I've have the Hori and the ASCII.
The Hori has that same problem standard SNES controllers develop where the start and select buttons become unresponsive over time. The ASCII has not developed that problem. Both have seen a lot of use.
It's easy enough to clean the contacts and return the Hori to stock condition, it's just a small annoyance.
But overall, I prefer the feel of the start/select buttons on the ASCII. Pressing select in Super Metroid to switch items is just a little bit easier.
Neither have succumbed to sunken-in shoulder button phenomena. Whichever one is most resistant there should receive quite a few brownie points.
However, neither one is the best controller for the system.
The presence of turbo-fire and slow motion are not really big pluses for me. I don't use them 99% of the time. Accuracy, comfort, and durability trump all. I couldn't say which SNES controller is really the best in those aspects since there are so many I've never tried.
I'd really like to try out making a custom controller some day that uses very small keyswitches in place of rubber pads. Maybe made out of some nicer plastic.
Last edited by Jack_Burton_BYOAC; 03-13-2013 at 12:53 AM.
You'll be happy for turbo buttons if you attempt to play the Hudson Caravan Shooting Collection games, though.
On the topic of ASCII-branded controllers, anyone have any experience with the PSX ASCII Pads, the ones with turbo and slow-mo specifically? I remember reading a lukewarm review eons ago that took issue with how narrow/crowded the shoulder buttons are, but something about this particular controller shape and the disc d-pad seems really appealing and comfortable. If anyone's given one of these things a try, I for one would love to hear what your impressions are.
I've got a few of the PS1 pads but the D-pads on mine look a little different.
It's nice for fighters since the D-pad actually allows for rolling motions. Not as high quality as the SNES pad, but still solid.
The ASCII pad is easily the best SNES controller because it retains the original shape and adds turbo and slo-mo functions, but it is at best the runner-up for "best ever." I'm firmly in the "Japanese Saturn pad is the best controller ever" camp, or even better, the PS2 Saturn Pad from a couple years ago that greatly improved the shoulder buttons while reproducing the rest in truly spectacular fashion. I'm glad I snagged a pair before they were no longer being manufactured and the price skyrocketed. One of the few times I've been lucky enough to be on top of something like that. Anyway, the control pad itself is where the Saturn pad bests the ASCII, not to mention the non-SFII friendly button layout (which is actually more of a wash because the diamond layout is better for platformers).
On a side note, the d-pads in my ASCIIs have begun to squeak for some reason. Has anyone else had this happen?
White lithium grease is what I use for that. 100% plastic/silicone safe and far more viscous (I.e. won't run off).