked on the first try and was hard to get to in the heat of battle. The side buttons were awkwardly placed.
Second place for worst controller has to go to Intellivision.
The NES probably isn’t the best controller ever, but it’s simple and more ergonomic control scheme was a huge jump from prior systems.
First version of the ps with analogs and the wiimote are awesome. But the best controller is, even though a lot of people might argue its not a controller. The controle scheme for the GBC (not the GB it was a frickin brick) It feels so damn nostalgic playing with that damn thing an its not even that old, pure joy
Everyone seems to have forgotten the all mighty POWER GLOVE!
I thought we did this already, about 2 years ago; GameCube won. I guess it’s time for another go around, then.
Does the DS touch screen count? I pick the remote, for now.
Overall probably: SNES controller, great feel and touch, nice trigger points, robust design.
Most robust design: Dual Shock 2 (PS2)
Best ergonomic fit: Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
—-
Least comfortable triggers: Dreamcast Controller
Worst button layout: Original Xbox “The Duke” Controller
I’d have to say the N64 controller or the NES controller. Now, I’m not saying those because I’m a bit of a Nintendo fanatic, but just because of how awesome they were (I also loved the Gamecube controller.) The NES controller because, as far as I know, it introduced A and B and the D-Pad which are now extremely popular. N64 because, as far as I know, it introduced the ‘trigger’ button (Z in this case), joystick and shoulder buttons (C buttons too, but they don’t really count.)
I may have my facts wrong, but as far as I know, that’s the real deal.
Classic Control for the Wii is the best by far IMO. The X360 controller is kind of neat too though.
…@Mark “I can’t believe they haven’t adopted the “click-down” button under the analog stick”…
I totally agree. I don’t understand why Nintendo hasn’t used this additional button on their analog sticks yet. It’s such a convenient location for a button. Plus, rumble on the Nunchuck would have been nice…it just feels a little awkward and I feel cheated when I’m blasting down the slopes in SSX Blur and only my right hand is feeling the rumble. In fact, I would say it’s poop on a stick that the nunchuck has no rumble.
in my opinion, the ‘Cube controller is great, wiimote & nunchuk comes second, then xbox360 controller. the ps3 controller’s dual analog sticks dont feel natural for me…
My top 5 controllers are the following
1. Wii Remote and Nunchuck – you can sit in any fashion you like!
2. 360 controller – it just feels natural in my hands.
3. Mouse & Keyboard – nothing beats the good old mouse and keyboard except maybe the 360 and wii remote controllers.
4. Dualshock 2. I liked it except for most FPS games.
5. N64/SNES controller tie – I actually liked the 64 controller even though it could have gone with out the D-pad and L button. The SNES controller was just pure greatness though.