View Full Version : not diggin' the "Dog Bone" controller
So I forked up $16 and bought an original dog bone. What's up with the D pad? Is it just mine? It doesn't seem to be as responsive as my classic controllers; was really messin' me up on Adventure Island last night.
on a side note, does anyone here try to avoid the skate board on Adventure Island? Can't tell if it's suppose to be a good or bad thing, I try to avoid it at all costs, messes up my timing and game flow.
Tanooki
06-19-2013, 04:36 PM
Perhaps it's dirty or broken in some way as I've never found it less responsive at all and I've got all 3 official primary game pads (NES, Sharp NES, and Dogbone.) It all comes down really to comfort of the shell.
TheRetroVideoGameAddict
06-19-2013, 04:57 PM
I have a couple for reasons of display for my gaming hardware collection, but I always use the classic NES controller for my Nintendo games or the NES Advantage when I want the arcade feel. The dog bone controller is cool, but it's not my first choice when playing the NES, I believe that most people would tend to agree.
Polygon
06-19-2013, 04:58 PM
I've never been a fan either. Not from any functionality standpoint, but rather a nostalgic standpoint.
Satoshi_Matrix
06-19-2013, 06:17 PM
The NES-101 "dogbone" controller is my favorite controller of all time, closely followed by the Japanese Saturn and SNES controllers.
Flam. try cleaning yours, and give it some time. Of course not everyone will agree on everything, but I think that if you give it a chance you'll come to realize how much better is it than any other classic controller and how ideally suited it is for general purpose platforming, racing, run 'n gunning and more.
But avoid the RetroBit branded modern clones. They're awful. Maybe thats what you bought?
treismac
06-19-2013, 08:14 PM
I find my dogbone controllers' d-pads to be just as responsive as the original nes controller's. Sorry to hear about yours not being up to par, Flam.
And, yes. The skateboard is best avoided on Adventure Island. Apart from giving you an extra hit, it is a sure way to end up off a cliff or in the drink, and at times when it does take a hit for you, you die instantly right afterwards anyway.
But avoid the RetroBit branded modern clones. They're awful.
Sage words. I tried one at Planet Fun, my local retro game/toy shop, and it is a wretched thing to hold in your hand, let alone to play a video game with.
BetaWolf47
06-19-2013, 08:33 PM
I've got a dogbone controller I never use as well. It has a comfortable shape, but the dpad just feels really... stiff. It almost feels odd enough to pass off as a clone controller, but it has the Nintendo logo on it.
JakeM
06-19-2013, 09:05 PM
Probably just old and dirty. Open it up and clean it and make sure its not something else.
Aussie2B
06-19-2013, 09:26 PM
I find the D-pads about the same between the original controller and the dogbone. Of course, just about every used controller feels a little different depending on how worn and/or dirty it is. My fiance actually swears by our most worn NES controller because the D-pad has the loosest feel and he likes that. Most of my other NES controllers (both original and dogbone) have seen far less use, some look and feel practically like new, so they have a stiffer feel. There is a "breaking in" effect, although it's your call on if it helps or hurts. Of course, heavily used controllers can feel stiff too, in a bad way, especially if there's a bunch of grimy junk in there keeping things from pressing smoothly.
well I've narrowed it down, the down and left functions on the D pad are definitely stiffer than the right and up functions which really throws me off. I asked the seller on Ebay if I could exchange it for another. I'll have to wait and see what he says. If the D pad had a good response I think I'd love it. I tried it on Duck Tales and Kiwi Kraze a while ago.
Frankie_Says_Relax
06-19-2013, 09:40 PM
Sounds like it needs some cleaning or servicing. I love me some dogbone NES controllers.
You have an authentic one right? Because Tomee/RetroBit made some similar but not identical replicas last year that aren't QUITE as good or well made as the real deal.
REAL:
http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/78/NES-101-Controller.jpg
Tomee/RetroBit:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41fdmMpM7IL._SX300_.jpg
frogofdeath
06-19-2013, 09:50 PM
Just seconding and thirding what others have said that it may be your individual dogbone. Mine works like a gem. Not too partial to the original or the dogbone, but the latter has seen its fair share of use: the Nintendo logo is actually wearing off near the D-pad! Anyone else have that issue?
well, with some elbow grease and a lot of 91% Isopropyl, the controller now works great! I will say this, I have never encountered a dirtier piece of gaming equipment that this controller. I seems to have had a lot of crap poured on it (Coke?), the inside even smelled like cig. smoke. I couldn't get over how dirty the inside was. Even when I got the thing you could tell the seller didn't even take the time to wipe down the cord. I didn't expect a detailed job when I bought it, but IMO the seller could have done a little bit more on his end. This is the first controller I've ever had to clean BTW.
Just seconding and thirding what others have said that it may be your individual dogbone. Mine works like a gem. Not too partial to the original or the dogbone, but the latter has seen its fair share of use: the Nintendo logo is actually wearing off near the D-pad! Anyone else have that issue?
My red A is wearing off, which I was kind of pissed about when I got it.
so I contacted the seller and told him I got it to work, but that I noticed the red A was wearing off and if I could exchange the controller I had for this other one. He claims the other dog bone is in the same condition (which I find questionable, is the lettering really wearing off the other one), but he did offer to wave the shipping charges if I bought something else, so I got Double Dragon for $10 with no shipping. I kind of feel that I got suckered into buying something else from him, but on the other hand I'd have to buy DD on the internet anyway so this was a good option for me.
Satoshi_Matrix
06-20-2013, 12:16 AM
I hope you didn't choose to buy Technos Double Dragon NES port by returning the dogbne controller?
Even if the lettering is waring off, a controller is meant to be held, not looked at. As long as it works thats the much better option than a common game.
treismac
06-20-2013, 01:21 AM
Glad to hear your dogbone is now in good working condition, Flam!! It really is one of the indispensables in my collection- no- in my gaming. Lord knows, I don't just admire the aesthetics of the thing. The Toploader on the other hand....
The red "START" lettering is rubbing off of the dogbone I use just about daily. I just noticed it the other day, actually. The other lettering is fine on it, though, as it is on my other dogbones. I understand wanting your controller to look well, but, honestly, to echo Satoshi again on this thread, in this day and age, how well a retro controller works is really what matters. Like any controller, not all dogbones are functional. Be happy yours works.
bb_hood
06-20-2013, 07:29 AM
If the controller was that dirty you should have just returned it for a refund, paying 26$ for a dirty/worn dogbone and double dragon loose isnt a great deal
If the controller was that dirty you should have just returned it for a refund, paying 26$ for a dirty/worn dogbone and double dragon loose isnt a great deal
$16 was the cheapest I coud find a dog bone on eBay and I won't be able to find DD in my town so I'd have to order it anyway.
I hope you didn't choose to buy Technos Double Dragon NES port by returning the dogbne controller?
Even if the lettering is waring off, a controller is meant to be held, not looked at. As long as it works thats the much better option than a common game.
No, I'm keeping the controller. He just waved the shipping charge on my next purchase because of the worn lettering.
Frankie_Says_Relax
06-20-2013, 09:40 AM
Double Dragon on NES isn't terrible, the main game is just relegated to a 1 player affair with a leveling-up mechanic.
The often overlooked 2-player fighting mode with the big sprites is a nice, unique bonus too.
Double Dragon on NES isn't terrible, the main game is just relegated to a 1 player affair with a leveling-up mechanic.
The often overlooked 2-player fighting mode with the big sprites is a nice, unique bonus too.
DD was a childhood favorite, really wasn't on the top of my list for a next purchase; but now that my 5 year old is getting into the NES I kind of have to buy games for his tastes. I'm betting he'll love double dragon.
the main game is just relegated to a 1 player affair .
Wait, what? I thought there was a two player mode?
TheRetroVideoGameAddict
06-20-2013, 11:23 AM
Like I said before, I prefer playing the NES with the original controller, which is the way I grew up playing the NES and I feel it's the true way to enjoy the console and it's games. But with that said, I do enjoy the feel of the dog bone controller and I like it for it's collectible status among NES fans. I remember seeing them when the remodel of the NES hit stores in 1993 and thinking they were cool looking, but I wanted nothing to do with using one at the time, but I do have some respect for it despite being a traditional NES controller kind of guy.
Frankie_Says_Relax
06-20-2013, 11:42 AM
Wait, what? I thought there was a two player mode?
No, Double Dragon 1 on NES is a 1 player game in the main arcade mode.
It has a 2 player fighting game where you square off in a small arena, but that's where the 2-player gameplay begins and ends.
It was a notorious hot button issue for NES owners back in the day. If there was an internet outside of dial-up BBS'es I'd assume there would have been a lot of online backlash. :)
Double Dragon 2 and 3 on NES are 2 player in the arcade mode.
treismac
06-20-2013, 01:03 PM
I was pissed there was no regular two player mode for Double Dragon on the NES when I was a kid. The arcade game was and still is one of my favorite games, so I couldn't stomach the single dragon downgrade coupled with the huge NES to arcade graphics divide. I think we can all comfortably and trendily agree that Technos made much better use of the NES hardware and its limitation with River City Ransom. Anyway, back to Double Dragon, I just picked up the Master System port and found the hit detection in it more than a little wonky. 'Tis a shame, really. The Gameboy Advance upgraded version of the game is the only home port I've ever played that actually felt like actual Double Dragon.
By the way, Flam, buy Pro Wrestling for your son. My son loves playing it with me and it is an excellent game whose single running song only sweetens and sweetens the more you hear it.
I was pissed there was no regular two player mode for Double Dragon on the NES when I was a kid. The arcade game was and still is one of my favorite games, so I couldn't stomach the single dragon downgrade coupled with the huge NES to arcade graphics divide. I think we can all comfortably and trendily agree that Technos made much better use of the NES hardware and its limitation with River City Ransom. Anyway, back to Double Dragon, I just picked up the Master System port and found the hit detection in it more than a little wonky. 'Tis a shame, really. The Gameboy Advance upgraded version of the game is the only home port I've ever played that actually felt like actual Double Dragon.
By the way, Flam, buy Pro Wrestling for your son. My son loves playing it with me and it is an excellent game whose single running song only sweetens and sweetens the more you hear it.
I have Pro Wrestling (another childhood favorite), but my son didn't seem to care for it. All I know is if I have to play Rampage or 'Battletoads & Double Dragon' one more time my head is going to explode. I have Duck Hunt on the way which I think he'll like.
It's funny how much one can forget from childhood. I could have sworn I played two player DD back in the day, guess not.
Rickstilwell1
06-20-2013, 03:14 PM
My girlfriend looked at my two NES controller types and said she prefers the original kind just because it was what she grew up with and was used to. I actually am not bothered by this because that means she won't wear out the dogbones which I like to use. Anybody complaining about their dogbone controllers that wants to sell them to me, I'll gladly buy them off you.
Frankie_Says_Relax
06-20-2013, 03:36 PM
I have Pro Wrestling (another childhood favorite), but my son didn't seem to care for it. All I know is if I have to play Rampage or 'Battletoads & Double Dragon' one more time my head is going to explode. I have Duck Hunt on the way which I think he'll like.
It's funny how much one can forget from childhood. I could have sworn I played two player DD back in the day, guess not.
If you're looking for a really fun 2 player Double Dragon style brawler to play with your kid, spend whatever the asking price is on River City Ransom. (Billy and Jimmy Lee are even one of the final boss battles.)
treismac
06-20-2013, 04:18 PM
If you're looking for a really fun 2 player Double Dragon style brawler to play with your kid, spend whatever the asking price is on River City Ransom. (Billy and Jimmy Lee are even one of the final boss battles.)
Complete with the Double Dragon theme music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKFW1A1kkkI
I already own RCR, and now I just bought DD2. I don't know what the hell I'm doing. I read some good reviews of DD2.
Parodius Duh!
06-20-2013, 05:11 PM
I hate the feel of the dogbone and prefer the square controller any day!
Frankie_Says_Relax
06-20-2013, 05:45 PM
I already own RCR, and now I just bought DD2. I don't know what the hell I'm doing. I read some good reviews of DD2.
You're filling out your Technos collection! :)
You're filling out your Technos collection! :)
Reluctantly. I always claimed I wasn't a collector, now look at me. I've spent about $50 on NES stuff in the past two days. Might as well unload and get DD 3 now! I don't even have time to play half of my games anyway, it's a dark hole I've slipped into.
jperryss
06-20-2013, 08:37 PM
DD2 is really good and definitely the one I enjoyed the most. The careful timing needed to pull off the two super moves is a neat touch and adds to the experience. Overall the game is more "frantic" than DD1. Also, there's some nasty platforming near the end.
I'm not a big fan of DD3. I found it cheap and picked it up to complete the trilogy, but I only played it once and it's been on the shelf since.
bigbacon
06-20-2013, 08:54 PM
dog bone can't be as bad as the SMS controller. God the d-pad on those things is horrific. Playing through golden axe warrior and it is a chore because the thing just has a mind of its own sometimes.
Tron 2.0
06-21-2013, 01:47 AM
I prefer the dogbone controller i find it more comfortable to use.
ccovell
06-21-2013, 03:26 AM
My 2¢ on the dogbone controller is that it's more comfortable to hold, but I hated the B+A placement. At least the original NES controller had them lined up straight horizontally. On the SNES, my thumb could comfortably bridge both the Y and B buttons, but never the SNES B+A buttons. Unfortunately, the dogbone uses the SNES' B+A layout which means twisting my thumb like I'm holding the neck of an electric guitar or something.
JakeM
06-21-2013, 05:31 AM
AHAHAHAHAHA! I just got the title.
AHAHAHAHAHA! I just got the title.
It was an unintentional pun. Right befor I created this thread I noticed it.
ButtonMasher123
06-21-2013, 01:21 PM
Reluctantly. I always claimed I wasn't a collector, now look at me. I've spent about $50 on NES stuff in the past two days. Might as well unload and get DD 3 now! I don't even have time to play half of my games anyway, it's a dark hole I've slipped into.
Flam, you remind me so much of myself when I started collecting years back. At first I just wanted the games I owned as a kid back , then I wanted to get the games I wanted to own as a kid, and then I just said screw it and got any game I heard was good. It's always good to pace yourself with these things so you can enjoy playing what you have, but the NES does have a ridiculous amount of good games so I know it's hard.
The Genesis Jerk
06-21-2013, 02:39 PM
If you're having issues with your dogbone controller, I highly recommend the following steps:
1. Locate a philips head screwdriver, some electrical tape, a bottle or rubbing alcohol, some q-tips, a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper, and a slice of individually wrapped sandwich cheese that is wrapped in thin transparent plastic.
2. After collecting these items, find a clean, flat, stable surface you can work on.
3. Remove the transparent plastic cellophane from the slice of cheese and set it aside.
4. Repeatedly stab yourself in the balls with the screwdriver, then pour rubbing alcohol on them and patch them with the slice of cheese. Use some electrical tape to hold the cheese in place.
treismac
06-21-2013, 02:56 PM
Flam, you remind me so much of myself when I started collecting years back. At first I just wanted the games I owned as a kid back , then I wanted to get the games I wanted to own as a kid, and then I just said screw it and got any game I heard was good. It's always good to pace yourself with these things so you can enjoy playing what you have, but the NES does have a ridiculous amount of good games so I know it's hard.
That is kinda the way it goes. Originally, I just wanted to buy the games that were stolen from my childhood collection and that be it, but then it just started to snowball. I've chilled out a bit with actual collecting, but I wonder if I will ever come to the point where I am satisfied with my collection and hang up my hat, merrily playing all the games I could ever want or not want. In all likelihood, I'm inclined to think that in order for that to happen I'd need to find another pursuit to fill the niche in my life that video games fill. Either that or become some wandering Daoist hermit in the nature.
Flam, you remind me so much of myself when I started collecting years back. At first I just wanted the games I owned as a kid back , then I wanted to get the games I wanted to own as a kid, and then I just said screw it and got any game I heard was good. It's always good to pace yourself with these things so you can enjoy playing what you have, but the NES does have a ridiculous amount of good games so I know it's hard.
The problem I run into is I constantly lie to myself and convince myself that I'll have time to play all the games I buy. Instead I just build up a back log.
I'll say that since this thread I've been using the dog bone, I tried the old school controller today, and I don't think there is anyway I can go back to the classic controller. Dog bone all the way from now on. Took a few days to get use to but I love it now.
Little Miss Gloom
07-09-2013, 10:02 PM
Flam, if you want some DD fun with your son, seriously pick up Double Dragon II. It's so much superior to the first game, and has 2 player co-op, as mentioned earlier.
theclaw
07-09-2013, 10:13 PM
My 2¢ on the dogbone controller is that it's more comfortable to hold, but I hated the B+A placement. At least the original NES controller had them lined up straight horizontally. On the SNES, my thumb could comfortably bridge both the Y and B buttons, but never the SNES B+A buttons. Unfortunately, the dogbone uses the SNES' B+A layout which means twisting my thumb like I'm holding the neck of an electric guitar or something.
Heh I'm one of those people used to playing Mega Man X with one thumb comfortably bridging Y+B+A.
Yet even Wii Classic Controller takes adjustment, its button placement doesn't quite match SNES and PS1 to *that* degree.
Jack_Burton_BYOAC
07-09-2013, 10:50 PM
I like my NES controller with power grips.
http://www.8bitnes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/-818601811526071831.jpg
Usually this sort of thing feels gimmicky, but the power grips give the controller a sort of Genesis-like feel. Using anything else just feels foreign now.
Satoshi_Matrix
07-09-2013, 11:15 PM
who made those? I'd like to give them a try myself.
bb_hood
07-09-2013, 11:23 PM
I wonder if I will ever come to the point where I am satisfied with my collection and hang up my hat, merrily playing all the games I could ever want or not want. In all likelihood, I'm inclined to think that in order for that to happen I'd need to find another pursuit to fill the niche in my life that video games fill.
This is kinda where I am at, Ive slowly stopped collecting games over the last few years. At this point when I spend money on video game related stuff its mostly controllers or system mods. Since Ive slowed down in collecting Ive been spending alot more time playing games.
Flam, if you want some DD fun with your son, seriously pick up Double Dragon II. It's so much superior to the first game, and has 2 player co-op, as mentioned earlier.
I've since gotten DD2 and he loves it. However we've been playing ALOT of Contra, he'll start playing a game over and over and over... I'm so burned out on Contra at the moment.
as a side note I really love the A - B button placement on the dog bone.
Side note 2: It’s hilarious how much my son gets wrapped up in the games. He gets so nevervious at critical times in the game (eg having to make a timed jump), he yells at the game (not in an angry way, but a frustrated way), and he constantly tells me how good I am at the game (when in reality I’m just an average gamer)
I tried the dog bone once and did not like the angled buttons. They are fine on the Super NES and PlayStation, but I just couldn't handle them on the NES.
T.A.P.
07-10-2013, 08:27 AM
I really like the dog bone. Reminds me of the SNES controller.
Alpha2099
07-10-2013, 12:18 PM
I've thought about getting a dog bone controller. Having used an actual square NES controller before, I don't like the way it digs into my hand when I'm playing something intense like Tecmo Super Bowl. I also like to play for about an hour or so at a time, so having something comfortable and ergonomic is pretty important. Unfortunately, the last time I went online to shop for one, they were selling for about $35. Yikes!
xelement5x
07-10-2013, 01:02 PM
I like my NES controller with power grips.
http://www.8bitnes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/-818601811526071831.jpg
Usually this sort of thing feels gimmicky, but the power grips give the controller a sort of Genesis-like feel. Using anything else just feels foreign now.
Yeah those look neat, I might have to find a pair. I wonder if they work for SMS pads as well?
Alpha2099
07-10-2013, 01:41 PM
^ That looks pretty cool, although I wonder if it would feel a little bulky.
I've thought about getting a dog bone controller. Having used an actual square NES controller before, I don't like the way it digs into my hand when I'm playing something intense like Tecmo Super Bowl. I also like to play for about an hour or so at a time, so having something comfortable and ergonomic is pretty important. Unfortunately, the last time I went online to shop for one, they were selling for about $35. Yikes!
They're about $25 on Ebay. I forgot how much I got mine for (probably in this thread), but I'm thinking it was around $16.