Top 10 Sports Gaming Controllers of All Time

[ngreatshark]

I personally couldn't stand the N64 controller, and I'm glad the Gamecube controller is no where on this list. To me, those two were by far the worst controllers ever made for ANY genre of video gaming LOL. My personal favorites are the Dual Shock and Xbox 360 controllers. The 6 button Genesis controller was the one I preferred over the standard controller.

lol agreed. The funny thing with every N64 game i bought was before I even popped the cartridge in I had ti figure out how I needed to hold the controller first. I think it was a good controller for shooters though, I think thats why Golden Eye did so well & helped boost FPS on consoles.

[MarvellousOne]

I have to go with the PS2/PS3 controller as being the best for sports gaming. I think the Dreamcast would be second but because of it's awkward size it would fall 3rd on my list, so the 360 moves to a close second.

Personally I like the way ps2/ps3 controllers place there analog sticks since now and days sports games are built off analog movement that d-pad it just feels like they are in a better place for your hands, and I like the shoulder buttons over the 360s bump buttons. I think the 360 has the best controller when it comes down to FPS games though but not for sports titles just my own opinion

[ngreatshark]

Yep, same here. I logged tons of hours playing Madden 2000 on N64, but the controller always irked me. That tiny freaking analog stick seems so crappy when you look at analog control now, and became obsolete when Sony came w/ Dual Shock controls.

I'd have to say the PS2 would be my #1, with 360 at #2. Even though now I can't even use PS2/PS3 controller, I've become so accustomed to the 360.

Never really was a big fan of the Dreamcast controller either.

N64 was ok for stuff like Zelda & Golden Eye, but I too felt like it was inadiquate for sports games. I remember playing QB Club and just hating it because of the controller, and i would get so frustrated playing games like 1080 because that little joystick made doing the tricks so difficult.

[Hassan Darkside]

I despised the N64 controller as well. I would always try to hold it from the outsides of the controller and stretch my thumb to the analog stick (which was a disaster) and I could never get access to the Z button. I'd always be like "How do you do ____" and he'd be like "Press the Z button." Then I'd have to look all over the controller to figure out it was underneath it.

[elgreazy1]

I'd agree with the list except for #1. The NES can't win all debates on sentimentality alone as it always seems to do, but for whatever reason it does.

With that said, I feel the 360 controller is the best of the bunch right now in terms of response, size, and ergonomics. The PS3 controller has been the exact same since PSOne except add-ons but in the end it's still far too small and uncomfortable after even a short while.

[herdfan]

I actually liked the original Xbox controller, guess I was the only one, ever. On this list though I'd go 360 and dreamcast as my top 2.

[stlstudios189]

I prefer the xbox controler over the ps3 controller it was my tie breaker in the console purchase 2 years ago

[bukktown]

Atari 5200 controller was the best. NOT!

What do you mean? It was like a joystick protruding from a telephone. What more could you ask for?

[tabulaRasa]

NES nr 1 ?Hahah, worst maybe.
BListers and too small.
PS2 and Xbox360 were the best. And N64 so high?
Nostalgia seems to be the voting , not best controller ...

[walliworld]

I would say Original XBOX BIG joystick is #2... I have big hands so it's perfect for me

[JBH3]

That Genesis controller NOW looks like a tank compared to the newer controllers. Holy plastic batman!

[uclabruins87]

the Playstation controller is awesome. Nintendo 64 was weird at the time but revolutionary.

[osubeavs721]

the 360 controller is still the best controller to ever be manufactured. The ps2/3 controllers are too small and i have small hands. The 360 controller is the right size and the perfect controller.

[poloelite]

Hands down dreamcast has the best controller of all time. The button layout, thumb stick analog and the VMU. Picking your plays on the VMU for two player games was the best innovation at the time. Next gen needs a VMU.

[Pokes404]

Wow. The PS2 stick is the only stick on this list where your thumb doesn't naturally fit onto the controller.

It's design is horrible.

I remember using the thumb pad instead of the Analog most of the time. I have a PS3 now. I actually resisted buying one because I hate the stick so much. I finally got one when I found a 360 style stick for the PS3. Now my thumb lays it in it's natural position. Before I found this stick I was about to pay over $200 for a customized PS3 guts in a 360 casing. I take my gaming seriously.

In my opinion it shouldn't even be on this list.

It's definitely the worst and most uncomfortable.

The NES stick may bring back good memories but that doesn't mean it was great.

The N64 stick was better than both of those other Nintendo sticks. Bond anyone.

Out of the early systems that did not have analog control I'll take the Saturn.

I really can't choose between the Dreamcast and the 360.

They are 1 and 1a in my book.

See, I'm the total opposite. For me, the Playstation controller feels much more comfortable. I've never liked the placement of the left analog stick on the 360 controller. It just feels awkward for some reason. I guess it really just comes down to personal preference.