The Offender: Nintendo The Console: Nintendo 64 Worst Component: The fragile thumb sticks would rarely last a year of twiddling. Redeeming Feature:Those same fragile thumb sticks were the first of their kind, and helped to popularise 3D gaming environments. The Nintendo 64's controller is a classic example of a company trying to have their cake and eat it. One of the most daunting mainstream controllers ever released for a console, this three-pronged monstrosity is the result of Nintendo wanting to create an innovative new control method, while simultaneously sticking with the old. Requiring the player to hold it in a different way depending on the required control scheme, the Nintendo 64 controller was bulky and the thumb stick was easily broken. However, when used correctly, it wasn't actually too bad or uncomfortable when playing most games. The key issue was that many players were unaware that the 64's games were designed with the controller in mind, and therefore didn't require the use of every single button. Later controller designs eventually proved that 3D and 2D game control was possible within a less confusing, ergonomic package, allowing the Nintendo 64 controller go down in the history books as an ugly, but wholly necessary stepping stone towards modern video gaming.
