SNES Controller

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The original SNES controller.

The SNES Controller is the original gamepad controller for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was created by Nintendo and released on 1991-08-23 along with the American release of the SNES. It features a 4-directional D-pad, four action buttons labeled B, A, X, and Y, two function buttons labeled start and select, and two shoulder buttons labeled L and R. The controller has roots with the original NES Controller, but with two additional action buttons (tilted for better thumb access), and two shoulder buttons.

I got my SNES around 1992, and it came with two SNES controllers which I really enjoyed.

Review

Good

  • For me at least, the controller has the right amount of buttons. Not too many to be confusing or to encourage bad game design, and not so few to prevent creative game play.
  • The controller's shape is certainly a step up from the NES Controller ergonomically speaking. The curved edges are far more comfortable than the old right angles.
  • The textured body makes it slightly easier to grip, especially when your hands are sweaty.
  • The color and design are both aesthetically pleasing.

Bad

  • The controller isn't nearly as rugged as I'd like. In one of my more frustrated moments with the cheating AI in Street Fighter II: Turbo - Hyper Fighting, I threw the controller and broke it. The shoulder buttons are particularly fragile.
  • The shoulder buttons aren't very comfortable to use, the L button is especially bad because it requires you to hold the D-pad in an uncomfortable manner. Compare it to the feel of the PlayStation Controller to see what I mean.
  • I don't care for the letters reading right to left, but at least it's consistent with the precedent of the NES Controller.

Ugly

  • Nothing.

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