Nintendo 64, Sega 3D Control Pad, Sega Dreamcast, Microsoft Xbox

As console games were stepping into the third dimension, companies were looking at different options to control it. Nintendo updated its controller entirely for the release of the Nintendo 64 (1996) that heavily focused on 3D graphics. Despite the appearance, it is not intended for three-handed players; instead, the controller offers three different positions for playing. The yellow C buttons are designed for rotating the camera, while the joystick moves the character. Unlike the Super Nintendo controller, the N64 controller did not become an industry standard.

Sega had designed its Saturn console as a 2D graphics powerhouse, and it also quickly found out that the standard controller, which was derived from the Mega Drive pad (see the glass case), was insufficient for precise 3D control. The solution to the problem was the optional 3D Control Pad. Despite fairly comprehensive software support, it did not become a success – much like the console itself outside of Japan. However, the 3D Control Pad was a major contributor to the controller design of the Sega Dreamcast (1998), which in turn was clear inspiration for the Microsoft Xbox controller (2002). On display, we have the original “Duke”, which was widely criticised for being too large; it was fairly quickly replaced across all markets with the Controller S model that was originally designed for the Japanese market.

The important distinction between the Xbox and Dreamcast is that the former has a second analogue joystick, reminiscent of the Sony Dualshock. This makes it easier to operate the in-game camera, and the lack of a second joystick is one of the most common complaints modern gamers have about the Dreamcast controller.