I don’t know if it counts as a controller per se, but I’ve been using an MMO mouse with a big number pad for the thumb for quite a few years now. I used to laugh at these things, but once I tried one, I couldn’t go back. Those extra buttons come in handy a lot more often than you might think, and sometimes I wish it had even more.
tbh i might just be inclined to view older peripherals as controllers? Which isn’t exactly clear and logical. Idk, i guess the counter to that is that I would consider Guitar Hero guitars “peripherals” rather than “controllers”, so you maybe it is a “general” vs “specific” thing. Except a lot of these controllers we’re talking about were only officially supported by like, 5 games at most. So i’m back to not knowing the difference haha.
Behold this $400 monstrosity. This is my Xbox Adaptive controller set up mapped for Ultima Online Outlands. I’ve had a few iterations but this seems best for me so far. Can use it with some other games but that requires using WASD with my feets. It costs so much because it took 3 freaking Logitech kits to get all the buttons I needed. 😭
the orb! The Orb was the number one controller i had in mind when making this post. I never had one but i’ve watched so many videos about it. It’s like a controller from an alternate timeline of what could have been, if we never moved to analog sticks or mouse look. Apparently the tech is still preferred in the 3D CAD space. After several acquisitions, the company is now a Logitech subsidiary called “3Dconnexion”, and they make CAD tools like the SpaceMouse that use the same 6-axis tech that the SpaceOrb used:
I’ve been enjoying the GameSir G7 for a while. It’s wired but I kind of prefer that. My first G7 had a faulty left stick in the first two months. I think it was faulty from the beginning but I just didn’t notice it. I sent them a video of the issue and they replaced it outright.
It’s a bit smaller than my Xbox elite controller and it feels pretty great. I like the clicky dpad and the two back buttons. Stick tension is nice as well.
I’d like to see trigger stops but they haven’t done that yet. I’d also like to have clicky face buttons so I’m considering one of their khaleid controllers. Those are minor nitpicks, though. This controller has been terrific.
The very worst controller I’ve ever used was this no-name joystick in the 90s. You had to grip like a claw, which looked kind of cool and futuristic but was awful in use. The base was tiny and it had these suction cups that didn’t work at all.
But the very very worst thing about it, was that the input was binary! It was either on or off, no gradual movements or anything. Basically it was an oversized d-pad.
I borrowed it from a friend so I could try Rebel Assault, which looked so awesome what with CD-ROMs being a new thing. But that joystick ruined the experience so much! Try flying a ship through a canyon when all you can do is hard turns in 8 different directions. I constantly crashed within the first 10 seconds of the game and kept thinking it was my fault for being a crap player.
I still hate that monstrosity with every fiber of my being.
Flashbacks! This reminds me of my first Gravis Gamepad (IIRC). Was a disappointing joystick, even compared to old Intellivision controllers.
It was okay with fighting games, and I do recall a nineties PC giant robot fighting game (One Must Fall maybe?)
Still, my first joystick that I actually loved and made a game much better was an old CH Products flightstick. Early flightstick, so it only added a throttle to the base, so no rudder control.
I remember playing Comanche Maximum Overkill with that stick and just popping in and out of canyons. Also Earthsiege and Strike Force Centauri. I ended up with a Saitek Flightstick, and it was even better (Independence War is a fond memory) but the difference was not as revolutionary as going from a regular joystick to that first CH Products flightstick.
I switched from Xbox 360 controllers to PS5 controllers (on pc). They weigh at least twice as much and the battery maybe lasts 4 hours if you’re lucky.
Worst controller? Eh, I have controllers I don’t like. N64 controller. Original Xbox controller. Dreamcast controller. But are they the worst? Idk. Maybe I just didn’t have a whole lot of experience with any of those (didn’t own any of those consoles).
Maybe the Wiimote. Like I get the idea, but as a dedicated controller, meh. Same with the Switch Joycon; maybe even more so. I have a Pro controller because the Joycons just don’t cut it. When they’re attached to the Switch, they’re OK, but not as individual controllers.
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