Throughout the history of gaming, when a new console was being released, fans would excitedly speculate about various aspects of the design. Discussions would include console designs and, importantly, the shape and size of the control pad. However, the current leading home console companies, Sony and Microsoft, have opted to keep very similar pad designs for each new generation. As such, it isNintendo who currently dominatesany new control pad design conversations.
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Over the years there have been numerous ways to play games that fans might argue are the comfiest. Joysticks, keyboards, and touch screens are all alternative ways to enjoy gaming. Whether control pads are nicer on the hands than these options might be debatable. Still, here is a list of controllers from home consoles that would be in the running for the comfiest.
8Microsoft Xbox
First released in 2001, the Microsoft Xbox was a force to be reckoned with in more ways than one. Bringing Microsoft’s touted engine power to home consoles was a big deal that rocked the gaming world. As a powerful system, that itself is a big bulky heavy piece of gear. It’s hardly surprising their controllers are similar.
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To play the classic games introduced on the original Xbox –HaloandFable– the user would wield the chunky controller known as the Duke. Similar in shape, though muchlarger than its Xbox360 successors, it is in its size that gives Duke a uniquely comfy handgrip.
7Sega Genesis
For players alive and gaming in the nineties, it is likely they’ll either lean towards Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis. First released in 1988 and known as the Mega Drive in other parts of the world, theSega Genesis is an iconicpiece of gear that, to some, has a sense of rebellion about it.
Fans looking to whiz throughSonic The Hedgehogfind themselves in control of another (slightly) larger-than-average controller. Around 6 inches in length, the pointed bottoms and rounded corners of these black pads fit nicely into each palm and are not far off resembling a Batman or Wu-Tang Clan symbol design.
6Super Nintendo
Released two years after the Sega Genesis and seven years after its predecessor, the NES, theSuper Nintendo barnstormedthe early nineties. With instant classics likeSuper Mario World, Mario Kart, andThe Legend of Zelda, the SNES became ubiquitous for half a decade.
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With four action buttons on its face, the Super Nintendo’s gray controller has rounded edges that are comfy to hold and clutch when going head-to-head onF-Zero.The SNES pads were much preferred over the severe edges of the oblong controller of its predecessor and others such as the Sega Master System and Atari 2600.
5PlayStation 1
Released in 1994, the first in an epic series, the originalSony PlayStationwas ground-breaking in graphics and solidified CD-ROMs as the lead format to distribute games onto home consoles. This gray little piece of history is one that fans remember with great fondness and has spawned a recurring theme among its controllers.
The original controller, for the original release, was slightly smaller than all that followed. Unlike later models, known as Duel Shock, this controller lacked the two analog joysticks in the middle. Quaint and light, Sony had taken the basic shape of other companies’ controllers and redesigned them with what looked like little handles on either side.
4PlayStation 4
Released nearly twenty years after the original, the PlayStation 4, an eighth-generation home console, is Sony’s fourth in the series. The console itself is a neat little rectangular package that is easy on the eye. Keeping with the spirit of their original dual shock controller, it’s only minor differences that elevate No 4 above the rest.
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Moving into the wireless pad era, Sony released its familiarnamed PlayStation 4and familiar-looking controller in 2013 much to the delight of fans. With the addition of a touchpad on top of the controller, it might just be the benefits of wirelessness that raise this one’s comfortability.
3Nintendo Switch
The eighth generation console from one of the historic leaders in the gaming industry,the Nintendo Switch. The original model was first released in 2017 to a great reception from fans and rave reviews from critics. One of the standout features of this little beaut is its ability to be used as a handhold and, by placing it on its base and detaching the controllers, be used as a home console.
The Switch controllers, similar to the Wii, can be used in various ways. But, it is the act of sitting back with a remote controller in each hand, on either side of the body, that really gives the Switch its comfy edge.
2Nintendo Wii
Perhaps the most barnstorming development to hit the streets since video gaming began in the seventies,the Nintendo Wiineeds no introduction to fans or damaged TVs. Released in 2006, the motion sensor technology of the Wii brought a whole new experience to gaming.
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The legendary Wii remote can be used in a variety of ways, either by choice or by necessity due to the game being played. The ground-breaking, yet potentially hazardous way of using this comfy little oblong remote is to hold it in one hand like a wand. Additionally, an analog nun chuck, which itself was extremely comfy, can be attached to allow fans to better sit back and relax while playing. A tradition the Nintendo Switch has continued.
1Nintendo GameCube
The predecessor of the Wii, the Nintendo GameCube is a sixth-generation, neat little cube that can be purchased in five colors – purple, black, orange, platinum, and white. Not only is the GC wonderful to gaze upon, but it also comes with games on unique little mini CD-ROMS.
The control pad for the GameCube was as unique as the choice of gaming format. With a circular button configuration different from the common diamond formation of others, this controller had comfy rounded bubble-like handles on either side that fit snuggly into each hand.
