Funny, Interesting, and Bad Controllers - Game Sack

Episode
286 - It's been 8 years since there was a dedicated controller episode. And these are some good ones. Well, a few are so bad/dumb that they're good. Thank you to the few of you who sent in some crappy controllers!
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[@GameSack]

Do you have a favorite controller? Or a least favorite? Or one that you just think is crazy?

[@DeaDFaith001]

Steering wheel from mad cats from PS1, it was awesome =)

[@kevintheearl]

Boomerang Ps3 prototype controller

[@princegroove]

DualShock 4 is absolute perfection. Powerglove is the most intriguing. The worst controller I’ve seen would be anything by MadCatz. 🤣

[@gtrzdaddy]

Favorite has to be the Genesis 6-button controller. Least favorite, Playstation 1 regular d-pad.

[@ActuallySanFrancisco]

@@DeaDFaith001 i had the mad catz wheel/pedals for the n64 and, yeah, it was surprisingly decent for a mad catz product.

[@arcadeperfectreviews2653]

A friend of mine lost his arm in Iraq and he uses that ascii one handed SNES controller a ton. I got him an SNES to GameCube adapter so he can use it on GameCube Wii and switch, and I got him a SNES to USB and he uses it on PC and his raspberry pi for emulation. He also uses the ps1 version on PlayStation 1 and 2 and 3 with an adapter.

[@Ubersnuber]

Has he gotten good with it?

[@reefchiefer]

Hes probably badass

[@MikeStavola]

The PlayStation version of the grip is also a really good one handed controller. I think you can still buy them new on eBay.

[@SleepingCocoon]

@@MikeStavola i've got a playstation and saturn one and they're both really fantastic! not only are they just functional, there's some serious thought put into the design and the build quality is rock solid.

[@GuestZer0]

When you still have both arms, and are used to using them both, it’s awkward. But if you only have the one…

[@KapiteinKrentebol]

Microsoft: "We need a smaller controller for Japan, focusgroups say the Duke is simply too large for Japan." Meanwhile in Japan.... has GOJIRA! (aka XE-1AP)

[@lordowl3533]

G O J I R A \m/

[@qmto]

Joe frantically spinning the reel while nothing happens in Road Rash had me in stitches.

[@bland9876]

Gave me anxiety.

[@englishwithphil42]

This is the funniest thing I have seen (not heard) on Game Sack

[@RobotacularRoBob]

Typical Gamesack: Uses NES flight stick to play Castlevania instead of Top Gun.

[@braddl9442]

Cause you use the power glove for top gun.

[@sirkastic]

@@braddl9442 Seems legit

[@kaitain7595]

Yup.

[@criznittle968]

if AVGN can powerglove top gun's landing sequence, you can use a flight stick with castlevania

[@elwey5082]

And ultra racing 64 controller with Mario 64, he should review ir with a Top gear 64 Gamesack, this racing wheel plays terrible with a plataformer "0 stars"

[@xanderalmighty]

“This controller was made to grind RPGs” (Plays street fighter )

[@thatguyontheright1]

Steel Battalion controller, play Shenmue II with it.

[@BlueflagAlpha]

or Phantasy Star

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Is it possible??

[@erikbrynildsen7067]

The steel battalion controller only works with steel battalion as far as I am aware.

[@AltimaNEO]

I have it. It only works with steel Battalion

[@thatguyontheright1]

@@AltimaNEO lame

[@terreausore2435]

Imagine being on KZbin for so long, and not have changed in any bad way. You guys ROCK !

[@daniellado2523]

The Sega Saturn controller is one of my favorites for 2d action games. The grip and layout fits the hands really good.

[@todesziege]

Peak 2D gamepad.

[@bitemytail]

"It's good enough, I guess." - most positive review ever given to a MadCatz product.

[@nikescar]

Response from all controller manufacturers: You're holding it wrong

[@NicheCaesar]

I'm convinced that the Turbo Touch was invented by a time traveler from the 2010s that was stranded in the late 80s/early 90s that missed playing NES/Genesis games using a touch screen DPad on his iPhone. It's the only explanation

[@bland9876]

I figured out where they got their inspiration for the steam controller.

[@VideoGameTakeOut]

What I learned from this episode: Joe is a surprisingly good hand model.

[@louskunt125]

Smooth...Creamy...Delicate... Yet Masculine!

[@jaylucien669]

The old ASCII pad for the SNES was possibly the greatest 3rd party controller of all time. *No I'm not talking about the one handed one Joe used in this video.

[@GameSack]

You know I might agree. It's amazing and it's my daily use controller for the SNES. There are some people that say that it's a hair off. Tetris players I think. But it seems perfect to me.

[@louskunt125]

"Now let's try Metal Gear Solid again"

[@themanwithnoname4385]

4:47 It's AVGNs Beat-a-Game button

[@Scott-fj9uf]

Once again I was watching Game Sack and didn’t even realize there was new Game Sack!

[@SamuraiTacos1]

yep

[@thedaily30]

That 250lb punching bag of an ex-cohost is reading this somewhere, punching the air

[@RGT85]

My Uncle had the Turbo Touch for Genesis and always made me use it as a kid. It looked cool. And that was all.

[@RemoWilliams1227]

@REDBIRD yikes

[@LM-en4hz]

@REDBIRD LMAO

[@swagpyro47]

@REDBIRD is his name larry

[@BenWard29]

Turbo Uncle Touchy

[@MrCumstein]

@REDBIRD 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@theabominablekenny]

Joe, I only started watching your channel about 2 years ago but it has to be one of the "fun-est" channels i watch. Thank you for keeping making awesome content during these crazy times, you're the best!

[@WalcomS7]

6:28 I'm taking a swing in the dark here but something like that honestly would be good for those with certain types of disabilities. That's kind of the cool thing about stuff like this, is that while it seems useless to us some crazy person out there is using it to beat Double Dragon using their feet.

[@HaydenX]

I knew someone at University that used a one-handed controller with an adapter to play emulated games. He was right handed and lost the thumb from his left hand in a motorcycle accident. He said that after about three days of getting used to it, his gaming skill actually improved using only his dominant hand than it ever did when he used both.

[@maxpower10k]

Why are they crazy of they cant use or dont have hands?

[@baartbman2390]

@@maxpower10k probably means crazy as in crazy cool / wicked. You offended?

[@TonySpike]

You say that, but their is actually a guy that plays street fighter with his mouth cos he has no hands or some shit

[@maxpower10k]

@ Bart Beukman yeah i am lol people with disabilities aren’t crazy. Contextually OP os saying they’re out of their mind for using this controller like they’re some able bodied person playing with a guitar hero controller. Come on, fam lol

[@justsomeguywhoplaysretroga4362]

The best way to start my sundays these last years: watching a Game Sack episode 🤩

[@kbramlett6877]

High Frequency was the Toys R Us house brand of gaming accessories

[@exmaarmaca]

I feel those 1 hand contorllers are also made for visual novels, mainly those that might be 18+.

[@RawrX32009]

Oh no💀

[@LeoStaley]

Oh my. I don't know why, but I REALLY want more of this. Demonstrating and reviewing different, innovative (if poorly executed) controller types just really scratches an itch I didn't know I had.

[@Marzimus]

Rage Racer: best racer. 😍 Also the JogCon was a gimmick whereas the NegCon just worked.

[@GregsGameRoom]

5:47 - The Quickshot Joyball looks like the “boob” controller from Atari’s arcade game called “Gotcha”

[@steampunkslizer_gaming12]

I remember hearing about it briefly and doing some, uh, research. Sometimes ideas need to be left on the drawing board...

[@scamazonprime]

Videos like this don't come along often. I want them again and again.

[@Aenima308]

This video is cute, built good.

[@nicks4802]

Haha Joe playing track and field with the fishing pole made my night

[@slusheewolf2143]

I want an episode where you try and get non-Sony controllers working on a PS4. I swear, that thing rejects all controllers like they were a vending machine that won't take a crisp $1 bill lol

[@aaronstepien2363]

I never see people mentioning that

[@Silenhalle]

i love really weird controllers. i wanna know the thought process behind some of them

[@marcosdheleno]

@Brooke Stern unless you are talking about confort, those controllers are not ergonomic at all!

[@LonSeidman]

Wow After Burner II was one of my all time favorites on the Genesis back in the day and I had no idea this analog option (or controller) existed!

[@MalamiteLtd]

I remember the Barracuda controller. The analog sticks apparently don't act like the ones for the DualShock, but rather the giant "PlayStation Analog Joystick" Sony used to make beforehand. The only game I had that used that kind of control was on Namco Museum Vol. 4; it was fun playing Assault with the two sticks controlling each tread. But yeah, anything that used the DualShock for analog control was not going to work for the Barracuda. Anything that can use the "PlayStation Analog Joystick" (SCPH-1110) is fair game.

[@AnimeForeLife]

I want to live in the reality of your post credit skits

[@3dmarth]

35:41 Love that sneaky little transition. I actually went back to watch it frame-by-frame and try to spot the cut.

[@matmacsug]

Yeah that was really good.

[@OuTSMOKE]

While it's been a sad transition... I have to say after continuing to watch GS videos, you've done a good job continuing on your own. :)

[@benvanasdale6273]

I know it's been a while, but thank you for keeping Game Sack going, Joe. You're the man.

[@sozaj]

Hell Yeah!! Beginning the episode with the Official Soundtrack version of the Title Theme from my favorite RPG ever! Shining the Holy Ark needs a Sequel!!

[@anthonya.jumelles7103]

It's amazing how many of these controllers are ahead of their time. The Turbo Touch would be revisited with touchscreens and the Steam Controller. The Framemeister one had dual joysticks way before it was mainstream.

[@lowdefal6306]

The XE-1AP is essentially a joypad version of the Cyber Stick, which came out first. That lets you physically swap the sticks between each aide.

[@mbe102]

Jeeze, when youtube says 'uploaded 35 seconds ago' you know you're early :O.

[@stinkbanana2522]

AHHH! I had that Pelican Accessories controller! Same one. Got it at Blockbuster on sale for like $8, no one must have wanted them

[@SonicMrSumo]

The clicking on that bizarre Quick Shot controller was hilarious!!

[@RodrigoDigoJunho]

Horrible Quarantine: glad there's this wonderful channel to make me happy 😀

[@BugsyFoga]

Weird ass controllers are always a odd ascetic i dig .

[@BlueflagAlpha]

Good for you

[@Level1Sword]

Had the Barracuda 2. You're right about the rumble, it's crazy how strong it is. My one complaint is that I went through 2 of these very easily from the cables getting frayed due to normal use.

[@HoroJoga]

That smooth transition between the two cable scenes was great.

[@kevinhibbard320]

I'm up too late. Now my sunday morning poop ritual is gonna be off haha

[@videogameobsession]

That's the first time I've ever heard the neGcon pronounced that way. I've always just given it two syllables. I'm sure you're right though. It sounds more Japanese.I was never a fan of the JogcOn.. It always made me feel like I was going to edit an SVHS tape. :P

[@zzzae]

Yep, Joe actually pronounced NeGcon correctly. It's from the Japanese word "neji" meaning "screw" or "twisting". Amazing controller, too. It's become my go-to for all PS1 racing games.

[@pcachu]

You, looking for a controller alternative: Huh, wonder how this-- Quickshot Joyball: *_CLACKITY-CLACKITY-CLACKITY-CLACKITY-CLACKITY_*

[@aaronstepien2363]

Sound like cherry MX switches

[@jbfarley]

@@aaronstepien2363 I have a razer black widow with MX greens that sounds almost exactly like it. It's a guilty pleasure if mine

[@aaronstepien2363]

jbfarley I got one too, lol The one where the keys look like they spark when you hit them in dim light

[@elbiggus]

Someone else has probably mentioned this, but you were using the neGcon "wrong". Rather than just twisting the two halves, if you hold it so it's about 45 degrees from horizontal front-to-back and then bend your wrists -- right hand down left hand up to turn right, right hand up left hand down to turn left, sort of "the same" as if it was a steering wheel -- you'll naturally twist the controller in the correct direction. It's a carpal tunnel nightmare, but very effective. (Oddly the Ridge Racer series are perhaps the worst games to use it with, though, as it doesn't really suit the handling model.)

[@urmie]

Late night, nothing to watch, lemme hit refresh one more time, freakin Joe comes thru every single time!! 🔥

[@videogameobsession]

Basically, when it came to controllers, back in the day, I'd always use the first party controllers, and stick my friends with the 3rd party junk. They didn't care, and were often not careful with them. So it made sense.

[@panagiotiszavantis]

At least in those years we had so many things to choose. From controllers to games to weird peripherals.

[@colonelsandwich641]

That transition from the PS1 controller to the NES one in the skit was pretty good

[@braddl9442]

Some of those controllers look like they were made with the Disabled in mind. I know people that would need to use things like those quick-shot controllers since their hands would not work with normal joypads.

[@rayelgatubelo]

I see a lot of Quickshot controllers at furry conventions, since a lot of people have fursuit paws that aren't as dexterous as bare hands.

[@laos85]

Guess what is the worse controller of all time??? It's Touchscreen that we have on phone

[@StageRight123]

@crazy silly Keyboard and mouse are far more efficient than any controller.

[@CAMSLAYER13]

@crazy silly git gud scrub

[@techtinker5089]

The one handed controllers make me think of a friend I had growing up. He had one usable arm from an accident. He used to play games with regular controllers in the most uncomfortable looking way. Even so, he would stomp us from time to time in games. He would’ve really appreciated these one handed controllers.

[@Tubewings]

There was also a SNES version of the Turbo Touch 360. I remember seeing the commercials for them from back in the day with guys comparing the Turbo Touch and the "ordinary" versions wearing controller costumes.

[@itsameyoshio]

The one handed controllers must be accessibility related.

[@marcosdheleno]

yeah, kinda sad how they are less common now, specially due to how much more popular gaming is nowadays.

[@javiersaneiro6412]

@@marcosdheleno Well, today we have Xbox Adaptative Controller for people with accessibility issues, that controller is totally customizable, and even there are mouth controllers for people that can't use their hands

[@marcosdheleno]

@@javiersaneiro6412 sure, but they are far from being as price accessible as they used to be.

[@midievalcat7770]

That CE-1ap controller looks like the Saturn 3D control pad a bit

[@Riddlewire]

The FPS Master controller from Gamester for Xbox/PS2. I have one. It's "almost" a great controller. The buttons are placed improperly, making them unsuitable for high speed action games. Maybe try an RPG like KOTOR.

[@alexlecy4252]

I just discovered game sack recently, I love this channel. I do miss Dave with Joe but still love it.

[@philosophyoftrucking]

"In the beginning, Sack reviewed the Menacer and the Super Scope. And gamers saw that it was good." Jenesis 1:1

[@kbramlett6877]

Why in the would you want to mock the Bible?

[@philosophyoftrucking]

@@kbramlett6877 Sunday morning video release. Game Sack is church. Joe is our minister. Gaming is our religion. "Remember the Game Sack, to keep it holy."

[@vivisect53]

@K Bramlett Why wouldn't you?

[@kbramlett6877]

@@philosophyoftrucking No I would never mock the word of God. And if you consider Joe to be your minister and Game Crap to be your so-called church then you have more issues than a magazine subscription.

[@philosophyoftrucking]

@@kbramlett6877 🤣🤣

[@jonbourgoin182]

A pre-emptive congrats on 250k subs, Joe! Long live the Sack.

[@llpBR]

I find it amazing the number of things you show in every video, for so long. Half of the half and it would be still so very nice. You're awesome.

[@xtlm]

I had a Zoomer. It looked nice, didn't actually use it much.

[@PhilShary]

Okay Zoomer.

[@sirkastic]

7:10 That dome controller looks like it would be good for people with physical disabilities. Your disabilities seem to be more mental in nature so I can understand why you wouldn't appreciate it

[@braddl9442]

Several of the controllers I can see how they would be good for someone with disabilities making some movements hard, limited mobility or missing a hand.

[@overweightactor]

Savage

[@sirkastic]

@@braddl9442 Pity that none of them work with people missing a brain, otherwise you might have a controller that works for You

[@TuHermanaEnTanga7]

Thanks for this episode, Joe. It was amazing.

[@TheCaptainBlast]

This was such a fun episode. I love Game Sack so much. Thanks for this, Joe.

[@Vanessaira-Retro]

SmokeMonster, Jenovi, MLiG, now GameSack all talking controllers as of late. Pretty awesome.

[@reinforcedpenisstem]

During this episode, the word "Really" was used (ten times); "Honestly" was used (eight times).

[@Bomberjoxer]

and don't forget "stiff"

[@JopieHaargel]

There were also 27 opportunities to remark "That's what she said."

[@aaronstepien2363]

Sounds like dsp

[@MyNamesNotLars1]

Hardware spotlights are my favorite episodes!

[@MoteofLobross]

I had that Performance clunker for the Dreamcast. That is what you call a "crappy friend controller" when we had four player games going.

[@knifeteeth]

I'm still missin' Joe.

[@jjenk911]

The dude doing the shows is Joe, you numpty

[@marakarthegreat]

you mean Dave?

[@saninpain]

Look bud, we all miss Dave from time to time, but Joe is doing a bangup job.

[@videogameobsession]

Well lucky you! This show is 100% JOE!, SAME JOE TIME, SAME JOE CHANNEL!

[@zombiegeorge749]

I missed Joe, With my car! har har har

[@PsychomachineryEBM]

Bad controller: N64, the worst

[@jaylucien669]

I love the N64 controller and hate the GameCubes. I know, I'm in the vast minority.

[@PsychomachineryEBM]

@@jaylucien669 GameCube controller wasn't perfect, but to my taste it was way better than the N64 one, starting with a better comfortable shape and superior quality analog sticks. But to each their own

[@aaronstepien2363]

Took forever to adjust to it

[@seanworsfold]

Thank you for showing the Zoomer. I almost bought one just to play Rad Racer with a steering wheel. You saved me.

[@GreyCartridge]

I’m actually surprised that you enjoyed the Barracuda 2 I sent in, but I’m glad it made it in! Haha. As soon as my friend gave me that controller, I knew it would be perfect for this episode.

[@joshc643]

It's my bday! I'm old. 36. Any love for me guys?

[@GameSack]

Yes.

[@nppj1407]

Beard makes you look like a dirty lib, Joe, lol Fun episode though, informative as always.

[@dtheengineer2746]

Me and my older brother beat Final Fantasy VII when it first released with that one-handed controller. I don't remember why we did it, but yeah that happened

[@JustinKolata]

IIRC, that middle setting on the Barracudas was to emulate the PS1 flight stick controller. The flight stick apparently sent a different analog signal to the system than the later analog pad and dual shock, so the dual shock couldn't give you analog control on the earlier flight sims made for the flight stick, but the Barracudas could.

[@jessragan6714]

I actually had that Joyball. It wasn't a joy, and it wasn't a ball. True story: my brother got so frustrated with it that he said, "I could use my BUTT with this stupid controller and do better!" He sat on the controller and yes, he got farther in Super Mario Bros. than he did using his hands.

[@AskDrannik]

I remember seeing in a second-hand store this third-party N64 controller that had a layout similar to a Gamecube controller, with the analog stick and d-pad being on one side and the other buttons on the other. Unfortunately, I don't know how useful it was since I never actually used it, but it was a neat enough concept since I hate the original N64 controller with its awkward design and uncomfortable joystick that wears out in no time. EDIT: the one I saw was the Superpad Plus 64, but while searching for what I was talking about online, I found that there are other controllers with the same concept of simplifying the original N64 mess.

[@jameslangridge8849]

Joe on the one hand controller: "im left wondering why i bought this". Because you wanted to demo it for us, and I for one Thank You. Keep up the great content! 😄

[@Sonlokill]

4:47 nice that you have The Beat-A-Game Button

[@bartek.szuster]

Great work Joe. A lot of unusual controller and interesting controllers here!

[@Komagb]

My older brother brought home that red Epyx joystick for NES, our first controller with auto-fire. We used it to farm tons of XP in Zelda II overnight, with a rubber band tied around the controller on the fire button.

[@garou1911]

I can only imagine what the neighbors were hearing/thinking while Joe was playing Track and Field

[@Harperlarp]

I almost spilled my coffee from laughing watching Joe frantically trying to get the NeGcon to work with MGS. Another great episode!

[@Horzzo]

Hey, that first Quickshot is the "Beat-a--Game Button"! The second dome Quickshot is awesome! I always give it to friends to use when playing 2 player games.

[@shoked99]

excellent video joe. there are a lot more bad controllers than good. i remember those colorful controller ads in the 1980s.

[@ShinyShinyIsAlwaysBeingSerious]

YES MATE a new Game Sack love this stuff.

[@squirrel7t7]

You take a quick swim for a ration pack then come back and crouch under the pipes...Snake needs a refresher course

[@thegardner80]

That Epyx joystick was one of the best designs you could get for Atari 2600, C64, and the other one-button joystick systems that were common in US and Europe. Then d-pads and 2-bottoms were invented

[@DeathMetalDerf]

You should totally do a crossover episode that's one part Funny, Interesting, and Bad Controllers, and one part Playing With Sacks, and do it on Steel Battalion!!!

[@cicerothenekoknightplaysall]

Surprised I didn't find this video earlier. I'm always looking for weird controller videos lol

[@theSHELFables]

The quickshot joyball is so terrible, and glorious. I love it.

[@sadpacman3290]

Here's one thing to consider with some of these odd shaped controllers: It may have originally been designed as an accessibility tool for people with mobility issues, but since releasing stuff like that marketed directly for people who need it can cause it to be considered a medical device (Same with a lot of "AS SEEN ON TV" stuff) and increase the price/decrease the exposure.

[@flioink]

That was a fun idea, Joe should do more weird controllers. Maybe try some of the more recent ones. Who knows, maybe there will be a good one, eventually.

[@JazGalaxy]

I feel like the giant Quickshot controller might be useful for people with disabilities or arthritis. Thanks Joe! I appreciate you!

[@TheBostor]

Awesome episode! It would be great to see some more freaking strange controllers once in a while.