Better N64 controllers?

[Malon_Forever]

I love playing N64 games, and I have a ton (around 90), but most of my controllers are worn down, and it's not to fun with that joystick all worn down. I was wondering if their are any good 3rd party N64 controllers which have better joysticks? I use to these one kind of 3rd party controllers that were really "fat" I think they were called Turbo Controller or something of that nature. I remember those being pretty good, but both had problems with the Z button breaking (don't know if that was due to the type of controller, or it was just my friends, and me being young and really rough with them). So if anyone has any suggestions of any, please tell me. Thanks!

Edit: This is the controller I use to have that I thought was called Turbo:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=220264351882&Category=139969&_trksid=p3907.m29

[doubledownon11]

I'm a huge fan of the N64 and have tried a bunch of different controllers for it. My personal favorite for any game that you're not using the d-pad for, is the Hori Mini Pad. They were only released in Japan, and they're kind of rare, but there are a few on ebay right now:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=n64+hori&category0=

I've purchased from the guy selling these on about half a dozen occasions and he has absolute perfect customer service.

The reason I don't care for these for games that use the d-pad is due to it's small size and odd location. But for any FPS like the bond games, perfect dark, the quake games or any of the likes, these controllers kick ass.

[Malon_Forever]

Those look great. So they work on North American consoles? Thanks!

[doubledownon11]

It works fine on my PAL, JPN, and US N64s no problem. As far as I know there aren't any controllers that have any region cross-over problems, only cartridges.

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1286/consolestu1.jpg

[Gapporin]

Seeing as the OP has found a suitable answer to his question (and if not, I apologize), allow me to ask another:

Are there N64 controllers that are strictly gamepads (like the SNES)? D-Pad on the left, buttons on the right and no joystick? Or is that an impossibility given the N64's hardware setup?

[doubledownon11]

I'm not saying they don't exist, but I've never seen an N64 controller (shy of a steering wheel) that doesn't have an analog stick. There's definately games that you don't need them for, but since so many do, it would've been hard to justify just a d-pad controller for the N64.

[CosmicMonkey]

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1286/consolestu1.jpg

Awesome

[Mayhem]

I've got a couple of the Hori N64 pads and they are great. Curious thing is, they were released in 2000, more than a year before the Cube launched and they do rather look like a Cube pad in many ways...

[Malon_Forever]

I've got a couple of the Hori N64 pads and they are great. Curious thing is, they were released in 2000, more than a year before the Cube launched and they do rather look like a Cube pad in many ways...


How much did you pay for those? I don't want to pay too much for one.

[ckendal]

I agree, the Hori Minipads are the way to go.

~$50 shipped from Japan is the going rate for a brand new controller. I wouldn't pay much more than that for one.

Dream Stars Japan on eBay has 3 of them.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=hori+n64&category0=

[doubledownon11]

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1286/consolestu1.jpg
Awesome

It really is, isn't it. I just got the PAL one from France a couple weeks ago.

Dream Stars Japan (Toshi) is a super nice dude/seller. I dealt with him once through ebay initially actually buying one of these Hori Mini Pads, and at least 5 or 6 times outside of ebay. Every request I've sent him for some Japanese video game related item, he's always been able to find it for me. He always send me pics with full descriptions of any problems like worn corners or shelf wear. If I tell him I want one in better condition, again he always comes back with what I'm looking for. The shipping price may seem a little high, but he ships EMS which is fully insured and trackable and fast. Usually I get stuff he sends me within 4-7 days from Japan. Simply amazing, I can't say enough good things about that guy.

[VACRMH]

Another vote for the Hori pad. I bought mine from Kamino and the few times I actually use the dusty old N64 it's with this pad.

[Sanriostar]

Related but not exact:

Has anyone ever found NOS N64 controllers from Nintendo? I like the feel of those things in my hands better than 3rd party controllers, which are too 'fat', in a way.

[Mayhem]

How much did you pay for those? I don't want to pay too much for one.

About the same price the eBay seller is asking iirc.

[Gentlegamer]

If the analog on the Hori pad is good, I would buy one in a heart beat.

[doubledownon11]

I think the Hori Mini Pad's analog stick is better than any other. It's more like the Dreamcast or Gamecube style than the N64 style. Meaning that the pivot point is closer the the top of the stick than the standard ones. The pivot point on standard N64 controllers is way down at the bottom of the stick so total tip to tip movement is a lot farther and not as responsive.

[Mayhem]

The Hori pad analog stick IS the Cube analog stick... just one of the reasons I said it's spookily similar.

[dao2]

wish it was 2.4ghz wireless ;p I'd buy it in a heartbeat ^^

[scooterb23]

http://wantitnow.ebay.com/Interact-brand-Nintendo-64-Super-Pad-64-plus-controller_W0QQadidZ280248711914

Not my page, but this is trhe only controller I use when I play my N64. Very comfortable, and I've not noticed any issues with it in the 5 or so years I've had it. They do seem to be a little on the tough side to find.

[doubledownon11]

I've got one of those that I'll use for games that require the d-pad, but I don't like how the analog stick is so far down.

[Malon_Forever]

Well, I got a Hori Pad off ebay last night. About 34 dollars shipped. Yay!

http://www.yamatoku.jp/img/92856035a.jpg

[Ed Oscuro]

Interesting. Do the sticks tend to crap out and get loose/imprecise like original N64 sticks?

The octogonal choke around the analog reminds me of the GameCube controller. Looks great!

And the d-pad's location doesn't look too terrible either.

[jonjandran]

Well, I got a Hori Pad off ebay last night. About 34 dollars shipped. Yay!

http://www.yamatoku.jp/img/92856035a.jpg

What are the actual dimensions for it , if you don't mind me asking :)

[TwinChargers]

Then there's always this controller. The huge Arcade Shark!

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118198&highlight=arcade+shark

[Malon_Forever]

What are the actual dimensions for it , if you don't mind me asking :)

It's tiny, but I'll measure later. It's quite nice though. Only bad thing is that the Z button is like a L or R 2 button on a PS2 controller, but if you get use it, it's great. Analog is even better then the cube IMO.

[jonjandran]

It's tiny, but I'll measure later. It's quite nice though. Only bad thing is that the Z button is like a L or R 2 button on a PS2 controller, but if you get use it, it's great. Analog is even better then the cube IMO.

I got one on the way, but I am making a N64 portable and was wondering if this will work without cutting the board. So if I knew the dimensions I would know wether or not to modify an Original controller or just wait for the Hori.

And yes I know mutilating a $50 controller is shocking :)

[Trevelyan]

I always loved the original tbh. One of my favorite controllers.

Theres a Japenese import controller ive seen that looks pretty cool... the euro variations I played I never liked.

[jordandavid]

Gamecube-style joystick replacement for n64, $8.98 + unknown shipping (I think in video he states an additional $8-9)
http://shop.bresoftware.com/Nintendo-64-Thumbstick-Replacement-Repair-Part-Aftermarket-New_p_437.html

Haven't ordered one yet, but the reviews are raving. I love the look of the original N64 controller, and this appears to be the best option to maintain the look with an improved joystick. A lot cheaper than a Hori.

here's a video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRBpcb3CKTc&feature=related

[Aussie2B]

If you don't like the N64 controller to begin with, that's another matter, but, honestly, my recommendation would be to simply get a new or like new official controller and keep it in its condition. Really, there are only a handful of games that are controller killers. As long as you're not spinning or waggling the stick wildly in a way that can grind it (a la Mario Party), you should be fine. I own several N64 controllers, and my best one is still the one I got brand new at launch in '96. Even though the majority of my N64 gaming has been with that controller, it's still tight. I managed to find a used one that's comparable too, but I do know that a lot of controllers out there are pretty destroyed (some literally, I've seen broken off sticks even). But if you got worn out sticks and want to play the aforementioned games that are notorious for damaging sticks, then that's the perfect scenario to use them and preserve your good ones. Chances are if you're flailing the stick about in Mario Party or what have you you're probably not going to need tight precision anyway.