Battle of the D-Pads

Yeah just slap 2 analogs stick on a Saturn Pad and we're set for life

 

I've always wanted modern gaming to have 6 face buttons, 4 triggers, awesome D Pad and 2 analog sticks. Like the Hori Turbo 2 for the Xbox 360.

 

Some people will shake their heads in disbelief, but I think the Dreamcast D-pad was quite decent. Of course it was a bit small and awkwardly elevated, but I liked how you could just place your thumb on it and precisely move in all directions. I used to play hundreds of hours of Ikaruga with it (yea, really) and found it amazingly precise.

But, of course, the Saturn and Mega Drive d-pads are better. Nothing will ever beat the Saturn's D-pad and the late Mega Drive one was really good, too.

The PlayStation d-pad was a pile of stinking horse shit. Every time I have to use it my thumb hurts. This design came straight from hell.

 

Not sure if it counts since its a portable system and not a controller but the vita's D Pad is fantastic and great for fighting games.

 

Add my vote for the Japanese Saturn pad (and later European pad) as well as the 6 button Megadrive pad.

Although it may not count I'd like to nominate the Neo Geo Pocket Colour stick - super clicky and super responsive and oh so comfortable.

 

N64? I don't think they even made games that use the d-pad. lol

 

The only N64 game I've ever played that actually used the d-pad was Mischief Makers.

 

I liked the dreamcast D-pad until I played shenmue and kept screwing up the QTEs because it was pressing left instead of up and that sort of crap.
I like the d-pad on the dreamcast ASCII pad, but that is basically a saturn one.

 

Saturn D-pad is king.

Played so much MvC2 on DC that I eventually got used to the D-pad.

Though these days if i'm playing a fighter or shooter I gotta have an arcade stick.

 

Does the d-stick from the Neo Geo CDZ and Neo Geo Pocket Color count? Because those mini-sticks are divine. I'd absolutely love a modern console to use that design - perhaps in tandem with a method of pressure sensing. It'd be the best of both worlds.

 

I can think of quite a few

 

Wrestling games on the 64 used the Dpad, analog stick was used for taunts

I must be one of the only people that likes the PS d-pad, the only time i have trouble with it is trying to perform guiles super sommersault. the saturn pad is comfy as hell though, i do admit