Monster Hunter Tri

[A Black Falcon]

Hmm... I honestly don't see the difference there between analog sticks, except I prefer Nintendo's later ones. I like the 6 button layout of the N64, but other than that, I prefer the Gamecube controller or the classic controller (classic mainly for that d-pad goodness).

You don't see the difference between an N64 and GC analog stick, really? They look and feel very different, though... and while I disagree with Lazy that the GC/Wii style's octagonal border is a problem, I agree that the N64's analog stick feel is better. I've always liked the feel of the N64 analog stick a lot... if only they didn't break down so easily they'd be the best for sure. As it is they're just really good, and I still love the N64's analog stick.

Anyway, I prefer the N64's 6 face button layout, I like its Z button far better than the GC's shoulder buttons, I like the seperated d-pad and analog stick (so that both are in the perfect position, instead of one being a little less comfortable to use)... it's just such a great controller. The GC controller is good too, but just not quite as good.

I think maybe one good idea might be that instead of an octagonal shape, let's use a circle shape but with some tiny triangular "notches" at the 8 directional corners. I think that could be the best of both worlds.

Oh, and I've seen square shaped analog stick depressions. It's basically an attempt to get the same full "range" as a joystick, which traditionally have square depressions themselves. However, they really are aweful.

That is true, good point -- joysticks usually do have square-bordered sticks. Almost always really, now that you mention it. Somehow it works for them, but when you put it in a mini stick on a gamepad, it just doesn't work anywhere near as well, as you say.

(I wonder how a joystick would feel with an octagon or circle bound... hmm, I don't know. I'm so used to the square ones...)

That's true, and I never saw a square inset for an analog stick, that's bizarre.

It's used for some PC gamepads, such as Saitek's. It's... not good. Saitek's gamepads really are quite good, but that square analog stick border is annoying...