In this advent, I have yet to feature Weird Al Yankovich, and today, he only makes a cameo on a song by the incredible Nerf Herder.
This song is a great geek anthem, and is very very relatable!
So yeah, I live controllers, especially retro ones, because there is something just right about using ones that are as close to the originals as possible.
So following on from my Mini Consoles post a couple of weeks ago, let’s look at my controller collection!
C64 Joystick
This is the oldest style controller I have, an old school joystick that came with The C64 mini, it’s not the best build quality, but it’s ok.
I heard the individual release is a bit better so I might pick that up.
NES Joypad
The joypad for the NES came from the NES Classic, and it’s a great little controller, the dimensions are just right and the buttons are pretty much identical to the original.
Whilst the NES doesn’t hold anything special for me, cause being British, they were a real rarity growing up, it’s still cool.
When emulating Master System games. It’s my go to controller as it’s as close to that as I have in my collection.
The criticisms I have are that the lead is way too short, and also, the use of a propriety connector means having to use an adaptor,
PC Engine
The PC Engine had a similar controller to the NES and Master System with just two buttons, but the TurboPad had Turbo Switches which gave you additional speed settings.
I got the first controller with the PC Engine CoreGrafx Mini, and a second one from eBay.
Mega Drive
This is the controller that defined my childhood, the good old big 3 button Mega Drive Control Pad.
The Mega Drive was the first console that I owned myself (along with my brother Paul), and this always being back such fuzzy wonderful memories for me.
This came with the Mega Drive Mini, and I have a pair of them, which are just perfect for emulation.
There is also the six button controller, which was a bit smaller, but still great, and ideal for fighting games like Street Fighter II and Eternal Champions.
This one from Retro-Bit is a very faithful replica, and officially licensed, it’s not quite the same as it adds left and right shoulder buttons, but that’s cool, just opens up more options.
SNES Controller
The SNES is another console, that I never had any great nostalgia for, simply because pretty much everyone I knew growing up, had a Mega Drive, and one mad lad with a PC Engine and another whose dad had a Neo Geo.
It’s kind of iconic as it introduced the diamond four face button configuration which most consoles to this day still use, as well as shoulder buttons.
I don’t use this pad as often as I think it deserves, but it’s cool. Came with the SNES Classic and needs an adaptor to use it.
CD32
Ah the Amiga CD32, Commodores last release before they went bankrupt, I knew a lad with one of these, and to be honest, it wasn’t any more advanced that the A1200, but it did have some cool games.
The pad was a bit awkward to use, but this has a slight redesign, which makes it a little more comfortable to hold.
It’s a pretty cool little pad, that came with the A500 Mini, but I haven’t had much of a chance to use it yet.
Playstation
I never really got on with the PlayStation controller, the shape was always very uncomfortable.
My brother Daniel had one, not long before I left home, I instead preferred to play on the N64 and Mega Drive still, and was just starting to get into PC.
This controller does feel right for certain games, such as Wipeout, but it’s never really appealed to me in a big way, but you can’t deny the iconic nature of it.
Tribute 64
The Nintendo 64 was my console of choice during the 5th generation, and it’s controller was something different, it’s like they were absolutely digging deep into the cocaine, to be honest, that’s kind of Nintendo’s approach to all controllers since then!
I never had an issue with the Nintendo 64 Controller, I always found it actually rather comfortable to use.
For emulating N64 games, I chose the Tribute 64 from RetroBit simply because the US B clones from most companies are kinda rubbish and break very easily.
This is a solidly built and comfortable controller and I have to reluctantly admit, just that bit nicer to use than the original.
Saturn
I never had a Saturn, much to my disappointment, but I was a poor child from a poor family, and it was just way too expensive.
But when I did get to play it, oh how I enjoyed it. Virtua Fighter, Daytona USA, Sega Rally, all amazing games, but what the Saturn really excelled at, was 2D games and the fighters was a genre it absolutely slated the competition in.
And it’s controller was absolutely one of the best for fighters ever made, in fact to this day when I fire up Street Fighter V, it’s the Saturn pad I reach for.
This one by RetroBit is frankly amazing, it feels exactly as the original did and it feels great in your hands.
NeoGeo CD
Ah the Neo Geo a wonderful console, one that cost an arm and a leg and the games themselves where sometimes as expensive as one of the other consoles.
But oh the games, games like Metal Slug and King of Fighters were utterly amazing.
The Neo Geo CD came with this pad, it was a cheaper version of the console and more accessible, but wasn’t as good as the original console, but still amazing.
This controller is great, other than it’s lack of microswitches in the joystick, but it’s still a lovely controller.
Xbox Duke
This is my all time favourite controller, it fits my hands oh so well.
This one made by Hyperkin is supercool as it’s as close to the original as you can get, and the centre button is a mini screen that runs through the original Xbox boot animation!
It’s an absolutely cracking modern update of the original and gets more use than anything else, other than my Elite!
GameCube
Nintendo love their cocaine, and they came up with this for the GameCube!
Super uncomfortable and not the easiest to use. For use on my PC I need to use the same adaptor as used for the NES and SNES controllers.
However the WaveBird is actually a lot more comfortable to use, and whenever I play GameCube games, this is the controller I reach for, but I have to mention, it actually belongs to Lindsay!
Again, needs an adaptor to work with PC.
Xbox 360
For many, this is the gold standard controller that all others have to beat, now I agree it’s a great controller, but the D-Pad is kinda sucky.
This particular controller is in desperate need of some TLC as it was attacked by our recently departed rabbit Gandalf, and he loved to eat thumb sticks.
I need to replace the thumb sticks or get some nice covers for them, clean it up, and grab a USB wireless adaptor to use it for the PC.
Playstation DualShock 3
The DualShock 3 is the second PS3 controller, succeeding the SIXAXIS.
In form it’s pretty much similar to the other DualShocks before it, but the position of the analogue sticks and general shape always made it feel uncomfortable.
The batteries in this one are still pretty good, but long term they will need replacing eventually, that was always a major issue for these controllers.
Xbox MadCatz Arcade Joystick
This is a mad joystick, adapting the modern controller configuration into what many people thought was an ugly and uncomfortable mess.
Truth be told, it’s suits old school arcade games very very well, Pac-Man is amazing with this thing, but I would be very reluctant to use it with more modern games.
Xbox Series S/X
I do own an Xbox One controller, but it’s now used solely for use with my iPhone and Xbox Cloud gaming.
But the Series S/X controller is mostly identical apart from a few little changes, like the microtexture on the back, share button and new D-Pad.
This is a brilliant controller and one that I absolutely love using, cannot fault it at all!
I actually own four of the buggers, a black and white that sit downstairs with the Series X, a white one that Megan uses for her PC, and a black on for my Series S.
I also own a third party one, a PowerA Spectra, that I got free with a magazine subscription, this is okay, and has a few rear button, but it’s not the same as the branded controller, just feels a touch cheaper.
Google Stadia
Ah Google Stadia, great technology, but a dreadful implementation that alongside Google’s tendency to shut down a service at the drop of a hat means the service was doomed from inception.
The actually controller is pretty good and when hooked up with a USB-C cable to a PC is excellent.
But with Stadia closing for good in January, the current way it works, only by connecting over Wi-Fi directly to the Stadia servers, I honestly fear that a lot of these will end up as e-waste, unless Google issues new firmware that activates the Bluetooth module.
It’s still a great controller when wired, but most people want wireless, despite the latency.
I am gonna try and add the dark blue version of this to my collection, just cause it looks cool and it’s a half decent controller.
PlayStation DualSense
Ok, so I was reluctant to get a PS5 because I didn’t get on very well with the DualShock controllers, they just never fit my hands very well.
But the DualSense, well that works very well, the analogue sticks are a good distance apart, so the ache in my hands is also eliminated when using it, and the bells and whistles added to this bad boy are great.
I have a white and a black one, and Megan has a white one she uses with her PC.
Xbox Elite Series 2
The most expensive controller I own, although paid for with Microsoft Rewards, this is an incredible piece of tech, that just oozes indulgence.
I am glad I have it, and it’s my daily driver for using with my PC.
The package is great, it comes with a charging dock, rear paddles (which I don’t really use), and various options to customise the D-Pad and thumb sticks.
Then throw in the software customisation, and you have one amazing package. My pal Graham scoffs at the idea of paying so much for a controller, but I really do think it’s well worth it.
Switch Pro
The Switch Pro controller, is, well it’s a Xbox style controller made by Nintendo for the Switch. I am not sure how else to put it.
It’s comfortable, especially when compared to the JoyCons in the handgrip, but to be honest, I expected way more for the money I paid.
It’s perfectly serviceable, but that’s about it, I expected more, but it’s Nintendo so I should have prepared myself for disappointment.
SN30 Pro
The 8BitDo SN30 Pro is my controller of choice for a lot of retro games, and if I have to travel and want to play games on the laptop, this is the controller I take.
It’s a weird mashup of a SNES controller and a DualShock, but doesn’t perform too badly.
It’s pretty good, and I cannot complain about it, as I said the compact nature makes it great for travel.
What Do I want to Add
There are three controllers I want to add, but I am want good prices, I am not gonna shell out a fortune for them, if I can help it.
I want an Nvidia Shield Controller, a Steam Controller and an Amazon Luna Controller, but the only source for these are on the secondary market, and the prices can go quite high, so it’s waiting for the right time and a good price before jumping in and buying them.
Retro Bit have a Big Six Mega Drive controller on the horizon, which might also be tempting, and they have spoken in the past of doing a modern USB version of the Dreamcast controller.
Hyperkin are also working on a modern Xbox 360 controller, so I think that’s on the agenda as well, to replace the existing original one.
What I Am Modelling
I painted this Tactical Squad for the Imperial Fists
I now have some Kruelboyz Gutrippas on my desk!
So what’s coming up for me next?
- Orruk Gutrippas x 12
- T’au Crisis Suits x 3
- Imperial Fists Contemptor Dreadnought
- Ultramarines Intercessors x 7
- Silver Tower Heroes
- Blood Angels Repulsor
- Templar Brethren x 10
- Hobgrot Slitaz x 20
- Leagues of Votann Kâhl & Einhyr Champion
- The Crimson Court
What I Am Reading
Still listening to the Doctor Who Monthly Range, and I knocked down The Apocalypse Element and The Fires of Vulcan.
I did finish off Sanguinus: The Greatr Angel by Chris Wraight, which was a wonderful book, first time I have read a Primarch book rather than listening to it.
I also read some shorts, Transplants by Rob Young, Aria Arcana by Peter Fehervari and Confession of Pain by Jon Findall.
I am currently reading Shadow Avengers by Carrie Harris and listening to Marvel’s Avengers: The Extinction Key by Greg Keyes.
What Video Games I Am Playing
Played a little bit of Darktide, that’s a really fun game to play. And my wonderful friend who already had the game for themselves, gifted me the copy they got with their 3070, to play with my 3070.
And I played some God of War as well, really enjoying that game.
I was having some issues with the screen cutting out when playing games, but after some experimentation, turns out the issue was the Displayport Cable, so I have ordered a replacement!
What I Am Winning
I had won a pair of tickets to see Black Panther: Wakonda Forever on Wednesday from TFM, but Lindsay was rather unwell so we never got to see it.
I also won tickets to see The Amazing Maurice from Sky, and myself, the girls and Megan’s mum Jane were supposed to see it Sunday morning, but we were all down with colds and sniffles.
What I am Spending
Grabbed this Elgato Wall Mount to put the webcam on for my painting area, cause it was a pain in the bum the way it was previously attached on to the Multi Mount that has the overdesk camera.
- Mood:- Full of sniffles
- Caffeinated Beverages Consumed:- 4
- In My Ears:- Now Is The Time – The Doubleclicks
- Tabletop Game Last Played:- Just One
- Video Game Last Played:- Darktide
- Book Last Read:- Shadow Avengers – Carrie Harris
- Movie Last Viewed:- Enola Holmes
- TV Show Last Viewed:- Schitt’s Creek
- Current State of Projects:- Gutrippas have a single colour on them!
I am sorry I was ill for a few days and as such didn’t get the advert sorted out, so you are gonna get three over the next 24 hours, starting with a frequent flier here, The Doubleclicks with Now Is The Time.
Its a great and rather inspiring song, and I think it kind of really encourages you.
This is a great song from Portal 2, now here is an awful confession, I haven’t played either Portal Game, but I did buy them in the 2021 Christmas Steam Sale and intend to play them soon.
But I have both soundtracks and love them, especially JoCo’s musicial contributions!
Anyway, this is JoCos version of the song with Sara Quin from his album Artificial Heart.
This lovely little ditty by the PDX Broadsides has some nice Doctor Who influences, but never struck me as being about Doctor Who.
But it’s always seemed to be to be a song about, knowing your own worth, but let me know what you think!
Nursehella is a great nerdcore rapper, who hasn’t really been active a lot in recent years, but she has released a new EP, which is awesome
This is a great song, but I warn you that it’s a bit NSFW!
Marian Call is a wonderful artist from Alaska, who has featured a couple of times before.
Anyway, this is a lovely little song about spaceships and typewriters
How about a song that always gives me a tear at the end?
This song by Hank Green always makes me realise that I don’t think there is ever enough time in life to spend with those we love.
The Great Luke Ski, or just Luke Ski, has been around on the filk scene for a very long time, this is a wonderful parody song about the Disney takeover of Marvel.
I think a lot of us were, at the time very worried, and I would like to think that for the most part the concerns have mostly been proven to be unsubstantiated.
Anyway, enjoy!
We have been here for a few months, and I must admit, it’s not actually that bad.
People said the neighbourhood was rough, but in all honesty, other than bonfire night, it’s been alright, but hey, I am from the west end of Newcastle so, rough is a relative term.
The sea air, as weird as it sounds, has helped, I need my inhaler a lot less and my lungs feel a lot less heavy, and there is something about waking up to a sea fret, that’s almost magical.
There are some issues here, our kitchen is so so small it’s difficult to cook in, and the wi-fi on the router is so bad we are going to invest in a mesh system.
Whilst I miss aspects of the old house, what I do like is having my own space, but I am struggling to keep it tidy.
I think in the long run the move is positive, but I do need to make sure the doctors are issuing my repeat prescriptions when needed as this far they are doing awful at that.
What I Am Modelling
I started with a trio of Kataphron Breachers for my Adeptus Mechanicus
Started off with a Praetor in Terminator Armour for my Ultramarines.
And followed up with a Techpriest Enginseer to join my Death Korps of Krieg.
After that I concentrated on the officers for the Imperial Fists and painted up a couple of Praetors first, the Legion Specific in Artificer Armour, and the Praetor Tribune.
And a Praetor in Cataprachtii Armour and Chaplin.
Then it was the Vindicare Assassin from my Warhammer + Subscription.
And then I finished a final pair of Kataphron Breachers
After which I completed an Imperial Fists Legion Champion and Master of Signals.
So what’s coming up next week?
- Imperial Fists Tactical Squad x 10
- Orruk Gutrippas x 12
- T’au Crisis Team x 3
- Imperial Fists Contemptor Dreadnought
- Ultramarines Intercessors x 5
- Silver Tower Heroes
- Blood Angels Repulsor
- Imperial Fists Templar Brethren x 10
- Hobgrot Slitaz x 20
- Leagues of Votann Kâhl & Einhyr Champion
What I Am Reading
I finished up Zachareth by Robbie MacNivan, and you can read a review of that here.
And I started Sanguinius: The Great Angel by Chris Wraight
Continuing my listening to the Doctor Who Monthly Series, I listened to The Spectre of Lanyon Moor and Winter for the Adept.
What Tabletop Games I Am Playing
Wasn’t sure where to put this but my Board Game Geek Secret Santa arrived, and it’s the incredible Arkham Horror!
What Video Games I Am Playing
Darktide hit GamePass, so I got that installed on my PC.
I also decided to play my first game on the PlayStation 5, specifically God of War, which is proving rather fun so far.
What I Am Backing
The Car Wars CARnage project
I completed my Backerkit survey for the TT Combat Paints and Washes project and picked my two paints, went for Supernova Chrome and PHR Bone.
What I Am Winning
A while back I won a competition run by Durham Prints Store for anything in their Etsy shop.
So I opted for this personalised slate signed with “Kill, Maim, Burn” on it, the warcry of the World Eaters, cause I thought it would be funny!
It’s taken a few weeks but it’s finally arrived and I am super happy with it!
What I Am Spending
I need to get back to streaming properly again, and I decided to spend my sponsorship money on a new toy, an Elgato Stream Deck Pedal, which is gonna sit on my floor and be useful for things like muting the microphone, which I think the fellas on Edge of Empire will appreciate!
- Mood:- Annoyed
- Caffeinated Beverages Consumed:- 0
- In My Ears:- Twiddles – Misbehavin’ Maidens
- Tabletop Game Last Played:- Just One
- Video Game Last Played:- God of War (2018)
- Book Last Read:- Sanguinius: The Great Angel
- Movie Last Watched:- From Bedrooms to Billions
- TV Show Last Watched:- Star Trek: Enterprise
- Current State of Projects:- Imperial Fists Tactical Squad at the highlighting stage