Of course, the controllers have to appeal to the end user too.
These controllers tick all the boxes, being comfortable, functional and good all round devices.
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Before we begin, we should note a couple of ground rules.
First, these controllers are, or were commercially available.
Theyre bizarre, yes, but really?
Do we need to go there?
Well steer clear of these thankyouverymuch.
With that out of the way, lets begin with the good, and not so good gaming controllers.
Wu Tang: Shaolin Style pad PlayStation
As an actual machine, this isnt all that crazy.
Its just a basic controller underneath, after all.
Just look at it!
And you know what?
Thats just what this oddball controller from Namco does.
It also features triggers used for accelerate and brake.
NES
Ahhhh, good old R.O.B.
Any gamer of the NES generation will remember this incredible piece of robotic plastic.
The idea, in essence, was pretty simple.
Create a seemingly intelligent robotic buddy for gamers to play with.
No, not really.
And fail it did.
Oh yeah, money.
The controller is a huge beast, comprising the main console and foot pedal unit.
Thats an expensive proposition, even if it is very cool.
Well, what if, rather oddly, you like dance games, but dont like actually like dancing?
Because the Palmtop Controller is here.
Let your fingers do the dancing, totally negating the point of the game entirely.
Alright, so that may be a bit harsh, but seriously?
Then youve come to the right place!
Tony Hawk Ride Skateboard Various
It doesnt work!
Need we say more?
Sadly, the board is unresponsive and plain impossible to use.
As it doesnt even have wheels, you cant even use it as a normal skateboard.
But someone released one anyway.
So, who thought this up?
Do they still work in the industry?
They were perfectly weighted, the right size, and even functioned as normal maracas.
Sega Activator Mega Drive
You have to hand it to Sega.
Well, thats if you believed the adverts at the time, which you shouldnt.
It takes the whole fitness controller to another level.
Well, kind of, but any appeal is quickly lost when you see the price of the unit.
We know what wed rather buy.
Well, this controller is for you.
Hmmm, okay then.
And as far as game-themed controllers goes, this is undeniably great.
The problem here is the shape, as is the case with many game-themed controllers.
The curved nature of the creature also makes reaching the d-pad and buttons more of a chore too.
Still, this remains one of the better franchise-style controllers out there, certainly better than theOnimushasword.
As far as marketing ideas go, this is certainly one that fits.
Its an entirely win, win situation for this controller.
It looks great, feels good to use, and actually works, even bettering the original controller.
Now all we need is a goodDoctor Whogame to play on the Wii.
In hindsight, however, its an awful controller.
There is a way, though, in the form of this unique game controller.
The Mortal Kombat Kontrol Pad, available inMKIIandMKIIIvariations, is a standard controller that sports four extra buttons.
This means most simply memorise the move combinations with normal pads, its cheaper.
But not at work).
The result is surprisingly good, andRezis the perfect choice for this kind of physical feedback.
The standard GameCube controller were split in two, with a full keyboard slapped in the middle.
When we say split in two, we mean it.
Are you supposed to pickup and hold this huge controller?
Wed prefer a separate controller and keyboard option like the Dreamcast if you dont mind.
You know what, Nintendo?
Some ideas are just bad, and shouldnt be released.
The U-Force is one such example, and what an example it is.
Even games with amazingly simply control setups, likePunch Out, are rendered nigh-on unplayable.
Laughably, some sales blurb read, Introducing U-Force, the revolutionary controller for your Nintendo Entertainment System.
So hot, no one can touch it.
Very true, only there were different reasons for people not wanting to touch it.
Paradox PlayStation 2
Heres a special controller that could actually be a great idea.
Does this sound like a good idea, or a genuine way to enhance your enjoyment of Mario?
Were betting the answer is no, and thats fortunate, as its a horrible controller to use.
It was a truly terrible idea, and another one were surprised even made it to market.
As Devil Doll might say, We rock and roll and roll and rock!
Nintendo Hands Free controller NES
Okay, lets be serious.
