Sometimes the standard joypad and 4 buttons just ain't enough. Whether they're shaped weirdly, have weird inputs made specifically for certain games or don't resemble controllers at all, here are 20 video game controllers that stand out from the crowd. Note: this list is about handheld and tabletop controllers, so other video game accessories will be discussed some other time.
#20: Nintendo Wii Remote
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| Wii would like to play! |
This remote-shaped controller has motion sensing capabilities, so you can play games using motion control as well as the included buttons. The top of the controller can also act like a mouse for game menus and other apps. As if that wasn't enough, the Wiimote also comes with a bottom port that you can plug a variety of different accessories into.
#19: Dreamcast Controller
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| Because 2 screens are better than one! |
What makes this controller unique is the Visual Memory Unit it houses. This VMU can function as a memory card, file manager and a second screen for certain games.
#18: Virtual Boy Controller
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| I'm surprised this never caught on. #sarcasm |
Well, it's kinda unique, that's for sure.
This controller has 2 d-pads on both sides and some buttons on the bottom. It also holds the battery pack of the Virtual Boy itself.
#17: Steam Controller
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| We humans really like combining things, don't we? |
Made by Valve for use with Steam games, this controller replaces the usual joysticks with 2 circular trackpads for finer movement and compatibility with mouse programs.
#16: Namco NeGcon
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| What a twist! |
Made for the Playstation 1 and 2, this controller comes with a swivel joint in the center so the 2 halves of the controller can be twisted back and forth. Not only that, but it also has "I" and "II" buttons for analog control.
#15: Intellivison and Colecovision Controllers
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| Did the makers of these things think they were making phones? |
I lumped these 2 together because they're pretty similar. Instead of the face buttons we see on controllers today, these controllers come equipped with number pads plus a few buttons on the sides. The Intellivision controller goes a bit further by having a strange disc for movement instead of a joystick.
#14: V-Smile joystick
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| Finally, a controller for left-handed people! |
In addition to working like an arcade controller, the joystick can be rotated to the left or right side of the buttons to support left or right-handed gamers. Some versions also replace the really big button with a touchscreen and stylus.
#13: Thrustmaster E-Swap X Pro Controller
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| It's the Lego set of video game controllers! |
The control modules can be moved around the front of the controller to fit your needs. In addition, this controller also includes locking shoulder buttons and 4 buttons at the bottom for remapping.
#12: Wii U Gamepad
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| Not sponsored by Apple or Google. |
Alongside the usual controls, this gamepad comes with a huge touchscreen in the middle which functions differently depending on what game you play. Some games and programs can even be played on the gamepad itself, even if the tv isn't on!
#11: Demon Destroyer Gunn
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| Demons beware! |
While it looks like a light gun, it instead functions like a traditional controller. It has a keyboard key like control stick on the back and 2 buttons, the trigger and a little red button on the handle.
#10: Resident Evil Chainsaw Controller
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| Hell yeah! |
True to its name, this is a GameCube or PS2 controller shaped like a big, bloody chainsaw.
#9: SpaceOrb 360 Controller
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| This has more directions than a Tack Shooter! |
Instead of a control stick or d-pad, this controller has a big ball on the side that allows for 360 degree movements.
#8: Nintendo 64 Racing Controller
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| Just when you thought the N64's default controller was odd! |
This controller ditches the d-pad and controller of the traditional controller for a little steering wheel for racing games,
#7: ASCII Keyboard Controller
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| It still beats typing with the controller and onscreen keyboard! |
It's a GameCube controller with a huge keyboard in the middle. Honestly there isn't much more I can say about this one.
#6: Fairchild Channel F Controller
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| In all fairness this was before the standard controller setup we use today. |
This vertical controller has joystick at the top that you can move side to side, push up and down or twist like a paddle controller. In addition, some controllers had buttons on the side for additional action.
#5: Steel Battalion Controller
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| Battle stations! |
Befitting the game this was designed for, this controller resembles the control board of a war machine, like a tank or a giant robot. It has 2 joy sticks, some switches and knobs, a whole bunch of buttons and 3 foot pedals for good measure.
#4: NES U-Force
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| Nintendo was experimenting with motion control even before the Wii.Steel Battalionjdafar |
Instead of a d-pad and buttons, this desk mounted controller uses infrared sensors so you can play your games with just your hands. In addition, it also has a flight stick for flying games.
#3: Xbox Adaptive Controller
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| Talk about modular! |
On its own this controller has only a d-pad and a few buttons. What makes it different, however, is that you can plug a whole variety of different accessories into it, essentially letting make your own controller however you like it.
#2: PC AlphaGrip AG-5
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| It's a controller, mouse and keyboard all rolled into one! |
This controller can be used for both games and computer functions. It has a bunch of keyboard keys on both the front and back, plus a little trackball for movement of a character or mouse.
#1: Magnavox Odyssey controller
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| What we have here is the ancient ancestor of today's controllers! |
This controller looks nothing like today's controllers. It is square shaped, is controlled with 3 knobs on the sides instead of control pads or d-pads and has a reset button on the top.
Some controllers just like to stand out, don't they? Some controllers that didn't make the list include the Intellivision Amico Controller (As of the time of writing this that console isn't out), the Nintendo Switch Joy Cons (I decided to put the unit as a whole onto an upcoming unique console list), the Slime Controller (besides it's weird shape it's just a standard controller) and Ben Heck's Access Controller (that was made by a hacker and isn't commercially available). I'll see you later. Thank for viewing and game on my comrades!
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