With Valve having recently released the Steam Controller, which aims to successfully replace the analog sticks we all know and love with trackpads, now seems as good a time as any to remember the best video game controllers we’ve ever put our hands on.
Some of the controllers in this list are revolutionary, while others chose to simply pump up the wheel rather than reinvent it. But which one is the greatest of them all?
Here are the top 10 best video game controllers of all time, according to me:
Note: This list is the author’s personal choice of the best video game controllers ever. If you disagree, which you likely will, feel free to sound off in the comments section below.
Top 10 Best Video Game Controllers of All Time
-
10. Nintendo 64 Controller
The Nintendo 64's controller was the first to feature analog sticks that you could control with your thumb, which we now recognise as an industry standard. Unfortunately, the positioning of this analog stick in the centre of the controller meant that using it was more cumbersome than that of the PlayStation's DualShock controller, with Sony implementing Nintendo's great idea in a much more ergonomically sound fashion. That still doesn't detract from the fact that the N64 controller wasn't hugely innovative, though.
-
9. Sega Genesis Controller
Controllers were never really Sega's forte (see the Dreamcast's ugly brick for evidence of this) but the Genesis' controller sleek curves fit perfectly into the palm of your hand, making it one of the most comfortable controllers to hold ever. Some points have to be deducted for the poor quality of its D-Pad, though.
-
8. NES Controller
Back when video games didn't ask the player to do much more than run and jump, the NES controller reigned supreme. The smooth controls of Super Mario Bros. revolutionised the way platformers handled, which wouldn't have been possible without the NES controller's ultra responsive D-Pad.
-
7. PlayStation DualShock 2 Controller
For many, the PlayStation 2's DualShock controller is the controller they have spent the most time with, and after the introduction of the first DualShock in the previous console generation, the DualShock 2 saw Sony make a firm commitment to the twin analog sticks and finally force the D-Pad into the shadows.
-
6. SNES Controller
The SNES' D-Pad was just as responsive as its predecessors', with Nintendo also adding two triggers and a couple more buttons. Those new additions didn't really see much use considering the gaming world was still stuck in the era of the side-scrolling platformer, but the thought was there.
-
5. Keyboard and Mouse
While not exactly purpose-built for playing video games, the keyboard and mouse setup is perfect for MMO's and RTS', and also allows for unprecedented precision in shooters. Also, unlike all of the other controllers featured in this list, it hasn't had to be refined over the years, making it the most timeless setup out there.
-
4. GameCube Controller
When you look past that awful C-Stick, the GameCube controller is a wonderful, if odd, controller that worked perfectly with all of Nintendo's first-party exclusives. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case with Nintendo, many third-party developers struggled to find a way to adapt it for their games, unfortunately rendering it one of the key factors of the GameCube's financial problems. It still felt great to hold, though.
-
3. PlayStation DualShock 3 Controller
When it comes to controllers, Sony's motto is if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The DualShock 3 controller is essentially the same as the DualShock 2, but with more responsive triggers. It's also lighter and has a more plasticky feel than its predecessor, a design choice which many have complained about, but I personally prefer to the Xbox 360's controller weighty feel.
-
2. Wii U GamePad
Unfortunately, the Wii U GamePad's potential has yet to be fully realised, but that doesn't detract from the fact that it's still a wonderfully innovative controller. Nintendo Land, ZombiU and Rayman Legends all showcase great uses for the GamePad, but Nintendo seem to have all but given up on convincing the Average Joe of its brilliance, which is a crying shame.
-
1. Xbox 360 Controller
The Xbox 360 controller is nigh-on perfect. The placement of the analog sticks makes it perfect for shooters, the triggers are super sensitive and the button placement is second to none. The only problem is that blasted D-Pad, but this is the 21st century - who needs D-Pads?! Simply the best controller in video game history.
