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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.
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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 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
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.