Ranking the WORST Controllers of All Time

[@TheGingerOneNI]

I was diagnosed with arthritis at 28 years old which limited the movement in a couple of my fingers. Being able to remap the shoulder buttons to the paddles on the Xbox Elite was a massive thing for me. It's not cheap but I never hear people talking about how useful it can be for accessibility.

[@reptilez13]

Yeah I play on PC, and having good/extra side buttons on my mouse helps me cuz I'm missing my left ring finger. Def get how that kinda thing can be game changing, pardon the pun. Plus, a friend has arthritis and playing on PC he uses that Razer keyboard replacement type thing cuz it's easier on his wrists. I'm gonna be joining him soon cuz my 4 finger hand is having some issues lol.

[@nodubshere6589]

That controller was just the same as the series x and s and yes it has paddles but paddles suck im my opinion in your case thats great but its kinda like those people who play inverted controls with the controller upside down

[@PRWolf]

Very good point!

[@pdraggy]

I have nerve problems limiting my movement, but I actually hate the remapped buttons in my Razer Wolverine TE controller because it leads me to accidentally lateralling the ball or throwing the ball away in Madden, they are just SO easy to accidentally hit in tense moments imo. Maybe it's cuz I'm used to it, but I much prefer JUST the defaults no remaps I can accidentally hit thank you!

[@Ciesseayontop]

[@DamoculesGulf]

I think you guys honestly should have rated the Steam Controller. Yeah, it made some very questionable decisions, but it was ambitious and ended up informing the development and design of the Steam Deck.

[@MaoRatto]

I had 3 of those boys and they were amazing for the time. As they had taken the scuff gamepad of the ps3 and 360 era applied custom layouts and software to them. Adding two padels should be standard!!! I see back padels on so many nintendo switch controllers and motion controls in that game which is nice.

[@dacid44]

I've still got mine, and use it regularly. Probably still will for a while yet, at least until I get a steam deck. Buttons are a bit mushy and the haptics aren't amazing, but it's pretty great for playing traditionally non-controller games from the couch.

[@goshdarnchicken]

Completely forgot about the Steam controller, and I agree, it should have been on here. It was odd, but it wasn't the worst thing I've ever used.

[@info0]

well, judging by patents, Valve might be onto Steam Controller V2 which would be nice as I haven't got chance to buy original one on sale :(. From customizability perspective, it blast any controller on PC out of the water. You can configure it for any game, even RTS and play from couch lol. There were haptics before Sony even thought about DualSense, there were multi action adaptive triggers, you had mouse like aiming with touchpads and gyro aiming. The only complaints I could have: it wasn't exactly plug n play like Xbox controllers are, you needed to tweak the settings or download profiles for games from Steam and it only really supported Steam games only. Second complaint would be build quality which wasn't that great.

[@vswag]

Thats crazy bro, my Wii Sensor Bar never broke and still works 13 - 14 years later.

[@michael1234252]

Same here.

[@user-vi4xy1jw7e]

Same. I think Matt is just hard on his stuff. Lol

[@michael1234252]

@@user-vi4xy1jw7e Exactly, back in the day from 2007-2011 when the Wii was super popular I've never heard about the sensor bar being prone to frailer. In the past 10 years I've had to move my Wii several times since I was moving it to another tv within the house, Moving houses, or just temporarily moving it when I was away for school. Even then I've never had it break on me.

[@Polderong]

Over 10 years still working as out of the box

[@michael1234252]

@@Polderong Same

[@CoalitionGaming]

Dreamcast controller got done dirty. However, the third party controller market for Dreamcast was awesome and my favorites were the Saturn Astropad (basis for Duke controller imo), the Mad Catz Dream Pad, and the Nyko Dream master controller. Though I also think it's funny that age and people not being born yet was brought up for the Dreamcast but not the Playstation lol.

[@PatrickThomasBrady]

As a collector of controllers, I have all these third party Dreamcast controllers and they are all bad, they’re just worse feeling versions of the Dreamcast controller but with turbo or extra face buttons that duplicate l and r

[@CoalitionGaming]

@@PatrickThomasBrady Meh. They were definitely not bad. Some downsides sure, but nothing is perfect. I suppose the Astro Pad had a hollow feel to it, but it was good for big hand feel, and Dream Master had a cheap feel to it but actual usage of it was fantastic especially because of built in rumble, and the Mad Catz imo took best of 1st party controller feel and third party controllers design for the best third party option.

[@mat99rich]

I do agree I never had a problem with the dreamcast controller maybe C tier. The ergonomics where actually not that bad I think the rounded sides helped a lot. It was bulky but when my brother got a dreamcast the controller was just fine. Im sad that the dreamcast didn't do better because it would have been interesting to see the next evolution for sega. And I loved sonic adventures. We didn't have a memory card so we got pretty good at the first part of the game. And when we finally got a memory card the fact that it had games like the egg hatching game for sonic adventures was interesting. But on the Playstation part. A lot of people probably knew of the PlayStation since they are still around in the console space but the dreamcast was the last console for Sega so not everyone knows that Sega even made consoles unless you are in you late 20s onward.

[@deanfranz]

Oh, how dare you, Austin. The Duke controller was one of the best, most comfortable controllers for us big-handed gamers. What you said was a tiny-handed slap in the face.

[@dontbotherreading]

Sheesh Greta thunberg back in action over a new issue

[@kenktheGD]

What I noticed was children had no problem with it, always found the size complaint off. Weight maybe...

[@Wimmle]

Hail to the duke baby 😹

[@staples6]

He literally acknowledged it was a good controller for big hands.

[@EtemmuReborn]

I bought the newer ones and couldn't go back to the regular controller after using it for a couple days. Shame my puppies decided to tug of war the cable for it.

[@supersaber101]

Would be nice for Xbox controllers to come with rechargeables but if I had to choose between rechargeable OR replaceable, I'd go replaceable. Nothing worse than a dead integrated battery, need a whole new controller at that point

[@west6807]

It should be like the 360 wireless controllers where it came with detachable rechargeable battery and plugin for charging and wired mode as well as a battery cover if you where at a friends house and needed to slap some double AAs in it

[@legacy_the_archer]

Also hate the slander for xbox swappable batteries , literaly buying a 11$ energizer rechagable battery will save you lots of money and you never have to plug the controller in to charge .

[@Quade-]

Xbox controllers have come with a rechargeable battery pack for like the last 5 years and you can still use AA's it's just superior

[@heimkhal2.097]

I agree with the tier list but I don't agree with the rechargeable reasoning. Linus explained this better but with a AA battery you can easily swap it out. You can use rechargeable AA and even a battery pack. We also know that the batteries will degrade over time so built-in batteries would be a pain to swap out. I love xbox's decision to keep the battery that way but I also understand why people prefer built-in batteries.

[@SparkSpace]

What Microsoft shoudl do is include their rechargable kit in the box

[@heimkhal2.097]

@@SparkSpace Agreed

[@h0sti1e17]

IMO the Elite 2 is S tier. I get the price, but the feel is the best, the adjustable thumbsticks and resistance. The ease of swapping button layouts (especially for games where you can't change layouts). On a side note, while not a controller that comes with a system, the NES Advantage was great.

[@cletuswilliams413]

Agreed for the Elite 2 controller

[@ChrisHKD]

Idk, I’d have given it an S but mine is lightly used and I’m already getting stick drift on the left thumb stick and my right trigger is starting to stick. Luckily I do have cover so can get it replaced when I have chance but for £150 there or there abouts I expected better. Then again my elite 1 grips completely peeled off so it’s better than that 😂

[@oaw117]

DS3 motion control was actually really cool. In the game infamous. You had a lighting attack you could stear using it. It was rarely used and that made it a great surprise when it was.

[@MaoRatto]

That style of input is on switch heavily.

[@simonmekhail8147]

i would put the xbox elite controller in S teir, yes its pricey, but its on sale often. And other controllers that are up to its standard and level of quality are the same price, if not way more. Plus, this controller has a couple more nice-to-have features than other controllers in its price range, and lets you stay within the ecosystem and tune the controller from your settings app.

[@MrTwinii88]

Sale often and you buy one and have it for years instead of buying manny normal controllers. ^^

[@frostbite3820]

Price shouldn't be considered for the elite. Its called elite for a reason. Plus there is a reason that all the enthusiasts use it. It was essentially designed so that you never want to put it down

[@2911Lucas]

Besides the Fisherprice look the Wii U GamePad was amazing. Sure, not every game uses the touchscreen. But it was very comfortable (especially for people with larger hands). There are games which use the GamePad for amazing features. Affordable Space Adventure, Pikmin 3, Fatal Frame, Wind Waker come to my mind.

[@FinneasJedidiah]

I played nintendoland for probably hundreds of hours with friends in high school- I honestly think the Wii u as a whole is super underrated

[@Devo_gx]

I would have put it at D tier; maybe C if it had actually used a capacitive touchscreen instead. Outside of this and the Dreamcast controller I’m fairly happy with this tier list.

[@user-vi4xy1jw7e]

Wasn't comfortable in terms of weight.

[@niccocaredda9876]

no bro that things screen is horrible, breaks with a single tap. Anybody remember the 3ds/ds big brother stylus tho?? that was pretty nice

[@saricubra2867]

Wind Waker sucked, either on the Gamecube or Wii U, a rushed game will forever be bad, even the Gamepad use on Wind Waker HD is basically non existant for that awful ocean.

[@TeH_RunT]

GameCube controller is one of the most comfortable controllers of all time and always will be. How could you do this putting it so low down the list?!?

[@niq872]

Same thing I was thinking

[@DonisGP]

The dualshock 4 will always be my favorite. I still have my og one that came with my ps4 slim in 2016 and use it almost daily. Still works and feels amazing. It was such a huge leap and had major developments compaired to older ps controllers. Still feel great to use, really responsive, looks good, and it still keeps up with todays standards.

[@kevincorroyer101]

How lol dualshock 4 had even more drift than joycons😂 i still got my og joycons no drift. But damn i had like 15 dualshock 4 controllers always the damn drift

[@DonisGP]

@ursulpolal5949 I like how it fits my hand better but I will say the buttons click and feel so crisp. I tried my friends series X and S controller since I only play PS and their controllers are definitely nice. But PS controllers fit my hand better lol

[@gregsmith9183]

I loved the 360 controller but hated the D-pad on it. So many times it would not register in the direcftion I pressed or perform multiple presses Also loved the Logitech wireless controller for the original Xbox console. The Wii Remote was great. Just hated the Motion Plus add-on for the original remote. With someone who has fairly small hand it just made it more bulky and difficult to hold in my opinion. Glad they re-released the Wii Remote with the motion plus built in.

[@anthonygioia4531]

I loved the duke controller and greatly missed it when they made the controllers smaller in later years.

[@MountainWo1f]

This is a nitpick but the xbox one had 2 controllers. The lanch didn't have a headphone jack and cosmetically was different around the xbox button. The controllers that came with the xbox one s did have a headphone jack, and Bluetooth and that cosmetic change around the xbox button.

[@TurboCharged_RubberDuck]

If you included the Intellivision controller you should also have included the original Atari CX10 joystick! Not a great controller by any stretch of the imagination but thoroughly classic nontheless!

[@quantumleaper]

Don't forget the Colecovision, which was around with the Intellivision and Atari CX10. It's like they forgot EVERY Atari home console joystick.

[@CommodoreFan64]

Seems like they need to do a round two of this, and include way more controllers. Also I agree the OG Atari CX10 stick was not great, and gives me hand cramps after 15 to 20 mins it is iconic, and did help make the DB9 port one of the most used standards in history on consoles, and home computers from the late 70's - mid 90's.

[@t12121]

Agreed Where's the Atari controller? I'm thinking it should be ranked D.

[@aruce9]

I have tried an intellivision controller and I really didn’t like it, the circle was mushy and awful, the regular buttons were okay but as a standin for a joystick was not good. I would rather take a 2600 controller as at least the joystick was a decent way of controlling retro games from that time period

[@quantumleaper]

@@aruce9 Maybe you should try an Arari 5200 controller, which was the worst controller for ANY system I have ever used in the past 43 years. I wouldn't call the disc mushy since there was that much movement of the disc. I know since I have repaired my Intellivision controllers in the past. What I didn't like was the lip around the disc on the Intellivision controllers.

[@valiantsloth]

I still prefer having AAs over an internal battery. Have a box full of dead controllers that can only be played wired now. On the other hand, my rechargeable AAs have a higher mAh rating than any controller's internal battery that I'm aware of. Also don't have to be married to a cord or change controllers on a long gaming session. 30 seconds to change the batteries and back at it.

[@Dariushellstrome]

Earlier in the vid I thought you guys said that you sort of have to look at the controller in a vacuum. As uncomfortable as the original NES controller is to hold and use for its time period it was C or low B teir for a variety of reasons, replacement cost, relatively tough construction.

[@G3BEWD]

One of the best qualities of the Xbox controllers is the fact that it have replaceable batteries, like can you imagine getting 4 rechargeable batteries, using 2, while 2 of them are ready at any time? No pluging in needed? Like the fact that batteries are getting better and better and you have 4000,5000 even 6000mah of charge? while the ps5's has only 1500mah? There is no comparison in convenience

[@aaronsondag8347]

In all honesty I hate the fact that there are controllers where you can't replace the battery in them because as soon as that battery can't hold a charge any longer it is literally a paper weight unless you want to turn it into a corded controller. So no controller that has batteries you can't replace should ever reach S tier. Including my beloved elite series 2 controller.

[@VanDiESEL619]

this. I'll never undestand why people defend controllers with built in batteries

[@ram89572]

Yep, totally with you on that one. Any controller where you need to open it up, source a proper quality replacement, and then have to put it back together is definitely worse than something where you can literally just pop off a battery door and swap out plain AAs, rechargeable AAs, or a replaceable rechargeable pack

[@cdgames69]

Wait, was it actually a thing where the Wii sensor bar would regularly break? I still have my very first sensor bar, and that cable has gone through some shit. This thing has survived 5 television swaps alongside 3 house changes, not to mention 4 room changes inside of that last house. It outlived the Wii that it came with, which I need to lay upside down in order for it to read discs

[@Jrv3192]

I think the Dreamcast controller deserved more credit really it was pretty ahead off its time with hall based sensors for the joystick and it had anolog triggers too

[@SilverReviews]

Exactly, and it was surprisingly very comfortable and ergonomic.

[@MaoRatto]

The dreamcast had a bad analog stick, was backwards on the lack of a second stick. Also the thing in the middle was annoying.

[@RetroZero64]

@@MaoRatto The analog stick is actually pretty good. it had the feel of notches without there actually being any

[@darkphoxgaming]

With our XBOX 360 remotes, we had gotten this battery pack set that gave our remotes wireless charging capabilities and it was pretty nice. Turn the console and such off and plop the remote on the included charging pad and next day you would be ready to go with now worries that your remote was dead

[@chaseharlan01]

A bit disappointed that my favorite controller of all time the Wii u pro controller didn't show up, it's like the inverse of the PlayStation where the two sticks are up top but it feels really comfortable cuz your thumb's naturally want to rest there and it's rechargeable but unlike the PlayStation it actually has a cover on the back so if the rechargeable battery dies you could buy a new one and easily put it in no need to take apart the entire controller. The only problem with it is it uses mini b which was outdated for the time but I will say at least it's more robust than micro so depending on how you look at it that could also be a good thing I've had the micro b spot on the back of my Xbox controller break before.

[@beefy45]

I loved that controller

[@MrFunnyman5260]

Wow I have it (the black one) and use it to this day on pc. I really really like it!! I think we're one of the few 😅

[@antieatingactivist]

I've been a Nintendo kid all my life and I HATED the Wii U pro controller. Having both sticks up top was awful. They righted that wrong with the switch pro controller IMO.

[@J0bix]

@@antieatingactivist each their one, I guess

[@user-vi4xy1jw7e]

Switch Pro controller is better

[@reptilez13]

You guys were all over the place here. The NES controller was uncomfortable but had the first Dpad that wasn't a disc on home console. The PC Engine and Sega Master System had disc dpads. The Saturn Japanese controller was the best for tons of shooters and fighters because it perfected it, the 360 Dpad was horrific, tons of points you missed. Also rechargable AAs is not a downside....?

[@m3tzable]

the only reason other companies used the disc is because of nintendo protected their dpad with patents, they used them first awith game and watch. Playstation got a close second for me with there dpads

[@reptilez13]

@@m3tzable true, it was just a point not mentioned iirc

[@tacticalbeaver4637]

You guys did forget to add the Nintendo Switch Pro controller. it's more commonly used than the Joy cons

[@TyGamer0426]

I never got one but I do have 2 different power A controllers

[@CommodoreFan64]

I only have a Switch Lite, but I have a charge dock on my PC desk in my home office with extra USB ports, and when I'm at home I use my wired Power A controller to play with it docked, as it just feels so much better to use.

[@CommodoreFan64]

@@TyGamer0426 Power A is a very solid choice for the money, and despite the rubber on the thumb stick wearing off my Power A MOGA HERO controller is still the best controller I've used for my Android Phone, and Tablet for the GTA mobile games, and emulation, plus their Wired Xbox, and Switch controllers also work really well on Linux PC without making my wallet scream.

[@Authan65]

It's not more commonly used tho.

[@kamui004]

3:14 And I'm not a fan of the xbox controller's stick layout. When I'm playing fighting games on the controller when I'm too lazy to bring out the arcade stick, the analog stick suck @ss for pulling moves and the D-Pad my thumb is positioned almost sideways which make it awkward when pressing them for any direction accurately. And speaking of the 360's d-pad and fighting games, the 360 one is the worst because of its geometry. Unlike others where each key in the d-pad sits directly on the membrane contact thingy and you can feel that direct contact/inputm, the 360 is literally a short joystick with a lower platform touching the contacts and another almost a centimeter away where your finger rest which doesn't help with the accuracy of the your inputs, it feels disjointed and laggy and awkward to pull moves with, also the 360 d-pad has a border/fence around it which makes it even worse. So I give the 360 an E, maybe even F. I much prefer any of the PS controllers layout or maybe because I'm used to it. Funny thing about the old NES controller, the Japanese Famicom's had rounded edges, that era where all the Nintendo stuff in the West had to be made bigger and clunkier.

[@JamiePineappleWyatt]

With the amount of charge cycles that I go through in a year with my controllers, I'm quite glad Xbox controllers have the option for 3rd party battery packs with the capability to passthrough the onboard usb port for charging, so that I can swap out a bad pack once it finally dies or looses capacity without pulling apart the whole controller. With the new S controllers I have really appreciated USB-C support and the native support with pc via bluetooth with no hassles is amazing.

[@m3tzable]

i never had to switch out batteries ons the Dualshock controllers in it's lifetime, its something microsoft charged extra for

[@JamiePineappleWyatt]

@@m3tzable I do well over 700 cycles a year, there isnt a single lithium on the planet that can keep a controller lasting more than 15 minutes in my house after that. P.S I have plenty of DS2 and 3's that have had battery issues. Especially considering their age. You must be using yours for a max of half an hour a day if they last you "forever", mine get some real use. Besides $20 for two batteries, a charge station and easy reparability (thats a score these days, you know, with right to repair being a thing) Xbox wins for me. Sony you have to pay the same price just to get a glorified usb hub and you get no batteries at all + the wonderful experience of "Hey I played 15 minutes of Ratchet and Clank, now I have to get off because my controller went flat or I have to use the included 20cm charge cable to play"

[@m3tzable]

@@JamiePineappleWyatt nah I just charged it, via wall adapter or just a longer cable. It's a standard micro usb cable unlike the 360 one. Or just change controller and charge the second one. Of course the usage per charge did go down but it wasn't that bothersome to change the battery.even with right to repair. It's super easy to change the battery if you want, I did change the shells of my ds3's though and they did get plenty of use. Minimum of 3hours a day Ds2 wasn't wireless so that's wrong, what u mean glorified hub for same price? And you did get the battery with controller, idk what you whining about.

[@Wimmle]

Good list but I'd bring the Wii U up to a solid C being able to play most games on the gamepad without the need for the tv is pretty awesome and it's very light weight with decent battery

[@seans4474]

I'm on team AA batteries. Use rechargeables Great when you can hot swap batteries and it increases controller longevity. I still have my 360 controllers and use them

[@casvanommeslaeghe]

that, and changing out the play and charge kit when it loses charge is easy AF as opposed to the dualshock 4

[@NathanMatthews.]

A little unfair on the PS3 controller as you said it's similar to the PS2 controller but the Xbox one and Xbox series x/s controllers are doing the exact same thing too.

[@Viper20184]

For the most part I agree with your list. I would move the Elite to the S tier, GameCube to A. And ill chime in with a controller that you forgot. The Wavebird. I would rank that one as a A tier

[@ram89572]

I was very fond of my Wavebird. It worked well and felt good.

[@saricubra2867]

Wavebird is easily S, godlike battery life and range.

[@feltron]

From what I've heard about the quality of the pro controller I would put it lower. Maybe just one tier. The Sega controller you guys showed was the six button which was a revision of the original 3 button. Also the SNES controller did not give extra buttons (unless comparing it to the original Sega genesis). Did the 6 button ever come with a Sega. I had to buy one separate.

[@deejay_n_va]

Also the DualSense is GOD TIER

[@jeremyh4180]

I agree with all but the WII remote. Thats got a special place in my heart. It was a revolution for 2006 in terms for wireless controllers and the nunchuck was so awesome to have with racing games like Mario Kart and Need for Speed Pro Street

[@GryffindorSeeker]

I wish the Switch pro controller was on the list here. When joy con drift was a huge issue for me the pro controller was a huge help, it was the perfect size for a controller and it felt good to hold. I also never had a problem with it when it comes to drifting. I’d give it a solid A. The only reason I’m not giving it an S is because it was priced more than I expected it to be in my opinion and it didn’t come with the Switch.

[@loudstone9193]

Now you have to rate the wii controller addons that you could attach

[@ThiagoAbreuJedi]

- "I don't like the sticks on the bottom" - "Dual sense" - "Best controller evür!!!"

[@a3-radio]

He did specifically said it was the features

[@Thundervolt888]

I would put the most innovative controllers higher in the list personally because they’re pushing or pushes the gaming industry forward such as the Dreamcast, Nintendo Wii etc.

[@reptilez13]

The Series XS controller is my favorite controller ever. That Dpad is mint, and the triggers, overall feel... It's by far the most versatile.

[@InsaneCarverUpqik]

i like both xbox and ps consoles but the one reason i always prefer ps over xbox is because the symmetrical sticks have always been way more comfortable for me XD

[@rikiapati8010]

AA batteries is a plus always... you can buy rechargeable AA batteries and throw them when they die and just buy some new ones. Withe the built in battery it's way more complicated to replace it

[@Ferzin400]

Also you have to play wired when the built in battery is flat, where i can recharge the flat batteries while i play with new ones in the meantime.

[@Gamesta100]

Owning all 5 PS's and probably 20 controllers across all 5 and I've never had to replace a battery.

[@ram89572]

@@Gamesta100 Good for you. That isn't the experience of everyone out there and also doesn't say anything about those systems in the future when one of those batteries might be 15 or 20 years old. Why defend a practice that is completely unnecessary? Oh, wait. I know why. You're just a Sony fanboy and they can never do any wrong. That's literally the only reason to defend a controller having a battery that can't be swapped out in 30 seconds.

[@rikiapati8010]

@@Gamesta100 what happens when your ps3 controller's battery dies and there will be almost no replacement for it? It is an old system, so probably the availability of a new battery will drop and the price will go higher. with AA it won't be such a problem

[@content_creator_tips]

This was a great idea! It would be sick if you guys made a video on the main channel reviewing all these controllers.?

[@MWOPPDLX]

Would've given GC controller A tier. It's still the go to for Smash and has lasted 4 generations

[@leecroft1983]

Personally would place in B tier. Tiny d-pad, triggers... people seem to love them but still not a fan of them myself.

[@MWOPPDLX]

@@leecroft1983 I'll give you that. Personally I almost never needed to use the dpad and my only complaint for the triggers would be they could be a lil firmer and have better feedback

[@TrexelCat]

13:38 Star Fox Zero also utilized the Gamepad screen, it used the screen as a cockpit view from your ship where on the main TV it was a third person view that could be used for lock on as the TV camera would follow the target, and the gamepad view showed you what was in front of your ship. Xenoblade Chronicles X also used the Wii U gamepad screen for display of the map, with the touch screen interface so you could teleport to already visited areas, and view inventory stuff. Breath of the Wild, which actually was ~developed~ on the Wii U(thank you Wii U, without you people may have never known the glory that is this game on the Switch) was capable of switching the game play to the game pad screen rather than use the TV. So in essence, the Wii U Gamepad for Breath of the Wild became a sort of mini Switch for that game.

[@SoundTestMedia]

You all forgot an essential S tier controller, the Wii U Pro Controller. By far the most comfortable controller I've ever held in my life. Amazing battery life (like 60 or something hours?), fantastic D-Pad, a completely new analog stick placement, which I find better that Playstation's Analog placement and amazing capability with a wide genre of games. It's a shame Nintendo didn't re-use the design for the Switch. The only downside I would say is the lack of analog triggers.

[@antishulk]

i disagree a bit the buttons are kinda mushy and the stick placement is a bit more difficult imo

[@bland9876]

I always found the buttons a tiny bit too easy to press but otherwise they're my favorite buttons and + shaped d-pad. The stick layout is like the steam controller but with inferior joysticks versus track pads. My perfect regular controller would be a switch pro controller with the PlayStation layout and then the buttons and d-pad from the Wii u just slightly harder to press. And make it look like the Wii u pro controller black version. Lastly make it use AA and everything else like an Xbox or 8bitdo controller.

[@Middleseed]

I actually loved the fact that they switched over to the Xbox style, much more comfortable than either the PlayStation or wii u style.

[@studmachine1678]

You guys forgot the Coleco Vision controller. Fairly similar to the Intelivision controller but possibly worse.

[@SASUKE1THE1AVENGER]

I found the Wii u gamepad comfortable to hold, and it was nice to be able to use it as the screen so you didn't need to use the tv for it. It is a great convenience controller. But with that said, the switch is 1000% better for it's convenience, but not ergonomics.

[@joester4life]

Agree. The Wii U Gamepad was a nice fit, and it wasn't heavy. I played COD a lot on it.

[@SASUKE1THE1AVENGER]

@@joester4life dude, same.I played a lot of bo2 on it, it looked really good and played really well.

[@noahhesson2412]

what is the dinosaur robot thing behind you on the shelf. Is it rare or do u just like it

[@randomcnando]

I used to love the ps3 and subsequently the ps4 controllers for the rechargeable internal battery BUT as I've gotten older and my console collection grows I love that Xbox STILL has replaceable batteries. I have ps3 controllers that are permadead without battery replacement (which are becoming harder to find consistently) but I can toss some rechargeable AA batteries in my 360 controller and it works just the same as it always has without all that extra hassle. I hope Xbox holds its course for replaceable batteries.

[@doublevendetta]

Fucking THANK YOU

[@TetraSky]

Wii SPORT sold a hundred million wiis. Not Wii FIT. Wii Sport came in the box and was all a lot of people (especially older folks) wanted to play.

[@hartzell101]

Was hoping for the switch pro controller. I knew when I bought it it would be better than the joycons but holy shit it really is a great controller.

[@James14OO]

Yeah its my second favourite controller ever behind the dualsense. The fact that the battery lasts such a ridiculous amount of time is great and it's really comfortable.

[@Mort-jm6zj]

are you grading it for the controler or how much it cost

[@Fullcollapse19]

Blasphemy! The Dreamcast controller would be S tier if the cable was on the top.

[@h0sti1e17]

It at least had the little clip. And several games took advantage of the screen/memory card.

[@leoderasluna]

Wheres's the switch pro controller?? That thing is amazing.

[@doublevendetta]

Removable AAs are a feature not a bug, and I'm tired of having to try and DEFEND that.

[@thatdixierasta]

amen

[@bolski6125]

For both the Genesis and NES, I got the Joystick. That worked SO much better for MOST games over the d-pads on both controllers. And yes, the NES controller HURT my hands as those corners would bite into my palms. Joystick all the way, especially for fighting games, etc.

[@BigMan7o0]

The xboner controller has quickly become my favorite ergonomically, but the sticks are WAY too loose imo. A lot of people when they came out would send them out to get the thumbstick tension increased so they were more similar to the 360, thats my ONLY issue with them

[@yeetyeet5079]

Maybe they were responding to complaints that the 360 sticks were too stiff

[@BigMan7o0]

@@yeetyeet5079 idk why people would complain about that, all lowering the tension achieved was lowering accuracy in any game that uses the thumb sticks in any capacity

[@yeetyeet5079]

I mean some people like children have weaker thumbs

[@BigMan7o0]

@@yeetyeet5079 I was pretty damn young when I started gaming and didn't have an issue. Probably too young tbh, I started playing games with my dad on his Xbox 360 at like 8 maybe, and had already been playing worms with him and my mom on the ps2 every once in a while for a year or so Edit: correction, I started playing worms on ps2 around 7 or 8, and played 360 at 9 or 10. Pretty sure mw3 was the first 360 game I played not long after it came out, which was 2011

[@yeetyeet5079]

@@BigMan7o0 im just saying maybe some people said the 360 sticks were too stiff or Microsoft used different sticks for another reason like cost

[@bigcheese6417]

I rate the Duke highly. I'd say that the feel of the controller is large but, for those with larger hands it's extremely snug. I love the way I feel like my trigger fingers are covered, it's like my hands are strapped into their own cockpit. How ever unless you can claw grip/use claw grip good luck being as effortless as a modern Xbox controller. For me if you change the right thumb stick and maybe the travel time/ responsiveness of the stick it would be probably my perfect controller

[@cactusmanbwl1990]

I'm definitely in the minority here, but I absolutely hate the adaptive triggers on the Dualsense. I try every game with it, and then turn it off. I just haven't found a game that I thought was enhanced by it. I could see GT7 being different due to feeling your tires lose traction or brake lockup, but I refuse to buy that dumpster fire.

[@KagatoAsuka]

Have you played Returnal?

[@Slamcrash]

I think try setting them to be weaker. I found them extremely tiring with Ratchet & Clank but after I turned them down it was great

[@casmithh]

I think spider-man is a good subtle one.

[@bestechYtBotBH]

couldn't agree more with this tier list. very entertaining to watch matt give austin no room for arguments ahahaha

[@MrThirst]

I agree with all of this apart from the Elite controller. I needs to be S tier. What it lacks in the PS5 haptics it makes up for in back buttons and interchangeable sticks. Its S tier.

[@stonegrendel9064]

I added the Rise 4.0 buttons to the back. skip the soldering and its about a 20 minute install. It definitely improves life a bit but the Elite series 2 is still top in my book.

[@TheKAYLEN101]

Matt be killing me with the impressions

[@waulkingwithdinos4564]

"I hate the joycons, they're too small." "The Wii U is to big and unwieldy." 😂

[@MSUHitman]

I would have liked for you to rank the Atari 2600/5200/7800 controllers (since you did Intellivision) & the NES “dogbone” but otherwise great list.

[@Bigblock6o]

The Xbox elite 2 is the best controller. I had both versions I like the weight of the elite ones. It’s the offset sticks that make me like the Xbox controllers the best. I have not tried a PS5 Duelsence (I think I butchered that one) I think I would like it.

[@parttimevaper8267]

Where would the atari controllers and the turbo graphics 16 controller go on the list?

[@Pc118Gamer]

I really like the dreamcast controller, it's surprisingly comfortable, and its layout is pretty good IMO same can be said about the duke controller.

[@jimmymyers]

It handled Crazy Taxi's wonky steering better than the controllers I've used to on my pc to emulate it.

[@rrorge]

I so disagree with you guys about counting AA batteries as a negative, I've got a dead dual shock 4 because the battery doesn't keep a charge (have to have it plugged into a power bank to use it) but I just put a new pair of rechargeable AA battery in my Xbox 360 controller and it's still good)

[@IntoTheFire777]

That candle thing for the Wii remotes didn't actually work did it???

[@JxtAnderson]

*Despite the economic market crash,I'm so happy. I have been earning $45,850 returns from my $8,000 investment every 14 days.*

[@davidtoney7698]

This must be an investment with Mr Clinton Jackson.

[@andrewcuomo8608]

He helped me recover what I lost trying to trade myself

[@majinmike6840]

Tier list looks good. I would just pit the Xbox elite controller to S tier. The customizable parts and switches just give it versatility for different users. Sure it's expensive but it has that feature that no other controller had/has

[@SEGASAGE]

So why did you not do the OG saturn or genesis controller?

[@jonasolofsson4128]

Did all genesis controller have 6 buttons? Because my Mega Drive ones only had 3. And they broke all the time!

[@Enzo575]

2:47 how Many Dreamcast games did yall play to say that?

[@Patelasaur]

I think one thing people don't really think about with the controller arguments is that one person's comfort may not be the same as someone else's and I'm glad they are mentioning that. I'm disabled and my hands are smaller, the only controller I can physically use is the DualShock 4. I had been using it with an adapter called the Titan 2 that allows me to use the Xbox Adaptive Controller in combination with the DS4. Then the PS5 decided DS4 isn't usuable with PS5 games UNLESS you use Remote Play which is is what I've had to do. I like what the DualSense can do but I cannot hold it whatsoever at all.

[@joaomendes3907]

Actually, ZombieU made a good use of the WiiU controller and it was terrifying to have to manage shit on the backpack while you were able to see the zombies coming at you on the TV

[@fastbrad2233]

Fantastic tier list. Just would’ve bumped the ps4 remote controller up one tier.

[@YesNo-rz2dn]

I was rewatching this and just realized, IS THAT A DONUT MEDIA SHIRT

[@josephafrica23]

how come the nintendo switch pro controller wasnt included in the list?

[@jaystapes3086]

Love the List! Only thing I'd change is the PS4 controller with GameCube controller.

[@TheBadGuuy]

The DREAMCAST VMU was amazing for 1 thing, playing NFL 2K against a friend!! If you were both together the VMU would show the plays to choose from...Every other football game ever since you always can see which 3 plays your opponent is choosing from, making it somewhat predictable.

[@TheBadGuuy]

GO BILLS! 🎉

[@Kebaskia]

Dual Shock 3 was the successor to sixaxis, but it retained the original sixaxis functionality. On top of that it's also connects via bluetooth, something the 360 controller did not. I still prefer the 360 controller, but DS3 is a solid A for me. Also the Wii U controller is A tier (5 player Super Mario Bros. U) and the Duke is C tier. Other than that I agree with everything else.

[@kalebnolan8343]

SACRILEGE!! THE DUKE IS SOMETHING SACRED! IT TRANSCENDS THE TIER LIST!

[@Larry]

I own both colours of the apple pippin, the controller is really comfortable, 100% not worth an F. But game wise, it's somewhere between a Philips CD-i and a 3DO.

[@kevinhewitt8043]

Personally, what keeps the dual sense out of s tier for me is the battery life. I love the gyro controls, but think the touch pad and haptic triggers are a bit gimmicky, I thought the same thing when Microsoft tried to include rumble in their triggers back in 2013, and sony has yet to change my mind. I also kinda like the fact that the xbox controllers come with removable batteries since that means the controller would last much longer than it would have if the battery wasn't removable. It's still B.S. that they don't include a battery pack with the new xbox consoles though.

[@pelago_]

I was 13-14 and not a massive boy, and I loved the duke. I didn’t have much of an issue handling it, I thought the size was cool as hell.

[@adamrasmussen9939]

1:53 To be completely fair to the Joycons, drift doesn't become an issue until at least day 2 or 3...

[@SeralyneYT]

11:44 - I still have my original sensor bar from my Wii that I got in 2008, which still works. And I did not take good care of that Wii, honestly.

[@Actual_Real_Person]

I'm a little surprised you talked about the joy cons but not the pro controller

[@Amenhir1]

From what I remember the Xbox S controller was the one they released in Japan and Europe and the "Duke" was the one we got in the US. If my memory is correct the "Duke" was supposed to fit the "larger" American hands. We finally got the S when the "Duke" bombed. The Boomerang controller was during the time that Sony was in a legal battle with the people who designed the Dualshock. The Dualshock 3 didn't come out at launch the Sixaxis did, until the legal dispute was resolved and they released the Dualshock 3.

[@sarahherriott13]

I have a question for Matt has he ever used the NES controller? 9:28

[@milkymoth]

The AA battery's in the Xbox 360 controller is actually why I think they are some of my favourites. Xbox 360 contollers still work today cause you can replace the battery's!

[@hughharsher]

Switch Pro controller was pretty decent too

[@davedixon2167]

Gotta defend the NES pad, but not based on pure nostalgia - beyond those square corners was a D-pad and pair of action buttons that were amazingly responsive and perfectly accurate when compared to any other controller that had come before. The followup hacky rounding on the SNES dogbone was absolutely bested by the Genesis pad's ergonomics, but in the 8-bit set, the NES was just awesome.

[@OnlyEpicEmber]

The Saturn 3D control pad is the best 2D controller ever. Excellent D-Pad, 6 full size face buttons AND shoulder buttons and it’s also a better Dreamcast controller than the Dreamcast controller

[@fredericksweet]

Agree with the classic nes controller. But got to give props to the dog bone upgrade. Should have included that one.

[@josephjennings3146]

not gonna lie, this tier list is exactly what I would put for each cause they're really good for how they were