Top 10 Video Game Controllers
Game controls can be tricky to perfect, but some designs have stood the test of time. Join http:/www.WatchMojo.com as we countdown our picks for the Top 10 Video Game Controllers. For This list we'll be glancing through the history of video games to find the most comfortable, practical and well-designed controllers. We're specifically focusing on first-party controllers – as such, mouse and keyboard must be omitted on the grounds that there is no first-party setup.
Special Thanks to our users "Andy Roehl" "James Chase" "Project64" "Trevor Fountain" for suggesting this topic with our interactive suggestion tool at WatchMojo.comsuggest
Top 10 Video Game Controllers
The Amazing Evolution Of Video Game Controllers
Game controls can be tricky to perfect, but some designs have stood the test of time. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 Video Game Controllers. For This list we'll be glancing through the history of video games to find the most comfortable, practical and well-designed controllers. We're specifically focusing on first-party controllers – as such, mouse and keyboard must be omitted on the grounds that there is no first-party setup.
#10: Sega Genesis Six-Button Controller
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To think Sega was once a vanguard of superb hardware design. Though the original controllerfor the Sega Genesis was generally praised, there was one slight flaw: its three-button setup wasn't conducive to playing fighting games such as Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat. Enter the Six-Button Controller, which trimmed down the first controller's size and added three more face buttons to better cater to games reliant on more than four buttons. On top of its effortlessly compact design, the Six-Button Controller had a Mode button to allow gamers the ability to play three-button Genesis games with ease. It truly was a good product.
#9: Nintendo Entertainment System Controller
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Sometimes the classics never die. Case in point: when the Nintendo Entertainment System was launched in 1985, it came with a straight-forward controller that was immediately recognizable. To wit, the NES controller was rectangular in shape, and consisted of two action buttons, a directional pad, and Start and Select buttons. The simplicity at play here was clear, yet it was embraced because of the controller's durable design and its usefulness in regards to the era's predominately action-oriented titles.
#8: Atari 2600 Joystick
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In gaming's early years, simple ideas lead to great things. Such was the case with the Atari CX40 joystick, one of the two original controllers to come with the 2600, net to the pong-paddle. The CX40 was certainly respectable in appearance – black with a segmented circular pattern in the middle – but its true genius lay in the basic layout. It was built around a single red action button and an easy-to-grip joystick designed to fit most people's hands. More importantly, the one-button, one-stick approach lent game developers a creative challenge: making games that were polished and enjoyable while using such simple means of control.
#7: Nintendo 64 Controller
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It's weird, wonderful and quite unlike anything else. Its large M-shaped build and intricate spread of buttons were by no means standard... but these elements would be transformative for the industry at large. The N64's controller helped push forward the concept of the analog stick, with the controller's large size actually working well in conjunction with the central stick. Players found the controller comfortable to grip, and its C-buttons reflected the changing nature of face buttons, particularly in regards to 3D games. We may never see the likes of this again.
#6: Wii Remote
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Once upon a time, a sleek little remote inspired people to dream. Based around motion control, the Wii Remote intrigued the gaming media at large with its basic white colouring, compact button placement and general control variety. The Remote could be linked to a Nunchuck accessory for more precise play, turned on its side in the vein of the NES controller, or attached to the dual-stick Classic Controller. But more importantly it featured pointer functionality to replicate a mouse, motions controls that even grandma could use, oh and a speaker to add a new layer of immersion. The Wii Remote was truly innovative, proving there was still places to go with control schemes.
#5: Wii U Pro Controller
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We figure it was only a matter of time before Nintendo's Golden Age roots would blend with modern control sensibilities. Fortunately, what came about was a masterful meshing of philosophies – the Pro Controller, released when the system lauched, takes a few cues from its rivals while adhering to Nintendo's typical standards. The twin control sticks, stark black surface and four face buttons evoke both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 controllers, yet the sense of symmetry and sleekness fits with previous Nintendo efforts. Furthermore, the ProController boasts a staggering 80 hour battery life on one charge and compatibility with more Wii U games than the console's Classic Controller.
#4: Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller
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Ah, Nintendo, always looking to shake things up. For the Super Nintendo, a new control scheme was developed – one that shifted from the box-like design of the NES controller, to a more rounded shape. Described by some as akin to a dog-bone, the SNES controller upped the ante with four action buttons arranged in a diamond formation... as well as introducing the concept of shoulder buttons. In addition to its innovative qualities and comfort of use, the Super Nintendo controller also sported a restrained colour scheme that managed to be aesthetically respectable without being distracting. Fun fact, European and Japanese versions of the controller was the first to have color coordinated buttons, something that our later entries would all support.
#3: PlayStation DualShock series
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While Nintendo’s controllers as we’ve seen have gone through drastic redesigns over the years, Sony’s Iconic Dualshock series has remained largely the same.Originally released in November 1997, the first incarnation of the DualShock Analog Controller series reinforced the standard of twin analog sticks, marrying them to the classic PlayStation controller design to great effect. The other big feature – a built-in motor for vibration feedback – would prove innovative enough to achieve popularity, with only small tweaks needed for the later DualShock models. Being both pleasant to use and inspirational to other hardware creators, the DualShock brand has more than earned its place in gaming culture.
#2: Nintendo GameCube Controller
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Conceptually running on a similar mentality as the N64, the GameCube opted to match the shifting nature of control schemes with its wing grip-based controller. The controllerutilized a layout not unlike that of its Xbox rival, complete with a small right-side analog stick, while implementing force feedback not possible for the Nintendo 64's controller. The ease with which players can access the GameCube controller's central buttons and the range displayed by the shoulder triggers are matched only by its instantly recognizable shape and layout. Plus, despite being 15 years old, the Gamecube controller is still supported today through the use of the Wii U Gamecube adaptor. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Wii U Gamepad Xbox Controller S NES Advantage
#1: Xbox 360 Controller
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All of the lessons learned, every mistake and success – all of it contributed to this master work. The controller released alongside Microsoft's Xbox 360 console is nothing short of ergonomic in design, from its carefully-spaced thumbsticks to the feel of the letter-marked face buttons. Neither bulky nor thin, neither flashy nor muted, the 360 Controller is never overwhelming in look or feel. Inclusions such as a button based on the Xbox logo and twin bumpers are all useful in some fashion, and don't consume a great deal of space. Plus, if you’ve moved on to the next gen, you’ll be happy to know that much like the dual shock controller, the Microsoft has stuck with what works and maintained essentially the same design for the Xbox One. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite video game controller? For more admiring Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
