What makes a good controller?

[SteveTrooper]

Recently, I've been hearing more and more about how particular techs are different for every controller that exists, and that you need a "good" controller to execute them well and be consistent at them. I've been wondering, what make a "good" controller? I know that the techs that require a good controller usually involve the control stick such as pivoting or shield dropping, and I've haven't ever had an issue with pivoting (I picked it up pretty easily actually) and have just started practicing shield dropping. I want to know how I can tell if my controllers are good or bad, I've definitely heard that almost every controller is different or unique in some way, is it subjective? Is it something only a really good/top player can tell? The two controllers I have (Although I really only use the one) are both made from a time during the GameCube's life span and isn't one of the smash 4 controllers. I know if I haven't mastered a lot of techs like shield dropping I probably shouldn't be worrying about this but I just want to know if the controller I'm using could be better. Any input would be appreciated

 

[-ACE-]

Dash sensitivity. Being able to smash turn easily out of dash and being able to smash turn/dash backwards. After that, ability to shield drop consistently. All controllers are different. You may find one that either you like better, or you preform better with, and not even know why.

 

[GenNyan]

Also it needs rubber on the analog stick so your thumbs don't bleed.

 

[SteveTrooper]

Also it needs rubber on the analog stick so your thumbs don't bleed.

I actually prefer it without the rubber on it and I've heard others do as well.

 

[GenNyan]

I actually prefer it without the rubber on it and I've heard others do as well.

Different strokes for different folks. As long as you know there's a difference, you can pick the controller that's best for you. Though I think those sticks break easier, because my old rubberless one got pretty damaged while the sticks on all my other controllers are fine.

 

[SpeedyJ]

For me it's broken down into three main categories (listed from most to least important imo).

1. Analogue stick: Easy to dash and shield drop with. Shield dropping depends on the 'notches' so it varies with every controller but the dashing aspect is just a matter of breaking in in my experience. New rubber on the stick helps too because it helps with your inputs.

2. Triggers: Not sticky and easy to press. Most people probably agree the original controllers have much better triggers because they tend to be less sticky than the new ones.

3. Stiffness/softness of buttons: If the buttons are hard to press you end up missing short hops and things like that. Also a matter of breaking in.

If you've opened up a controller before, you'll notice these all comprise different, removable parts so if you have a couple of controllers lying around you can actually take the best parts of each and make your own super Frankenstein controller!

To answer your question, it's not subjective because some techniques are easier to pull off on certain controllers than others.

 

[Modesty]

Also it needs rubber on the analog stick so your thumbs don't bleed.

Can confirm, have an old controller with the rubber worn off, hurts like hell to use.