Slashdot Mirror
What is the Best Console Controller of All Time?
Mateo Slovinsky asks: "Is the XBox 360's controller the best controller of all time? CNet seems to think so in its line up of the top five gamepads of all time. If you expected the Wii's controller, you will be dissapointed. It's a brilliant piece of innovation, but there simply aren't enough games to judge it against the best controllers ever." Which controller would you pick? What controllers have not left your hands cramped after a marathon session of gaming?
I'd agree that the 360 is the best controller of all time. it's damn comfortable and has pretty much every function you'd ever want. If they included a Dreamcast like VMU screen it would be "perfect" IMO.
Collector's Edition
Hmm I would definately have to say the most comfortable is the gamecube controller, it just seems to slide into your hand and is great for everything except games that use the D-Pad really. The dreamcast controller is also pretty nice and the dpad is great for fighting games although hardcore gamers will still prefer a joystick. The original analog controller for the playstation was also damn comfortable as it has a longer handle then the dual shock which honestly feels kind of small to me. Overall I would say the gamecube though, since I never remember my hands ever getting tired from that controller (and it certaintly wasn't from lack of playing!).
I always preferred the Sega Saturn controller to the SNES (and all other digital-only controllers). It's got a smoother directional pad, 6 buttons in 2 rows of 3 with a bump for the bottom center button to find it without looking, and it still had shoulder buttons. The 2 rows of 3 was far superior for games like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat. And personally I always thought the Genesis directional pad was a bit soft or I'd also put it above the SNES controller.
I always found the PS2 controller really uncomfortable compared to the GC one.
I've found that the Dual Shock starts out comfortable for a while, but develops into causing some noticeable hand pain if I don't take breaks, even playing a relatively slow-paced RPG like Dragon Quest VIII.
Meanwhile I can play SSBM on the Gamecube for hours upon hours, moving fingers at a comparatively frenzied pace, and not feel anything unexpectedly painful.
I disagree. While I like that my hands aren't cuffed together anymore, the majority of the buttons are poorly placed. A and B are the only ones usable during gameplay while holding it as 'intended.' (I use that term lightly.) 1 and 2 are the only ones usable when holding the 'mote sideways, ala Super Paper Mario/Excite Truck.
When holding it sidewides, it fits my hand so poorly that it's not even funny.
When holding it like a remote control, the pointing interface is so horrible that I can't believe they bothered. It's fine for menus, but any time that it's used interactively, it's horrid. Red Steel is a great example of horrid pointing.
My 'best' controller would be the Phoenix Revolution for the PS2. the controls are all placed just where they are comfortable, the analog sticks have adjustable tension, and you can move the sticks/buttons/dpad to any of the 4 positions. Now that I've adjusted it as I like, I rarely change it... But I've always got the option.
The Wiimote has its uses, and it's GREAT for Tennis and the other sports games... It's just not in the running for 'best controller'.
"If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you." - DM
You can actually just use two candles for the pointing functionality. The problem of being too close is a matter of the LEDs used for pointing being too far apart. Two candles, or your own set up of infrared LEDs, about 4 inches apart, will probably help.
When holding it like a remote control, the pointing interface is so horrible that I can't believe they bothered. It's fine for menus, but any time that it's used interactively, it's horrid. Red Steel is a great example of horrid pointing.
I can't help wondering if this is something software-specific. Case-in-point: Zelda's pointer interface is smoother and more responsive than the actual Wii menus. When it comes to firing the bow in Zelda, it's easy to snipe even tiny targets from a tremendous distance using the pointer interface.
I haven't played Red Steel so I'll take your word that the pointing interface sucks in that game, but I don't think it's a problem with the controller.
End of lesson. You may press the button.
The standard NES controller.
Because nostalgia always defeats improved design.
Also Nintendo thumb. I mean, c'mon. How cool is that?
Waiting for Warhammer Online.
The N64 controller was truly awful, but as far as original controllers go, I'd say the Intellivision "disc" controller takes the rotten cake.
Did these things come defective from the factory, or what? I don't think I ever used one that didn't have difficulty registering at least one direction.
Yeah, the D-Pad sucks. What's more, I found out when I tried out the Windows USB version that the D-pad doesn't work as a D-pad in Windows, but becomes a "view control" or something using the default drivers. I had to use the analog stick to control my platformers, which was annoying and I switched back to the keyboard.
That said, the layout of the 360 is probobly the apex of the "standard" dual-stick type controller. It's the culmination of all that's been learned about controller design from the PS Dual Shock onwards. Except, unfortunately, for the D-Pad. I don't think MS has ever made a good D-pad, from their Sidewinder series to the original xbox. Even the PS1's was better.
I liked the GameCube's odd-shaped buttons, but I can definitely see why it's not good for some types of games.
Also, I think the best non-analog controllers are the ones on Nintendo's portables. Every single one, from the Gameboy to the DS Lite, has decent feel and response, with a layout that's great for small hands and acceptable for big ones. My favorites are the ones with a distinctive click, like the GBA SP and original DS.