A Defense of the N64 Controller | Nintendrew

[@TetraBitGaming]

Hecc yeah brother! Honestly such an underrated, if not the most underrated controller! I was actually considering making a video just like this for a while, but I'm glad to see it was made by more capable hands 👏👏👏

[@Nintendrew]

Much appreciated, glad you liked it!

[@anthonyv.9091]

BING BING WAHOO!

[@ibilesfighter3.16]

I'd like to think the Wii & (if handhelds count) the Gameboy micro are the most underappreciate controllers / handhelds.( & the Wii u(sorta))

[@mcchemo4506]

Heck is an non Christian word

[@frankgeez6584]

Well said. I have big hands. Even when I was a kid, I never had a problem with it. However, it isn't till now that I noticed that analog stick sucks. The controler is fine and thank you, nintendrew, for telling people that not all games used the buttons at all times.

[@jakobholgersson4400]

Wait... So there's actually people who think they're supposed to hold it in a way where they need to access all of the buttons?

[@gamephreak5]

Yup. Typically, those are people who weren't alive during the N64's life span.

[@Jim55324]

There's many ways to hold it. Unfortunately, not many people think outside the box these days.

[@j.st.1274]

While a lot of people are just joking, there's plenty of morons out there who actually think that

[@katmannsson]

its people who never had the chance to play it, and people like myself who while not bothered at the time because like yeah you never NEED all of them at once, but Damn if I dont like having quick and ready access regardless. But we have the RetroFighters controller in 2019 so it literally doesnt matter anymore.

[@wantedstream5954]

Steve N sure about that? What about all the jokes of playing with 3 hands?

[@nicobbq]

I actually have 3 hands, so this controller is a masterpiece!

[@timschill]

Huh, no wonder you're able to pump out so many 10 minute videos in a week

[@danpachesny3021]

Lol

[@_bit_]

Hor

[@carter812]

How many of those hands hold coins because I hope none

[@LexiLunarpaw]

I somehow dont beleve you

[@SwankyBox]

Gaming's Biggest Mystery: The Curious Case of Nintendrew's Drooping Amiibo Case

[@arfansthename]

hmm

[@LexiLunarpaw]

APS64 Mysteries will look into that unless your planning to make a video about it

[@cysper4703]

@@LexiLunarpaw ok go cover it.

[@PSCuber]

Hmmmmmmmm🤔

[@BeatEmUps]

Great video 😊 not super relevant, but I always found it interesting how the middle prong of the n64 controller is the exact same design as the wii's nunchuck.

[@yoshirivalry]

Hello beatemups

[@BloominFleury29]

Beat em ups watches nintendrew?

[@superkooper6594]

3:51 How did I never notice this?

[@alfarosiarsita]

But removing x and y button is a mistake

[@todesziege]

@@alfarosiarsita Well, they didn't really? You have four C buttons, so it has even more face buttons than the SNES controllers. They just changed the label (and size).

[@CaptainCat101]

The people who call the N64 controller the worst controller of all time are the same people who call Super Mario Party the best Mario Party game of all time

[@CruiseBro16]

lol

[@skycloud4802]

Isn't it the other way around?

[@starstarstar4643]

The same ppl that say the wii is the best console

[@mikewehr7887]

They both suck lol

[@JTMUSICCHANNEL]

How many controllers are actually worse

[@Kevintendo]

My nostalgia glasses make this video even better for me 😎

[@green-ep5vx]

Ur mom a nostalgia glasses lol 😎

[@dominickcapaldo9053]

Kevintendo, what is that beside your name?

[@argonauts56au1kera6]

Woah, how did you get the Nintendrew picture in your profile name.

[@TheAwesomeJ0se]

@@green-ep5vx found the 9 year old

[@demogeymidge2997]

I’m happy that someone’s finally defending the N64 controller.

[@thekid-friendlygamingchann37]

😐

[@sketchesofpayne]

True fanboys have always defended it.

[@alt-k]

The controller is okay. But the stick makes it something straight from the depths of hell.

[@freddislettis9835]

Yeah, I think it’s the best

[@Lidoe]

Freddis Lettis Idk how people can get used to this

[@YSN]

I'm glad you mentioned the fact that there are several layouts hidden within the controller. The design is quite clever, but unfortunately that seems to go unnoticed by many.

[@Nintendrew]

Preach!

[@sketchesofpayne]

The layouts were in magazines and marketing material at the time. Developers just all gravitated toward the same layout.

[@GeorgeBPryor]

Nobody ever mentions the "fourth" layout. My favourite thing about this controller was that it was ambidextrous; you could hold the joystick in your right hand and 'sling' your left hand over the top to access the A/B/C buttons. You can even press the L and R buttons comfortably this way. This is actually why I skipped the Gamecube for its console generation. It wasn't until the Wii that Nintendo reintroduce ambidextrous controls.

[@todesziege]

They're not "hidden" --- it was explained very clearly in marketing, manuals and so on. It's basically the fundamental core of the design.

[@backup_account_1]

I still remember the first time I held an N64 controller in my hands. It was sensational. A friend from school had Mario Kart 64 and the first time I tried the analog stick I couldn't believe it. It was just amazing. I think this controller was totally revolutionary and groundbreaking for its time. It was a pioneer in many things, such as the stick for 360º movements in 3D games, or vibration, things that were later copied by other consoles and companies. The fact that the controller offers different options to grab it ("M" shape), far from being a negative point or something to criticize, seems to me something amazing and that to this day remains unique. The design is completely avant-garde and I find it very, very comfortable, even today that there are other options and recreations with two grips like modern controls. Personally, I find the central grip of the original controller more comfortable for games that require the use of the analog stick, than modern designs with the stick relocated above and with two handles. And the fact that it offers three options to hold it, contemplating righties and lefties, seems great to me. I just don't understand the people criticizing this controller. Today in 2022, more than a quarter of a century after its release, I still find it amazing, comfortable and groundbreaking, and totally accurate to the console games it was designed to play. And if we add to that the fact that it came out in 1996 when none of these concepts existed, its value is even greater.

[@backup_account_1]

I know it's a joke, but saying that it takes three hands to hold the controller is a disrespect to such an amazing design.

[@backup_account_1]

Something I forgot to mention is that the standard grip on the center handle has something unique which is the Z button behind it. That is completely lost on two-handle controllers. And I think the Z trigger on the back is something unique to the N64 that can't be missed. Games aren't the same without that, no matter how comfortable the two-grip control is. It is no coincidence that many years later the Wii Nunchuk Controller had the same design. It was clearly a good idea.

[@todesziege]

I agree that the N64 grip is in many ways more comfortable than, say, a DualShock.

[@backup_account_1]

@todesziege ❤️

[@todesziege]

@@backup_account_1 To be more elaborate: the fundamental issue with the DualAnalog design is that the different controller elements end up in a constant struggle for domination. This is most noticeable on the original DualShock DualShock, where the analog sticks are very clearly pushed off way into the center/innerside of the controller because this is the only place they could put them without redesigning the controller (which is the path Sega and Nintendo took). There is only so much surface real estate on the controller, and you can only really have optimal placement for the stick _or_ the d-pad (and on the other side, the right stick or the buttons). Or you can compromise _both_ so that neither is in the optimal position (seems to be the Xbox 'solution'). The N64 layout works around this by basically building several controllers into one. Of course, people will claim there's no downside to the DualAnalog layout, but people have a very hard time being objective about things they're used to, and almost 30 years of DualShock will leave people with a pretty cloudy perspective.

[@wchan39]

Am I the only one that wonders why everyone's confused about how to hold the N64 controller? It's pretty straightforward to me even back then that you hold it like shown at 1:45 and depending the game, you hold it differently. Hell they came with a friggin' manual/instructions to show you how it's done!!!

[@todesziege]

Many people are just really dumb.

[@porscheman998]

"Or you could always just look at the Virtual Boy [controller]" Or the Atari 5200 controller Or the Atari Jaguar Controller Or the Nokia N-Gage Yes, there are far worse options for controllers than the original N64's design.

[@scottthewozznijak359]

Or Intellivision Colecovision Sega sg1000

[@saifuppal7403]

Or the grand motherload of crap. The roll’n rocker by Ljn

[@AlexanderScott66]

I have used every controller under the sun and let me tell you, the Virtual Boy Controller is so underrated, it's weird at first, but at least you don't have overlapping thumbs and feel like you're jacking someone off playing Mario 64. And when I say I've used every controller under the sun, I'm talking Color TV Game 15 Paddles, Visteon GBA Controller, aka the Dorito, and the Pokemon Mini, aka Baby's First Gameboy, the device the size of the palm of your hand, the DPad the size of a penny, and A and B buttons each the size of a pencil eraser, and a power button a literal millimeter in diameter. Somehow Baby's First Gameboy, the Pokemon Mini, is more comfortable than the N64 Controller for anyone who has hand's larger than that of a 9 year old.

[@ByeByebrotha]

Yeah using crappier consoles nobody owned totally makes it look better, doesn't mean it is though

[@todesziege]

The Jaguar controller gets an unfair rep the same way the N64 controller does (from people who, similarly, never or barely used it).

[@dumdumm3299]

if you mod your N64 controllers with a GameCube stick they’re amazing! i got all of mine done and they feel sooooo good.

[@Ratchetfan321]

That actually ruins the area of effect of the stick

[@DanielCarlosJobs]

@@Ratchetfan321 but a less effective controller is best than a non functional analog, right?

[@AngelGodinez]

I just bought Raphnet GC-N64 adapter and it works flawlesslyyyy with all the 360 deegres of funtionality

[@dumdumm3299]

Toasty boy i haven’t noticed that at all, but nonetheless i don’t think a small hindrance like that really matters to someone who plays the N64 casually like me :p someone who’s speed running or something obviously needs a better solution tho

[@gisellerivas45]

@DanielCarlosJobs No. Just no

[@s01itarygaming]

Since the joystick is actually digital instead of analog, it has 0 issues with drift. Had they used better materials (or redesigned the stick and bowl) and eliminated the break-in wobble, this could have and would have been a highly praised joystick design.

[@todesziege]

Most of the hate comes from it being "weird" (ie not exactly the same as a PS/Xbox controller), and quality is barely a factor.

[@ict113090]

Do people ever ask the question "Maybe I just suck. That's why I have a hard time using the controller"

[@postboy2242]

it's a controller

[@todesziege]

People really should doubt themselves more.

[@BLAMigator]

It's ironic that this video comes out the day my Brawler 64 finally arrives. Although I have Nintendrew to thank for bringing the Brawler 64 to my attention in the first place, so that came full circle.

[@DarthClanker]

I love the design, it's a unique controller.

[@staringcorgi6475]

Ikr

[@AdamTopCommenter]

It's pleasing to look at and hold, I love them, especially all the different colors they came out with.

[@LeaveTheMark_YT]

The Virtual Boy controller is actually pretty comfortable to hold.

[@Charmicanal2.0]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3uUnKKLZ5uUm7s

[@evanschulz9704]

When playing n64 games with a modern controller it can be a bit clunky. When I played star fox 64 with a switch controller it was pretty messy because with emulating old games with new controllers you try to use the same layout (example A, B analog stick and C-stick stay the same). Unless you’re willing to reconfigure your control scheme it will be hard to play the games the way they are

[@christianvega646]

This is my main favorite controller. One of the best controllers

[@atherdos4431]

I think the uniqueness proves that nintendo tries to innovate.

[@RetrOrigin]

Innovate by popularizing things that already were made decades ago, right.

[@RetrOrigin]

@Raider 2747 How's it hating? I don't see how your response proves me wrong BTW.

[@atherdos4431]

@@RetrOrigin I wouldn't say that you're right, I'd say they get some inspiration and combine it into something else.

[@atherdos4431]

@@RetrOrigin Or you could say what they're popularizing (I mean from the N64 controller), maybe I'm wrong

[@RetrOrigin]

@@atherdos4431 Well, in the N64's controller case, the most obvious thing is the "analog" (optical) thumbstick. It seems most people praise the N64 controller for being the 1st to have one or at least the 1st to standarize it. I would actually argue that the standardization of the D-Pad ended up hurting the development of analog controllers in the market. Reason being, analog controllers of all kinds, including Analog thumbsticks, exist since the early 80's. All Paddle controllers are potentiometer based analog controllers for example, but more importantly, the Vectrex is the 1st console to ever have an Analog thumbstick standard as its main input device and quite a good one at that. Not only that but it is potentiometer based (remember how Nintendrew mentions in this video how modern Analog thumbsticks are potentiometer based?) There's also the XE-1 AP controller for the Sega Megadrive (Genesis) and Japanese computers in 1989, which looks more closely to a gamepad if the Vectrex controller is not convincing to you. It has a left potentiometer based analog stick, another stick on the right side which is mostly used for throttle controls since it only moves up/down OR left/right (You turn the based in order to switch modes) This is also the 1st controller to ever have bumper/shoulder buttons (the SNES controller is often wrongly credited as being the 1st at that) Besides that there's also the Force Feedback being mentioned in this video, but Haptic interfaces did also exist before the N64 controller (one notable instance is the Aura Interactor) I don't know if you really want to consider the 3 prong design as innovative, I personally feel they didn't playtest this design enough and the fact that this is a very polarizing subject kind of proves it wasn't exactly a great design. I don't really care too much about people blindly crediting Nintendo for everything but the same people tend to hate on other companies that sometimes ironically actually created many of these things. Nintendo is an awesome company, specially in the software department (at least to me) but many people just get way to fanatical about them. Sorry for the wall of text, don't know how I could have compressed all that.

[@matthew2837]

I’m still surprised it’s not uncomfortable to hold.

[@__1201]

3:22 "this position was rarely used at all." That's not correct. several games actually had the "2D mode" (especially fighters, puzzle, and racing games) as an option or used exclusively for movement (the analog stick would be completely disabled). Also, a lot of people - including my friend - used to only hold the outer edge handles when playing, and he'd move just his thumb over the control stick. It wasn't the recommended way of holding the controller, but he said it was more comfortable for him.

[@MrMarinus18]

Did he have a PS1? Cause you do kind of have to make a similar motion. It's why I really didn't like it as I found that really tricky to do.

[@todesziege]

2D games were pretty overlooked during the 5th and 6th console generations, so many don't realize how many there were (often significantly better games than the more popular 3D games of the time).

[@thebainiac1]

THANK YOU! I've been saying the same thing for years but my friends just called me crazy. The weirdness people see in this controller in the modern era is just hindsight bias. We should appreciate just how innovative it was in an era where it wasn't clear if 3D games would be mainstays or a passing trend that would flop in favor of traditional 2D. You're awesome, Drew!

[@stephenshelton4267]

I bought one back in 1997, and I hated the clumsy design as much then as I do today. 3rd party controllers were a necessity with the N64.

[@yellowwasanimposter520]

Modern controllers have an infinitely better design, sorry, n63 fan.

[@thebainiac1]

@@yellowwasanimposter520 of course modern controllers are better. Technology is better and designers have 30 more years of experience under their belts. That's like comparing an iPhone to a 30 year old cell phone. It's not a fair comparison

[@mattstew6078]

Honestly i always thought that anyone who doesn't like the n64 controller just didn't think about it with any level of depth and this video has done nothing but prove my point, when you actually think about it it makes perfect sense

[@lowres5447]

I agree, I think the N64 controller is quite inovating. I think the extra thing you grip on is nice.

[@iNAZUMA_AiDAN_H]

Nobody: Me: Plays CS:GO on a N64 Controller

[@justinkeena6617]

This could be a 99% Invisible mini-episode. It’s excellent work. The way you explain the design as innovative, though restricted by the materials of production, highlights what is so interesting about this controller. I had never thought about how, without the middle handle, it’s a SNES controller, but with the middle handle it gives not two but three control options. It let Nintendo ease developers into the 3D era elegantly. I knew growing up that Tetrisphere, for example, required the outer handles mode, and SM64 was best with the 3D mode, but never noticed FPS mode. And I never would have understood true analog without your explanation. Thanks for the deep dive into this under-appreciated artifact!

[@scakvso]

Are you loosing weight or hittin the gym? Cause you look thinner than before dude great video as always buddy

[@Nintendrew]

I'm down about 30 since January, glad to hear it's noticeable! haha. Thanks for the kind words.

[@ShadowSneak.]

@@Nintendrew wheres your beard?

[@crashbash8549]

@@Nintendrew Where's your beard?

[@Nintendrew]

@Nintendrew Where's your beard?

[@bornfrombeing]

Nintendrew Where’s your beard?

[@theodorepallmar977]

The 64 controller maybe also inspiraited the nunchuck for the wii

[@thekid-friendlygamingchann37]

Good point

[@joeman720]

It did inspire the 64 controller i am pretty sure

[@aztecwrrior1997]

Yes i agree

[@chrismalecki1]

@Quentin Schwerner *SNES

[@bennythargrave]

**reads video thumbnail** THEMS FIGHTIN' WORDS! **after watching video** I feel so embarrassed at myself...

[@parkerferolie4360]

Nintendrew: *lists 3d n64 games* Also Nintendrew: *forgets mario 64*

[@UltimaKeyMaster]

Hate to be that guy, but uh...did you watch the C Button part?

[@excars4230]

ay man, how do you use the weird bold font words thing?

[@areighabak1413]

True and put someing but your channel

[@sonic-12_2]

​@@excars4230 I don't know

[@Rolando590]

Very well said! I get it's not perfect but this controller gets a lot of undeserved hate!

[@TKnightcrawler]

I agree. It's a good controller. I still use it when playing classic games on my PC using a simple adapter. And using my middle finger, the Z button is actually still perfectly accessible to me in 2D mode, so I use it for Select. In fact, I can hit it extremely quickly compared to a normal Select button. I would bet that Nintendo thought about dual analogue, but wanted to avoid the very recent failure of the Virtual Boy, which had Dual D-Pads. Speaking of Virtual Boy, actually look at that controller you are holding. It's actually a pretty good controller. It threw me for a loop when I was a kid, though.

[@elusivelogic6704]

3:08 I never held it that way.

[@RyuichiNoGekido]

I had no clue about the shooter configuration. I even dug out a 64 controller to test it... not bad, and you could even map the A and B buttons. Mind blown.

[@RickTheBirdie]

So I use my “Camera” Buttons for using items in Zelda Ocarina Of Time Cool

[@latt.qcd9221]

There's actually another feature that the N64 controller had that many people don't seem to be aware of: the second FPS "mode." In certain FPS games like GoldenEye and Perfect Dark, you can actually plug in two N64 controllers and hold the middle handles of both controllers, allowing you to use both trigger buttons and both thumbsticks, which was sort of like holding two Wii nunchucks or two joycons.

[@jajmagoo1548]

The N64 controller is actually one of my favorite controllers.

[@WildVoltorb]

Nice try troll

[@jajmagoo1548]

@@WildVoltorb I was being legitimately serious. I really do like the n64 controller.

[@biscuits4761]

Same

[@AlexanderScott66]

@@jajmagoo1548 That's the first opinion I've heard that's actually wrong. Congrats. You're opinion is wrong. And this is coming from the guy who collects and has used nearly every Nintendo console and their controllers, including fan favorites like the Dorito shaped Visteon GBA Controller for the Visteon Dockable Entertainment System, the Baby's First Gameboy: The Pokemon Mini, and the Color TV Game 15 Paddles. And believe me, those are more comfortable, and that includes a DPad the size of a penny and A and B buttons the size of a pencil eraser.

[@jajmagoo1548]

@@AlexanderScott66 I appreciate the concern AlexanderScott66, however, three years have come and gone and my dogshit opinion is set in stone. The N64 controller is still quite baller in my opinion.

[@Braconara1981]

This is actually my favourite controller of all time, especially when playing Goldeneye or any fps game on the N64, the grip and trigger felt like you're holding and shooting a real weapon, epic stuff

[@drewtube9367]

This controller is one of the best nintendo controllers. I totally agree, Drew

[@badreality2]

I'm glad that you mentioned the Nintendo 64's rumble pak. You're right when you said that nobody gives the N64 controller credit for rumble capability. Also, I wish that this video was available to developers back in 1996. I would have LOVED to use this controller with its 6-button front-face capability, moreso than I did.

[@Crushenator500]

I was a kid when the N64 came out, it was my first home console and one of the ones I remember most fondly. Always loved that controller, and never understood the criticism. It's use makes total sense when you actual hold one in your hands.

[@Sting_ray]

Ever notice that the Wii’s Nunchuck controller is just the center N64 grip with an added button?

[@TheLakabanzaichrg]

I always felt it more like half a gamecube controller.

[@AsukaLangleyS02]

Do you all just have baby hands, I can easily and comfortably reach my thumb out to use the thumbstick....

[@todesziege]

It was really never meant to be held that way, though.

[@AsukaLangleyS02]

@@todesziege Sure, but that doesn't make it impossible!

[@todesziege]

@@AsukaLangleyS02 No, but for many people uncomfortable and suboptimal. Games also didn't expect you to reach everything at once.

[@udczoey]

What's kind of funny is that before I watched this video I came to a realization that when you remove the middle prong of the 64 controller, you are left with essentially a Sega Saturn controller. Needless to say, that 6 button Genesis controller comparison made me happier than it really should have, even though it wasn't exactly the same thing as what I had noticed.

[@Jacques10]

Hmm yes the n64 controller's stick is easily worn down, must have inspired the Joycon.

[@2sohx]

I'm so happy to hear someone with your audience reach defend the N64 controller. I don't know of any games on the system that intend for the player to reach ALL of the buttons. I was a teenager when I got the N64 and I agree that everyone at the time thought it was a very inventive design and comfortable to hold!

[@carmellaradigan9778]

I havent owned a n64 (but want one) so i cant have nostalgia goggles and I LOVE THIS CONTROLLER it's abnormal and draws you in and yes there is a lot of problems but I still like it

[@SK8R43]

I love the N64 controller and definitely prefer it over any other controller on the market. Ive tried nearly every system and the controllers alll feel so awkward. Ive also been using the same N64 controller for years and the stick is still pretty tight(like an 8 out of 10) so idk why people have so much hate for it. I play ocarina of time and the mario partys ALOT and still no issues.

[@raihan200]

Finally, a KZbinr who appreciates this beautiful controller.

[@yellowwasanimposter520]

'beautiful' cut the shit, this thing looks horrible

[@raihan200]

@@yellowwasanimposter520 I think you look horrible my friend.

[@cysper4703]

@@yellowwasanimposter520 And it looks pretty messy TBH.

[@susanfit47]

According to a ZDNet article from 2002, players were experiencing injuries like friction burns, punctures, and even lacerations from the N64 controller. When I play games on the N64 controller, I didn't get blisters from that, but I played games for 2 hours.

[@DanielEDC]

I unironically use the N64 controller on my pc to play SM64 rom hacks

[@ThanatosZero]

Which model of the N64 controller? I have been looking for a ideal N64 USB controller for playing OoT and MM on the emulator.

[@ThanatosZero]

@J Alex Thanks. I once ordered one of these, which had excellent functioning buttons, but a miserable analog stick. www.amazon.de/retro-bit-n64-861-N64-Wired-USB-Controller-f%C3%BCr-Mac-Schwarz/dp/B008L3UUPS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

[@evanstapelkamp4096]

Amen brother! I’m so happy I can’t just send people this video now instead of explaining how far ahead of its time this controller was. Great video!

[@willmorris8334]

Great content as usual. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@paydenmcknight]

Video Suggestion: Next time you and 3 other Minus World members meet up, you guys should do the Super Smash Bros Randomized Controller challenge. Pretty much you put the name of all your different types of N64 controllers in a hat and if you draw lets say the Hori Pad, you get the Hori Pad, if you draw the KirCo, you get the KirCo. It'd be funny to see Nathaniel Bandy using the wierd stick thing in Smash!

[@Renavo]

I'd love to see an n64 styled snes controller. The render you put in looks extremely good!

[@ChaseMC215]

I agree with you, I played GoldenEye using that controller, and I haven't had any issue with it ever since

[@Joeylinkmaster]

The joystick is my only issue with the N64 controller. Otherwise I love it

[@matthew2837]

By influencing the design of the joy con do you mean the way the c buttons on the n64 controller look like the d pad buttons on the left joycon?

[@startreker20]

The N64 Controller represents a transitional period for technology. Often during times like these the products and technologies that are released will have an endearing uniqueness to them, both in mechanics and design. That’s why I love the N64 controller. It’s definitely strange and unique yet still functional with a sensible design, if you stop to think about it.

[@KokoroKatsura]

A N I M E N I M E

[@turtlebutter6401]

So weird that I met you today, and had no idea who you were. Thanks for being friendly

[@AmyraCarter]

6:52 No, that title belongs to the Atari 5200 controller. This needs NO explanation, lol 6:56 Unnnn... It's far better than the Atari 5200 controller... The N64 controller was one of those that I didn't care much for, though mainly for how flimsy its' components are. Every single N64 controller I've ever played with had a busted joystick. e.e (call this "Player 2's Bad Luck")

[@joeykeilholz925]

possessive its is spelled its

[@Nintendrew]

That's not a thumbstick 🤔😉

[@AmyraCarter]

@@joeykeilholz925 Wow. A nitpick on some mistyping I didn't catch. Bravo, now go watch TV.

[@AmyraCarter]

@@Nintendrew Thumbstick, joystick, same concept, and still Player 2's Bad Luck on me because I've yet to use an N64 with a properly working thumbstick, forcing me to play only one way.

[@theslimbin]

It's great to see nintendrewdevelop and grow especially in his camera quality I remember telling him a year or two ago in the comments section to upgrade of camera because it really held back his videos

[@FirstMateGrayson]

Mentions Ocarina of Time and Banjo as 3D games for the first position, but not Glover? I disapprove.

[@cxx23]

Do you mean Glover?

[@therealchris5894]

Since I’m 15, I was one of the lucky few to use the n64 at the end of its lifespan. I’ve emulated it to death and I feel really lucky to have used it.

[@philhartmann6502]

The virtual boy controller is cool, you want a bad controller try playing tetris with a cdi remote style controller

[@JMproductions7]

First time I ever used an N64 controller made me want to actually buy an N64 and play donkey Kong

[@adam_loooong]

Are there any games that actually took advantage of what you called “FPS mode”??

[@Stevieguy1234]

Goldeneye could technically be played using the D-Pad to strafe and look up and down similarly to how the C- Buttons were used. I'm sure you can change the controller settings for how you play, in the start menu. Edit : forgot the punctuation and some additional words.

[@vt2animalsandvlogs]

The only N64 game I've played that utilized that handling style is Goldeneye 007. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of shooters (the only shooters on the N64 I've played are the two good ones, one I already mentioned and the other I'm sure you know!)

[@ThatFanBoyGuy]

I always heard it called the left grip, right grip and center grip. And Pokemon Stadium used the center grip

[@Schwift3D]

It was okay, but I still prefer the GameCube when it comes to Nintendo controllers.

[@edvance1030]

Same. The Gamecube's controller is one of the best controllers ever made. Btw, I also miss having 6 face buttons, especially for fighting games. Punching and kicking with the bumpers or the triggers is weird and awkward.

[@FarVern]

I didn’t know that ppl thought that they need to access all the buttons 🤔

[@michaelparker2449]

I'd tolerate the controller mostly for N64 exclusive games, but for multi-platform games I'd usually get them for another system to avoid using that controller.

[@chrisis649]

Specially when the stick gets loose, it is alot harder to push!

[@datcomputernerd4668]

Recently just got an n64 (and a controller) and realized that when in "3D mode" you can somewhat reach the d-pad by stretching your thumb and shifting the position of your grip yet still able to get hold of the stick. Wonder if any game developer thought of doing that to the players (when the n64 had NO game developers).

[@TYDOcrash]

The N64 controller has always been my favorite. Love how it looks and how it feels in my hands.

[@unwithering5313]

They only got blisters because they decided it was a good idea to use their PALMS instead of what they're supposed to use

[@Wheels8504]

I don't understand how people say it's uncomfortable. It's a fantastic controller.

[@Wheels8504]

@@niceified I don't.

[@Random22]

I think they thought the controller was supposed to be held in a way to access all of the buttons.

[@lwvmobile]

I still see some 'KZbinrs' try to use the N64 controller, and see then try to use the analog stick while there left hand is gripping the d-pad handle, and their right hand is gripping the c-button handle. Its like the idea of using your left hand on the middle (or right if your game supports it) just goes over peoples head. That being said, that analog stick just doesn't last too long, I've seen quite a few 'limp' analog sticks in the day, especially when playing 4 player games at my friends houses and everybody brings their own controllers. I also got a few blisters on my thumb in the day as well, but I feel like the N64 controller wasn't the only controller to give me a blistered thumb. The rumble pack and the memory card on the controller was a god-send back in the day, for the games that supported it at any rate. Also, as a fun fact, if you power on the N64 with the analog stick out of the neutral position, the position it is held in will become the neutral position. For example, if you hold the stick all the way down and turn on your console, your character will move forward if you let go of the stick and let it go to the center.

[@theSato]

The n64 controller is ahead of its time.

[@xehP]

Sato was a head of its time.

[@EannaWithAFada]

Yes because we haven't evolved to have three hands yet

[@theSato]

@@EannaWithAFada Haaa. Nice. But, in all seriousness, it really was ahead of its time and the pack.

[@cHaMp630]

idk about that because this controller gave me arthritis at the age of 5 while also giving me more calluses than a grown ass man by the end of the n64s life cycle

[@theSato]

@@cHaMp630 Ahead of its time doesn't always mean perfect - in fact, quite the contrary. The Virtual Boy was ahead of its time -- by being a "VR headset" experience in 1995, over 20 years before we had them become popular -- but fell short due to its monochromatic red display, lack of any headband, poor controller, and other factors.

[@Aleco_the_Cool]

When someone says the OG N64 controller is the worst slap their face off

[@dneck]

It didn't age well compared to the SNES, PS1, and many other controllers. However, it was clearly an important step in the evolution of controllers.

[@MINI_91]

I learned to hold it with both my hands on the outer grips, while still being able to reach the control stick with my left thimb and the Z button on the underside with my right middle finger. It felt terrible at first, but when you get used to it, I honestly think it's more precise.

[@MINI_91]

@PuffFilms no u

[@Greeism]

the only problem i have is that i don’t have 3 hands

[@thekid-friendlygamingchann37]

😂

[@pedrojavierish]

The N64 controller was a classic and revolutionary piece of technology. If it wasn't for the N64 controller we wouldn't know the analog stick and today's controllers wouldn't have one for sure. Also has the best trigger of all only coming secont to the Xbox 360 one. People who hated the controller shape is because they never have one, is really one of the best ever.

[@JTMUSICCHANNEL]

But Sony had one so why wouldn't we have analog

[@todesziege]

@@JTMUSICCHANNEL Sony only released their analog controller as a response to the N64 controller. Sega would most likely have released theirs anyway, though.

[@GavyWavvy]

This video made me appreciate this controller more. Amazing video man

[@paulcastillo1880]

I'm sad and happy at the same time, sad because I wasn't born in the 80's to enjoy the N64, Play station, happy because the DSi and Wii was my absolute childhood.

[@joelhutchison5214]

My GOD thank you. Saw so many videos recently about how “bad” this controller is, and I’m tired that people don’t give it the credit it needs.

[@cysper4703]

It looks messy TBH. So I agree on why they hated it. The one in 6:27 is much better.

[@JoseCruz11123]

I got a pretty serious hand burn from both the boat rowing and Bowser tug-a-war minigames. My parents said the game was too dangerous and couldn't play it anymore. Now that I'm an adult I burn my hand all I want and no one can tell me no.

[@anthonyv.9091]

Nothing can beat the gamecube controller!

[@theSato]

Xbox 360/One and Wii U Pro/Switch Pro both trump the Gamecube controller!

[@anthonyv.9091]

Everythings beats the ps4 controller

[@BrandenFudgey]

A-Man Villa yeah, it has a nice fatness to it that fits the hands perfectly!

[@AcousticNRG]

@@theSato no

[@theSato]

@@AcousticNRG Yep.

[@TSQ23456]

Yay I'm not the only one who loves the N64 controller I have the yellow one

[@CRANTIME]

THANK YOU This controller gets WAY too much hate

[@emmettturner9452]

I wouldn’t say the third option was “rarely used at all.” In addition to 2D platformers like you pointed out, pretty much every fighting game used it and a lot of games that primarily used the first option allowed/used the third for menu navigation.

[@kruemmelbande5078]

I can Imagine it beeing quite compftable but i nevet had one

[@seereebee]

I love this thing. It's surprising ergonomic and comfortable to hold.

[@stephenlammers6961]

Yeah... I've been holding it wrong and I finished super Mario 64 somehow.

[@unreadyjam60]

The N64 didn't suffer from a poor design. It's definitively not Nintendo's fault that you were born with only two arms

[@jerrybacca634]

I tottaly agree i got my 64 knowing i would soon need to buy some other controller to use but the 64 controller feels really comfortable until i get the brawler 64

[@noobish]

Early boys where you at?

[@catriamflockentanz]

0:23 It's not nearly as bad as people always claim it to be at all. But the archaic Joy-Stick construction just is objectively bad. 2:11 Okay, that's extremely cool. And seems a lot less jarring than replacing the N64-Stick with a GameCube-Stick which is actually not that unpopular amongst controller modders. 3:05 And I still wish they had assigned the Iron Boots, Hover Boots, and Ocarina to the D-Pad... That's actually done in the OoT Randomizer and it works wonders in terms of playing comfortably. And it would have been perfectly doable on the N64 as well... >.> 4:20 I never knew that. I always assumed. A, B, C that's just logical. They didn't "sold" that well with the N64's Zeldas though. Not even close. 6:44 What people probably wanna take a look at is this one: www.amazon.de/Retro-Bit-Tribute-64-Nintendo-Forest/dp/B07N7TPZCH?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-ffnt-de-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B07N7TPZCH Especially because it's way cheaper than the Brawler 64 that goes for about triple the price if you get a good deal. 6:57 Or Atari's various Abominations...

[@ryelo5448]

Can you waggle with a n64 controller? Nope. Wii mote gang for life.

[@jimmyneatron7995]

rye lo Be forced to use motion controls even when it’s not needed? N64 controller for life

[@fairyofshampoooo]

I sing the intro music so much my mom asks me what I'm singing