Best and Worst Controllers [Archive] - Retrogaming Roundtable

evilmess

10-06-2003, 05:35 PM

Has this topic been done yet?

So, tell us your favorite and least favorite game controllers. First party or third party and any console.

My favorite is the Nintendo Wave Bird and I wish Sony would make a wireless Dual Shock 2.

And I loath the original N64 controller. :rockets:

Retsudo

10-06-2003, 05:54 PM

Been done already..........but my favorite is The Dual Shock PS
Worst- Nintendo 64

Arrrhalomynn

10-06-2003, 05:56 PM

Yeah, the N64 comes straight from hell. Just like the Jaguar controller. It feels like a cheap crappy toy. And it's too big.

http://members1.chello.nl/~t.hartholt/ebayplaatjes/jag.jpg

Sofa King Gud

10-06-2003, 08:43 PM

Best: SNES (original)
Worst:definitely N64... Whats with the "Z" button?!?!

Raccoon Lad

10-06-2003, 08:47 PM

Best: Sega Arcade Power Stick! Well worth the $49.95 price tag it had back in '91

esquire

10-06-2003, 09:23 PM

The worst controller ever has to be the Atari 5200 joystick made by Atari. The controller never self centers, the carbon contacts under the buttons & keypad degrade, the flex circuits underneath get easily pinched and cut and it's a bitch to repair.

I have several favorites, but my fondest is the old Wico Command Control for my Atari 2600. That thing took a beating, unlike the original 2600 joystick.

davidbrit2

10-06-2003, 09:52 PM

For worst, I go with the Intellivision controllers. Even in perfect condition they are far more annoying than a decent working 5200 stick.

For best controller, I'd go with either the Gamecube or PS2 based on whether I need a nice analog stick for a simple arcade style game, or a ton of easily accessible buttons for something more complex. In other words, I can't imagine trying to play Unreal Tournament with a GC controller, and Monkey Ball would be horrible with a Dual Shock.

Stamp Mcfury

10-06-2003, 10:39 PM

I'm suprised no one has nominated the Xbox controllers.

Voodoo

10-06-2003, 10:45 PM

Worst Controller = Intellivision
runner-up = Colecovision

Best Controller = Xbox
runner-up = PS2 Dual Shock

Flack

10-06-2003, 11:34 PM

While hooking up all my old consoles in my new gameroom, I couldn't resist playing each one for a few minutes. While unpacking my N64, I ran across Excitebike 64 and tossed it in. Within a minute or two, I remembered why I hated that system so much. With my hands on the outside of the controller, I cannot reach the analog stick or the Z button. My hand doesn't really fit in the place where it should to hold the Z button ... looking at the keyboard, I don't think I have monster hands or anything but, it's like it puts my hand in a bind or something, the analog stick is too close to my thumb and the stick seems to stick out a foot ahead of my hand. They should have moved the Z button to where your left index could hit it from the outside, and move the analog where your left thumb could hit it from the outside position as well. It's a shame that I've never dug too deep into that conosle, just because of that controller.

The PSX controller, on the other hand, finally got it right. Everything feels like it's "in the right place", at least to me. SNES was almost there, but the L and R buttons are just a little too high it seems.

Flack

djbeatmongrel

10-06-2003, 11:36 PM

worst- either the n64 or virtualboy controllers. i don't know how much my hands hurt after using them. even though i hate the x-box controller, its less menacing than those two.

best goes directly to the dreamcast, its comfy and you can lookat the beautiful vmu screens :D

can_dude

10-06-2003, 11:36 PM

the worst controller ever: Atari Jaguar, what a piece of crap.
the best controller: gamecube/Neo Geo CD controller (love that thing!)

davidbrit2

10-07-2003, 12:03 AM

In fairness to the Jaguar, the 6 button pad was a HUGE improvement over the 3 button version. It makes it much more enjoyable to play Club Drive and laugh yourself stupid in awe of the "physics" model.

Ruudos

10-07-2003, 05:27 PM

It seems I'm the only one who liked the Jaguar's controllers. They're big, but pretty comfortable, and I don't have big hands either.

The joystick that came with the Atari 2600 Jr. is crap, not durable at all!

Best is the SNES controller, also like the simplicty of the NES controller, and the 6-button controller for the Mega Drive is alot better than the 3-button model.

Sylentwulf

10-07-2003, 07:25 PM

Best - PS Dual Shock, Xbox S-type (although I've never really played with them, I've held them and tried them out)

Worst - Anything that nintendo has put out after the SNES, Dreamcast, and Atari 5200 controllers

anagrama

10-07-2003, 07:37 PM

Best - Re-designed Japanese-syle Saturn pad
Honourable mentions: SNES, Dreamcast arcade stick

Worst - Jag
Dishonourable mentions: CD32

ManekiNeko

10-07-2003, 08:42 PM

The 3DO's got to be one of the dumbest controller designs ever inflicted upon gamers. You actually had to unscrew the bottom of the joypad just to get diagonal control of your character. Also, the button layout was really idiotic... there simply weren't enough buttons on the controller for fighting games like Way of the Warrior or Samurai Shodown. Worsening matters was Panasonic's port of Super Street Fighter II Turbo, which reversed the functions of the X and P (pause) keys. That made nearly every 3DO controller BUT Capcom's completely worthless when trying to play the game. Words can't describe how frustrating it is to put the game on pause when what you really wanted to do was a simple punch.

JR

Dr. Retro Gamer

10-08-2003, 02:46 AM

BigBoogie

10-08-2003, 03:15 AM

I would say the 6 button gen. controller is better than the SNES controller.

Stringfellow

10-10-2003, 10:19 AM

My favorite has always been the original Sega Genesis 6 button pad. It was pretty comfortable and sturdy. The Dual Shock pads are nice but it'd be better if the directional buttons were more like the Genesis pad. I liked the 5200 joystick till it broke and break it did. I never liked the Snes pad in felt cheap and was uncomfortable in my hands and the n64 cheap junk.

Miguel_The_Machine

10-10-2003, 10:46 AM

I always liked the Genesis and SNES controllers, easy to use and understand. And like the majority of people here i hated the N64 controllers, they really get uncomfortable after awhile, making the gaming less enjoyable.

lionforce

10-10-2003, 12:00 PM

I always enjoyed The Sega Genesis/Saturn controllers, I still believe they are the best til this day (the six button set up always made gaming on those systems comfortable)

Bratwurst

10-10-2003, 12:10 PM

Best: Sega Genesis, Dreamcast. For some reason when I hold onto a Dreamcast controller I feel all detached and trip out playing Sonic Adventure. I guess a better way of putting it is because the size is perfect for me I forget I'm holding something so it's a pretty immersive experience. I have long spidery hands, to that end.

Worst: 2600 and 7800 sticks. Christ, when it actually starts to HURT after 5 minutes.. screw that.

devilman

10-10-2003, 12:18 PM

Strange, all this hatred for the N64 controller, I liked it a lot. One of the main reasons for me that the Xbox left stick felt so natural when released. I had lots of practice with the N64 analogue stick.

I like the N64 pad too. I had no problems playing Excitebike 64 with it (and put a fair few hours into it) and Goldeneye plays just great with Z as the trigger button.

Deathstar

10-10-2003, 10:53 PM

Best= Dual Shock 2
Worst= NES (the blocky design got to me)

Xipe

10-11-2003, 12:26 AM

Worst : Intellivision, hard to maneuver and even harder to push the side buttons.

Best: Saturn, comfortable, accurate and durable!

orangemage

10-11-2003, 12:31 AM

dude the XBOX controller was pretty bad i hate that thing. my fav would be the NES controller it was great :)

Predatorxs

10-11-2003, 11:01 AM

(IMHO) The Snes controller will always be the best!, i can't stand the genesis / megadrive controllers they always felt too hollow and weak, when i first used them i thought they'd brake them if i went to hard on them.. (they felt unresponsive as well)

The Snes was just perfect very hard wearing, very responsive, just the right balance in everthing, i remember thinkin about all the poor sega fans that had to play with a lesser controller, poor sega fans :(

I like the N64 controller, i noticed alot of people here wheren't happy with it but everyone's got there fav's.. this is one of mine, that reminds me i started Jet Force Gemini and never even got half way thru it (4 or 5 years back...doooohh) i'll have to dig it out and dominate that thing..

Hell, it was pretty much nintendo that came up with the whole control pad concept, and with the snes controller the shoulder button was born, can you imagine the dual shock with no shoulder buttons :eek 2:

Can you imagine if nintendo never was!! we'd all still have crappy (click... clicken... tired old) joysticks with 20 buttons around the base, and those silly little sucky pads..... LOL

Dr. Morbis

10-11-2003, 03:49 PM

Nothing quite has that old 8-bit feel like using an original nes controller. The SNES version perfected it, but there is something special about the original nes design.

As for pre-nes gaming: I love the gemini controllers made by coleco for their 2600 clone. I don't think I coud play the 2600 without them now.

dreamcaster

10-12-2003, 09:40 AM

BEST: PS2 Dual Shock 2
Honourable mentions: Dreamcast, SNES, Saturn (small-style), Xbox (standard and S).

WORST: Atari Jaguar
Dishonourable mentions: Saturn (large-style), Atari 2600 joysticks

Querjek

10-12-2003, 10:00 AM

My all-time favorite controller s the SNES controller, and I hate both the Jaguar and TG167 controller equally. I hate the design of the Jaguar ones, but it's not the design of the TG16 controller-it's the fact that the cable is is like 1 foot long.

Balloon Fight

10-19-2003, 10:06 PM

Definitely my favorites are SNES, Dreamcast, and S controller for Xbox.

RoboticParanoia

10-19-2003, 10:42 PM

I like the Wavebird, SNES and Dual Shock controllers.

KirbyStar27

10-21-2003, 09:41 PM

I think the gamecube controller is the best controller and 64 is the worst! :D

Balloon Fight

10-21-2003, 10:01 PM

I like the Wavebird, SNES and Dual Shock controllers.

Yea i used to like the Wavebird until mine died on me for no reason. The thing turns on, but the receptor doesnt do jack. I have tried everything including replacing the batteries, and going to different channels. Damn controller...

Solid Snake

11-25-2003, 02:15 PM

The Best Controllers have to be: Sony Dual Shock 2 (PS2), Sega Dreamcast controller, Microsoft Sidewinder game pad.

The Worst Controllers: N64, 3-button Genesis pad.

rbudrick

11-25-2003, 02:29 PM

GASP!

I can't believe my eyes! no body mentioned the dreaded POWER GLOVE!

Truly, it is "SO BAD!" to quote from the movie, The Wizard.

WORST: The Power Glove

Best: PSX and NES controllers

NOw, the PSX controllers would be better if turno were built in, along with the NES contollers.

There is a controller that was better than the Nintendo brand NES pads, but I can't remember the brand....they were just like the Nintendo brand pads only they were gold and black and grey and had a headphones port and a volume control and turbo built in....man I forget the brand....what I wouldn't pay for another one of these...or two...

-Rob

llabnip

11-25-2003, 03:02 PM

Without a doubt, the single best digital controller known to man is the 2nd edition rounded US Sega Saturn pad (equivilent to the while Japanese syle Saturn pad). Nowhere has a D-pad felt so perfect and percise. And with 6 buttons with excellent spacing and feel (the top 3 are rounded up and smaller, the bottom three larger and slightly concave) so you always know exactly where you are with regards to button layout without looking. Tough as nails too - hard to get this one to misfunction. Nothing comes close, IMO...

For analog use, I guess the PSX dual-shock is pretty nice.

Worst... Hmm.... I've only used a 5200 controller once but didn't care for it. Mostly I can get by with whatever stock controller is at hand!

davidbrit2

11-25-2003, 03:30 PM

GASP!

I can't believe my eyes! no body mentioned the dreaded POWER GLOVE!

Truly, it is "SO BAD!" to quote from the movie, The Wizard.

WORST: The Power Glove

Oh, but have you never played Super Glove Ball with the Power Glove? That is actually rather fun. I wonder what other games are specifically designed to take advantage of it.

RetroYoungen

11-25-2003, 03:40 PM

I'm suprised no one has nominated the Xbox controllers.

I will.

The Hamburger controller I'll agree with as one of the worst (maybe my hands are too small... nah), but the Controller S I've found quite comfortable. The Duel Shock is also a very nice controller, but I'd say the best and most comfortable is... :drumroll:

The NES controller! I grew up with it, my hands grew around it, so I've found it most comfy.

As for worst, I'd say the PocketNES and SNES emus I've got on my Pocket PC (though I understand they might not count).

rbudrick

11-25-2003, 03:41 PM

Oh, but have you never played Super Glove Ball with the Power Glove? That is actually rather fun. I wonder what other games are specifically designed to take advantage of it.
No I haven't, I'll give it a shot sometime. :-)

However, one game does not a controller make (God, I hate when people talk like that). :D LOL

Anyone ever used the Game Handler for NES? That's a cool (yet gimmicky) controller!

But please, someone tell me what controller I am thinking of in my last post...it's killing me!

-Rob

davidbrit2

11-25-2003, 04:02 PM

Oh yeah, that Game Handler thing. I seem to remember reading that you could do certain weird maneuvers with it to draw out strange effects in games.

And it's too bad that the Power Glove is really only usable in one game. But for that game, it's extremely usable.

KirbyStar27

11-25-2003, 04:15 PM

Best= wavebird
worst= Atari Jaguar

KirbyStar27

11-25-2003, 04:15 PM

Best= wavebird
worst= Atari Jaguar

whoisKeel

11-25-2003, 08:19 PM

nobody mentioned the NES Max? that controller sucked.

when i first played n64 i just thought i didn't like analogue, then years later i found out it was just the controller. the stupid joystick constantly slips away from my thumb. and the c buttons are tiny.

i guess i like the psx controllers alot, but i think none of them have anything on xbox's analogue, that thing is just so precise. i remember playing oddworld for xbox when it came out and i was like 'wow, this is actually analogue!' and not just 2 or 3 different speeds. the gamecube is a bit tricky to just barely move it and the ps2 is just in a bad place...it still feels like they just added it onto the controller to me.

btw, what's with all the awefull d-pads lately? ps2 is the only one with a decent d-pad anymore. gamecube's d-pad is a joke. not that anyone uses d-pad anymore...but still

VACRMH

11-25-2003, 09:40 PM

Best : PS2 Dual Shock

Worst : N64

Dr. Morbis

11-25-2003, 09:55 PM

@Davidbrit2: actually, mattel released two games specifically for the power glove. The other one is Bad Street Brawler. But making it a "power glove series" game seems more like an afterthought than the original intent of the programmers. And heed this warning: Bad Street Brawler really and truly sucks.

ApolloBoy

11-28-2003, 08:14 PM

Best
SNES
Japanese Saturn
Genesis
Genesis 6-button
PSX/PS2
NES "dogbone"
Neo-Geo CD

Good
Atari 2600
Atari 7800 joypads
NES
N64
Gamecube
X-Box Controller S
Dreamcast
TG-16

Moderate
Atari 7800 Pro-Line joystick
Atari Jaguar (I've heard the control pad's good)
SMS

Bad
Atari 5200
Intellivision
Colecovision
X-Box "Hamburger"

Astro Lad

11-28-2003, 08:30 PM

The NES DisAdvantage. When my friends and I are playing Tecmo Bowl, whoever wins gets the DisAdvantage, and they usually proceed to lose.

ApolloBoy

11-28-2003, 09:33 PM

The NES DisAdvantage. When my friends and I are playing Tecmo Bowl, whoever wins gets the DisAdvantage, and they usually proceed to lose.

O_O

How could you not like the Advantage?

Unknown God

11-30-2003, 02:06 AM

I really enjoy the Dogbone controller for my NES. The controller I've really taken a shine to though is my Gamecube controller without either of the analog sticks made by Hori. I didn't enjoy the Gameboy Player using the analog stick or the tiny d-pad but with this controller, it's perfect. I also like the N64 controller alot. I always though in Goldeneye it felt like you were actually shooting with the Z trigger.

For worst, I'm gonna have to go with dreamcast. I really don't dislike any controller that much, but the cord coming out the bottom was a mistake I feel. And also, my wavebird's shoulder buttons seem to be giving out. In Double Dash when I'm doing a slide boost, sometimes it takes a few seconds to kick in or it just doesn't do it at all.

Astro Lad

11-30-2003, 04:12 AM

The NES DisAdvantage. When my friends and I are playing Tecmo Bowl, whoever wins gets the DisAdvantage, and they usually proceed to lose.

O_O

How could you not like the Advantage?

For one, I personally prefer d-pads to anything else. For two, it sucked for Tecmo Bowl.

bensenvill

11-30-2003, 05:26 PM

OK, I'm going to add in my best/worst of odd ball controllers

best - dreamcast's fishing controller

worst - whatever this micro PS2 controller is

http://www.mrgoodbytes.com/games/ps2/

seriously, what the hell is it

crazyjackcsa

11-30-2003, 08:58 PM

The Best is a toss up for me between the Genny controller 3 and 6 button, the Saturn 3d pad was wonderful, althouat the time a lot of people compalined it was to big. I love the DC one too but I don't like where the wire was placed.

The worst would be the n64 controller no doubt, only becasue I never had a real chance to learn it, the controller had a learning curve to it.

The SNES and PS1 controllers I hated because the diagonal was so hard to do, especially on the PS controller

Xskaterjake

12-01-2003, 10:37 PM

BEST:Dual shock bcause the desgin is so basic and eeveryything fits except the L3 and R3, whic are kind of hidden and the NES controller because once again, it is easy to get used to.
WORST:I dont have it but its a PSX controller with the analog inside so half of it iscoming out. Also that jag controller looks evil :angry: lol anywasy also the n64 controller wasnt that bad man!

Jaker

02-24-2004, 09:11 PM

hiro1112

02-25-2004, 02:43 PM

Best: PS Dual Shock controller

Worst: Square NES controllers: The d-pad would usually wear out and become hard to press. You could almost cut your fingers on the square corners on the d-pad. Runner up would have to be the N64 controller. Never could go back to the thing after the dual shock controller came out.

jdc

02-27-2004, 09:22 AM

My favorite? The N64. Probably because I clocked a lot of time on it and it became second nature. The "Fisher-Price" feel of it is nice and solid.

Best next gen? Cube. Everything's where you need it.

The "what-were-they-thinking" controller? XboX....only because of those STUPID hard-as-rocks clear plastic buttons. They hurt after a while.

The one that begs for a design change? Sony's Dualshock. Swap the left stick and d-pad around and make the body slightly bigger. Thumbs have a tendency to point up when gripping a controller, not in. Everyone else got it right!! What's yer problem, Sony?!?!? (just kidding....sorta)

joseloco

02-27-2004, 07:08 PM

WORST: Atari 5200. Its analog joystick was way ahead of its time, but it was so poorly made that it stopped working within months no matter how gently you used them.

Really, most controls from classic systems had terrible ergonomics. The 5200, Intellivision, and ColecoVision controllers could send you to the hospital.

BEST: Sega Dreamcast. Fits like a glove.

coltyhuxx

02-27-2004, 07:32 PM

Best: SNES controller hands down. Just the right amount of buttons, esp on the shoulder. That thing has the tightest controls for difficult platformers (only way we beat GnG (well only once, so technically "didn't beat at all" but screw that princess) and Empire Strikes Back).

Viva SNES controller!!!

Worst :angry: - I concur, N64, Jaguar, old 2600 - way too stiff but <sigh> so nostalgic.

Most Overrated: PS 1/2 controller. too many shoulder buttons. limp ass analog, junk d-pad.

VG_Maniac

08-02-2005, 12:28 AM

I don't realy like the Atari 2600 controllers, despite how classic they are.

My favorite controller is actually the N64 controller. I just thought it was perfect for 3D games.

phreak97

08-02-2005, 10:32 AM

the best would be the gamecube, though the axis arent quite straight.. so sometimes itll feel like youre pressing right and youll be pressing up-right.. gets to be a problem in ssbm.

dual shock 2's are nice.. n64 blows only because of the analogue stick which quickly starts drilling into your thumb.. and will wear quickly too.. i actually like using it, or i would if it had a different stick.

Slate

08-03-2005, 11:08 PM

Controller that i like the most: Official Nintendo Gamecube Controller!

Controller That I Dislike the most: Intellivision (Model 1) Controller.

20eyes

10-16-2005, 11:35 AM

for worst controllers its a tie between the Sega Master System, I especially hate the ones where the cord exits on the side, and "regular" NES controllers.

For the best I would have to say the sony dual shock 2

SlayerX

10-16-2005, 04:17 PM

Best - SNES/PSone Dual Shock
Worst - NES

Ulticron

10-17-2005, 08:54 AM

The Good, the bad, and the ugly!

Good:
Saturn Controller, SNES Controller.

Bad:
N64 Controller, Cube Controller.

Ugly:
XBOX controller, Dreamcast Controller.

Thetik

10-17-2005, 06:50 PM

Best- Defintly the SNES contoller. Nice and easy to follow

Worst- N64 controller..although i like the systm very much but have to play with this shitty contoller... :roll:

CYRiX

10-29-2005, 11:00 PM

Best: Xbox-S/PS2 Dual Shock (Tie)
Worst: Xbox Duke

Honorable Mentions:
Dreamcast, for some reason it fits my hands perfectly
N64, I like the uniqueness, and only hated those knockoffs that looked like messed up man parts

UnHonorable Mentions:
NES, A square, come on.
SNES, feels way to cheap
GameCube, not my style.

Haven't played any system younger than the snes excluded the nes so I can't comment on those.

Xizer

10-30-2005, 02:40 PM

WORST: PlayStation, PS2 controllers (shitty D-pad that sucks cock, identical buttons that makes it hard to remember which one is which, control sticks in awkward positions, the list goes on)

BEST: GameCube. Everything about the controller is awesome, with the exception of the D-Pad. It's a little too small, but I can forgive that - this controller is so comfy I could be holding it and not even realize it.

SECOND BEST: Nintendo 64. Hey retards, guess what? It doesn't take 3 hands. You either use the D-Pad and the buttons, or the control stick and the buttons. Either way, it's pretty comfortable. The only issue is the control stick, which at the time, was a new technology...so the N64 sticks do wear out eventually.

johno590

10-30-2005, 03:24 PM

I would have to say...

Best: SNES, because it's what I mainly play and it's comfortable.

Worst: I don't know if there really is a worst for me, but one that takes a while to get used to for me, would be the N64... I don't dislike it, it just is sometimes akward, especiall for games like Turok...

devils advocate

10-31-2005, 05:05 AM

McBacon

10-31-2005, 06:02 AM

I love the Xbox S Type pad for Current Gen/ Analog Gaming, whatever you want to call it, and SNES for Retro/D-Pad.

The S Typeis just perfect for my hands, the handles come to just the right length and my index fingers sit on the L and R buttons snugly. The reason I choose this over the GC controller is the analog sticks are indented so I can hold in one direction for ages without slipping off, whereas on the cube, I have to keep moving my finger to regain control. My only gripe is with the springy feel of the L and R buttons.
The SNES's buttons are very responsive and the general shape is confortable whilst very pleasing (I think it looks much cooler than the NES, why doesn't it get more mods?)

I hate the Megadrive controller, it feels like I could snap it in half, the buttons feel broken and the extermities dig into my palms. I prefer to use a smaller unnofical controller.

Kid Ice

10-31-2005, 05:32 PM

Only a complete "N" fanboy would have a hard time remebering what the shapes on FOUR different buttons are.

Although IMO the Playstation controllers are far from the worst, I always thought the shapes were kind of goofy as well. I still occasionally peek down to see what is what.

klausien

10-31-2005, 05:51 PM

Only judged those I have actually used in recent memory. Thus, no Atari 5200, Jaguar or Intellivision:

Best: Sega Saturn Pad (Jp design, absolute perfection. Love the new PS2 compatible ones!)
Runner Up: XBox Controller S (By far the last generation's best controller. The Dual Shock needs longer hand grips like Sony's first try at a dual analog on the PSX, and the GC just kills me with the button layout)

Worst: Atari 2600 Joystick (It's a personal thing. Those damn things kill your wrists and have terrible durability)
Runner Up: Panasonic 3DO Pad (How could they have messed up such a simple pad design so badly!?!)
(dis)Honorable Mention: Nintendo 64 controller (Must be noted that it works very well for some games, but feels like a prototype to this day. Especially the stick.)

Xizer

11-01-2005, 12:15 AM

Only a complete "N" fanboy would have a hard time remebering what the shapes on FOUR different buttons are.

Were you promised the ability to prevent death when you pledged your allegiance, Ani?

When you've got nearly 20 systems that see play fairly frequently, it can be rough remembering which button is which on each controller. Having the button names imprinted onto the controller makes it far more easier to remember which is which instead of having to stare down at the controller briefly because you had a brain fart. The PS1/PS2 are the main controllers with this issue - most other systems have unique buttons which makes it easier to distinguish which one is which.