The DualSense for the PS5 is one of the most innovative controllers available. Many of the functions that are absolutely common today were not possible due to technical limitations in earlier PlayStation consoles. Therefore, many controller manufacturers tried to differentiate themselves from the crowd with special features and designs. In this article, we present a few of these curious and sometimes ugly controllers.
Modern controllers come with a variety of features that enhance immersion, comfort, or new gameplay possibilities. Undoubtedly, the DualSense controller for the PS5, with its innovative functions like HD Rumble, gyroscopes, and adaptive triggers, is at the forefront of this development.
Although these features were not possible in the past, there were indeed some gamepads in earlier PlayStation models that had interesting additional functions. However, design decisions were sometimes made for these that appear, at best, “questionable” from today’s perspective. We want to chronologically present a few of these interesting controllers in this article.
PlayStation 1
Even for Sony’s first console, there were already innovative gamepads that had additional features that the standard controller of the PlayStation did not. Particularly noteworthy in this context is a controller that could have come from a casino.
Ex Jinsei: The Game of Life Roulette Controller
What kind of controller is this? Surely many of you remember the classic board game “The Game of Life.” This was released in Japan in 1997 as a PlayStation version. The manufacturer Takara also released a licensed and exclusive gamepad from Sony with a very interesting gimmick: a colorful roulette wheel in the center of the controller. Unfortunately, this seemed to be not accurate at all, as you can see in this video:
Furthermore, it is doubtful whether the controller allows for real gaming enjoyment in other games or whether its flat, elongated shape and button layout might just be extremely annoying.
Can you still buy the controller? If you still want to buy the Game of Life controller, you can only try your luck on ebay. However, you should not expect too many chances, like in roulette.
You can read an article about the first console in the world here:
PlayStation 2
Now it gets really wild. Because those who suspected that the controller depicted in the title image is a montage are mistaken. This thing is actually real and part of the Freaks gamepad series from the well-known electronics manufacturer Philips, which was released for the PS2. What the company was thinking with that piece of ugliness is hard to understand.
PS2 Freaks Gamepad Series
What kind of controllers are these? The controllers of the Freaks gamepad series have all the functions of the DualShock 2, but they are all ugly, repulsive, and moreover completely impractical and not ergonomic at all.
It is hard to imagine that real immersion occurs when you are constantly distracted by the many sharp edges of the Freaks Ninja gamepad, like the claws at the end of the grip – not to mention the omnipresent grimace in the middle of the controller that looks deep into your soul while gaming.
The YouTuber Rerez even called the Freaks Ninja gamepad “the worst controller ever made.”
One should better not say anything about the Fleshy model of the series.
Can you buy the controller? If you decide to acquire one of these controllers for whatever reasons, you can take a look at ebay, but you should be aware that you will never have a peaceful night without nightmares with the controller on your shelf.
PlayStation 3
The particularly curious controller for the PlayStation 3 comes this time from Sony itself and thankfully is by far not as hideous as the previously mentioned gamepads. Furthermore, there is an interesting anecdote about this.
The Boomerang
What kind of controller is this? The gamepad was first shown to the world in 2005 during Sony’s presentation of the PlayStation 3 at E3. The aerodynamically shaped controller was initially supposed to be the standard gamepad for the new console. Although the controller never received an official name, it quickly became known as the “Boomerang.”
Since the reception to the new gamepad was overwhelmingly negative, Sony decided to launch their new console with the SixAxis controller, which was much closer to the DualShock.
Particularly daring are the two “thumbsticks” of the Boomerang, which were almost identical to the analog stick of the PSP. While this may have been sufficient for mobile gaming on Sony’s handheld, it is questionable whether it would have been the case with a conventional controller that required more precision.
Can you buy the controller? Due to the negative feedback, the controller was never commercially sold.
If you want to see more crazy controllers for other consoles, you can find a selection in this article:
PlayStation 4
For the predecessor of the PlayStation 5, there were also quite a few extravagant controllers. We have selected two gamepads that stand out due to their design.
Hori Dragon Quest Slime Controller for PS4
What kind of controller is this? The Dragon Quest Slime Controller by Hori was released in 2017 in Japan as part of a promotional campaign for the PS4.
Even though it may not look like it: The Dragon Quest Slime Controller is actually a fully functional gamepad. The controller not only has all the buttons of a normal PlayStation controller, but also a working touchpad.
However, it also lacks some functions that you would expect from a regular DualShock 4. For instance, the gamepad does not have a headphone jack and lacks rumble motors for vibration.
As funny and original as the device may be; due to its absolutely unwieldy shape, one can assume that the gaming enjoyment – especially during longer sessions – is rather limited.
Can you buy the controller? Unfortunately, the gamepad is currently unavailable in Germany. However, if you absolutely want to try the Dragon Quest Slime Controller and also own a Nintendo Switch, you can import the device for a steep price of €299.00 from Japan.
Keine Produkte gefunden.
Snakebyte GAMEPAD 4S
What kind of controller is this? The next PS4 controller is not necessarily particularly curious, but it is not exactly beautiful either. Tastes differ, and the Snakebyte S4 is by no means a Freaks PS2 gamepad, but its color scheme and bulky design are rather bold. Not for nothing did the colleagues from GamePro already call it in 2019 the ugliest PS4 controller ever.
Aside from that, the Snakebyte S4 offers all the standard functions that one expects from a normal PS4 controller and, at €29.99, is a really affordable alternative.
Can you buy the controller? If the design does not deter you and you are looking for a cheap gamepad for your PS4, you can buy the Snakebyte 4S here:
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Snakebyte GAMEPAD 4S - grau/orange - Wireless Bluetooth Controller kompatibel mit PlayStation 4 /... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
PlayStation 5
For Sony’s latest console, there are still not many licensed gamepads that stand out through a special design. Instead, we have selected two more or less curious gimmicks for the DualSense that aim to enhance the controller with additional functions.
Mini Keyboard
What kind of gimmick is this? For those who find typing with the thumbsticks or the touchpad of the DualSense too cumbersome, the brand Amiles offers a useful accessory with this interesting-looking attachment for the PS5 controller. Obviously, the keyboard is meant to make writing and chatting easier for you.
Since selecting individual letters with the DualSense can indeed be somewhat tedious and, especially when you need to be quick, really annoying, the mini-keyboard definitely has its justification.
In addition to the keys, the controller attachment also features integrated speakers and a headphone jack. Thus, communication via voice chat remains possible. The additional headphone jack is also essential since you connect the keyboard via the headphone jack of the DualSense controller, which is thus occupied.
Can you buy the gimmick? The keyboard is currently available for a price of €25.99 on Amazon.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amiles Mini Tastatur für PS5 Controller, Bluetooth, Kabellose Tastatur mit Lautsprecher, Chat-Pad... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
GK-Pipes Shisha Hose Holder
What kind of gimmick is this? Compared to the DualSense keyboard, the next accessory seems a bit less “special” and is probably only intended for a very specific audience. If you are not only an avid gamer but also a passionate shisha smoker, this hose holder from the brand GK-Pipes might be worth considering.
The manufacturer promotes the attachment with an “elegant, cool design” and simple, flexible handling. The “featherweight” attachment is also reportedly compatible with all hoses according to GK-Pipes.
Can you buy the attachment? You can currently purchase the shisha hose holder for €15.95 on Amazon.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
GK-Pipes Shisha Schlauchhalter | Playstation 5 Controller Adapter | PS5 Gamepad Aufsatz | Shisha... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
On October 18, Sony revealed specific details about its first own Pro controller, the DualSense Edge. Specifications, release date, packaging, and the proud price of the gamepad are now known.
