NES - Dogbone controller or Rectangle controller?

[BetaWolf47]

I've heard many good things about the NES dogbone controller. So much so that I tracked one down, despite having no qualms with the rectangle controller.

After using it for a good while, I found I prefer the square controller in the end. Could just be my dogbone controller having a stiff dpad, but does anyone else have trouble with this? Which controller do you use more in the end?

[mattimeo310]

I always preferred the rectangular one, i thought it was more comfortable for some reason or maybe just because it was what i was used to. my dad loves the dogbone so much more.

[jbjabroni]

Considering I had both for quite a bit: The rectangular controllers ended up hurting my hands due to the fact I got so into games the corners dug into my hands. The dogbone gave a more ergonomic and comfortable feel. Not to mention the SNES controller is about the same shape so going from the dogbone to a SNES controller wasn't any issues.

[Ryaan1234]

Considering I had both for quite a bit: The rectangular controllers ended up hurting my hands due to the fact I got so into games the corners dug into my hands.
THIS
After playing Bubble Bobble for an hour with the normal rectangular controller I had terrible little bruises on the palm of my hands from those corners >_<. Not sure if this is a common occurrence or if it's just my *massive* hands (I loved the original giant Xbox controller LOL)

Although the classic rectangular NES controller is what you think when you imagine a Nintendo with controllers, the later dogbone is much more comfortable and better when it comes to playing for extended periods of time, in my opinion.

[vintagegamecrazy]

I'll take the dogbone any day though I still don't mind the original.

[Gunsmoke]

Dogbone controller or the rectangle controller with the power grips.

[retroman]

keep it oldest school...first one is great for me..

[Baloo]

Dogbone has better grips for sure, the rectangle just digs into your hand.

[Berserker]

The corners on the original controller never bothered me. That said, the main thing I think the dogbone controller has going for it is durability.

I got mine when it was new out of necessity - eventually the rubber switches cracked on both of my original controllers. And after more than 16 years, it still works just as well as the day that I got it.

[Aussie2B]

I'd go with the dogbone, but the original is a great pad too, a beautiful example of gaming simplicity. I find that the rectangular shape isn't a problem for my small hands for normal playing, but if I'm doing a long, demanding session, they have occasionally dug into my hands a little.

It's really all about condition, though. A few years ago I had the good fortune of finding two complete and extremely mint, appearing as if they were barely used if at all, NES systems, one being an Action Set and the other being a toploader. The controllers feel like they're brand new, and it's a joy to use either style when they're that nice.

[kupomogli]

I've never had a problem with the regular ones. I've only used the regular, the NES Advantage, and a turbo controller that was like the regular.

[starchildskiss78]

I prefer the regular controller. The dogbone controller is configured a lot like the SNES controller, and I have always hated dealing with that configuration in Super Mario All-Stars. Heck, I use the Wiimote versus the classic controller on NES Virtual Console games despite the fact the start button is so far away from the "A" and "B" buttons!

[c0ldb33r]

I like the originals. When I was a kid I had wicked callouses on my hands from the corners though LOL

[NerdXCrewWill]

I don't have a problem with the corners of the original controller. The problem lies in the ergonomics. The controller's small size combined with the shape causes strain on my hand. Every time I play for long periods of time since I've reached adult size, my hand ends up cramping up around the bones for my pinkie and ring fingers in the palm area. The same thing occurs when I play the GBA SP too much, too.

[Gapporin]

Beeshu Zipper FTW (aka: rectangular)

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Retrolink is currently making some very decent reproduction type controllers in both the dogbone and original style

http://www.gaminggenerations.com/store/images/dogbone_NES_controller.jpg

I have the USB classic NES style pad and while it's a bit lighter than the real deal, the action is great and it works perfectly.

[BetaWolf47]

I'd love to find a second dogbone controller. I think the one I have is just really worn. Other than that, I only see aftermarket dogbone controllers.

[Enigmus]

The NES Advantage. The thing's perfect IMO for The Legend of Zelda, Tetris, Super Mario Bros. 3, Fester's Quest, and Smash TV.

Otherwise, the rectangle. The angle layout is perfect for the Game Boy, but it's awful for the NES and SMAS.

[lazyhoboguy]

My hands also hurt from the rectangle controller's corners after awhile. I have never yet held a dogbone nes controller in my hand though.

[TheChristoph]

I like the shape of the Dogbone, but I don't like the angle at which the buttons are pitched. I feel that B should be higher than A. It'd make it much easier to, for instance, take a running jump in Super Mario Bros. I don't know if I'd make it as severe as the angle from Y to B on the SNES pad, but I'd at least reverse the way it's angled now.

[BetaWolf47]

Quick question though. Doesn't the dogbone's dpad feel stiff to anyone else? That's my big gripe with the thing. The button angle never bothered me, since my thumb is large enough to press both buttons without lifting it up.

[buzz_n64]

Neither, I use my Hudson NES controller. Has headphone jack, turbo fire switches and is slightly more comfortable to me than the rectangle pad because it's basically the same shape. Dog bone has a nice shape but I wish the buttons were angled the other way.

[Buapo]

I'm not sold on the current dog bone reproductions. The A and B buttons feel fine, but the d-pad is no good. If you press the center of the d-pad, the entire thing will press down as if it's one huge button. The original rectangle, dogbone, or even the SNES controllers don't do that.

[benevicious]

I would use the dogbone for ergonomic reasons, but the dpad just feels off. It might have to do with the raised circular area around it. I don't do many marathon nes sessions though. I could see the rectangle edges being a real problem after a few hours.

[Snapple]

I had no problem with the rectangle when it was all we had and I was 6 years old. I did make the switch to the dogbone, and I suppose I preferred it. Now that other systems have come along and made controllers to actually fit in your hand comfortably, I feel spoiled and can't imagine holding the damn boxy rectangle again.

Of course, I think both kinds of NES controllers are too small for my GIANT ADULT HANDS now.

[Rickstilwell1]

I used to enjoy the retangle as a kid, but ever since I was in high school and got the NES 2 with the dogbone, I have never wanted to go back to it. I was already used to the angle of the buttons in games like Mario because of playing the Game Boy a lot.

[Seaquest]

I am pretty satisfied with the classic rectangle myself. It has a nice feel to it.:D