The number of ways to play a modern videogame is almost limitless. There are amusing motion controls, multitudes of musical instrument-shaped plastic, or maybe just a good ol’ wired controller. Press a button, flick a switch, spin a wheel. Whilst these methods aren’t always the most effective, none of them are as torturous as using the CSL USB Gamepad SNES. This device easily earns the “worst videogame controller” award.
Cheap and not cheerful
The disappointment starts with the box. Although it looks pretty nice, it is rather generic. This sorry excuse for a gamepad is about the cheapest thing I’ve laid my well-worn gaming hands on. Fashioned after the classic SNES style controller, it definitely has the looks. It has the familiar features that long ago defined what a quality gamepad experience should be. The button layout and the d-pad in particular. Many of these things are still used in modern controllers.
Looks aren’t everything. It feels light. Weightless almost. I’m surprised it isn’t floating away into the great blue yonder. Each of the buttons feel loose. Having them in the right place doesn’t mean that they feel right. And that sums this controller up perfectly. It may LOOK right, but it doesn’t FEEL right.
One upside
The worst videogame controller in existence does have exactly ONE saving grace. It’s a USB device, so it can be used on plenty of consoles or computers. Although with the previously mentioned abundance of other input devices, why would anyone choose this one? I’m not entirely sure. Someone who has a severe case of masochism?
It seems that CSL makes other controllers beside this one. Hopefully their other devices are better, but I’m in no hurry to find out. I would recommend that you burn the offending article if you ever come across one in the wild, but that would release noxious fumes from the plastic. So don’t do that. Just steer clear of any you may find. No sum of money is worth it. Do not let it taint your retro game collection. This Flip Grip is much more fun to include in your collection!
