What's the best controller ever made?

An article on IM PLAYIN looking at some of the best controllers ever made (on consoles).

[Hoffmann]

The Playstation 2 pad.

[oof46]

I hated the convex sticks.

[Bill4]

They were super weird.

[bouzebbal]

Gamecube.. they fit so well.
The D-pad is another story but overall it is the most comfortable controller i have ever tried.

[InMyOpinion]

PS4 owner but I'd say the X1 controller pretty much has it all.

[DragoonsScaleLegends]

I hate concave sticks, I can't get a good grip on them. You have to control them with the edge of your finger instead of the center which results in me personally having less accuracy with concave sticks.

[UltraNova]

DS2 was ok but for me personally, the N64 controller was the best..maybe not but for me it is.

[oof46]

@Ultranova: It worked great for Goldeneye! :)

[cleft5]

The original Sega Genesis controller.

[bouzebbal]

Saturn's was on another level imo.
Genesis was lacking buttons XYZ

[Majors]

I think the 6 button pad was better than the original 3 button

[DarXyde]

Definitely a bigger fan of the 6-button setup. It was marvelous.

But I have to include functionality. That, in principle, disqualifies any controller that does not do well in all circumstances, which, sadly, would exclude SEGA Genesis because it has no ideal means of three-dimensional movement. I'm tempted to say GameCube. It's just a really amazing controller, but DualShock 4 as well as Xbox One's controller are fantastic. I still largely prefer the PlayStation 4 controller as an overall device since is good for everything, but Xbox One isn't far behind. I guess I'll say that while I like the Xbox One controller a little more for everything else only marginally, but PS4 for fighting games MUCH more, I'll give it to Xbox One for making better use of its functions such as impulse triggers. If Sony made better use of motion sensing, the light bar, and touch pad, I'd give it to DS4.

Anyone who chooses either controller is justified, I think. It's a tough call. Both are really great controllers, so I decided based on features. While I think the Xbox One handles most genres a tad better, PlayStation 4 handles fighting games that much better, at least for me.

Just my two cents.

[Z501]

Wavebird

[gangsta_red]

The Wavebird was awesome when it first came out. I remember being blown away with how far you could stand away from the console and still be able to play the game flawlessly.

[Shiken]

Gonna go with Game Cube

[DivineAssault]

No rumble feature but it was a great controller for its time not needing wires

[TWB]

It really depends on by what standards you go by. I would side with PS1/2/3 pad, because it had all the necessary buttons, was decently comfortable (though when better shaped console pads came afterwards, it was still servicable), the design was kept for 2 decades, and from my experiences, they were fairly durable.

If I had to pick from the different Dualshocks, first the original DS (nearly same as the DS2, but I have broke like 4 DS2's while my original DS1 only has stiff buttons but still works and another used DS1 works like a new one). Then DS3 for being wireless, lighter, and having a pretty great battery life and decent durability. DS2 is still good, but I have just personally had them break a little too easily.

Gamecube pad was pretty good too, but its been so many years since I last used one, and I dont know about their durability/quality. I can still understand if someone considers it the best.

If we go by the pure specs, PS4 and XB1 pads would probably be the best, minus battery life and early model kinks. DS4 has more features, some better buttons (I think L1/R1 are better than LB/RB), XB1 pad has better battery life and slightly better build quality ("slightly" probably being an underestimation).

TL;DR
Adjusted to the time, features provided and quality, I would go with the Dualshock.

[Perjoss]

I'm really liking the Elite, and I'm hoping that eventually there will be a good official PS4 controller with under paddles as I think pressing face buttons is just dumb, especially in games that require you to keep both thumbs on the sticks like first person shooters.

[KiwiViper85]

Ye, there is only one answer to this question, Xbox Elite.

Anyone who doesn't agree has never held one, or is just in denial.

[Kingoftherodeo]

the elite is best controller made so far but it has one flaw the mdfking sticks the pressure pad under those sticks get rekt to easy so after a while controller starts to drift.

[BlahBlahWhatever]

The new DualShock 4 obviously...

[nowitzki2004]

Hard to pick 1. Loved the Snes, Xbox 360, and the evolution of the dualshock.

[ShowanW]

1.) Xbox One Wireless Elite
2.) Xbox One Regular
3.) Dual Shock 4
4.) Xbox 360 Controller
5.) Nintendo Wavebird Wireless Controller

[Yohshida]

DS 4 over Xbox 360 pad? Dont know if I can agree with that one, still the default Controller for most PC gamers.

[ThePope]

Absolutely agree. Though I would put the 360 controller in third ONLY because it uses replaceable batteries vs the weak DS4 battery. The idea of a built in battery is nice but the pure ease of use of the replaceable batteries is just too practical.

[oof46]

I prefer wired, because with every wireless 360 controller I had, the lid holding the batteries would get loose over time and I would have to do some MacGyver level stuff to keep it working.

[GrimReaperGamer]

Nintendo Gamecube Controller.

[ninsigma]

Dunno about ever but my fave would be the DS4 followed by the xbox one elite controller (with the paddles off).

[KiwiViper85]

I use my elite without the paddles too, its a weird feeling that you definitely have to get used to. I tend to grip my controller harder during intense moments, pushing every paddle in the process.

However, even without the added bonus of paddles, I still find the elite the best controller ever made, and the price totally justifiable.

[ninsigma]

Paddles just wasn't for me. Rest of controller was definitely quality though (however the grip did irritate me at times).

[Venoxn4g]

Gamecube wireless wavebird controller

[Vetalka83]

I realy loved Dreamcast and Gamecube controllers,but Playstation dual shock is number 1 to me

[Kalebninja]

1. Xbone controller
2. Wavebird
3. everything else

[monkey602]

I'd imagine the Xbox one elite is but I'm not paying 150euro to find out.
I'm a tiny bit disappointed in the standard xbox one controller. It's a nice shape but I thought the 360 controller had more weight. The 360 control was fantastic except for the directional pad. (so many deaths in gears trying to switch out to the gnasher)

So my personal favourite is definitely the new Dualshock 4 despite its diabolical battery life

[ninsigma]

It's a nice controller with some great weight and the button inputs are sweet. However the grip material got irritating at times, I personally didn't like the paddles and you won't really notice a difference in your game performance. It is nice but not 150 euro nice.

[JamesBroski]

It looks pretty cool but it is way overpriced; can't believe people actually pay that for a controller. Totally not worth the price just for its customization and added buttons.

[Yohshida]

You should really try it out. Grip, weight and Overall quality is great. 150$ for a Controller you will use for years isnt that much, Heck I bought a Gaming Keyboard for almost 200$ + mouse at around 80$.

[ninsigma]

@James
Yeah definitely regretted paying that much but I did get a good trade in for cash from CEX.

@video
Not sure if that was a reply to me or to monkey. I've already owned the elite controller and the above is my opinion of it. It's nice but for the average consumers I personally don't think it's worth it.

[monkey602]

I just couldn't warrant spending that money on a controller alone. While it's a big improvement on the standard I still don't think it could possibly be worth that much

[yeahright2]

Toss up between the DS4 and the 360's. Lots of minor reasons, but the big ones are I prefer the offset sticks of the 360 but hate the batter hump. As for the DA4, I feel the touchpad (pun, HA!) has plenty of untapped potential, and until it is tapped (again!), it's just a giant button, though I do like the speaker and prefer the overall feel of it in my hands.

[Razzer]

Xbox One Elite towers over the rest, IMO.

[sk8ofmnd]

I would say either the nintendo wavebird or the controller setup for the saturn with the 6 button layout. It was perfect for fighters. Akumas hell murder anyone? SHOOSH

[starrman1985]

Gotta be the Xbox Elite controller for me!

[demonddel]

Hands down the Xbox Elite controller hope it comes standard with the Mighty Scorpio when it's release

[Errorist76]

Lol delusional.

[demonddel]

My opinion

[Errorist76]

It's just delusional if you think they will include a 150 $ controller with an already expensive console.

[Skankinruby]

Either snes or ds4. I'll admit I'm not a fan of ds4 trigger buttons though, ds3 triggers were perfect.

[MetroidFREAK21]

I personally like the GC, Dreamcast, and Xbox One Elite controllers the most.

[DragonKnight]

Well, only one design has ever earned actual awards so... guess it's that one.

But just like asking "what's the greatest game of all time?" this is a question with no objective answer.

[FloydianAndroid]

Xbox one

[Relientk77]

The Dual Shock

[RPG1201]

Dualshock 4, the feel is incredible, and the materias/Leds/tech

[AndreR]

xbox 360 is the best controller ever made.

[MasterCornholio]

From my experience I would say the DS4. Probably will end up being the DS4 Pro though.

[KiwiViper85]

Have they announced a new controller?

[MasterCornholio]

Yeah the new DS4 which has improved triggers and bumpers. I'm planning on buying a Property when Horizon comes out which will include that controller.

[KiwiViper85]

Im pretty sure the only difference is the lightbar and usb connectivity. Where did you hear about new triggers?

All I can find is they changed the colour from black to grey.

[MasterCornholio]

Someone who owns a slim told me that the texture feels better and the springiness is improved as well.

[Errorist76]

Triggers, materials, buttons, light bar.

[KiwiViper85]

Link?

[KiwiViper85]

Seems like an improvement they'd want to advertise, doesn't it?

Even the official press release has zero mention of any improvements to the triggers... But anyway, I'm glad they have sorted this out, the triggers definitely needed to be adjusted.

[KiwiViper85]

I still haven't found any where on the entire internet that mentions improved triggers?

[KiwiViper85]

Hows your search going for confirmation of upgraded triggers and bumpers?

[KiwiViper85]

So you're saying you can't find one piece of information on the entire web, that supports your improved triggers argument? Face it Sony duped you again, they had all the time in the world to make improvements, but they didn't. Keep telling yourself DS4 is the best controller on the market, it's in fourth place at best, behind Xbox 360, One, and Elite. Did you hear Microsoft is even releasing customization options for the Elite controller?

[ZaWarudo]

N64, Gamecube, Wii Mote, Steel Battalion thing, Power Glove, and OG Xbox. Flawless masterpieces.

[blawren4]

Wii U Gamepad, seriously

[badboyz09]

PlayStation Design. Say what you want But Controllers are the #1 reason behind what sell a console.

[Scottyabanks]

I'd have to say for a person with large hands, such as myself, the OG Xbox fat controller was the best.

[gangsta_red]

The Duke!

[Ristul]

Haha, that thing looked like Samus Arans spaceship ;)

[ARESWARLORD]

Sega Genesis 6 button was awesome for its time and great for Street Fighter 2 Sega Saturn made it even better

[Tzuno]

For me it's Xbox controller starting with X360 one, why? it works on PC too and it's plug and play. Retro, the snes one.

[StormLegend]

Gamecube controller

[nitus10]

The one that is comfortable and intuitive to use. It really depends on what the user likes not what other people like.

[GrimmyReaper]

For me it's Dualshock 4
Part probably because I was a PlayStation gamer

[Tetsujin]

Mine:

1. Hori Fighting commander (PS4 version)
2. Sega Genesis 6 button
3. PS1/2 Dual Shock
4. Original NES
5. Sega Saturn pad

[gangsta_red]

I'm going to have to go with...

1. Atari Jaguar
2. CDi Philips
3. Atari 2600
4. Intellivsion

These were controllers that had a lot of thought and precious care put into them by people who truly loved gaming.

[Razzer]

lol......nice

[Ristul]

I sense sarcasm here :)

[Errorist76]

You Rookie above all tell us about people who really love gaming?! I'm impressed...like everybody else on here we thought you started with the original XBox earliest.

Oh you were just kidding anyway...nevermind.

[gangsta_red]

I started out back on the commodore 64 and even the Mac that had a black and white screen. Those where truly the golden ages.

[rynodigital]

Super Scope 6, easy.

[WheatBread]

SNES controller (US version)
Gamecube controller
Logitech Rumble Gamepad F510

[SinkingSage]

The Sega Saturn controller hands down.

[NextGenCeo]

First DualShock.

[jc12]

the 360 controller was amazing back in the day. Personally, I find the PS4 controller nearly flawless.

[SH1ELD]

I remember when I saw the earliest reviews on current gen controllers which usually favors the ds4 .I tried to search for other reviewers who shares my opinion towards the xbox one controller but found nothing but stupid reviewers calling the ds4 an improvement with selected launch titles. I call it a toy . Seriously! anything dies in less than 12 hours is a toy for kids. I know I sound like a fanboy but this subject sometimes gets serious toward selected 3D party titles a.k.a street fighter . Imagine this title is an actual 3D party title this gen . What would be the reaction from last Gen sf fans ?. "The dpad isn't reliable and you can't reverse your movement instantly without hustle on Sony's console"

[BigGamersSmallTalk]

Xbox One Elite.

[ccgr]

I think Microsoft makes better hardware than software, loved the Sidewinder joystick and the Xbox 360/One controllers are comfortable to use

[MagUk]

My favourite pad was probably the N64 😎

[Monster_Tard]

For me it would be the Gamecube controller or the Xbox 360 controller.

[franwex]

I know I'm the only one who likes the duke controller...
It didn't cramp up my hands.

[ape007]

Xbox One ELITE controller without a doubt!

[kevnb]

I really like the Wii u pro controller, incredible battery life as well.

[Dangerous]

For me were:
Sega genesis (still the best) ,Dreamcast, ps2\3 and ps4 controller (the second after SG ).

[feraldrgn]

The DS4 so far for me, best DS model so far & the touch pad works wonders (I also prefer symetrical analogs).
Going back to old models of the DS, the joysticks feel too loose now.

[Hotabang]

the wii remote. I dont care it was comfortable af, i had my hands to the sides of my waist and chilling on the sofa like a happy slob

but overall functionality i guess the dualshock4 (because of good d-pad, and touch is a nice add on especially when u connect it to pc and it acts as a mouse)

[DivineAssault]

To me at the time it was the snes, 6 button genesis, saturn v.2, PS1, xb360, then the DS4.. Dont get me wrong because i really like the xb1 controller's thumb sticks better than the DS4 but not by a lot.. The triggers, dpad, and all threw me off.. I love fighting games so the dpad is essential to me.. If sony made their analogs more sturdy, my 1st choice would easily be the DS4 period... Depends on the generation i guess but i made due with what was out at the time.. XB stole the gamecube analog set up which is fine but true original engineering is much more appreciated..

[C-H-E-F]

Cant really say a controller was the best ever made because each generation had a best controller ever made for that time. I used to think the PS2/PS3 controllers were great then the PS4 controller came out and I went back to play my PS3/PS2 and was like these controllers are sh*tty nothing compared to the PS4 controller. I'm sure Xbox gamers will say the same about the xbox original compared to the current xbox one controllers... I think when we compare it needs to be of that time era or stay within the console family. Anywhom that's my two cents.

[Errorist76]

DS4 imho...haven't tried the new one though...as well as the new MS pad.

[Errorist76]

I loved the SNES controller, DS1/DS2, N64 and actually adore my DS4...best controller ever made. Curious to try out the new XBox one if it can compete, though I never liked the triggers and button feel on the last model. Didn't have a chance to try out the XBox elite either.

[WellyUK]

DS4 is the best PS pad but the 360 pad is still better, havent used the xbox elite one so couldn't say.

[Dasteru]

Depends on your definition of "best".

Most comfortable - Gamecube or Dreamcast
Most accurate controls - Dualshock 3
Most functional - Xbox One Elite

If i had to pick just one, Xbox One Elite. For me function comes far before form. Even though the analogs on the DS3 are a bit more precise, the overall features and functionality of the Elite make it my personal choice.