Video Game Controllers

Bargain hunters despair -- price usually equates to quality as far as video game controllers are concerned. Straying from the higher-cost official controller manufactured by the company that makes the console often leads to frustration. Even though the official controller often drains your wallet, think of the purchase as a sound investment. Buying a solid, durable controller once is cheaper than buying two or three flimsy devices that break after a month. Bear in mind this rule of thumb as you shop for the best deal. For a more comprehensive look at gamepads, check out the gamepad buying guide.

Design

While we've got cost on the brain, make a note of the figure $80 -- that's the amount most health insurance companies will leave you hanging with if you're diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and have to buy those dorky wrist-straps sported by Harold in accounting. No matter how cheap your controller, it will cost you in the long run if it's not ergonomically correct. Look for rounded corners and light weight, and make sure to pick it up and get a feel for how it rests in your hands. For examples of perfection, check out the Xbox 360 control pad  and the PS2's Dual Shock. 

Style

Color and shape are also huge factors, especially for gift-givers. Keep in mind the personality, attitude and home decor of who you're buying for. If your nephew is an IKEA-furnished, conservative type, think twice about getting him a flaming orange GameCube stick. If your granddaughter's bedroom is full of stuffed animals, hold off on getting her a drab, black Dual Shock.

Storage

Controllers have a way of ending up sprawled on the floor in an unruly mess. This makes wireless controllers  a solid option, since few things are more annoying than having to untangle an unruly mess of cords. If you're buying a wireless as a gift, be thorough and check out the back of the package for battery requirements. No matter how hot the GameCube Wavebird  looks, it won't be of much use without the double-As.

Before you buy

Check out the seller's warranty. On several occasions, cheap controllers I've bought have busted within a few days. I was thrilled to get a smoking deal, but felt burned when I was left with little recourse but to ante up again. Most importantly, don't slam your controllers out of frustration and you'll find yourself shopping a lot less often.

Game Pads

PC

Xbox

Nintendo

Playstation

Sega

Other Options

Joysticks

Dance Pads

Video Game Steering Wheels

Gaming Mice

Gaming Keyboards

External Links

  • Controller Evolution -- See how far the devices have come in this "family tree."
  • Wikipedia -- Check out Wikipedia's entry on video game controllers.
  • Yahoo -- Yahoo's video game page offers controller reviews.
  • ConsumerSearch -- Comparisons of various controllers.