video game controller

Art reveals the lengthy history of video game controllers

The next time you mash buttons on a video game controller, keep in mind that there's more than half a century of innovation behind the venerable input device.

To remind you of this fact, Pop Chart Lab's eye-catching poster, titled "The Evolution of Video Game Controllers," sheds light on the incredible technological progression of controller hardware. You'll probably never again see more joysticks, knobs, and buttons in one place -- well, unless you're hanging around CNET producer Stephen Beacham's retro video game console patch bay.… Read more

Sony paints PS3 controller gold

Who can deny the charm of gold?

Sony Computer Entertainment today officially unveiled the metallic gold Dualshock 3 controller for the PS3, due for release on October 19.

Launching exclusively through GameStop, the controller carries a hefty $54.99 retail price. However, we doubt that sum would stop the aspiring Auric Goldfingers of the world from getting one. We say this because its insanely easy to find most of the other PS3 controller colors sold online (and often at stores) for $40 or less.… Read more

Microsoft unveils new Xbox 360 controller

Microsoft plans to release a new Xbox 360 controller in November that features a transforming D-pad, the company announced Tuesday.

The first difference users will find with the new wireless controller is its design. Instead of a white finish with multicolored buttons, the new controller sports a gray and black finish. All the buttons are now different tones of gray.

But it's the new D-pad that will likely attract some users.

According to "Major Nelson," Microsoft's director of programming for Xbox Live who first unveiled the new controller in a blog post and video, users "… Read more

Massage Me: Push my game buttons, please

Hey, guys, I have a great idea for a product. It's a video game controller built in to a vest that your friend wears. As you're pushing buttons to get your Call of Duty fighter around the map to frag your friend you can simultaneously give him or her a sensual massage.

Wait, what? This already exists? As a concept using a hacked PS3 controller? And it's Austrian? Well, excuse me for breathing. I'm just brainstorming here.

"Massage Me" is currently a DIY project (instructions here) from a couple of smarties at the University of Art and Industrial Design Linz … Read more