Classic square model NES controller
What could seem on the surface to be a simple contest is, in fact, one of the most hotly contested topics in the retro gaming world. Most enthusiasts grew up with the 8-bit Nintendo system and are familiar with the usual host of controls. The square, two button “classic” model, which comes with the system. This is your stock control. There’s also the rounded late model contoured variety, these resemble the SNES controllers to come. But the real juicy bits of contention are the so-called specialty controllers.
The first of these everyone experiences is the simple orange gun. The duck hunter’s delight, well loved and very effective on all enemies except dogs for some reason… This gun used a simple trigger which was cumbersome, but effective. There were several advances to the NES gun throughout the years of the system but for some reason most people just stick with ol’ orangey. I guess we must be sentimental or something. The runner up for the gun category would have to be the terminator “rifle” which worked on the same principle but gave you that longer site distance and therefore improved accuracy. This was essential to defeat the horde of killing machines from the future.
What else is there?
Then there’s the glove category, who doesn’t remember their first round of Mario boxing? That games a classic! And it could make use of the mysterious glove controller. Some would consider this the pre-cursor to the well established motion controllers we’re familiar with today. And the best part was you could just wear it around the house and pretend you were a cyborg. That’s called double sweet. This is, by far, my favorite controller for just this reason. You get the best experience with the game play and the added cyborg bonus when you’re letting the NES cool off. Bonus! Not everybody agrees with me though and some find the glove the most difficult controller to master.
Light Zapper - a must have for duck hunting
There is one category of controller you should most definitely avoid, and unfortunately these are most certainly on the rise. Counterfeit or poor quality controllers, usually manufactured in China, not only give a poor gaming experience but will almost surely break within no time. I think the best option when looking at controller replacement or expansion is to go to your local game store. Generally you can find some stock of genuine controllers and or high quality after market models. Remember that the controller is your only interface with the gaming world so a poor quality controller is bound to create a poor gaming experience. Don’t you owe it to yourself to spend the few bucks and get the best controller possible? Of course you do! And trust me, this won’t break the bank!