The Best Controller Of All Time Was...

So the latest PS4 news is that Sony is abandoning the traditional Dual Shock controller that has been (mostly) in place for three full generations.

The version with rumble - but with motion control - showed up when the PS3 first launched back in 2006, but the fans freaked out and Sony brought rumble back. For the most part, the PlayStation controller hasn't really changed much over the past 16 years and in my estimation is the very best gamepad to ever exist. But I'm sure many would disagree; those with very large hands tend to favor the Xbox 360 controller (the S controller, not the mammoth thing that debuted with the machine). Still others will go classic and pick the SNES, and I can definitely see that.

Personally, I've always hated the funky controllers, the ones that just didn't feel properly set up and streamlined. So that's why I despised the N64 and Dreamcast gamepads...I mean, what the hell were those? Again, though, I know people who swear by them, so it's obvious that controller style and structure is a very personal and subjective thing. So what do you say is the best controller of all time? And why?

1/18/2013 Ben Dutka

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Comments (44 posts)

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Coffeya
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 10:47:57 PM
Reply

For me the wii u because it adds all those extra features to enjoy a game more.

Last edited by Coffeya on 1/18/2013 10:48:53 PM

3 up, 17 down

Neo_Aeon666
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 4:37:46 PM

lol funny how this question is asked openly but you get hated for liking something else than playstation hahaha

I have two favs at the moment, PS3 and WiiU Pro controller. I feel *agile* using them lol. I am not that much of a fan of the tablet though I really think it does add to some games (Mario and zombie U) but for the serious stuff (ninja gaiden on hard) the pro controller is awesome. :D

Last edited by Neo_Aeon666 on 1/19/2013 4:38:15 PM

0 up, 3 down

ulsterscot
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 10:52:22 PM
Reply

Easily the Atari 2600 joystick - a perfect combination of indestructibility and simplicity - a thing of rare beauty

6 up, 1 down

xnonsuchx
Sunday, January 20, 2013 @ 6:19:27 PM

They were usually easy to fix yourself if you needed to, as well.

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 11:08:30 PM
Reply

I dont know thats tough but I was really upset the sixaxis didnt have the vibration, so just based on my reaction that I gotta say the DS3 for me. Its simple, straight forward and many different genres can take advantage of the layout.

2 up, 1 down

iankhaneagle
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 11:24:11 PM
Reply

of this generation, ps3 is far and away my favorite. i am 6 feet 4 and have XL hands, and i didnt like the feel of that first 360 controller. not due to the size but due to the button placement. the original xbox controller however, i felt was superior to the dual shock. it felt like a disc with triggers. albeit a disc with meaty feel, thick as a slice of pizza, it was substantial yet never bulky.

i would rank the n64 and gamecube controllers as the worst i have ever used. that 3 prong grip, never felt good, felt it impeded upon my grip and finger placement.

my all time favorite controller stems from my childhood. the sega genesis 6 button controller. that thing gained more buttons and almost mirrored a micro arcade pad. plus i had one that had a little screw in joystick which went into the d-pad, so when i was hitting puberty and my hands grew, i could move my bigger fingers up and stretch out like i would at the arcade. no motion sensing, no rumble gimmicks. just total awesomeness.

2 up, 1 down

Lemon_Saint
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 1:34:04 AM

I loved the original XBOX controller as well ... big and meaty, like a Fuddrucker's burger on crack ....

0 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 11:47:04 PM
Reply

Jaguar. It was big and manly and simple and gripped just right. Every game came with an overlay that told you what the 9-number pad buttons did (usually some slick inventory shortcuts). I felt like I was controlling a mech or something.

But DS3 is the best in many years, it will be sad to see it go.

Dreamcast would have been perfect if the cord was on the front and the grips were angled outward instead of straight back but back then most controllers were made for kids.

2 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 11:52:19 PM

Yeah!! The Jaguar was a great system. Iron Soldier FTW!! I loved the controller as well, but feel the DS3 is better. Good times! AvP on the Jaguar was amazing. To bad Atari couldn't get 3rd party support. Also, to funny the Jaguar CD looked like a toilet!!! :)

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 11:59:02 PM

lol yeah, I bought that toilet for Iron Soldier 2 :)

0 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 12:03:18 AM

yah the Atari Jaguar had one heck of a controller, that thing was a beast with all the buttons and stuff. To bad that the system smoked on me, had no idea wtf why? I was afraid what was going to happen next.

0 up, 0 down

xenris
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 11:49:43 PM
Reply

I think if they combined the DS3 and the Xbox 360s controller that would be my favourite controller. The sticks, triggers and ergonomics of the Xbox, with the dpad, face buttons and L1 and R1 of the DS3. That would be perfection for me.

But for what exists, I think its the Dreamcast to be honest. It felt good to hold other than the stupid cord placement. I also loved the little display screen on the controller that was a really cool thing that some games actually utilized.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 12:04:31 AM

Check out mine:

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww19/TheWorldEndsWithMe/NozomiController.jpg

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww19/TheWorldEndsWithMe/IvyBoobsController.jpg

Those are Wii grip caps on the sticks, fits perfect.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 1/19/2013 12:05:44 AM

0 up, 0 down

xenris
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 10:04:54 AM

Nice! That would get rid of the slippage that happens for sure. I love these controllers so much.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 10:23:21 AM

Thanks. Love my DC, it's a hardcore console, casual console, class console emulator, and home arcade in one :)

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 1/19/2013 10:28:34 AM

1 up, 0 down

xenris
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 3:38:45 PM

I still go on DC binges and me and my friends just play it for like a day. It really is like an arcade at home, soooo many great games.

0 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 11:49:48 PM
Reply

No doubt the dual shock 3 is my favorite controller of all time. Really like having the dual analogs in a symmetrical position. I have huge hands so it's a great fit for me. I hated the X360 dual analogs and placement. My fingers would fall asleep playing the X360 due to those little grip nodules on top of the dual analogs sticks.

I would like the same form factor controller to return for the PS4 with the added screen and biometrics if possible. I am envisioning something like that Nvidia portable or like the Vita but with the full size dual analog sticks and handles. Super hyped for more PS4 news!

1 up, 1 down

AcHiLLiA
Friday, January 18, 2013 @ 11:57:46 PM
Reply

Since I have big hands/fingers, I'd say for me the Dualshock 3 with triggers and silicone grip, but loved the feel of the Dualshock 2 stocked, liked the way in the back that the controller curved a lot so other fingers that wasn't in use won't interfere by accident.

0 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 12:30:35 AM

Also have grip caps on my sticks, plus it doesn't wear the top of the analog sticks.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 4:33:59 AM

Me too - I NEED the silicone grips and triggers for the Dual Shock to feel comfortable.
But with that in place, it's an excellent controller.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 10:29:12 AM

I deck mine with grips and triggers and jacket too, it's a dream.

1 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 12:07:18 AM
Reply

The SNES controller has always been my favorite. With the N64 controller right behind it, just took a little getting used to.

0 up, 0 down

LividFiction
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 12:45:37 AM
Reply

DualShock, in all its iterations, has been my favorite controller for years. Favorite version of it? The joysticks on the original DualShock felt a bit too loose, and although I love the fact that the DualShock 3 is cordless, it does feel a bit thick. But with the DualShock 2, though, something just feels Right. The curves underneath the L2 and R2 buttons makes holding that controller a pleasure--like a firm handshake, if that makes any sense, and unlike any other controller I've used, it really does feel solid without being heavy.

Once I got used to the Dreamcast controller, which was the second time I used it, I loved it. Two things keep it from being the best: (1) It has only one joystick and (2) its cord faces the player instead of the TV. Actually, the D-pad placement is a bit off, with the joystick above it and to the left, but it's still less annoying than the 360 controller's.

The N64's controller was pretty damn good once you realized you could ignore the left side, since basically zero games actually used the D-pad on that system, and I actually still really enjoy using the GameCube's controller.

2 up, 1 down

kraygen
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 12:46:54 AM
Reply

I have big hands and the ds3 is still my favorite controller. PS controllers always have been, as I stated on the other article, it's all about the symmetry. It just makes sense to my brain.

1 up, 0 down

matt99
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 1:00:32 AM
Reply

I always thought the N64 controller was the stupidest thing ever designed. Although I will admit that it's likely the favourite among the three handed crowd.

3 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 10:28:03 AM

I never got all the fuss, 2 or 3 games had you holding the left and right handle and all the others had you holding the mid and right handles. Zelda was a breeze on that thing.

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 3:45:11 AM
Reply

I have been satisfied with the Dualshock for many years, fits perfectly in the palm of my hand the D-PAD is not stiff like the 360's and the analogue buttons are in the right place. I hope this news is not true as I have felt no need for Sony to change the design as they got it right the first time.

0 up, 0 down

JimmyVaudeville
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 7:01:07 AM
Reply

Atari: 1 button. 1 joystick. Go to town!

But seriously, Dual Shock 3 takes the cake for me with one exception: I prefer the 360 "triggers" to the dual shock's r2 and l2.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 10:29:48 AM
Reply

The only problem with the DS3 is the slippery stock triggers.

2 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 12:46:34 PM

yah, they slope down 45 degrees, Sony made a fault mistake on that. Sometime last year, I saw a pic of a 3rd party controller that had the slope R2/L2 buttons but had built in like concave and stops at the end, a tad bit bigger overall than the DS3 controller, the top was a little curved, the handles has threaded grip bulit in, oh yah, it had the sixaxis and rumble of course. It had everything I wanted in a controller stocked, unfortunately I didn't buy it, afraid it would stop working after a couple of months since there is a lot of bad reviews on 3rd party controllers. Sorry I don't have the link to the pic, but the controller was a beauty.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 1/19/2013 1:00:36 PM

1 up, 0 down

Mdash0009
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 11:17:08 AM
Reply

NNOOOOOO!!! I hope it'll at least be very similar to the traditional dual shock, it's my favorite.
Out of all I've always preferred it over all cheaper styled controllers and other system's controllers. It's the perfect size and I've never had a problem with the size because I know how to hold it (my way of holding it anyway).
Hopefully it'll be the same feel with only great changes to it.

0 up, 0 down

firesoul453
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 11:55:40 AM
Reply

The n64 controller ofcourse! Just joking ofcourse but it wasn't really that bad at all.

I've got to say I love the ps3 controller. I've bought adapters to use it on the wii gamecube Xbox Xbox 360 and ps3.

Whatever Sony does I hope they don't mess up the thumb stick positions.

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 1:02:16 PM

True that!

1 up, 0 down

Neo_Aeon666
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 4:41:43 PM

The N64 controller would have been fine by me even if it was weird but the Joystick killed the experience BIG time lol After a month of use it would start falling down one way or another and after a year it would be totally unusable haha XD

0 up, 0 down

butcherknife
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 1:12:13 PM
Reply

The dualshock is really good. Just wish it was slightly bigger in the hand, with slightly smaller analog sticks.

0 up, 0 down

Amnesiac
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 4:54:11 PM
Reply

N64 controller was a benchmark above the rest.
First person shooters and flight sims there isnt a better controller for.
If Im playing bioshock or fallout what feels more like an involved gaming experience
trigger/fipper L2,R2 button presses
or an actual gun trigger built in to the controller?
it was a let down when Nintendo stepped away from ingenuity and conformed to produce the gamecube controller.
I don't think we are ever going to see a company think outside the box with an idea like that again.

that being said,
I favor the Ps3 controller more than xbox.

0 up, 0 down

Helghast
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 7:47:22 PM
Reply

I am confused. I keep seeing about the original 360 controller but I did not know that they were any different. I have one of the originals and my friend has one that came with his 360 s and they seem exactly the same besides the d-pads. The size seems exactly the same. I know the original Xbox controller was a monstrosity but I thought the 360 controller has only ever been one size.

0 up, 0 down

Wendell
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 10:21:25 PM
Reply

I have extremely large hands and I think that the wireless DS3 with sixaxis and rumble is the best console video game controller available now - or ever sold.

0 up, 0 down

Pyramid
Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ 10:34:14 PM
Reply

The best ever then the Genesis controller love the simetry and i hope the dont remove the cross,square,triangle, circle buttons. And please dont add batteries to it.

1 up, 1 down

PharaohJR
Sunday, January 20, 2013 @ 12:28:05 AM
Reply

mmm.... out all pads i used since 92... its dualshock format. only thing i dont like about dualshock 3 my hands got bigger & sometimes lock up when playing heavy..... i got memories with N64 i enjoyed that pad, the lock in angles around the diameter was koo & the Z trigger with the rumble pack lol. the nintendo simple box pad was the truth lol.

only 3 pads i didnt like, got damn gamecube, wii & xbox. gamecube buttons caused frustration, xbox was big & heavy had no comfort thought it was a useful weapon & wii...... i just dont have time to do actions when i can step outdoor & do whats on screen.

0 up, 1 down

Zen_Zarab
Sunday, January 20, 2013 @ 5:16:19 AM
Reply

For best bench, button and stick layout, and overall sleekness and look. The 360 Controller.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Sunday, January 20, 2013 @ 9:08:26 AM
Reply

i like the wiiu gamepad, i was really surprised how comfortable to hold it is.
looking at it through videos and such you think god it looks like such a awkward shape, but nintys put every crevis and crease in it to wrap your fingers and hand around so it fits like a glove.
only thing id change is the sticks, need concave sticks.

2 up, 0 down

Maruf
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 1:49:49 AM
Reply

IME the 360 controller is the best. It is the best tuned controller of its format. Its shape is very natural and the left analogue stick position is optimum as I don't have to move my thumb a few mm from its natural position during gameplay. In case of intense gameplay sessions with the ps3 controller, my thumb keeps slipping off the bulging stick whereas the concave shape of the 360 contoller brings no such concerns . It is also easier to play racing games with this controller than with Sony's. Also the triggers are just right on the 360 controller.

Sony may have introduced a revolutionary design but no matter how much ppl hate MS, they actually evolved it to perfection. I have it hooked up to my PC and its great.

0 up, 0 down

olicapone
Monday, January 21, 2013 @ 5:23:19 PM
Reply

In terms of simplicity and overall I would have to agree with you Ben and say the PS controller is honestly the best all around though I loved the N64 controller for its uniqueness and I think that the controllers offer an invaluable experience to each console and game.

0 up, 0 down

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