The Evolution of theGame 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

+1st with start, pause, reset+Keypad??+Awkward!

::First Success

The Nintendo

+Came to US in 1985/86

+1st “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 3rd dimension

::Changes in 3D

Nintendo 64

+3 prongs for 3D

+The “Z” trigger

+Lets get ready to rumble

::Catching the Trend

The Playstation Dual Shockand the PS2 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 GameCube

+Very comfortable and intuitive design

+Simplicity

+New triggers

::Wii Like It

Nintendo Wii

+Paradigm shift

+Its like a TV remote

+The Nunchuck

Wii DrumsWii Zapper