Do you use a regular or dogbone controller to play NES?

[DigitalSpace]

I recently got a dogbone controller in a trade. I've always wanted one to go with my top loader.

Since then, the dogbone has replaced the original controller I was using. I wasn't uncomfortable with the original controller but the dogbone does have a slight advantage in terms of comfort. I still keep an original controller hooked up for multiplayer, or for any "controller 2" tricks. I doubt I'll add a second dogbone controller to the collection for a while; I don't see them in the wild very much and I have a friend who's looking for a dogbone who'll probably give me a good trade if I come across another one before he does.

Anyways, do you use the dogbone, or an original controller? Does anyone alternate between the two? For those of you who use the original controller and don't have a dogbone, would you use a dogbone controller as your primary controller if you got one? Do you use something else as your primary NES controller?

[FlufflePuff]

Almost always dogbone here. Only time the regular controllers come out is when the girl plays Dr. Mario with me. She hates the dogbone (hold the snickers).

[MrSparkle]

original all the way, whats not to love its a box with buttons. dont make me tell you where to shove your ergonomics! (in your ass, comfortably)

[thetoxicone]

I use an original controller simply because I do not own a dogbone controller currently

[spoon]

Dogbone here. Much more comfortable during long play sessions. I also like the way the buttons and pad respond on the dogbone. That is probably just a personal preference.

The old squares tend to dig into my hands after awhile. They are ok when equipped with power grips though.

I also want to give a shout out to the wireless Generation NEX arcade joystick by Messiah. Picked one up at MGC last year. The thing is pretty awesome.;)I would like to try out their wireless pads someday.

http://www.buymessiah.com/store/

[Speedy_NES]

I always use the dogbone as well, just more comfortable IMO.

[Push Upstairs]

Ever since I got a freebie dogbone controller I've been using that, much nicer on the hands than the original square controller.

I do miss the A and B button being right next to one another as opposed to diagonal on the dogbone.

[swlovinist]

I have 8 dogbones and will never go back to the orginal controller. The orginal was awsome, but the dogbone is better!

[boatofcar]

I've always used an original controller. To me, the original controller is the main difference between playing the original hardware and using an emulator.

[Drag0nsfyre]

I use the dogbone controller. :)

[snes_collector]

Dogbone for me as well.

[miaandjohnrule]

I actually use the Messiah Wireless controllers. I like them but have heard from alot of people who don't really care for them with the NES Max style pad. I have been eager to try out that wireless stick they have but I've been too cheap to pony up for that one. I'm sure I have no less than 6 dogbones too. I'm just a hoarder I guess. I also have to agree with spoon that I loved and always used the power grips with mine when I first had an NES.

[GarrettCRW]

NES Advantage FTW.

[Kejoriv]

I've always used an original controller. To me, the original controller is the main difference between playing the original hardware and using an emulator.

I agree. I used the dogbone once "back in the day" and it felt very different. I have used it a few times since, but I always go back to the original controller.

[Kevin H]

Nes Advantage. *I was going to say power glove just to be funny* lol

[Nintendork]

While all of my NES gaming these days is done with a Gravis Gamepad Pro USB (emulation of course), when I do get to play the original hardware I use the dogbone style just about all of the time. I have no problem with the original though and will use that controller when whoever I am playing with prefers to use the lone dogbone controller.

[WiseSalesman]

I don't have a dogbone version, nor have I ever even had the chance to use one, so its original all the way for me.

[Oobgarm]

Even as a dogbone owner, I prefer the original.

It's what I played on as a kid, and I like to be reminded of it when I fire up the old NES. It just feels right to me.

[starchildskiss78]

I also prefer the original. Seeing as the dogbone is similar to the SNES pad (and I'm not quite fond of it's shape...I have a hell of a time with the button configuration when I'm playing Super Mario All Stars) it would get no use from me!

[InsaneDavid]

Occasionally I use a dogbone I modified to accept standard Select / Start elastomers (they always seem to be broken off when I find a dogbone). Most of the time I prefer the original controller or a Beeshu Zipper (http://www.stageselect.com/systems/SystemPicture.aspx?picid=168).

[Single Player Gamer]

I always use the original controller. I never had comfort issues so I never felt the need to use another style.

[Snapple]

I use something different. I can't remember the name, but it's boomerang shaped and has two turbo buttons, and a slidy red thing instead of the normal directional buttons.

[miaandjohnrule]

I use something different. I can't remember the name, but it's boomerang shaped and has two turbo buttons, and a slidy red thing instead of the normal directional buttons.

That would be the NES MAX

[vintagegamecrazy]

I gotta go with dogbones too, I have two of them and love them for the comfort. I can easily use the original as well but it is a bit harder on the thumbs after a while.

[PSerge]

I always preferred the regular controller for the NES....

If I do run across a dogbone, I usually sell them on Ebay....

[Berserker]

All of my original controllers eventually gave out due to heavy use, so now I use the dogbone. It's comfy enough, and sturdy. I've had it for years and years and it still works perfectly.

[guitargary75]

I use the dog bone if I'm goning to be playing for a long time. Other I use the original.

[kainemaxwell]

Dogbone, much more comfortable. Only time I use a regular controller is playing something 2-player since I only own 1 dogbone controller at the moment.

[Hwj_Chim]

I just use my NES for castlevania 3. So I just use the original controller

[scooterb23]

Regular controller only.

I don't like the dogbone at all, I haven't used mine in years, but I think it's a bit smaller, and the way I hold a NES controller just doesn't work with the dogbone.

[dlopez9069]

It all depends on the game that im playing. i do prefer the original to the dogbone though. I also like to use the advantage if its an arcade port, and the max if i'm playing some kind of rpg.

[thjufgikig]

I use Original controller.

[j_factor]

I use a Super NES controller.

[Snapple]

That would be the NES MAX

That's right. Thank you very much. The NES MAX is a very fine controller, and I recommend it to others. I've broken a few original controllers in my day, but I believe my MAX works as well as it did 15+ years ago.

[boatofcar]

and the max if i'm playing some kind of rpg.

Ok, I'll bite. Why the max for RPGs?

[CHOZO]

I use the original controller. Nostalgia pretty much makes all my decisions for me...

[XYXZYZ]

I switched to the NES Advantage in 1988 and have never gone back. After coming back from the arcades, playing with a gamepad felt awkward.

[RJ]

Yobo baby.

[dlopez9069]

Ok, I'll bite. Why the max for RPGs?

it makes it easier for me to move around. since there is alot of moving in all directions i find the little sliding chip easier on my thumbs.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Ok, I'll bite. Why the max for RPGs?

Hold turbo A button FTW!

I prefer the button action and the d-pad of the original over the bone. Max for games like Contra (anything to save the thumbs) and an Advantage for shmups.

[sirhansirhan]

I have a Max, a dogbone, a couple of regular controllers, and an advantage, and much, much prefer the dogbone of the four. It's a lot less hostile on the hands after long periods of playing Battletoads.

Couple that with the fact that the regular controllers I have were the ones that came with my first system in '88 and got heavy play for years before the dogbone came along, which makes the dogbone considerably more responsive than the regular controllers (that I own, anyway), and my vote is for dogbones without a question.

[ice1605]

I use original and dogbone (dogbone more), but I also use my Advantage, and my Max, as well.

[rpepper9]

I wish I had a dogbone to try out. I have never even seen one in the wild to buy and try. Everyone on eBay seems to think that they are worth gold, or that they weigh that much since shipping is usually right around 10bucks. Fuck eBay and their overpriced shipping and no monitoring!

[jdc]

On my NES I use the square "chocolate bar" controller most of the time. I also have that Nintendo NES controller that has the red "sliding d-pad" button.

Incidentally, I use my original non-dual shock PSX controller on all games that were pre-dual shock. It's lighter and more comfortable.