Controller Guide

I. Controller types, pros and cons
II. Buying guide

Smash is a pretty money-consuming game to get into: Buying a system, copy of the respective game, TV, controller, and regularly paying $$ for tourny venue and entrance, all cost money. I'm going to help you find a way to save some, by focusing on one thing: controllers. Skip to II if you just need help finding one for the right price.

First up, we have the OG controllers: The ones released with the systems that came in indigo, silver, black, and orange, and have the nintendo logo on 'em. There are some other rare colors out there but they're typically the same.
Pros:
The best use for competitive play, if you can find them new. Best triggers, joysticks, cable length is just right and isn't annoying to tie up.
Swaggy colors
Cons:
Expensive AF: new ones go up for, like, ~$100. Also hard to find.
Used ones have inconsistent quality. I bought a silver one used off amazon claiming to have a near-new joystick: when I got it, there was like a fourth inch deadzone.

Next up, the white ones re-released along with the wii in 2008, iirc.
Pros:
Almost as good as the originals.
Swag factor of white
Easier to find, slightly cheaper new than originals new.
Cons:
Still pretty expensive.
Triggers catch.
[ Cord could be a plus or bonus, idk its your preference. ]

Third, we have the Smash logo controllers.
Pros:
Matte finish is sexy. Cool logo
The cheapest and easiest to find
Cons:
Triggers catch. Apparently the joysticks are worse: There's reduced vertical sensitivity on them.
[ Again, cord is a pro or con depending on your preference. ]

Last but not least, we have...3rd parties.
Pros:
Cheap. Easy to find
CAN (emphasis on can) have good quality depending on what company you buy them from. I recommend Cirka and Hydra Performance.
Cons:
The obvious - have low quality.

3rd parties are a gamble. I wouldn't recommend them but they are a decent option. Just make sure you buy from a right seller.

Probably what everyone is waiting for. Personally, I'd recommend buying the new smash logo controllers: They're cheap enough and the issues the controllers have shouldn't hinder your play that much. Used originals are gambles: Look for detailed descriptions of the controller that don't have generic store stuff in them like "We ship fast and low expense. quality guaranteed" or **** like that. Third parties could be used as a quick pick-me-up before you get an oem. I cant stress enough that you buy from either Cirka or Hydra Performance if you go for 3rd parties.

Anyway, no matter what controller you have, remember: No johns.