Evolution of Game Controllers

Certainly not the first time someone has compiled a list like this, but Revolution Advanced's history of game controllers is a lot more detailed and nuanced than what I've seen before, getting into the nitty gritty of each step, for instance:

However for 3D games a four way method of control was not sufficient enough. So Nintendo decided to bring the analog stick to offer complete 3D control. However Nintendo themselves were not positive the controller would be a success, so they made sure to add the D-Pad to the left hand side of the controller. With the controller marked the absence of the “X” and “Y” buttons, but the addition of four “C” (Camera) buttons, that were on the right hand side of the controller. The best new button addition could be considered the “Z” trigger. The trigger was placed under the bottom of the controller, making it similar to the position of a trigger on a gun. It proved extremely useful in the First Person Shooter genre.

-- Evolution of Controllers [thanks fraggerock]



tagged: game, gaming