Nintendo has a long and storied history in the gaming industry, marked by both groundbreaking successes and some notable missteps. While the company has consistently delivered innovative systems and unforgettable games, its controllers have not always been on the same level of excellence. A good controller should be unobtrusive, intuitive, and reliable—essentially, it should go unnoticed unless something goes wrong. However, Nintendo’s lineup of controllers has had its share of both triumphs and failures.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable Nintendo controllers throughout the years, from the good to the… questionable.
Switch Pro
As one of the more recent additions to the Nintendo family, the Switch Pro controller has quickly become a fan favorite. It offers a more stable and comfortable grip compared to the standard Joy-Con controllers and provides a familiar feel for players accustomed to Xbox or PlayStation controllers. Its design is sleek, responsive, and well-suited for both handheld and docked play, making it a solid choice for most gamers.
SNES
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) improved upon its predecessor, the NES, with a more ergonomic design. The buttons were more responsive, and the D-Pad was refined for better precision. The rounded grip made it more comfortable to hold for extended periods, setting a new standard for console controllers.
Wii U Pro Controller
Despite the Wii U’s overall lack of success, its Pro Controller was a bright spot. Designed as an upgrade to the original Wii Remote, it offered a more traditional layout with a larger, more comfortable grip. It also maintained the classic white color scheme associated with the Wii, giving it a cohesive look. For those who wanted a more conventional control scheme, the Wii U Pro was a solid option.
GameCube
The GameCube controller was one of the more unique designs in Nintendo’s history. With its colorful, playful aesthetic and oddly shaped buttons, it looked more like a toy than a serious gaming accessory. However, despite its unconventional appearance, it was functional and well-received by many players.
Wii U GamePad
This was the precursor to the Nintendo Switch and introduced a new concept: a handheld controller that doubled as a screen. While the idea was innovative, the placement of the buttons required some unusual finger movements. It was still a decent controller for its time, but its association with the underperforming Wii U limited its impact.
Joy-Cons
The Joy-Cons are the standard controllers for the Nintendo Switch, but they have their drawbacks. When used together, they can be awkward and imprecise, especially for games like Mario Kart 8 where precise controls are essential. Additionally, the issue of Joy-Con drift has plagued many users, leading to frustration and even replacements.
Wii Remote
The original Wii Remote was a revolutionary piece of hardware that helped bring Nintendo into the mainstream. Its motion controls were a game-changer, although they were initially met with skepticism. For multiplayer experiences, the Wii Remote was often superior to the Joy-Cons, offering a more natural and engaging way to play.
NES
The original NES controller was simple, functional, and reliable. It was a good size and performed its job well, earning a special place in the hearts of many longtime gamers. However, its rectangular shape was not the most comfortable for all users, especially over long sessions.
Nintendo 64
The N64 controller was designed for 3D gaming, but its layout was not ideal for younger players. The widely spaced buttons and central Joy-Con placement made it difficult for children to navigate, especially when playing games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
The Virtual Boy
If you don’t remember the Virtual Boy, you’re not alone. This was one of Nintendo’s most infamous failures, and its controller was no exception. The device was messy, unrefined, and ultimately a commercial disaster. If you’re a collector, finding a working Virtual Boy controller might be a challenge, but it’s probably best to leave it in the past.