Slapnuts' Top Five: The Best Console Controllers of All Time

For the third week in a row "Slapnuts' Top Five" is back, this time with new art!  This week we are going to cover some console nostalgia.  Controller preference varies for pretty much everyone so I realize the odds of this agreeing with all of you is highly unlikely.

Today's topic is the best console controllers of all time.  These aren't 3rd party controllers like the awesome Madcatz SF4 TE Arcade Stick.  These are 1st party controllers that actually shipped with a system at some point or another.  This list isn't based on innovation either.  Thus there is no Wii Remote nor is there any nostalgia like the Atari joystick.  Plus, just because something is digital or has analog sticks does not give it an advantage.  This is awesomeness in its own time period.  I am measuring in comfort, button placement, usability and overall feel.  I saw a list over CNet a while back which I thought was a complete joke.  That is part of this weeks inspiration along with this "console family tree" which I came across this week and nabbed a couple images from (thanks).  On with the list!


5.  Dreamcast

Definitely an awesome controller and one which was ahead of its time.  From the display and the Virtual Memory Units to the triggers down below the controller packed on some goodies.  At first glances it looks horribly awkward but in reality it sported a solid comfort level.  A cross between the N64 and 3DO controller was a great way to go on Sega's part and it would ultimately be one of the inspirations for the #4 on the list.



4.  Xbox 360

I read that one of the designers from the Dreamcast platform also worked on the Xbox 360 which is partially the reason why the controllers looks so similar (If you have a source, help out).  Look at the first Xbox controller and you can really see the evolution from #5 to #4.  Nothing wrong with a bit of blatant inspiration via something that worked great and the 360 controller features that in spades.  They added some shoulder buttons to go along with the triggers and another analog stick.  My only big gripe is the abysmal dpad on this controller which should have borrowed from #1 on the list.  The concave analog sticks are superior in comfort and something I want to add to my DS3. 




3.  Dualshock 3

Sixaxis controls and the return of rumble, this controller is nearly perfect.  While the Dualshock 2 probably could have made this list the added heft of the DS3, the ditching of the "analog switch" and PS3 home button make this the superior choice.  Wads complains about this being too small which is funny because he hears that a lot.  I also prefer the 360's concave triggers but that was easily remedied with a pair of these of these Gioteck Real Triggers.  The dpad, while superior to the 360 controller, could use a bit of work and if this were a bit wider as well I would have zero complaints. 



2.  SNES

The Super Nintendo was a fantastic system and thanks much in part to the awesome layout and upgrades in comparison to the NES controller.  The left side of the controller remained unchanged besides for the addition of shoulder buttons on both sides, a first for any controller.  The awesome Nintendo dpad returned and besides for #1 few compare.  The added buttons on the right feature something I wish controllers would do to this day.  They separated them via concave and convex so you could always "feel" where you were at.  I still get annoyed at having to look at colors and letters vs. feeling the buttons on modern controllers.  These also felt a bit flimsy but that is a minor complaint.





1.  The Mouse and Keyboard

Yes, most of us know its true and the rest of you are in denial.  However this is a console only list so I can't really include it.  With that being said here is the real number one...



1.  Saturn Model 2

The ultimate video game controller for its time and it still holds up well now.  This controller is so good that Madcatz pretty much copied its design with their Street Fighter Pads for the release of Street Fighter 4.  Many regard this as the greatest fighting pad of all time and I feel it is the best all-around.  The only complaint regarding this controller was the slight added reach for the shoulder buttons compared to the SNES controller.  It does however feature the greatest dpad in controller history.  The 6 button design was ideal for most fighters and also gave plenty of options for every other game.  I also love the added depth of the controller at the palms.  This is has pretty much become a standard in all modern controllers as it has evolved in to handles.


As a reminder, obviously the DS3 and 360 controllers are superior on a innovation level but isn't what this list was about.  Arguments, complaints or suggestions; feel free to comment.  Post your own lists if you feel mine is a complete P.O.S.