Five easy ways to fix complicated controllers (page 2/2)

1. Reduce the number of face and shoulder buttons

The best way to fix overabundant controllers is by reducing the total number of action buttons from the current 10 to no more than six.* Developers might panic initially, having grown accustomed to mapping simple functions (such as "reload" or "use") to a dedicated button. Then again, game developers are nothing if not resourceful, and the button limitations would surely lead to some ingenious solutions. For inspiration, one need only play the excellent (but sickeningly cute) Kirby's Adventure released in 1993 on the NES to realize how many unique actions are attainable using only a single directional pad and two face buttons.

2. Ditch the Start and Select buttons in favor of a single "menu" button

Rather than use the Start button to pause a game, more gamers are simply tapping the menu button (Guide on the 360, Home on the PS3 and Wii). The results are more consistent and intuitive across all games. This doesn't mean that games shouldn't have menu screens, or that developers shouldn't have some control over them, but the in-game menu process should be more standardized and less obtrusive. The added simplicity of a single menu button would be well worth the trade-off of two little-used buttons.

3. Get rid of the d-pad once and for all

Much like the arcade joystick, the directional pad is a relic of gaming's past. The truth is, it's not used enough to justify its presence on modern controllers. Its removal would result in a performance sacrifice for old-school-style fighting games, but there's a performance sacrifice for first-person shooters on consoles when compared to PC controls, and that's not stopping anyone from playing. Furthermore, keep in mind that third-party d-pads could be sold separately for the demanding gamer, much like steering wheels, and... you guessed it -- joysticks.

Hardware makers needn't copy the Wii Remote feature by feature and should only use motion when it makes the most sense, but gesture-based input is proven technology.
4. Use motion controls

Motion controls aren't always perfect, but neither are buttons. Still Nintendo (and some third-party publishers) have proven that motion input, when gracefully implemented, can actually heighten game satisfaction while increasing accessibility. Hardware makers needn't copy the Wii Remote feature by feature and should only use motion when it makes the most sense, but gesture-based input is proven technology that helps streamline cluttered control schemes. Just ask satisfied Wii, Nintendo DS, Apple iPhone, Macbook Pro owners and -- to a lesser extent -- PS3 Sixaxis users.

5. Add an attachment peripheral

Playing a plastic guitar for the first time is a lot more inviting and familiar than a traditional controller. Incidentally, the former has fewer buttons. And it just so happens that it's regularly used for one of the most popular genres at present -- rhythm games like Guitar Hero or Rock Band. Like motion sensors, the attachment peripheral opens a world of possibilities, from dancing to drums, and foot controls to a second analog stick for exacting hardcore games (e.g. the Nunchuk) all while reducing complexity.

It will take risks and some sacrifice on the part of console makers, developers, and gamers to embrace plainer controls. But the obvious rewards, such as inventive ideas and greater mass-market acceptance, are only a generation away. Be bold, Microsoft and Sony. And don't let a worried publisher talk you into adding an ill-placed Z Button at the last minute (you know who you are). -- Blake Snow

*Two face buttons, two shoulder buttons that support both analog and digital clicks, and two thumbstick clicks = Six

Comments [103]

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billyb77

I would rather them use the buttons than 2k and EA sports trying to make people use that right analog stick for everything. That sucks. Give us back 2004 controls. Sure the stick works for basketball and golf but not every game needs to use it. At least give us the option for classic controls. I think some games do but some don't.

BlackSwordsman1

The only one I partially agree with is the menu button instead of both start and select buttons. Games advanced for a reason, the controls had to advance as well, meaning more complex configurations. A lot of developers don't even use all the buttons on the controller, but they are still their because more complex games will actually need all the buttons, usually not because you use all the buttons when playing but to quickly map on different way to change your equipment/weapons/powers instead of going into the start menu and choosing what u want and then unpausing the game.

lrn2swim

um.....no. this is a terrible article. one of the things that has advanced games to where they are today are the great controllers. this would totally cater to the trend of casual gamers directing which way the market goes, which is a scary prospect. making controllers with less buttons for options is a huge step backwards. why limit your options?

ChitownShogun73

Good article but I don't like motion controls. As a former Wii owner and a current Ps3 owner, I honestly do not like motion controls.

wowa

sorry you but can't please everyone.......... the gaming industry needs to stop bending over backwards for casuals.

IChainSawU

Dumb. The 360 controller is perfect. It has a whopping four buttons on the face and two on top with a two triggers. Perfect. You would have to be litteraly retarted to find it difficult.

DoctorIrish

I disagree. Less buttons would only appease casual gamers. I can certainly appreciate the Wii's "simple" controls, but can anyone really say with a straight face that motion control is not complicated? [p] Deep down, we all know that there is no way you could adequately control todays games(Super Smash Bros Brawl, COD4, GTAIV, Resistance, MGS4, Gears of War) with only one control stick and two buttons.

CaliforniaSFGamer

Keep it as it is. When the developers know how to map the controls properly, it feels like second nature. Just think about Halo 3's controls. Everything feels perfect.

ROCKY102682

This article if Fukking gay, the controllers now days arent even hard to figure out!! Having less buttons just seems like a bad idea, and why would you want to get rid of the D-pad. How am I supposed to play SF or other Fighter games. Plus all those old school games that you can buy on Live arcade or PSN play like Sh*t with the joystick. I cant believe I wasted my time reading this article.

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