controllers

Friends rejoice, the controller Nintendo designed for its newest console, the Gamecube, is by far the greatest controller ever conceived. No controller, not Sega's not Sony's nor Microsoft's, can match this baby once you grasp in your hand. I'm not saying the Gamecube controller is flawless, no such thing exists, but this (thing) is so darn close to being perfection that you will forget all about its minuscule flaws. The Gamecube controller features an incredibly unique design and intuitive control that only the geniuses at Nintendo could think up.

First and foremost is the controller's downright bizarre looking design. Mini D-pad, yellow C-stick, giant A-button, and kidney shaped X and Y-buttons may throw both you pro and amateur gamers off at first glance, but don't let this controller's intimidating looks deceive you. The Gamecube controller was, from the feel of it, designed to make the gamer forget he or she had such a device in their hands. The side handles are contoured to a person's hand, the L and R-buttons are grooved for your index fingers, and the green A-button is the largest of the four main buttons so you never lose the primary action button.

As I said, the A-button is the largest of the four main buttons because it is intended to be you primary action button. With this design, you'll never mistake another button for the A-button. Whether you're jumping from platform to platform of blasting away enemy fighters with lazer canons, the A-button's large size will always keep you from losing a game because you pressed the wrong button.

The X and Y-buttons are uniquely designed in the odd shape of kidneys for a reason. If you place your thumb over the A-button, you will see that this strange set-up is there so your thumb can easily navigate from button to button when you need to most without accidentally tapping the wrong one. Don't believe me, try playing "Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3" on both Gamecube and Playstation. You'll soon discover as I did that it is much easier to master the skater game with the Gamecube controller than it is with the Playstation controller.

The last of the main buttons, the red B-button, is of the normal size and shape buttons have been on Nintendo controllers for years, but was set slightly apart, in size and shape, from the A X and Y-buttons because it acts as a secondary action button. Play "Star Wars: Rogue Leader - Rogue Squadron II" and find out what I talking about. In "Rogue Leader" the A-button fires your main weapon, lazer canons, while the B-button fires your secondary weapons, proton bombs or ion canons depending on the ship your using, weapons which are usually limited in supply. With the B-Button being smaller than the A-button, you won't mistake it for your main action button and go firing those all important proton bombs before you need them.

The L and R-button are the secondary buttons and are grooved for perfect comfort as your index fingers rest atop them. In "Star Wars: Rogue Leader - Rogue Squadron II", the L and R-buttons are used as "gas pedals." The L-buttons slows your ship down while the R-button speeds it up, and the harder you press the button, the slower or faster your ship will move.

Next up are the two analog sticks. The larger gray analog stick is the main control which will guide ships and characters through their quests. The control stick is larger, of much better quality, and easier to use than Nintendo's N64 version. The second and smaller yellow analog stick is the C-stick used for camera control, but will no doubt be used for secondary control on later games. The C-stick replaces the awkward C-buttons of the N64 which were both small and uncomfortable to use.

Another great feature is the built in "rumble pack." For those of you who had N64s, you may remember having to purchase the rumble pack separately from your controller and having to replace those pesky batteries. No more my friends. Apparently Nintendo heard the cries of its consumers and rabid fans and decided it best not to charge gamers for features companies like Sony already have built into there controllers. Smart thinkin' there Big N.

Lastly come the flaws and surprisingly enough, given the Gamecube controller's somewhat strange design, there are only two and you may never have to deal with them. Design flaw number one is the purple Z-button, which is located directly above the R-button. Although Nintendo states the Z-button will act as an emergency button, I fear some companies shall use this in a capacity where you will constantly need to use this button. I fear this because the Z-button, though it is directly above the R-button, is in an awkward location and testing the overall feel of the controller, I found it hurt my index finger slightly trying to press it. Design flaw number two is the directional D-pad, which in previous controllers from Nintendo was designed to be your primary means of controlling character movements. Not so with the Gamecube controller. In an attempt to wean their gamers from using the D-pad and relying more heavily on the analog control stick, Nintendo has shrunk the size of the D-pad making it hard to use, although it is within comfortable reach of one's thumb.

The verdict: the Gamecube controller is, in every sense of the word, a work of art. Nothing past or present, in the opinion of this veteran gamer, can match its ability to immerse someone into the game which they are playing, even with its minute flaws. And even if you find those flaws to be a bother, there are already third party alternatives that address the problems and unfortunately create some of there own. Nintendo revived video gaming in America, rescued it from certain death, and the Gamecube controller is still proof positive that Nintendo is here to stay.

Here are the main reasons why this controller is better than any other:
1. The ergonomic design feels perfect in almost any pair of hands. This is most comfortable controller by far.
2. The larger A button makes sense since most games have one main button.
3. The B, X, Y buttons are layed out around the A button to provide quick and easily distinguishable access. Because they have different shapes you can tell them apart without having to look down at the controller.
4. The L and R trigger buttons are analog which react to how hard you press, if you press them all the way down a secondary button is clicked.
5. The new analog joystick is much stronger and more precise than the previous one on N64. It also has a rubber top to provide excellent grip.
6. The yellow c-stick will be used mostly for camera angles, but will also provide a secondary analog joystick whenever necessary.
7. The built-in-rumble feature makes the controller jump to life while you play (Nintendo invented this aspect with the first rumble-packs for N64).

If you have played games on all the systems and tried out all the controllers (like i have), then you will agree that this is the best controller by far. Not only does it melt in your hands (sometimes you will literally forget it is there), but it also features a new intuitive button layout which makes controlling games much easier. The PS2 and Xbox controllers are more confusing with buttons that are all exactly the same shape. Also the buttons on the Xbox controller are too close to each other, and the analog can even get in the way while playing! It seems like whoever designed the Xbox controller basically copied the Dreamcast controller but somehow made it worse (one word - pathetic). So far i haven't experienced anything bad with the GameCube controller, i don't even mind the smaller d-pad. I think i was actually pulling off moves faster in Tony Hawk 3 with the smaller d-pad!! I also find that the PS2 d-pad gives me blisters, especially with fighting games (games with alot of movement). This is because it is broken up in four and not connected (in one solid + shape). To sum it up- Nintendo obviously takes alot more care when they design a controller, and they've been doing it for longer than either Sony or Microsoft. The new GameCube controller reflects an evolution of the previous Nintendo controllers. It really seems like Nintendo tries to innovate with every new controller, and this one is the best yet. I have to say that while the other controllers may be 3/5 stars each, the GameCube controller is 5/5 no question. Nintendo sets new standards again!

made for human hands, unbelievably comfortable. not like holding a big rock like the ridiculous xbox controller.