Do you like video game controllers? Us too! Below we count down from ten to one (yes, an actual countdown) the best video game controllers of all time.
And no, the keyboard and mouse were not considered, as we only looked at console controllers.
10. Nintendo 64 Controller
Why it was loved: The Nintendo 64 was amazing in 1997 for one reason: GoldenEye. Sure, it was substantially improved by everything released after it, but we were young, and it was totally futurist and 3D!
Why it was hated: Looking back, it was rubbish. Mario Party ruined everyone’s dodgy joysticks, and the outlying D-Pad was as useless as a hunchback in a limbo contest.
9. Wireless Guitar Hero Gibson
Why it was loved: Credit where credit’s due: the Guitar Hero series of controllers revolutionised the musical simulation genre. There was a time when such games could only be played in arcades. Guitar Hero brought it to the masses in the comfort of their own homes, and peaked with the wireless Gibson design that accompanied Guitar Hero III.
Why it was hated: The red button on my controller doesn’t work anymore; it is totally useless. I fear this was a common problem. The Guitar Hero craze has since passed like cheap Indian food, as gamers realise they can learn how to play real guitar.
8. Wii Remote
Why it was loved: Say what you want about the Wii Remote, but there’s no denying that it simplified video game control and brought the medium to a whole new generation of casual gamers. Grandmas around the globe love pwning their grandchildren in some vicious rounds of Wii Tennis.
Why it was hated: OMG we can totally fight with lightsabers! Six years on, and that never even came close to fruition. The Wii Remote didn’t live up to its pre-release hype. Then there was MotionPlus.
7. Mega Drive (Genesis) 6 Button Controller
Why it was loved: SEGA fixed every hate crime against controllers in one foul swoop. At the time, the Mega Drive controller was perfect. It was further improved in 1993 with the release of the 6 button model, designed for fighting games. It could revert to “classic” three button mode with the flick of a button.
Why it was hated: It was overshadowed by the superior SNES controller. The three buttons in a line seemed like the perfect control method, until Nintendo birthed four button perfection on the SNES.
6. Atari 2600 Joystick
Why it was loved: For many, the Atari 2600 controller is gaming. It deserves recognition as one of the most iconic, sentimental and nostalgic symbols in video games. While it wasn’t the first home joystick, it was the first to get it right.
Why it was hated: Well, it did only have one button and is associated with shambles that was ET: the worst video game ever released.
5. GameCube Controller
Why it was loved: The GameCube controller was amazing, despite looking more than a little strange. The off-set sticks and complementing shapes of the A and B buttons felt great in your hands, as did the two deep bumpers, even if the Z button was floating in the middle of nowhere. The chunky, but wireless, Wavebird was also a revelation when it was released.
Why it was hated: The D-Pad was too small and not particularly useful.
4. NES Controller
Why it was loved: An easy way to play home console video games. The NES control pad was simple and got the job done. Better yet, these things are indestructible. They still work perfectly after 25 years of manic abuse.
Why it was hated: The rectangle corners did result in some palm stabbings, but that was all the rage in the ‘80s.
3. Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
Why it was loved: After developing one of the worst controllers with the original Xbox, Microsoft bounced back with its second console to create one of the best. Arguably a fusion of the GameCube and PS2 controllers, the Xbox 360 controller is the go to choice for shooters.
Why it was hated: You need to fork out an extra $25 for a play and charge kit; otherwise these things chew through batteries. Why hasn’t the rechargeable battery been inbuilt yet?
2. PlayStation DualShock
Why it was loved: Part of its appeal is how consistent it has been since the first DualShock on the PS1. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Many gamers will argue that it’s the pinnacle of controller design, and for most it is. It’s comfortable and intuitive to use. The DualShock feels at home in your grubby paws, regardless of if your last gaming session was three minutes or three months ago.
Why it was hated: The wire was way too short on the PS2 version, resulting in a great many consoles being catapulted from home entertainment cabinets. Meanwhile, SixAxis was a total flop.
1. Super Nintendo Controller
Why it was loved: The best controller ever made. The SNES controller laid the foundations for everything that would follow it. It refined the D-Pad, introduced the diamond configuration of four buttons -- currently used by all three consoles -- and made us aware of the importance of shoulder buttons.
Why it was hated: It feels a little bit small in adult hands these days and it was never the prettiest piece of kit going around.
By Ben Salter - Bio
What are your favourite controllers?