The Evolution of the Game Controller A story

The Evolution of the Game Controller A story of human-computer interaction in gaming

: : In the beginning. . . The Atari 2600 +Released in 1977 +Very basic design +Very bad design The Atari 5200 +1 st with start, pause, reset +Keypad? ? +Awkward!

: : First Success The Nintendo +Came to US in 1985/86 +1 st “hold with both hands, control with both thumbs design” +The DPad revolution

: : New kid on the block The SEGA Genesis +Sleek Ergonomics +6 buttons, 1 thumb +Fighter's Choice Award

: : The Next Generation Super Nintendo +Ergonomics again +Shoulder Buttons +Short on face buttons +Most copied design

: : Getting Even The Sony Playstation +The Controversy +We've got a copycat +Moving in the 3 rd dimension

: : Changes in 3 D Nintendo 64 +3 prongs for 3 D +The “Z” trigger +Lets get ready to rumble

: : Catching the Trend The Playstation Dual Shock and the PS 2 Dual Shock +Another copycat +”If it ain't broke, don't fix it”

: : The Odd Man Out SEGA Dreamcast +SEGA Saturn descendant +Rather large, but comfy +The VMU

: : MS Invasion Xbox +Too big for Japanese +Lots of borrowing +Longer, quick release cord Xbox 360 +Wireless freedom +Menu access +Best of both worlds

: : Embracing change. . . again Nintendo Game. Cube +Very comfortable and intuitive design +Simplicity +New triggers

: : Wii Like It Nintendo Wii +Paradigm shift +Its like a TV remote +The Nunchuck Wii Drums Wii Zapper