The 11 Most Groundbreaking Controllers of All Time (page 3 of 4)
- June 19, 2006 00:47 AM PST
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Nintendo 64
It may look bad, but it felt goo-o-o-d.
Clunky. Awkward. Massive. All are accurate descriptors of the Nintendo 64 controller. But we'll add one more: groundbreaking. The Nintendo 64 controller was hampered by a truly bizarre three-pronged design, which was designed to empower players to choose from several different grip styles, but mostly succeeded in confusing gaming neophytes. The Nintendo 64's key innovation, of course, was the analog stick. It wasn't a very good analog stick, mind you, as it was relatively imprecise and had the annoying tendency to scrape against its mounting, shedding flurries of plastic dust. But as with many of Nintendo's interface innovations, the analog stick has since become a gaming standard.
Wii Remote
Nintendo shocked the gaming world when it unveiled this motion-sensing controller to the masses. The Wii remote connects to Nintendo's next-gen console via a Bluetooth signal, though we still don't know precisely how the sensor bar and internal motion-sensing chip give the Wii the ability to recognize and simulate real hand movement. We'll know soon -- the console arrives in the fall of 2006.
It's a bold move, really, as Nintendo is the only next-gen hardware developer to ditch the standard analog-stick foundation for a more unorthodox but casual gaming approach. Even Sony seemed influenced by the Wii, as the industry leader recently implemented motion sensing into its PlayStation 3 controller. Sony, of course, claims to have been developing their motion sensing idea for quite some time.
Xbox Controller S
Best analog stick sampling evar!
It's a fact: very few gamers liked the original Xbox controller. So Microsoft quickly took the point and released the Xbox Controller S, which retains the original design's strengths (triggers, smooth analog sticks) while axing its weaknesses (overbearing size, awkward Black/White button placement) to create one of the best dual analog controllers yet. While button placement is arguably better on Sony's Dual Shock, the Xbox Controller S has smoother-moving analog sticks that boast a better sampling rate, a necessity in fast-paced first-person shooters. Plus, the springily realistic triggers help make sniping that much more pleasurable.
While many critics have hailed the Xbox 360 controller as an improved upgrade, is it really a matter of personal preference. Sure, the wireless functionality is nice, but the Xbox Controller S has a heavier, slightly more solid feel and slightly better analog stick response. In the end, we have to give the nod to the OG Xbox Controller S.
