The five best game console controllers of all time

AnonymousTue 22 May, 2007 1:46pm

This list is a little off, for starters its missing the best controller ever made, Sega Saturn. Additionally its missing the Wiimote, the controller that has sold millions of consoles, that should count for something. Second off the N64 controller at #3, there were a million ways to hold it and you only used one 99% of the time. Playing with that thing was like grappling with the business end of a trident. And Finally XBox 360 at the top spot, its the least innovative thing ever, hold it next to a dreamcast controller and its like looking at two long lost brothers.

AnonymousTue 22 May, 2007 3:44pm

No room for the Quickshot Pro II from the ST/Amiga era??

AnonymousTue 22 May, 2007 5:31pm

I agree. X-box's controller design is a direct rip off from Dreamcast's wonderful controller. It was a great controller. Felt right, didn't have to get up to change memory cards. Give the greatest system that didn't make it, its props!!

TreyTableSun 27 May, 2007 10:03pm

I think this is more about best controller over many different situations, and era. I agree about the VCS Joystick, and Super NES pad (although I like the NOA version, with the concave and convex buttons, which in their time, were helpful getting used to a four face-button pad. There is no hyphen in XBOX. Are some controllers rip-offs of others? Yeah. Learn to live with it. Nintendo's D-Pad is easily ripped for any controller by Sony. I mean who doesn't want the SNES/N64 D-Pad? (aside from Nintendo) The XBOX Duke is much like a Dreamcast pad, the Dreamcast pad ripped pages from the Rumble Pak, PocketStation, Saturn 3-D Pad, and Super NES. So what Saturn pad was one speaking of? The 3-D Pad or the Strike Pad? I have a Strike Pad designed and made by SEGA for the PlayStation 2. Argue all you wish, but I'd rather play Virtua Fighter 5 on a 360 pad than a Nintedonut.

AnonymousTue 22 May, 2007 7:25pm

The other comments are dead on. Three of the five listed are in fact the *worst* controllers of all time: The atari-stick-of-instant-fatigue (most sticks I've used only respond if you shove full force in a cardinal direction), the n64's control (made for three armed aliens), and the xbox 360's confusing amalgamation of random buttons.

Again, as the other comments have said, the Saturn and Dreamcast had much better controllers than anything on the list. Who did they question to come up with this list anyway?

AnonymousWed 23 May, 2007 9:30am

Dear CNET Team, you guys are usually spot on with these Crave special entries. However Two Nintendo controllers back to back. As a Sega Fan I am extremely disappointed I didn't see Sega's Batman-esque controller. Sega always had the most responsive games !!! G

AnonymousThu 24 May, 2007 1:14pm

The Xbox controller is grey, not beige. hth

AnonymousThu 24 May, 2007 1:16pm

There are some controllers missing here... that's no game controllers of all time but a microsoft plug.

AnonymousThu 24 May, 2007 3:11pm

Yeah this looks like CNET buckled under the Massive MS Budget. You used to be respected but according to this unbelievable article that the garbage non innovative MS *cough*SEGA*cough* controller. I do not think I can view your articles as trustworthy anymore.

thank you

TenebrienThu 24 May, 2007 4:11pm

Xbox 360, the best controller of all time?... *pffft*. Well, out of the 6 controllers they probably had in their test-bed (#6 being the Wiimote), maybe the Xbox 360 is the best. And it probably DOES belong in the top five list.... at #3 or #4. It's comfortable in the hands, has a nice "heft" to it, has all the buttons everybody besides a fighter fan like myself would want, etc, etc... a well-conceived successor to the dreamcast controller, basically. I -DO- think it's better than the dreamcast controller, in case anybody asks. Overall, though, I have to agree with others here that the Sega Saturn controller was/is hands-down the best... and it didn't even get an "honorable mention" here? For shame! The dpad on the Xbox 360 controller is garbage by comparison.

LangisThu 24 May, 2007 6:57pm

Some of you scrubs need to get your heads out of your collective asses. The XB360 controller is, hands down, the best controller on the market. It may have been a ripoff of the TERRIBLE Dreamcast pad, and taken three revisions to get right (original XB and Controller S), but it beats the crap out of any other pad in almost EVERY category (the DPad could use some work). Get this whole "X-Box sucks because it isn't Nintendo" mindset out of your heads.

The N64 controller was mentioned for its innovation, as was the Atari 2600 pad and the SNES pad. None of the three pads I just mentioned are, objectively, very good. The 2600 stick was stiff, the SNES pad flimsy, and the N64 controller kinda awkward. But all three paved the way for improvements to their basic design, such as the dual shock and the XB360 controller.

AnonymousFri 25 May, 2007 12:22am

Everyone who says the Xbox 360 Controller (Best of all time w00t) is a Dreamcast rip-off, they should consider the fact that J. Allard, the head of the Xbox 360 project was ALSO the head of the Dreamcast project. Microsoft does make the best controllers on the market. How do you put your hands on the atrocious Dual-Shock? Human fingers were not designed to bend that way, ouch.

AnonymousFri 25 May, 2007 2:35am

The XBox 360 controller is missing the one thing that actually made the Dreamcast controller great: The little LCD display showing random things as you played your game, which you could take out and play a miniature version of your games while you were away from the house for a bit. The 360 is missing the VMU. Besides, think of what they could do with a design like that now- for the cost of a AAA battery or two, you could have a full color and backlit display that you could use as part of the controller. Of course, the 360 controller wouldn't be able to handle it with it's current design, and in the age of wireless it'd make for two things that take batteries being used simultaneously, but as far as wired controllers are concerned, there's no way the 360 beats the Dreamcast's controller with a VMU. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go back to watching the little Chao jump and move along with me in Sonic Adventure.

AnonymousFri 25 May, 2007 8:41am

I agree with a previous comments about the N64 controller, I love it but Games use only one way (Left hand in the middle, and right hand on right).

This top 5 should be about game controller, right? Why Wii isn't on it. Not enough game!?

Anyone had already play with a GameCube? It's my favorite. I agree that the DualStick from Playstation was innovation, but I played many item with PS2 and GameCube, and I prefer GameCube controller, even if PS2 got a lot of good games.

AnonymousFri 25 May, 2007 8:51am

what the..? the ps2-controller is the worst controller ever!

AnonymousFri 25 May, 2007 8:56am

Although Commodore 64 wasn't a console, the "Tac 2" was a must have for att gamers. It was a necessary accessory to complete sportgames like Decathlon or world games!

thedicemanFri 25 May, 2007 11:16am

"For starters, it was the first wireless pad to come as standard"

errrr, no.

The wired one comes as stantard in the core pack, paying more for the premium pack & wireless pad ain't 'standard'

GKFri 25 May, 2007 11:47am

The N64 controller is probably one of the most innovative controllers of all time - the ergonomics and set-up, the anologue stick, the trigger button at the back, the ease of use (especially with the various buttons in combination and the ease for switching between left or right hand users), etc.

It is the classic controller and, in my opinion, changed the whole gaming industry and evolution. It also made the classic N64 machine - for its time remember - all the more innovative and better.

Matt GFri 25 May, 2007 1:37pm

The only thing I can remember bashing as a kid was my trusy Zip stick.. from the Atari 2600, the Sinclair +2 and it carried on going through My Atari St. An arcade styled legend!!!

Seraph741Fri 25 May, 2007 5:05pm

Alright, i bet most of you have never even owned a dreamcast and 360. The dreamcast controller was alright, but there is no way it is as good as a 360. The dreamcast controller was bulky, had awkward button placement, only 1 joystick, and the cord came from the button of the controller. That last bit might seem like a minor detail, but it was insanely annoying especially when the little clip didn't work anymore.

AnonymousFri 25 May, 2007 5:48pm

I've never understood why Sony's controllers got such high ratings. I can't stand the D-Pad on 'em, and they aren't real smooth or contoured. I hate those things. I think it's just that tons of people have spent tons of time with 'em, and so have fallen in love.

Also, I'd echo what many others have said. The N64 controller sucked. Period.

6 Button Genesis controller FTW!

AnonymousFri 25 May, 2007 7:39pm

People who think the Xbox360 controller is better then the dual shock need to loose some weight. I know too many Xboxers who bought the madcatz version so it could actually fit in their hands. I agree and I'm 6'2

AnonymousFri 25 May, 2007 11:50pm

Uh, the 360 is _WHITE_. oh, and the N64 controller made me gave up gaming for years it was so bad. I'm ashamed to be related to this site (I work for GameSpot in the US).

Sam P.Sat 26 May, 2007 1:32am

Let's clear a few things up:
1. The Dreamcast system did not get the respect it deserves, but its controller was even worse than the GIANT UFO Xbox one. Go put one in your hands and deny it.
2. The N64 controller was far from perfect, but it's not like that useless left third reached up and strangled you. And it was visionary; the Dual Shock would never have existed without it.

Those were facts. These are opinions:
3. The Dual Shock may have refined the design successes of the N64 pad, but so too did the Gamecube controller. There is no advantage the former has over the latter, and I would argue that the opposite is true.
4. Once one factors in the Wavebird, the PS/PS2 controller is blown out of the water. Nintendo PERFECTED wireless controller technology and I would like to see anyone deny it. There is no good reason not to have the Wavebird on this list.
5. The Xbox 360 does deserve a place on this list, even if the Wiimote deserves it more. And even if the D-pad does suck. (Which it does.)

AnonymousSat 26 May, 2007 1:38am

How do you have problems using any controller? I've played pretty much every system since NES and never ever had a problem using a controller.

shdwfthsunSat 26 May, 2007 1:41am

This controller was without a doubt innovative, but was incredibly annoying to wield. For that reason I don't think it should be on this list.

TerrellSat 26 May, 2007 2:53am

I don't know how much did Micro$oft pay you to say such nonsensical comment, the Wii controller MUST be 1st.

And Micro$oft didn't pay you, then you must be seriously on X or crack.

There's nothing innovative in the Xbox 360 controller, because it displays things seen in other systems and it really doesn't provide anything new to the gaming universe. Plus, what you say about it lacks substance.

daveSat 26 May, 2007 5:50am

I would have to agree with my fellow commenters who argue that the Sega Saturn controller should have been given its due. Also, I would take the silky soft ergonomics of the Gamecube controller over any of the "Top 5". The ONLY thing innovative about the 360 controller is the home button, which was duplicated on both the Wiimote and SIXAXIS...

AnonymousSat 26 May, 2007 6:10am

You are missing the absolute best controller of all time. If you don't believe me, get one, along with the super action baseball game and a colecovision off of ebay for a few $$ and try it yourself. I am of course talking about the colecovision super action controller. It had four triggers (one for each finger), and up top it had a small joystick, a keypad and a sideways scrolling wheel.

enabler118Sat 26 May, 2007 8:38am

I would say I agree with CNET on this one. They made a fair case for each of their selections, and although the last one (Xbox360) was written in a manner that kinda seems to hype Microsoft, I cannot disagree. Hear me out. The original Xbox controller was a monstrous failure, in my eyes -- I have small hands, and I basically had no chance in games that required finger mobility (for example, DOA3). Pardon the pun. As a result, I rarely played Xbox games because it was so unwieldy. When the Controller-S was released, I was impressed, because it seemed to fit so well in my hands, and was exceptionally well constructed, felt solid, and I have never had any problems with the one I bought. However, the basic controller scheme of the Xbox made some games difficult to play -- my example is Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance. The game, originally published on the PS2, never felt just right on the Xbox mostly because the black and white buttons were not conveniently located, whereas the same functions on the PS2 version were accessible via the shoulder buttons.

But here's my defense of the choice of the 360 controller:
•Joysticks: On the 360 controller, the placement of the joystick fits better with the most natural grip. Using the joystick feels right at home, whereas on the Dualshock, the SAME INTUITIVE GRIP fails, and actually would cause your hand to cramp. Since most games these days use the joystick by default this IS the optimum configuration.

•Weight: The original xbox controllers were maddeningly heavy, no matter who you are. By contrast, the PS3 dualshock is so light it almost feels like you could accidentally break it. In terms of weight, the 360 controller is almost perfectly matched with the PS2 controller in terms of weight. Remember, the PS2 controller is wired; use the wired 360 controller and you'll barely tell the difference.

•Innovation: C'mon. Everyone steals everyone's ideas. Constantly. The current 4 button diamond layout is used by :Dreamcast, SNES, PLayStation, PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, and Wii (the Classic controller still counts!). Can you fault any one company for variations? Some didn't work so well, others are practically classic at this point, so piggybacking technology should NOT be an issue. If the shoe fits, and so forth. The 360 controller gives you instant familiarity, by giving you both triggers (from the xbox) and shoulder buttons (from the PS2), while making older games more intuitive. (read: Halo 3)

I am by no means a Microsoft fanboy. I am just recognizing an exceptionally well made product. One cannot fault a company for aiming to improve what is already great. The Dualshock is a FANTASTIC controller, but if I had to pick ONE CONTROLLER to use for the rest of my life, I'd have to sit down and think her over.

That's a lot of text. Sorry, guys.

AnonymousSat 26 May, 2007 3:43pm

I have to agree with CNet on this, except for the Atari joystick part.

AnonymousSat 26 May, 2007 5:41pm

There are so many things wrong with this list. First off the Atari 2600 was a shoddy pice of crap that broke within months of purchase. The N64 controller was an unruly and awkward piece of anti-ergonomics. The 360 controller is just a wholesale ripoff of the Dreamcast controller (and yet the Dreamcast controller isn't even mentioned) and can you honestly overlook the controller on the Wii, it's selling the whole bleeping system.

KnowitallSat 26 May, 2007 7:33pm

This article was written by someone who started playing consoles since 2000. This guy doesn't know caca about controllers. I own almost every major console released. Of course he'll mention the atari controller but that was by no means the first one, nor was it the most comfortable one back then when it first came out. THe 360 controller is the rape child the Sega Dreamcast. It copied off of each controller. The n64 controller was the foundation of all 3D controllers.k This guy should get fired for making caca articles.

AnonymousSun 27 May, 2007 8:47am

XBOX 360 controller in the number one spot, what have you guys been smoking its the worst out of the current three.

StealthSun 27 May, 2007 9:57am

Im sorry but that is wrong. No offense to x360 controller but its defintely isnt the best.
Its bulky hard to get used to. The ps3 tilt axis controller is similar in style with ps2 but has a new cool feature. And since emmersion and sony teamed up the new ps3 tilt axis rumble controller will surpass any controller on the market 3 fold.

AndySun 27 May, 2007 12:55pm

Ok, some ppl clearly believe that if it says MS on it, its evil. Thats ok, go be Sony fan boys. This is a subjective list, based on the writers opinion. Also, it doesnt list them from 5 to 1, just as the top 5 with no particular order.

Onto the controllers. The N64 controller is my favourite ever, bar none. So comfortable, and the joystick was the killer. Far too many hours lost to Goldeneye, Mario Kart et al testify to it. The PS2 controller is good, but tends to leave me with aches after a while, and the screw holes underneath always rub. Stupid positioning, that im assured by my m8 is my fault, but meh. Not played on a 360 yet, but Im not sure a lack of games can disqualify the WiiMote, which is easily the best part of the Wii system. The possibilities for it are endless.

stealthSun 27 May, 2007 2:26pm

Xbox 360 controller is nothing more than a used idea that dreamcast made, its truly a ripoff. But, where's the love for the saturn, genesis. the wii remote has problems so the idea was ok the finished result sucked.

osm0diarSun 27 May, 2007 6:58pm

The 360 has one of the worst D-Pads ever! Incredibly imprecise and somewhat unresponsive. Just for that, it should lose major points.

homerMon 28 May, 2007 11:09am

Its not beige! its white and grey. Sheesh, you'd think somebody at CNET would know the difference!

The GrinchFri 1 June, 2007 12:08pm

I used to believe the N64 controller to be the most ergonomically correct; however I recently had the opportunity to revisit Goldeneye on the N64 and have since revised this stance: The trigger is activated with the left hand (at least on Goldeneye, which less face it, practically IS the N64) this is unnatural and a major flaw of the controller. I’m now of the opinion that the original xbox device is the best and most versatile controller.

That said, the N64 controller certainly was ahead of its time, and its organic design was a leap forward in controller technology. Also it was the first that was truly built around - and worked with - the hands, rather than something ‘external’ and alien that you had to mould your hands around, like the snes controller.

The xbox 360 controller is just fine – being able to power up the console from the controller seems like a no-brainer now - but I feel, in terms ergonomics and versatility the original xbox device has the edge. Firstly, it was just that little bit bigger which meant the handles fit right into the pit on the palms providing a greater sense of unity with the machine; I sometimes find myself holding the 360 one with my fingers at points in a game where buttons aren’t required. Also, the “B” button looks like its sliding off the right hand side of the 360 controller and the left joystick seems too far towards the top left – the joysticks on the original device were more ‘aligned’. Secondly, the original one was slightly heavier; this made it more ‘balanced’ than its next generation counterpart.

ElisseosThu 7 June, 2007 12:30am

Have you played with the 6-button mega drive controller?with the saturn controller at least?c'mon kiddo,you don't know what you're talking about.the snes controller is great but nothing beats the ergonomy of the 2 I mentioned above

Chester FreshMon 17 September, 2007 12:19am

Xbox?!? No way. It's awkward to hold. There are much better controllers out there.

DBGTFri 14 December, 2007 2:14pm

the 360 controller has the worst d-pad ever! for that, its shouldn't get the best game console controllers of all time.
Bad choices!!!

AnonymousThu 3 January, 2008 3:34am

You sir are a nerd.

AnonymousSat 2 February, 2008 2:27am

This article is about the most effective, ergonomically superior controllers NOT most innovative, in which case the wii would certainly be top of course. i agree with the list mostly, the dualshock is definitely overrated. Goldeneye on the n64 pad was brilliant for left handers, right, retarded quadrospazes, you couldn't fail. the xbox 360 amalgamates every decent controller innovation into one perfect package. Though it looks much better in black. and if we are faulting microsoft for bing innovative lets not bring up the third iteration of the dualshock with tilt. I might have had a bit more repect for sony if theyd stayed with that stupid boomerang.

AnonymousSun 3 February, 2008 9:25pm

xbox 360 easily has the best controller. its not made for little nammer hands like playstation.. its made for hands that can handle massive amounts of gaming because its actually comfortable. i think that the list is pretty accurate... the wii is innovative but its controller style is just like a candy bar with a hand held joystick to roam around with. it's wii concept that makes it unique. not its controller.

AnonymousThu 27 March, 2008 9:56am

U chat crap The sixaxis or Wiimote would kill the 360 pad any day just remember that fools!

AnonymousThu 27 March, 2008 9:58am

Xbox copied a old controller that my cuson had.It was the same. Tell bill g8es dat

AnonymousThu 27 March, 2008 9:59am

Dualshock 3 Rulez

AnonymousSun 27 April, 2008 3:33pm

in my opinion the wii controller is best, cmon, motion control!!

AnonymousThu 15 May, 2008 6:29pm

I own both a 360 and a Wii and the XBOX 360 Pad rocks, but having played Call of Duty 3 on both -- the WiiMote and Nunchuck combo is a serious contender to the 360 controller. Who wouldn't love playing Halo 3 with WiiMote and Nunchuck -- I know I would.

AnonymousWed 28 May, 2008 9:26pm

where is the dualshock 3??? its way better then de 360 controller, vibration, sixaxis, rechargable battery...

AnonymousThu 26 June, 2008 1:38am

What the hell??? 360 best controller??? The playstation in my book has the best overall design and execution, extremely comfortable and easy access to any number of buttons. Screw MS 360 controller!!!!