The All-Time Best, & 1 Of The Worst, Video Game Controller Revisions?
189It's a great feeling when video game console manufacturers give us mid-cycle upgrades! Think about it: better graphics, faster processing, and sometimes even a lower price! But it's not just the consoles—manufacturers often improve the controllers too! Let's dive into some of the all-time best, and in my opinion, 1 of the worst, controller revisions we’ve seen:
The Best Evolutions
NES "Dog Bone" Controller: Perhaps the greatest upgrade of all time! The original NES controller was... fine. But the "dog bone" (officially the NES-101) is practically flawless. It's more comfortable, precise, and feels like a natural evolution to the SNES controller. This was a massive win and improvement for Nintendo!
Sega Genesis 6-Button Controller: The original 3-button controller was super chunky. The 6-button model was a huge improvement: smaller, more ergonomic, and those three extra face buttons were essential for games like Street Fighter II! No more hitting Start to swap between punches and kicks!
PlayStation Dual Analog: The original PlayStation controller was a comfortable, logical evolution of the Super Nintendo design. But adding dual analog sticks made it the definitive gaming controller of its generation in my opinion. Its influence is still clear in the PS5 DualSense today!
The Necessary Changes (or Debatable Upgrades)
Original Xbox "Duke" to the Controller S: The "Duke" was massive and I famously dislike it. The Controller S was a necessary change—smaller, much more ergonomic, and functional. While still not a favorite for me, it was a gigantic improvement over the original behemoth.
GameCube WaveBird (Optional Upgrade): The original GameCube controller is fantastic. The WaveBird offered a killer feature: wireless connectivity! However, this came at the cost of the Rumble feature. A great option, but it did have a trade-off.
The Worst Revision?
Sega Saturn 3D Controller (Optional Add-on): The original Saturn controller was a great evolution of the Genesis 6-button design—superb ergonomics. The optional 3D Controller added an analog stick but was bulkier and felt like a step backward, reminding us of the despised "Duke" or Dreamcast controllers.
Which controller upgrade was your favorite? Let me know in the comments! 👇
#Nintendo #Sega #NES #DogBone #Duke #DualShock #Genesis #GameCube #WaveBird
#shorts #gaming #retrogaming #videogames #controller #controllerupgrade #PlayStation #Xbox