The Nostalgia and Reality of Old Console Controllers

It's interesting to look back at the good old days of console gaming when controllers were simpler, cheaper, and more reliable. Let's dive into what aspects of those controllers players miss today and why modern controllers leave a bitter taste in their mouths.

Simpler, Cheaper, More Reliable Controllers

Mention controllers and one word immediately pops into the thoughts of many gamers: simplicity. The controllers of the past were not only cheaper but also easier to repair. Take, for example, the Dualshock 2, which in 2009 could be found in flea market bins for as little as $2. Meanwhile, newer games like Resident Evil 2 Remake can be found for $50, but its controller—the Dualsense—is a distant memory of those simpler times.

Comparing the DS2 and DS1

NOS (New Old Stock) Dualshock 1 controllers were often available for around $20 when the PlayStation 2 launched. These were nearly identical to the Dualshock 2, which retailed for $45. Today, the same quality controllers might cost upwards of $80 for a set of Joycons, which could easily bankrupt an average gamer. How much have things changed? Are we even counting in USD here?

High Costs and Piracy

Nowadays, it's not uncommon to spend $240 to play a game with four players, which is nearly the price of the console itself. This high cost drives many gamers to pirate games, which is exactly what we should not encourage.

The Overpriced Basic Controller

More so, premium controllers that cost upwards of hundreds are only serving to raise the ceiling for those seeking top-of-the-line products. Meanwhile, the basic controllers continue to be overpriced, making them inaccessible to many gamers. This trend is particularly frustrating for those who remember the days when controllers were just as good if not better than they are now.

Flashy Features and Price Escalation

As technology advanced, controllers have become increasingly complex, with features like motion controls, light bars, and touch pads. However, these features are oftentimes seen as more of a distraction than a necessity. When was the last time you heard someone raving about the touch pad on a modern controller? Yet, these features have pushed prices to unreasonable heights.

Meaningful Change Since the 2000s?

Part of the issue lies in the lack of meaningful change in controller design since the early 2000s. While switches and the Wii introduced some innovations, they are not nearly as reliable or cost-effective as the older models. The average gamer still craves a quality experience that doesn't come at the cost of their wallet or their sanity.

Rampant Issues with Modern Controllers

Modern controllers are plagued by issues such as analog stick drift and battery death, which can be frustrating for players. For example, internal batteries that are not designed to be swapped out are a significant pain point. When my Dualsense IV battery died, I had a hard time finding an OEM replacement for the original model anywhere, and the one that did exist was in a knockoff controller.

Wired Controllers: The Safer Alternative

Wired controllers, on the other hand, don't suffer from these issues. They are plug and play with no worrying about recharging or battery death. The only potential drawback is the potential for wire damage, but this is less common.

Finally, the nifty feature of trip cables, introduced by the original Xbox where the controller's cable would trigger an eject mechanism if dislodged, is something missing from modern controllers. This feature added a layer of safety that is appreciated to this day.