Out of all the console families, theNintendoseries has had some of the most drastic changes over the years. This isn’t just the addition of a new button or two, but a frequent change to the layout, shape, and size of the control scheme. Some controllers even use motion rather than adding additional space for buttons.
So, based on size, functionality, and how well each controller utilizes the space, where does every Nintendo Console land when compared against one another? Some controllers are massive with an unconventional layout, while others are smaller but often find themselves being swapped out for bigger controllers.
10Color TV-Game
The Clunkiest Piece Of Forgotten History
The Color TV-Game is one of the moreobscure consolesfor Nintendo. It predates the NES, and the design shows it. It’s akin to the older consoles that used dials and knobs for their controls. The controller for this one is directly tied to the console.
It’s a little black box. Not the best shape, not the right size, and limited in its use. It can’t hold a candle to any of the other controller designs. Luckily, it exists as a little piece of Nintendo trivia to catch fans of the video game company off guard.
9Nintendo Virtual Boy
Virtual Reality Without The Virtual Reality
The Nintendo Virtual Boy is technically a handheld system and not a console. Yet, the fact that it comes with a controller separate from the screen means it must be ranked. This thing is big in all the wrong places and too slim where it needs to be bulkier.
The Virtual Boy controller is an anomaly with a clunky adapter on the back that connects it to the main device. It has unusually long grips and feels like you’re holding a boomerang. Better toss this one out and hope it doesn’t come back.
8Nintendo 64
Large But Iconic In Its Own Right
The Nintendo 64 controller is one of the larger devices in the Nintendo family tree. As a kid,the Nintendo 64controller always felt big, but as an adult, it still feels oversized. It doesn’t help that the button layout is a bit weird, with a focus on having one hand in the middle grip.
While there are some larger controllers than the Nintendo 64, you don’t notice the size as much if the layout is comfortable. This is one of those controllers where you get used to it out of habit until you stop noticing the questionable designs.
7Nintendo Wii U
A Surprisingly Neat Controller Despite A Lackluster Console Life
The Nintendo Wii U is often considered the black sheep of Nintendo consoles. While the controller is one of the largest, it is a surprisingly comfortable device to hold. The shape is familiar to anyone who has ever held a tablet before, yet the curves on the back make it still feel like a true controller.
The Wii U controller may not be as flexible as the original Wii’s, or as competitive as the GameCube’s, but it works. It’s slightly bigger than the original Switch yet smaller than a Steam Deck.
6Nintendo Entertainment System
Notalgia You Can Get Used To Again
The original NES controller is a classic. It’s a perfect little rectangle, just the right size for a child’s hands. While it does feel a bit small at times when you’re coming back to it as an adult, the shape fills you with a sense of nostalgia if you were there during its prime.
It’s as big as it needs to be with only a D-Pad, the A, and the B button to speak of. That’s all games needed back then. So once you get used to it again, you realize that your fingers don’t need to move as much as you would need to for more modern platforms.
5Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Nintendo Adds A Few More Buttons
The Super Nintendo’s controller is slightly bigger than the NES’s. The extra mass goes towards the sides of the controller, which are now round. This change from the original rectangle controller works in its favor, as there are more buttons to use.
It is more comfortable to grip this controller than its predecessor, and it uses the extra space for the additional buttons on the top and on the face. It’s a neat evolution that feels right for a next-gen controller of the time.
4Nintendo Wii
A Familiar Shape With Motion Controls
The Nintendo Wii has a practical controller in the shape of a TV remote. It’s the perfect size to wave around, but also the perfect shape for it to slip out of your hands and smack someone in the face. That’s why you always wear the wristband and use the rubber cover.
Many games require the Nunchuck, so despite it feeling like a separate device at times, you have to consider it part of the full controller’s default size. It’s a wireless controller that still needs a wire. Regardless, the shape and size is comfortable even if it’s out of the ordinary.
3Nintendo Switch
A Versatile Controller
The Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are pretty small. Luckily, this helps them feel great in certain situations. Playing any game from theNintendo Switch Onlinecollections with a single Joy-Con takes you back to the days you held an NES controller in your hands.
There is a certain pleasure that comes with not having both hands in front of you while you’re holding a controller. you’re able to keep your arms in any position as you clench each Joy-Con with a separate fist. Whether you’re lounging on the couch or have one arm around someone sitting beside you, the size of the Joy-Cons offers more freedom to game.
2Nintendo Switch 2
Same Versatility With Additional Features
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a very similar pair of controllers to its predecessor. However, some slight differences change how we perceive using the controller. This isn’t a difference in physical shape but rather a psychological one.
Yes, the controllers are slightly bigger and feel comfortable in the hand, but it’s the magnetic feature that makes the difference. You expect these to be flimsy because of this, but they’re surprisingly sturdy. The Joy-Con SL and SR buttons are also bigger and easier to press.
1Nintendo Gamecube
A Perfect Size, Weight, And Layout
The GameCube has one of the best controllers of all time. It is still a preferred control scheme for games like Super Smash Bros. and is still looked at fondly when going back to older games. The size of the controller plays a huge part in its success.
Not only does this controller fit perfectly in your hands, but every button has a distinct size as well. It’s not so big that you wish it could be trimmed down, and it’s not so small that you want to switch it out with a pro controller.
