What is the BEST Controller of ALL Time?

Today I'm trying to find out what the best controller of all time is. I'm going through all generations from the PS1 onward to find the best controller per generation. Afterwards I'll pick a top three to answer the question.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:26 What defines a good controller?
01:03 5th generation
01:48 6th generation
03:08 7th generation
04:24 8th generation
05:06 9th generation
06:50 Conclusion
I'm planning on making more of these in the future, so subscribe if you'd like to see more :)
Twitch: twitch.tv/gamefishbram
Edited with CapCut

[@chevy5137]

I love the new PS5 controller it's finally been redesigned so it's big enough to be comfortable for my large hands and my PS5 Edge controller is probably my favorite controller of all time now with all it's crazy features, haptic feedback triggers with grip on them and with 3 stage trigger locks, a built in speaker and microphone, the LED lighting around the TouchPad that indicates the charge level by the color it glows and the 4 white LED lights under it that let you know what player you are and the black TouchPad with small x, o, □ and triangles symbolizing the PlayStation buttons etched into it, the rubber grips on the back of the handles, the extra 2 programmable paddles on the back, the interchangeable analog stick which can also be replaced for just $20 so if one breaks or gets stick drift you don't have to buy a whole new controller and it feels incredibly solid and well built too. Also I think tied for first is the new Gilikit KK3 Kingkong Max controller I just recently got, I've always really liked the Xbox One controller and it's styled like an Xbox One elite controller with the 4 extra paddles on the back only I think it feels a little better built imo, but I've never used an elite Xbox One controller so I'm comparing it to the standard one. The reasons it ties for first are because it's like a better quality Xbox One controller which as I said I've always liked, also it has spots for 4 paddles on the back and comes with the same 4 as the Xbox One elite controller but it also comes with a pair of half moon paddles like the PlayStation Edge controller does, the buttons are interchangeable, it has 6 axis gyro capability, and it has a good amount of grip on the back of the handles and the triggers as well as having trigger lockouts, it also has LED light rings around the base of the analog sticks which look really cool, and probably the 3 best features are that it has magnetic hall effect analog sticks with no moving parts to break instead standard mechanical style ones like every other controller so they will never get stick drift plus they have 3 levels of sensitivity and one of the other best feature is it's compatible with every and I mean every system out there, the Kingkong 2 only worked with window computers, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS but when they released the Kingkong 3 they also released the goku adaptor with it so now it's also compatible with PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S and all versions of the Xbox One. The last of the best features is even with all it's amazing features it only costs $80, just a little more than a standard Xbox One or PS5 controller and $100 less than an Xbox One elite 2 or PlayStation Edge controller, even though like those 2 it has programmable back paddles and trigger locks and the analog sticks have 3 sensitivity settings plus being hall effect analog sticks they aren't susceptible to stick drift, now I know the PlayStation Edge controller has replaceable analog sticks for just $20 to combat stick drift problems but the if the Xbox One elite controller gets stick drift your screwed. Also it's as solid and well built as the PlayStation Edge controller, I can't speak for the Xbox One elite 2 controller since i haven't used one but imo it's better built and feels higher quality than a standard Xbox One controller. Plus it's the only controller out that will work with ever system out even including the last gen Xbox One and PS4. I'd like to see another controller that well built with all those features that only costs $80, I've never liked aftermarket controllers but i love this one, i think the only ones that could compete with it are Scuff controllers and they are over $200 plus they only work with one system. In a tie for second place for me is the Xbox One controller which I've always love, it's comfortable and I like the layout and rumble triggers and the GameCube WaveBird controller the first stock wireless controller ever which was really ergonomic and comfortable, like you said that's why Nintendo is still making GameCube controllers to this day and even though it's super hard to find original WaveBird controllers I happened to see on Amazon that Nintendo is making new wireless GameCube controllers for the Swith without the large protrusion on the bottom like the original WaveBird controller and they have kept mainly the same layout but added a second shoulder button on the left and made them larger along with the d-pad and 4 system buttons added in the middle, and for just $60 thats awesome!

[@DarkKnight-lh4gr]

i aint reading all that

[@DoctorRevers]

Holy crap that’s a long comment.

[@z4de80]

@@DarkKnight-lh4grthen why did you reply

[@Laz3rCat95]

Glad to finally hear some appreciation for the Wii Remote

[@gamefishbram]

I know right! It's so overhated

[@notsorrybricksanimationstu4917]

Technically, that wasn't the original PS1 controller you showed, the one you showed came a little later.

[@gamefishbram]

Yeaahhh I know it had a version without analog sticks, but the dualshock 1 is so much better 🤪

[@notsorrybricksanimationstu4917]

@@gamefishbram true

[@ricenoodles632]

@@gamefishbram I'm not so sure about that, I feel like if you don't need the sticks, then it's better to just use the original pad. And then take out the Dualshock when you actually need it to play games like Ape Escape and etc.

[@gamefishbram]

You might be right there, can't verify unforunately since I don't own an original controller. Tho overall because you have the option to play 3d games with two sticks as well I'd say the dualshock is better. But for 2d games you might be right

[@chevy5137]

That's true when I got my PS1 the controller didn't have analog sticks and when I did get one with analog sticks I remember that there were a lot of games they didn't work with so you still had to use the d-pad. Also even though the N64 controller only had 1 analog stick they came out with it first in 1996 and PlayStation obviously didn't want to be outdone so they replied with the DualShock 1 in 1997, I believe the reason many PS1 games didn't work with the analog stick was because the PS1 came out in 1994 so the DualShock 1 controller didn't come out till 3 years after the PS1 did. I will admit that the DualShock 1 had nicer analog sticks and having 2 was better, however since they didn't release it till 3 years after the PS1 the majority of games that came before the DualShock 1 couldn't use the analog sticks which was disappointing, I remember wondering why I spent so much money on a DualShock 1 controller when almost all of my games wouldn't work with them. However since Nintendo released their analog stick controller at the same time as the N64 all their games worked with the analog stick.

[@c.daubz.5386]

As a gamer since the Atari 7800, I have to say my favorite is ps5 controller, the ergonomics new tactile vibration & trigger push back along with a touch pad a mic and speaker, after playing astro playroom and getting to experience the ps5 dual sense controllers full functionality I don’t see where any others compare, hope all game developers push those controller functions like astro game did, 👍👍video

[@gamefishbram]

Absolutely, if all controllers from here on out are like the dualsense it can only get better :)

[@z4de80]

You are old ( respectfully )

[@HeroDotus12]

I recently got a ps5 and that’s probably my favorite

[@HeroDotus12]

Favorite controller

[@gamefishbram]

Yeah it's my personal favorite as well :D

[@marijnverheggen6482]

If they remade the gamcube controller for smash players why did they keep that stiff nipple that they call aa second joystick i always found it weird that they even did that when the console came out the nintendo64 joystick looks even better and that says something

[@gamefishbram]

You're always using 3rd party controllers right? Cause it feels really good on an original controller and is 100 times better than the n64 stick. It is pretty small tho, but for Smash I actually prefer that

[@fin09987]

Nog een gamefishbram banger 😁👍

[@gamefishbram]

Op die streakkk 😎💀

[@eggoman8661]

how does this not have more views?

[@gamefishbram]

Hahaha idk man, glad you enjoyed tho :)

[@chevy5137]

You forgot to mention that the GameCube came out with the first ever wireless controller a full generation ahead of all the other consoles with the WaveBird controller! Which makes the GameCube controller that more amazing. I loved mine and continued to use it with the compatible games on my Wii! I was devastated when it got stolen because by then they were basically impossible to find new and hard to find in good condition used, of course my Wii got stolen at the same time and I never replaced it and haven't bought another Nintendo console since so I wouldn't have any use for it now anyway. Plus every controller is wireless these days. However I still consider the GameCube WaveBird controller one of my favorite controllers of all time to this day.

[@gamefishbram]

You're absolutely right the wavebird is amazing! I didn't mention it because I don't own it and saying a controller I've never even used is my favorite in generation would be a bit strange 🤪

[@chevy5137]

@gamefishbram I used the heck out of my WaveBird controller and if I had a Nintendo Switch I would definitely get one of the new wireless GameCube controllers for it! Also I'm not surprised you didn't own a WaveBird controller, even when the GameCube was still around they were hard to find, idk if that's cuz they sold out all the time or cuz Nintendo didn't make many of them. It's a shame the GameCube controllers didn't get the recognition they deserved, especially the WaveBird controller since it was the first wireless controller, people always seem to forget or dismiss that fact and always hail the Xbox 360 controller as the first wireless controller.

[@gamefishbram]

That'd be really cool for the Switch indeed! I've got an adapter to use my gc controllers on switch so that's a bit cheaper lol

[@P3S4R]

Simple really, ocean gate controller

[@gamefishbram]

I was very tempted to make a joke about that but thought it might've been a bit too dark 😂

[@P3S4R]

@@gamefishbramtrue

[@citrus.airways]

Jokes aside, the Logitech F710 is actually a pretty good controller

[@gamefishbram]

Hahaha it indeed doesn't seem that bad

[@LittleNinjaXYBA]

Valid

[@mispinchergamings3470]

My fav be over all time is xbox360 or Wii or Wii u such a fun time. 1:38 by the way think you mis say something? Other gamecube gen before Wii and one after Wii or Wii u ere.

[@gamefishbram]

Yeah those are great! I dont really understand what you mean, what dit i miss say? 😅

[@Pigulodo]

I dunno, people give the n64 controller too much flack in my opinion, like yea in hindsight it's not really ergonomic, and the design makes little sense now, but at the time their thought was it would have 2 hand positions for each type of game, 2D games would utilize the wider grip, and 3D games would use the inner grip, they were trying to reinvent the wheel, nobody knew how 3D games would control (namely camera controls), let alone how to layout a controller to accommodate 3D and 2D games. Their heads were in the right place.

[@gamefishbram]

Yeahh I know it's not as bad as it's made out to be, the worst thing about it imo is the stick because it wears out so much. It's just fun to collectively shit on something tho 🤪

[@DoctorRevers]

Part of the reason I sold the ps5 is the controllers are way too big and have sharp seams. I guess people like it. I don’t like it at all. A big step backwards from the DualShock. Happy with my PS4 for now. Wii controller is awesome.

[@gamefishbram]

Wii controller IS awesome 😎

[@diogo56i]

Investing in this KZbin channel, im sure you'll get far 💙

[@gamefishbram]

Thanks man, I'll try my best :)

[@Mopuit]

You forgot the elite controller from Xbox with back triggers.

[@gamefishbram]

Yeahhh I know, for this vid I just wanted to look at the regular controllers instead of the pro ones, if I'd take those into account the list would probably look quite a bit different 🤪

[@King20times]

The xbox controller is so undermined. Like buying a xbox rechargeable battery pack and being able to replace it when it gives up on life without taking apart the controller is a huge life saver for people that dont have the tools or time, and or experience to take apart the controller.

[@gamefishbram]

Gotta admit, that is a pretty nice feature. Tho I'd say it would be better if it'd just shit with a rechargable battery and you still had the option to use AA's

[@user-bn3rr2hk7l]

But, comeon the Ps1 controlles is so uncomfy in youre hands

[@gamefishbram]

But the saturn and n64 controller are just so much worse lol

[@kacywatson6314]

Okay, what I’m gonna do is this common is going to be placed at the beginning of the video before I even see anything I generally believe that the best controller is probably the Nintendo game cube purely because it’s still being made and it’s still very much loved and even buy competitive players. It’s still pretty much used many people even use the Nintendo GameCube controller on their PCs For competitive gaming and in fact, even a lot of Nintendo consoles either have a Nintendo GameCube controller variant available for it or you can somehow connect up the original controller through some sort of adapter. With that being said, however, look at modern controllers, they all have the years worth of intervention and customer or player feedback behind them, and I think the design of modern controllers is a well established design that works with very few differences My personal opinion, the best controller is a tie between the modern Xbox controller and the Nintendo switch pro controller. Both of them have a very very similar design and follow pretty much the exact same philosophy. Despite the fact that I have grown up on PlayStation. I actually find these controllers to be the most comfortable and I personally think a universal basic shape to a controller would be the way forward with controller designed because it would mean that there is no learning carb And there is no getting used to it, you would already be used to the controller and I also think that there are designs are actually the most comfortable to hold and that’s just what you want out of a controller, comfortable and familiar. No to watch the rest of the video and I’ll leave a comment under this one if my own opinion changes

[@kacywatson6314]

Okay valid opinion very interesting because you don’t like the fact that the Xbox controllers using AA batteries. Where is my opinion is the fact that the Xbox controller uses doubly batteries is actually a good thing because it actually means that it’s easy to replace the dying battery. So the PlayStation controller with the battery being built means the controller is going to die one day, the battery inside is going to die one day it’s not gonna hold the charge anymore Whereas the Xbox controller the battery can always be replaced with the PlayStation controller you’ve got one option to power it and that is charged the battery Xbox. You can either replace the battery charge the battery you have that option. So my personal opinion, even after watching your video, I personally think 1. GameCube 2. Xbox series X/S 3. Wii U touchpad (ranking at high because of the nice big touchscreen is actually quite useful for disability accessibility. But it could depend on the individual) 4. Switch Pro controller 5. PS5 PS4 & Switch Joycons. this is based on my opinion the loan however my opinion is based on the fact that I am gaming on top of a disability so motion controls. I don’t like mandatory motion controls. I don’t like it’s fine for a gimmick but I don’t like it tiny touchpad on the PlayStation four, and PlayStation five controllers again I don’t like because I find them too small to be useful and I value long-term battery life. I much rather use disposable batteries. If it means a longer battery life like an Xbox rather than rechargeable. The PlayStation five on PlayStation four controller. Those controllers are awesome in terms of economics and comfort. How they’re gimmicks of motion controls and the touch sensor thing sacrifices, the battery life.

[@gamefishbram]

Very solid list from your side as well. My problem with batteries is in the Xbox controller is not that it's an option, because as you said it's great to have the option to switch to AA's if your rechargable battery dies. I just think it's really dumb it doesn't come with a rechargable battery straight out of the box, but you have to buy it seperately. Battery life to me is also a bit less important because I play at a desk or right next to an outlet, so I can always charge it from where I'm sitting. I do definitely think you've got a point tho :)

[@kacywatson6314]

@@gamefishbram but I have disposable batteries for other things and not just my Xbox controller and the disposable batteries in general last longer than the rechargeable ones and when it comes to rechargeable batteries there’s even different styles so the fact that it actually gives you chargeable batteries is kind of a good thing, especially coming straight out of the box because it means that yeah sure you have to buy a rechargeable battery pack separately, but that means that you can pick the exact battery pack that you want And to be perfectly honest, I find the fact that it actually comes with the SportsAble doubly batteries, more useful than the rechargeable one I see what you’re saying where it would be useful to come with a rechargeable, battery straight out of the box, but I find it to be more useful. The fact that it actually comes with AA batteries out of the box Trust me, I used to be a big PlayStation fan and make the exactly the same argument that you’re making But after having an Xbox controller for literally about a week my opinion changed you can’t really argue against the 40 hour battery life and when your batteries die you can quickly just replace the batteries and suddenly done you know have a fully charged controller just for replacing the batteries

[@gamefishbram]

Yeah fair, I just don't wanna keep paying for batteries, but I get what you're saying

[@kacywatson6314]

@@gamefishbram but you use batteries for more than just your controller. Basically what I’m saying is using batteries for a wireless controller for a truly wireless experience is awesome and it’s not like you’re buying batteries precisely for just your controller you’re buying batteries for your TV Remote * you’re buying batteries for your smoke detector. You don’t have to keep buying batteries for the damn thing you could get a rechargeable battery pack and you can get the exact rechargeable battery pack that has the other features that you also want. You can get a rechargeable battery pack from Microsoft which means you can charge your controller Like a PlayStation or you can get one by Razer which has a charging dock and has contact points on the back you can do a lot. The Xbox controller isn’t bad because it uses disposable batteries out of the box. And the PlayStation controller isn’t bad for not having replaceable batteries as an option. remember, I switched from PlayStation to Nintendo to Xbox and I expected the Xbox controller to be rechargeable much like the PlayStation Nintendo as well so when I found my Xbox controller to be powered by batteries disposable batteries and then read on the box at the battery. life is 40 hours , I have to say that I am more than impressed with that by life. But if you prefer the PlayStation controller, despite the lower much much lower battery life, then that’s your personal preference and that’s absolutely fine that’s cool .

[@Boswd]

Actually replaceable batteries is the preferred choice for many gamers.......I hope the Xbox never stops making controllers with replaceable batteries ... 1.. when your controller is on the edge of dying... You can quickly swap out batteries... 2.... A lithium AA battery will last almost twice as long as single charged lithium ion sealed battery.... You don't have to tether yourself to the console when it's dead . .. 3.... Sealed lithium ion batteries will degrade and eventually not hold their charge..... Never a worry with replaceable batteries... Sorry man you lost some gaming street cred for questioning "why AA batteries?" 😊

[@gamefishbram]

I mean sure I agree the option to use batteries is nice, however I just dont want another set of batteries to worry about lol. And i feel the controller should come packaged with a rechargable battery and then if you'd want you could use AAs. I get the pros, but a rechargable battery is just nicer imo

[@Boswd]

@@gamefishbram im not understanding any of the pros of a sealed battery ... Because when your battery dies you have to tether yourself to the console......... It doesn't make much sense to have a controller contain both. The extra weight it would add would make it too heavy for long sessions.. we use the Xbox rechargeable battery pack.. holds up to 4 batteries.. you can get smaller ones but That thing is fantastic... Battery dies boom quick swap out... No tethering... Never have to worry about your controller not holding it's charge. And then having to buy a new one .. But I guess to each his own.... But having a replaceable battery controller does NOT in any way shape or form make it behind the times as you tried to make it out to be .. like i said many gamers want that swappable battery.

[@gamefishbram]

My point is its cheap from microsofts side to not include a battery pack. The should do that and give you the option to use AAs. Also if you just charge your battery when your not playing you always have a charged battery when playing. You'll have to play for a very long time before that runs out.

[@jaya_surya_a5118]

Dual sense.edge is great and ps3 None of the xbox controller dpad is useless for me to play with ...

[@gamefishbram]

Haha never used xbox controllers that much, but I've heard a lot of complains about the d pads haha

[@sinchman1]

Gamecube controller was the best controller ever made

[@gamefishbram]

It's so good 😍

[@user-bn3rr2hk7l]

I think the Xbox series X, S controller is the best right now

[@gamefishbram]

I mean I get it, but comparing it to the ps5 en switch it just lacks in a whole bunch of ways. But everyone of course has their own preferences

[@chrisyhurrell4929]

That's not the PS1 controller the 1st controller didn't have analog sticks think it was the Nintendo 64 that had one 1st before PlayStation

[@gamefishbram]

Yeah but it's still a ps one controller, just didn't specify what model 🤪

[@chrisyhurrell4929]

​@@gamefishbramthat controller didn't come with the ps1 that controller didn't come out for 3 years after and next gen

[@gamefishbram]

No it came out in 1997 as a reaction to the Nintendo 64 controller

[@chrisyhurrell4929]

@gamefishbram that's what i said 3 years after and one year after the 64

[@gamefishbram]

Ooooh you meant next gen as in the 2nd version of the controller? I thought you meant next gen as in ps2 generation

[@szyslay]

Ekhem ekhem... 8bitdo SN30 2 ekhem

[@gamefishbram]

I never used it, but looking at it I'd probably still keep my current top 3 🤪

[@szyslay]

@@gamefishbram I have them all...2nd place is my switch pro controller bit the 8bitdo...beats it ;) IMO

[@gamefishbram]

Haha maybe I'll have to try it out sometime 😁

[@Jonald_SSBU]

dk bongos

[@gamefishbram]

How could I forget

[@jaya_surya_a5118]

Switch is 8th gen console

[@gamefishbram]

I'd say the wii u is nintendo's 8th gen console, the switch is kind of in between but for the sake of convenience I always combine them with 9th gen 🙃

[@guisampaio2008]

The snes controller is the best for 2D gaming? Hella no.

[@gamefishbram]

Which one do you think is best? 🙃

[@guisampaio2008]

@@gamefishbram Dualshock, analog movement imo is great for 2D too, even old style ones.

[@gamefishbram]

Aaah interesting. I personally prefer a d-pad cause in most 2d games you can only move in 8 directions, but everyone has their own preference of course :)

[@PrincePakiso-rh2wz]

Xbox controller❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ PlayStation controller ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-bn3rr2hk7l]

the only good Ps controller is ps5 controller

[@gamefishbram]

Gotta disagree with you on that one haha

[@aboodxbk]

The ps3 has the best controller

[@gamefishbram]

It's a pretty decent one imo! What makes it the best in your opinion? :)

[@aboodxbk]

i think it's great for every type of games in my opinion it fit right in every hand it's not big or small the size is perfect and it built to last i have mine since 2008 and it still works the battery and analog sticks everything works i use it for my pc @@gamefishbram

[@chevy5137]

I love the new PS5 controller it's finally been redesigned so it's big enough to be comfortable for my large hands and my PS5 Edge controller is probably my favorite controller of all time now with all it's crazy features, haptic feedback triggers with grip on them and with 3 stage trigger locks, a built in speaker and microphone, the LED lighting around the TouchPad that indicates the charge level by the color it glows and the 4 white LED lights under it that let you know what player you are and the black TouchPad with small x, o, □ and triangles symbolizing the PlayStation buttons etched into it, the rubber grips on the back of the handles, the extra 2 programmable paddles on the back, the interchangeable analog stick which can also be replaced for just $20 so if one breaks or gets stick drift you don't have to buy a whole new controller and it feels incredibly solid and well built too. Also I think tied for first is the new Gulikit KK3 Kingkong Max controller I just recently got, I've always really liked the Xbox One controller and it's styled like an Xbox One elite controller with the 4 extra paddles on the back only I think it feels a little better built imo, but I've never used an elite Xbox One controller so I'm comparing it to the standard one. The reasons it ties for first are because it's like a better quality Xbox One controller which as I said I've always liked, also it has spots for 4 paddles on the back and comes with the same 4 as the Xbox One elite controller but it also comes with a pair of half moon paddles like the PlayStation Edge controller does, the buttons are interchangeable, it has 6 axis gyro capability, and it has a good amount of grip on the back of the handles and the triggers as well as having trigger lockouts, it also has LED light rings around the base of the analog sticks which look really cool, and probably the 3 best features are that it has magnetic hall effect analog sticks with no moving parts to break instead standard mechanical style ones like every other controller so they will never get stick drift plus they have 3 levels of sensitivity and one of the other best feature is it's compatible with every and I mean every system out there, the Kingkong 2 only worked with window computers, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS but when they released the Kingkong 3 they also released the goku adaptor with it so now it's also compatible with PS5, PS4, Xbox X and S and all versions of the Xbox One. The last of the best features is even with all it's amazing features it only costs $80, just a little more than a standard Xbox One or PS5 controller and $100 less than an Xbox One elite 2 or PlayStation Edge controller, even though like those 2 it has programmable back paddles and trigger locks and the analog sticks have 3 sensitivity settings plus being hall effect analog sticks they aren't susceptible to stick drift, now I know the PlayStation Edge controller has replaceable analog sticks for just $20 to combat stick drift problems but the if the Xbox One elite controller gets stick drift your screwed. Also it's as solid and well built as the PlayStation Edge controller, I can't speak for the Xbox One elite 2 controller since i haven't used one but imo it's better built and feels higher quality than a standard Xbox One controller. Plus it's the only controller out that will work with ever system out even including the last gen Xbox One and PS4. I'd like to see another controller that well built with all those features that only costs $80, I've never liked aftermarket controllers but i love this one, i think the only ones that could compete with it are Scuff controllers and they are over $200 plus they only work with one system. In a tie for second place for me is the Xbox One controller which I've always love, it's comfortable and I like the layout and rumble triggers and the GameCube WaveBird controller the first stock wireless controller ever which was really ergonomic and comfortable, like you said that's why Nintendo is still making GameCube controllers to this day and even though it's super hard to find original WaveBird controllers I happened to see on Amazon that Nintendo is making new wireless GameCube controllers for the Swith without the large protrusion on the bottom like the original WaveBird controller and they have kept mainly the same layout but added a second shoulder button on the left and made them bigger along with the d-pad and added 4 system buttons in the middle plus motion effects and for just $60, that's awesome!