Top 10 Worst Controllers

[bapenguin]

IGN (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/690/690449p1.html) has their Top 10 Worst Controllers article up.

Philips certainly had its heart in the right idea. It just didn't have the brains. The Philips CD-I was a near dead-on-arrival, straight-to-infomercial multimedia system with a huge focus on games. But with a really retarded set of remote controller designs, from the sluggish and wildly inaccurate analog unit shown here to a digital pad that looks more like a crackpipe than a controller, these guys really knew how to woo the gaming public. But at least the system had Zelda!
#1 should be fairly obvious to most.

[Morratut]

I can agree with most of them. The Atari Jaguar controller was a big turd.

I'm sorry but Number 2 is just wrong. I personally prefer the big Xbox controller to the crappy PS2 controller anyday.

No i'm not joking :D

[Cupelix]

I owned a U-Force. :( I also owned and loved an Intellivision. I have to agree that putting the original X-Box controller at #2 is harsh, because its not that bad.

The honorable mention at the bottom is just too weird.

[Dr Quincy]

I sold all my Controller-S Xbox joypads and replaced them, at some expense, with the larger, older model. The button placing, shape and size is much more favourable in my opinion. The smaller Xbox joypad just feels nasty.

Why isn't the 360 joypad in this list? The thing disintegrates after a couple of months, which surely is a fairly serious issue.

[Ludoc]

Why isn't the 360 joypad in this list? The thing disintegrates after a couple of months, which surely is a fairly serious issue.

What happened to your controller? Mine is still in great condition and I got it at launch.

[swiftdraw]

I'm surprised that didn't have the Dreamcast controller. That thing was friggin' evil.

[bapenguin]

I always didn't like the N64 controller. The Analog stick was so wonky. I played so many hours of Goldeneye on the damn thing and it just never felt comfortable in my hand.

[Dr Quincy]

What happened to your controller? Mine is still in great condition and I got it at launch.

I was overstating a little, but I have suffered significant wear on my analogue sticks, greater than I would expect given the amount of use they've seen and when compared with all my other console joypads.

I'm surprised that didn't have the Dreamcast controller. That thing was friggin' evil.

Sir, you jest!

[51|RandoM]

Then intellivision one and two controllers were horrendous. It wasn't even the d-pad that was so bad, it was the chiclet side buttons. The overlays, on the other hand, I liked, as long as they didn't wear out and didn't get lost in the couch. Between the pad and those side buttons, any long gaming experience was hand torture.

I consider the ps2 dual-shock pretty much the pinnacle of console controllers, in terms of functionality, comfort, and even durability. The only thing that comes even close is the wavebird, which is my favorite wireless controller.

[thegameguru]

Colecovision? Atari 2600? Original Apple 2 joystick?

[Stormwatcher]

Those controllers featured in the article are MOSTLY evil ones, but all this gamecube-PS2-Xbox debate is just a matter of personal taste.

[Taco]

I'm one of the few who preferred the large XBox controllers. Small model was fine as well though.

[normyk]

I'm surprised that the ps3 silver boomerang didn't get at least an dishonorable mention or something. I only ever hear people cry about it. Sure it hasn't been released yet, but it has caused more whining since it was revealed....

[Taco]

Not a chance in hell that monstrosity is the final design.

[destoo]

I don't agree with their choices.. Most controllers, when you grow up with them, "become" the best ones. And as for pain, I'll bring in a quote.

..the bottom line is if a game is fun, you will play it well past the point where it's causing you physical pain.

But I couldn't agree more with the linked top 10 worst video game haircuts (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/686/686673p1.html) .

[Stormwatcher]

The very ugly boomerang might be a very good controller... We really have no idea. It is ugly as hell, though.

[crashedout]

I consider the ps2 dual-shock pretty much the pinnacle of console controllers, in terms of functionality, comfort, and even durability.

Although I like this controller, the size and having the dual sticks inline with each other are its problems. That is why I like the 360's design much better. As for durability the dual-shock is one tough controller. I think Sony will come up with a good update to this controller for the ps3.

[Blade]

I was actually surprised not to see the N64 controller around #9 or #10.

I mean, for all the good that it did... it's really weird.

[Roc Ingersol]

The original xbox controller is by far the best I've ever laid hands on.

The S never felt right, though the 360 controllers are alright-ish. Never cared for the dual shock, and I despised the GC and DC controllers. Sooo damn uncomfortable.

[SaintArnold]

I liked the N64 controller during the N64 days. It's obviously not as good as today's wavebird/dual shock/controller s, but it was alright.

The Intellivision controller was the devil. Overlays, worthless disk, and a crazy spiral phone-like cord that was always pulling the controller out of your hand. That monster should be number #2.

[WastelandDan]

I always didn't like the N64 controller. The Analog stick was so wonky. I played so many hours of Goldeneye on the damn thing and it just never felt comfortable in my hand.

I immediately thought of the N64 controller too. I just can't understand the rationale behind its design, unless you take into consideration that it was the perfect shape to bludgeon my little brother with when he used Yoshi's cheap moves to beat me in Smash Brothers.

[Zawath]

The large Xbox controller was one of the best controllers ever. Only people with incredible small hands(Japan hands) complained about them.

[lost]

Nobody has a problem with the plate sized Dreamcast controller?

Fair enough I was considerably smaller way back then but it never ever felt comfortable.

[AniAko]

I remember the 360 Turbo. Turbo, great idea. Touch pad, 2 decades too early. I loved playing Intellivision's baseball with the controller! It was so difficult it was fun! Anyone who played it knows those friggin' slot cards blew, so you just memorized the players numbered positions.

If you want a good scare or laugh check out this directory. I've been surfing it all morning.
http://www.funet.fi/pub/msx/photos/hardware/

I reccomend checking out the Daewoo hardware. From cars to TVs to whatever the hell this thing is
http://www.funet.fi/pub/msx/photos/hardware/Daewoo_CPC-330K_KOBO_console.jpg

I gotta say I also enjoyed the Micomsoft controller and the joystick system adapter
http://www.funet.fi/pub/msx/photos/hardware/MICOMSOFT_XO-1.jpg

I wouldn't have the first clue how to even hold this thing
http://www.funet.fi/pub/msx/photos/hardware/MICOMSOFT_XE-1ap_1.jpg


The best for last. The Konami Hypershot. There's a run button, there's a jump button. And since it's no more aesthetic than a brick, you can hold in in any direction, hence the writing on both sides
http://www.funet.fi/pub/msx/photos/hardware/Konami_JE-502_HyperShot.jpg

[mkelehan]

I'm surprised that the ps3 silver boomerang didn't get at least an dishonorable mention or something. I only ever hear people cry about it. Sure it hasn't been released yet, but it has caused more whining since it was revealed....
Nobody's touched it. It may be the most comfortable piece of electronic equipment ever.

[olo]

The large Xbox controller was one of the best controllers ever. Only people with incredible small hands(Japan hands) complained about them.

Dude....thats pretty racist right there... :(

[BabyJesus]

Dude....thats pretty racist right there... :(

What was racist about it?? People of Japanese decent are mostly small people with small hands. Its a simple fact.

[Serapth]

Dude....thats pretty racist right there... :(

Racist or not, its also rather correct. The XBox was designed by North Americans with North Americans in mind. I have, since reaching puberty found basically every pre-Dreamcast control far to small and cramped for my liking. The Japanese controllers really are designed for smaller hands, and traditionally Japanese are smaller is stature then North Americans. Racist or no, its simple reality.

I personally have hated the Dual Shock since day one ( it cramps my hands within about an hours use ). The GameCube controller seemed extremely cheap to me, and frankly the nub felt like sandpaper against my thumb. I have never fit into a controller as well as I did the Xbox controller.

Putting the Xbox controller at number two is basically a crock of shit. This is a complete opinion related matter. Whats comfortable to me doesnt mean anything to you, as im sure your hands are dimensioned differently.

Think back without childhood memory distoration in effect, and you will realize that the NES controller, and Sega MS controller, both deserve to be near the top of this list. Hey, we used them for hours, but I actually recall the calases and even once bleeding I got from extended gaming sessions. Shit, the controller consists of how many 90 degree right angles to dig into your hands??? The Snes controller was a bit of an improvement ( more rounded contours atleast ) and the Genesis was a huge leap forward.

[Wombat]

I'm surprised the virtual boy wasn't on the list, or maybe they consider that a game system, and not just a controler.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

I think the Dual Shock should be on that list. I just don't understand why so many people like it. I find it awkward to hold, and the analog sticks are just terrible. They are way too loose.

My favorite console controller has to be the Wavebird, with the SNES controller in a close second. I also didn't mind the huge Xbox controller or the DC pad. I don't like the Xbox S though - I never owned one when I had my Xbox, so using one at a friend's house was just weird. I died often in Halo while fumbling for the black and white buttons that weren't were they should be.

[olo]

Well on averange a Japanese male tends to be 5 inches shorter, which isn't that great of a deal, but I don't see the differance ratio size of controller as making any sense. Also they didn't complain much about the Dreamcast controller, which was developed in Japan and was equally as bulky as the XBox.

I find that smaller controllers work better for me cause I don't have fat fingers or big bulky hand. And after years of playing Genesis and PS/2 I have never developed any craps what so all.

I guess I'm just lucky...

[Pigeon]

I too love the "Duke" XB controller. And the DC controller. I also thought I was the only person in the world who didn't care for the dualshock. It's always felt too unnatural to me. When I use a dualshock I always try to use the d-pad whenever I can.

[fahrvergnugen]

The quality of the writing in that article was just terrible. Also XBox Duke is not a worse controller than the U-Force, Power Glove, or Sega Activator.

[UnderHero5]

I too have to say that the original Xbox controller (The Duke) should not be on that list.
I don't even have large hands and I found it extremely comfortable. I used it for a long time before switching to the S (which is a decent controller too).

It may be large but it's comfortable. Looks aren't everything.

[Serapth]

I too have to say that the original Xbox controller (The Duke) should not be on that list.
I don't even have large hands and I found it extremely comfortable. I used it for a long time before switching to the S (which is a decent controller too).

It may be large but it's comfortable. Looks aren't everything.

Duke mostly got insulted because it wasnt the Dual Shock, which for some reason has a cult like following. The only reason I can think for this following is there are actually a lot more midgets in the world then I realized, but I havent quite scientifically proven this theory yet...

[Goronmon]

I think the Dual Shock should be on that list. I just don't understand why so many people like it. I find it awkward to hold, and the analog sticks are just terrible. They are way too loose.
Well, I agree with your assessment of the DS, but I don't think it belongs on that list. Same goes for the Duke. It wasn't that bad.

[TDiddy]

The writer put the "Duke" at number two for one of three reasons: Either (A) He is a complete Playstation bitch and will trash it's competitor just because he can, (B) he is just trying to kick up controversy because he lacks proper writing skills and wants the company to see (through responses sent from readers disagreeing) that people care what he has to say, or (C) both.

That part about being able to palm a bowling ball but not being able to handle an Xbox controller just proves his bullshit.

[AniAko]

http://www.funet.fi/pub/msx/photos/hardware/MICOMSOFT_XE-1ap_1.jpg

Ok take a good long hard look at this. It's a Micomsoft console controller. It's arcane, but it definately deserves the #2 spot on that stupid IGN list over the big XBox controller. That list took controllers from "popular" and "well-known" consoles. Way to go IGN :rolleyes:. Considering there are only about 2-3 dozen popular and well-known consoles since the dawn of this era, there wasn't a lot for IGN to choose from. And of course they're not going to bash the "liked" controllers like the Atari 2600, NES, SNES, Genesis, Master System, Playstation, etc. so the list is even shorter. My vote is IGN sucks, and had they compiled a real list of the worst game controllers, the XB-ig-Ox controller wouldn't have made the list let alone the number 2 spot.

Anyone have any ideas how to use this sucker? bapenguin suggested you sit on it. I have a feeling it WOULD be best used that way... :)

[Grimmjow]

wow i never saw that u-force

[NightRain]

I can agree with most of them. The Atari Jaguar controller was a big turd.

I'm sorry but Number 2 is just wrong. I personally prefer the big Xbox controller to the crappy PS2 controller anyday.

No i'm not joking :D

Yeah I actually really liked the original Xbox controller too. I even got use to using the S controller at all because of the black and white button placement. I didn't find the controller too big, I do considered the PS2 Dual Shock too light though and the analog stick placements are far from ideal for FPS games. For my PS2 I use a Logitech Wireless controller, it is only slightly larger but the batteries make it heavier and much more usable for me.

[NightRain]

On a side not I actually have #10, #7, #5, #4, #2 and #1 LOL

[Serapth]

Yeah I actually really liked the original Xbox controller too. I even got use to using the S controller at all because of the black and white button placement. I didn't find the controller too big, I do considered the PS2 Dual Shock too light though and the analog stick placements are far from ideal for FPS games. For my PS2 I use a Logitech Wireless controller, it is only slightly larger but the batteries make it heavier and much more usable for me.

My fix to the DS controller was to buy this gimicky ass looking PS2 controller with a fan in the center. It was longer and heavier because of the fan. Funny part is, the fan actually keeps your hands from sweating! Called Air-Flo, or something equally cheese.

EDIT: Am I the only one that finds the bonus pic to be a bit, um... phallic?

http://dsmedia.ign.com/ds/image/article/690/690426/top-10-tuesday-worst-game-controllers-20060221054041042.jpg

[Meatgortex]

The NES controller belongs on that list. Four sharp corners and a d-pad that could tear holes in your thumbs.

[Maskatron]

The original Xbox controler may not deserve to be number 2, but it should be on that list. There's a reason why it's not standard anymore.

I think the Intelevision controller should have been #1. What a POS that thing was.



EDIT: Am I the only one that finds the bonus pic to be a bit, um... phallic?


Get your mind out of the gutter. I do hear though that one of it's special features is that it shoots "web" fluid.

[absolut taco]

The honorable mention at the bottom is just too weird.
Orgazmo's Choda Boy comes to mind...

[Cubfan]

Not to jump on the bandwagon, but I am also a fan of the 'Duke'. It felt sturdy and very comfortable in my man hands.

The N64 controller is probably my least favorite of all time, I played hours and hours of N64 games but can't say that I ever felt completely comfortable with it. However, since it introduced (or reintroduced, I should say) the analog stick, it deserves some acknowledgement for it's design.

[Cyrano]

I've spent lots of time with the 5200, Intellivision and original Xbox controllers, and there's no way the Duke is anywhere near as bad as the other two.

That XB-ig-Ox controller is outrageous!

[copasetic]

I dont know what the hell all of you are whining about. My thumbs hurt? Cramps?
I've liked all the controllers of the past three generations. (nintendo, sega, sony, ms)
especially the 64 controller. love that thing. not good for fighting games, though smash bros. pulled it off.

[AniAko]

I dont know what the hell all of you are whining about. My thumbs hurt? Cramps?
I've liked all the controllers of the past three generations. (nintendo, sega, sony, ms)
especially the 64 controller. love that thing. not good for fighting games, though smash bros. pulled it off.

it's funny how people look at the N64 controller and accept it for what it is, no questions asked, although it is hands down one of the most exotic controllers ever

[Busted_Astromech]

But "Exotic" doesn't mean bad. I mean even though it's strangely lopsided it was still designed with some degree of ergonomic forethought. I always liked the N64--the rounded handles were a big step forward over the SNES.

The problem I have with the Dual Shock (besides the moronic analog stick placement) is the design of the handles. The way it curves at such a sharp angle near the shoulder buttons always means my middle fingers are in a screwy position.

And the Xbox Pumpkin controller, while it had several inexcusable faults, was certainly better than any non-ergonomic controllers. The problem people have with it is that the large shape means your hands are held in a more open position than with other controllers, leading to somewhat different muscle positions. This is painful until you get used to it. After using the GameCube controller for the past five years the 360 controller has been uncomfortable in extended gaming sessions (3+ hours), though I don't doubt I'll grow accustomed to it in time.

And yeah, that Intellivision controller? Murder with a sixteen-pin plug.

[Megalith]

Oh yeah, the original Xbox controller sure was bad.

List is irrelevant, seeing as how the N64 controller ain't even on the list.

[outfromoutwhere]

Oh yeah, the original Xbox controller sure was bad.

List is irrelevant, seeing as how the N64 controller ain't even on the list.
Hmm... seems like Xbox BIG was pretty much love it or hate it. I actually played with S controllers for plenty of Halo parties(still don't own my own 'box) and tried the original once. I have extremely large hands, so of course it felt better for me, but what surprised me was that it seemed like the analog sticks were a little more responsive. Unfortunately, everyone else hates the biggies, so there are never any for me to use...

[Megalith]

I was being sarcastic, of course.

Anyone that hates the original controller is either a pussy, or Japanese.

[MosBen]

It's a hard question. Do you go by how well they hold up today or do you by how innovative they were for the time? The NES controller is absolutely horrid now, but was there any better at the time? The N64 controller looks rediculous to modern eyes, but they didn't know how quickly the analog stick would supplant the d-pad as the primary directional control, so it made sense when it was designed. I never had a problem with the Duke, and I certainly don't think it was the second worst controller of all time.

[Lunar Blue]

List is irrelevant, seeing as how the N64 controller ain't even on the list.

Why should it? At least IMHO it is the best controller i've ever used. Unless of course you held it the wrong way like a lot did. Like it was a ps2 controller with an analog stick in the middle.

None of the controllers from few past generations should make it to the list but if there was one, it would be the ps2 controller. Simply put, it's way behind the standards of today.

[Megalith]

I consider a good controller to not only be comfortable, but practical for all kinds of genres.

The N64 controller, as well as the Toycube, both fail in this regard. The N64 controller practically only existed for Mario 64.

[AniAko]

I consider a good controller to not only be comfortable, but practical for all kinds of genres.

The N64 controller, as well as the Toycube, both fail in this regard. The N64 controller practically only existed for Mario 64.

First, how can a controller fail? I'm sure Nintendo sold at least as many controllers as consoles. And if the consoles didn't fail..... Oh, and before we head down this stupid fanboy path again. Just because the N64 didn't sell as many consoles as the Plainstation doesn't infer failure. Nintendo made their money on that console.

I'll be the first to admit I don't have a special place in my heart for the gamecube controller, but the analog triggers was a perfect touch, which is now being mimicked. The gamecube controller was more of a 2nd gen N64 controller. Kind of like the SNES was to the NES controller. The controller was nothing special, just a more refined version of the one prior.

[jeffool]

I loved the Xbox Brick controllers, but have honed myself to the s-type controllers on the reasoning that my old ones are breaking down finally (bought at launch,) and I can't find them to buy them any more.

The Xbox controllers also have a much better analog stick in my opinion. The tension and length are perfect.

[NightRain]

Hmm... seems like Xbox BIG was pretty much love it or hate it. I actually played with S controllers for plenty of Halo parties(still don't own my own 'box) and tried the original once. I have extremely large hands, so of course it felt better for me, but what surprised me was that it seemed like the analog sticks were a little more responsive. Unfortunately, everyone else hates the biggies, so there are never any for me to use...

I own three of the original xbox controllers, I use to have 5 but I sold one with my 3rd Xbox system and another I traded with a friend. I also have 3 S controllers, again I use to have 5 of those too, I sold two of them. I also have 2 Logitech Xbox Wireless controllers. I currently have 8 Xbox controllers total, the most I ever had was 13 ( 1 intec 3rd party controller, 5 S, 5 original and 2 wireless logitech).

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9301/controllers3small5tn.jpg

Thats my controllers I use for PS2, Xbox, Xbox360 and Gamecube. I mostly play Xbox with my friends thats why I have all those controllers, I still have 2 Xboxes but use to have three.

[MaiXu]

Where's the GameCube controller?

[TrackZero]

#1 should be fairly obvious to most.

The PSP?

.....*reads article*....

Ah. The Jaguar. Amazing that "Xbox Fat" took #2 (even though I have zero issues using it myself), yet the PSP wasn't even mentioned. What with the odd sliding nub and worst d-pad ever created. Ah well, it's just more IGN flamebait.

[outontheporch]

Man the Xbox controller womps.

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=xbox_suckit

[MosBen]

I love that the guy on that site mentions that the Xbox has no soul and will therefore never have games like Metal Slug. Oh, the stupidity.

[Pumped'Up]

I'm surprised that didn't have the Dreamcast controller. That thing was friggin' evil.
110% agreed.

Parallel grips? ow the pain! :mad:

[AniAko]

110% agreed.

Parallel grips? ow the pain! :mad:

What about the weight? When you had the VMU and rumble in? It was like a brick

[SMES]

God I OWN(ed) a Turbo Touch 360, and I can honestly say that it does suck nuts! If it had been a standard controller for any console, it would have easilly been #1.

[SMES]

Where's the GameCube controller?

You clearly never used a Turbo Touch 360 if you think the GC controller is anything other than comfortable and easy to use.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

Where's the GameCube controller?


Probably up your ass along with your head. :rolleyes:

[overdrivechao]

I was being sarcastic, of course.

Anyone that hates the original controller is either a pussy, or Japanese.

Yay more racism! Keep it coming this is fun!!