10 Rare & Valuable Video Game Controllers You Might Own
1. Hands Free NES Controller
A rather important feature in video games that is gladly on the rise is consideration for accessibility. After all, gaming is a massive industry and beloved pastime of millions and it should be something that as many people as possible can enjoy.
Whilst we’ve still got some way to go, huge props have to be given to Nintendo for being way, way ahead of the curve.
Released thirty years ago for the Nintendo Entertainment System, this hands free controller was designed for players lacking the ability to use their hands. Mounting to the chest and neck, the key part of this controller is a kind of straw. The player breathes into it to press A and sucks out to press B. Alongside this is a rod that sits on the player’s neck or chin that can be moved up, down, left and right.
Unlike some controllers that are designed to make a game feel more fluid to play or more immersive, this is a rare example of a controller that makes games simply more accessible to people who otherwise would never have had the chance to play the likes of Super Mario Bros for themselves. Today, it’s considered one of the rarest pieces of NES kit and considering how, in a way, it was so cutting edge, collectors should clutch this piece of gaming history tight.