Great controllers in gaming

[Saika Renegade]

The controller for Steel Battalion, the first one.

No, I'm serious. Yes, it's huge and complex and utterly insane at first glance, but in the end, that's what I want; the sense of immersion that comes out of using it has so far rarely been matched in my experience. It feels every bit as technical and precise and claustrophobic as a giant robot simulator needs to be, and I will say I would have greatly preferred using something like it versus what we got with Steel Battalion Heavy Armor.

Sure, it's expensive and impractical for just sitting and casually playing, but that's the beauty of the controller in that it complements its game perfectly--Steel Battalion missions are not something you 'casually' do. You have to focus, because one slip up will cost you your VT or your save file, and it's hard to not give it your all when you have to keep a white-knuckle grip on the joysticks.

 

[TelHybrid]

So far every Xbox controller has felt great to use... apart from their D-Pads.

Best D-Pad has to be on the Playstation controllers.

 

[Daveman]

I think we all know the peak of controller design was this.

I mean it was just ahead of it's time. When we've evolved are third arm Nintendo are really going to rub it in.

 

[TheWanderingFish]

I'm going to have to cast my vote in the Xbox 360 pool. Everything about it feels natural and comfortable.

Always gonna go with the DualShock models. Really anxious to see how the DualShock 4 compares to its predecessors.

Here is my problem with the Dualshock: It was created in a time when games primarily relied on the D-pad for movement, hence the D-pad being above the left analog stick. During that time, I'm sure it worked very well, but as games have progressed, and using analog sticks for both movement and visual direction became the standard, it became an odd controller to use. Having to reach back for both sticks, while having the much less frequently used D-pad on prime real estate is odd, and uncomfortable.

That is my opinion at least. ^^

 

[BarkBarker]

Seen as the controller and hardware are the same, the DS Lite, I find that thing so damn comfy I'd play for hours without a problem, but a PSP? Hands go numb. a 3DS? Too many hours start hurting my hands...and I haven't eve rpicked up a vita so yeah.

 

[Sherokain]

I wonder how many people I'm gonna ninja with this one:

Goddamn, was that a good controller. The layout of the buttons, the way it fit in your hands, the analog stick, all brilliant.

Hey Nintendo, here's an idea: Release a Gamecube style Pro Controller when Smash Bros. Wii U comes out. I guarantee a lot of hardcore fans would buy one in a heartbeat.

I didn't really like the Nintendo Gamecube controller for one simple fact, Super Smash Bros broke the analogue sticks in it. Those springs were way too flimsy, I went through about 5 controllers in 3 years. aside from that it was nice to handle.
OT unlike most people as far as I'm aware I actually actually preferred the chunky the Xbox original controller over its slim line counterpart, and like the Xbox 360 controller to boot.

 

[Subscriptism]

I like the Xbox 360 controller but one of my female friends informed me it's far too big for her hands, so I'm gonna have to give it over to the Gamecube. Excellently ergonomic button placement was excellent and my only objection is that the c-stick (I think that's it's name) wasn't good for anything other than camera movement, it should have been the same as the main stick on the left.

 

[shootthebandit]

The dual shock. It wouldnt have stood the test of time for about 15 years if it wasnt so good

Have to agree. In fact, I like the Dual Shock 3 the most of all of it's iterations because it's just the tiniest bit bigger, but it fits my hand better as a result.

The Gamecube controller was pretty good, but it was always a bit small if you ask me and the button layout (and the hard plastic they were made out of actually) was kind of stupid. And the C-stick never should have had a nub instead of an actual large grip surface like the left stick. Any game that required using the C-stick extensively meant you were constantly re-adjusting as your thumb slipped off.

A lot of people complain the dualshock is too small or too light. I think its ergonomic and lightness isnt a bad thing

 

[Vivi22]

A lot of people complain the dualshock is too small or too light. I think its ergonomic and lightness isnt a bad thing

I'm not even someone who thought it was too small or light before. I thought it was pretty much perfect with the PSX and PS2. The shape and size always fit my hands really well, and I like the location of the analog sticks. But something about that very minor size bump when they went with the Dual Shock 3 just feels better to me.

 

[Arnoxthe1]

Yep, I'm going to go with the in-crowd here and put in my props for the 360 controller. Honorable mention goes to the Gamecube one. At first glance, you'd think the gamecube controller would be miserable, but when you actually use it, it feels pretty good.

But the Xbox 360 one is the best for a variety of reasons. And just when I thought it couldn't get any better than that, the Xbox One controller [http://youtu.be/m4SYaTLCWL0?t=14s] comes along and takes away first prize from the 360.

Also, in defence of the N64 controller, it did make a breakthrough with the first analog stick for consoles.

 

[sneakypenguin]

Gamecube blew no 2nd analog stick(not counting the nub) triggers that had way to much travel+stupid bumper you had to reach up to get 3 different face buttons. Best imo is the type s/360 model, wired so the battery pack isn't in the way. Dualshock is ruined by the analog being where the D pad should be and iffy triggers plus the pads on the analog sticks .. ugh.

 

[The Madman]

Gotta agree with the others saying the 360 controller. It's easily the most comfortable controller I've ever used and it's durable to boot.

 

[daveman247]

The 360 controller fits my gorilla hands more


Also the G-con 45 was a badass lightgun back in the day. Even if you had to hold it more like a rifle to use the buttons.

Also maybe the lightgun from timecrisis 2, especially the ones that had functional recoil (usually broken).

 

[PoolCleaningRobot]

Right console, wrong controller (kind of). Best way to play was clearly with the Wavebird.

The purple one looked silly. The silver Wavebird was just beautiful =P

Plus wireless too!

Damn, the Wavebird was/is the SHIT! Those things had a 100 hour battery life on 2 AA's. Mine still work and even though I expect to have to change the battery every time I get them out which is a couple times a year

This makes my decision hard cause I like the D-Pad on top and the analog stick on the bottom for when I want to play 2D games. You just can't use a lower D-Pad for movement. Naturally I'm talking about the Duel Shock 3. It also has bluetooth and a built in battery with a wired mode via a mini usb which is great cause I can use it on pc and choose which length of cord I want or no cord at all. Its an awesomely versatile device. I'll have to make it a tie

Edit: I also have to give a shout out to the vita. I love the sticks on that thing

 

[Funyahns]

http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs159/1102913833986/img/39.jpg?a=1112671159164

Simplicity at its finest

 

[Festus Moonbear]

I always liked the Sidewinder, and my current favourite is the 360. It's just the right size for me, and there is a pleasant weight to the triggers that feels just right, especially for shooters.

 

[Shoggoth2588]

I wonder how many people I'm gonna ninja with this one:

This person right here has been ninja'd...

Keeping with Nintendo: I'm going to say the 3DS XL and the original GBA were excellent controllers in addition to consoles. Other models like the SP and original 3DS are great but the design is basically just a rectangle which gets somewhat painful after prolonged gameplay. The original GBA was nicely contoured to fit hands and, while the 3DS XL is also a large rectangle, it's a more rounded rectangle and easier on the fingers/hands.

As for console-controllers, my top 3 controllers are the Xbox 360, Wii U Pro Controller and, Super Nintendo controller in absolutely no order.

 

[DarthFennec]

Best controller is: mouse + keyboard.

As far as gamepads are concerned, I would say that the xbox360 controller is the best. And I hate the xbox360.