10 Ways Gaming Was Infinitely Better In The '90s
5. Controllers Were Built To Last (And Didn't Need Recharging)
By accident or design, controllers from the '90s were super durable, able to endure hours of punishing play. Conversely, controllers of the 2000s and 2010s just don't last in the same way.
Ever picked up a pre-owned PS3 or Xbox 360? You'll recognise all the signs of a well-worn controller. Analogue sticks with no grip, damaged or sticking triggers, unresponsive bumpers and sticking face buttons are just some of the problems to contend with.
16-bit controllers last for years and eventually, decades. Many SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive and Super Nintendo pads function perfectly more than 25 years after initial release. Thankfully this is down to the fact d-pads and face buttons of old were made to last with none of the complications of analogue.
'90s controllers had loads of variety both from third party manufacturers those officially licensed, too. Turbo switches, arcade sticks, flight sticks and eventually steering wheels were all on offer and they weren' t just niche items for one particular game. SEGA, Nintendo and Sony all made or licensed their brand for quality arcade sticks.
What's more, the 1990s birthed the one and only example of a hip-hop controller, the almighty Wu-Tang Shaolin Style controller.
Modern controllers are too homogenized and too fragile.