Since the beginning of video games we have interacted using a controller weather it be wired or wireless. The design of these devices has changed over the years to reflect the console, the games popular at the time and of course what looked cool at the time.
Controllers started out VERY basic as the games were also rather basic. Pong's controlled was basically a box with a dial on it which yeas was rather functional but not at all glamourous. As time passed and games evolved more buttons were need and some design flaws were addressed. And in my opinion things got better (N64 excluded, I mean what was going on with that?!).
One issue facing the designers is as games get more complicated do controllers have to too? I personally think no theres nothing more frustrating as a gamer as too many buttons. Especially in the heat of a game, if you are absorbed into a game and really enjoying it the last thing you want is to lose control or have to spend ages trying to figure out the controls. If you ask me keep it as simple as possible, practical and easy to use.
More recent controllers seem to have taken this a bit far though if you ask me. The most recent permanent controlled released have been the Wii Remote, the PlayStation Move and The Kinect each getting more minimalistic as the last. The only problem with this to me is it almost looses its intimacy having to dance around the room like a lunatic to control the game maybe be fun in a group for a bit but a a single player its seems a bit silly and pointless. It also seems to lose its chill out factor, it makes playing a game a big deal, call me lazy but I like to sit comfortably with a controller in my hands and really get absorbed into a game. With these new approaches to gaming I feel like its a massive gimmick, most families seem to buy a wii or whatever one year thinking "oh we will play that all the time together" and come next Christmas they will be trading it in for cash because they have no longevity (trust me I know I worked in a game shop selling these to people). It doesn't really matter to the manufacturer as they have made their money but I think the whole thing is a bit pointless and puts distance between the player and the game rather than a sense of realism.
As pointless as I find the kinect I do find the way it works to be quite cool, this is a still from Paranormal Activity 4 showing the was that the Kinect senses your movement, look pretty cool in night vision.
Although the permanent controllers have mostly stayed similar in design and usability there have been some rather fun specially made controllers such as these -
Donkey Kong Bongo's
Resident Evil 4 chainsaw... great to look at, pretty much impossible to use effectively.
Time Crisis Guns, although everyone thinks it would be the best way the play a shooting game it didn't catch on. Although they will still try and push it.
Most famously there is the guitar hero controller, this one was probably the most successful specially made controller there was because it made the game easier and more enjoyable. Both things which the player actually wants.
In the end I think its all down to personal preference, it's about what you are comfortable using and what you are used to. I personally enjoy using and xbox controller or a Game Boy. But I know people that much prefer a keyboard and mouse because its "hardcore". Either way I think the xbox, PC, and PlayStation probably have it nailed to today's standard as they are the ones that have saw the test of time in one way of another. Every time they redesign it its pretty much the same as before just a bit smoother or lighter, is that because its reached its full potential? Perhaps, we will have to wait and see.
Made by Steve Cable.
Some Images from this article -
http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/2006/09/13/Top_10_unique_game_controllers/1
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