10 Controllers That Were Designed For Aliens, Not Humans

Many game controllers seem designed for hands that aren’t human! These unique designs often came from innovative ideas that took controllers beyond the typical layout. They included extra buttons, motion controls, or even full panels of switches, changing how players experienced games. Here’s a look at ten controllers that really pushed boundaries with their unusual shapes and features, and how they worked with the consoles and games of their era.

Nintendo 64 Controller

In 1996, Nintendo released a revolutionary controller featuring a central analog stick and a new ‘Z’ trigger button on the back. Players could comfortably hold the controller in two different ways, depending on whether a game used the analog stick or the traditional directional pad. This controller also included an expansion port for accessories like the Rumble Pak, which added vibration feedback, and the Controller Pak, which allowed players to save their game progress. Games like ‘Super Mario 64’ and ‘GoldenEye 007’ were specifically designed to take advantage of the controller’s unique stick and trigger setup.

Atari Jaguar Controller

The Jaguar controller had a traditional directional pad, three action buttons, and a large number pad. Players could slide plastic covers over the number pad to assign specific functions to each game, like quickly switching weapons or changing views, instead of navigating on-screen menus. Games such as ‘Alien vs Predator’ and ‘Tempest 2000’ used these overlays extensively to add extra commands.

Power Glove

Released in 1989, this Nintendo Entertainment System accessory featured a glove that sensed hand movements using sound waves. Instead of a traditional controller, it used a keypad on the forearm for buttons and tracked finger bends to control movement. The glove communicated with the console via a receiver placed near the TV. Games like ‘Super Glove Ball’ were designed for it, and ‘Rad Racer’ even included a special mode that used the glove’s tilt and gesture controls.

U Force

The U Force for the Nintendo Entertainment System was a unique controller that used infrared sensors to detect hand movements in the air. Instead of pressing buttons, players moved their hands above invisible controls. You could adjust how sensitive the controller was to better recognize distance and speed. Games like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Punch Out’ worked with the U Force, letting you control actions like throttle and punches using hand gestures.

Steel Battalion Controller

In 2002, Capcom released an incredibly detailed controller for the original Xbox designed for the game ‘Steel Battalion.’ It featured over forty buttons, three foot pedals, and even realistic toggles for things like ignition and windshield wipers. An eject button added to the immersive experience, and players had to learn a specific startup procedure to use it. The controller’s layout closely resembled the mech’s dashboard within the game and was also compatible with the game’s online content on Xbox Live.

Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Controller

This accessory for the GameCube and PlayStation 2 was shaped like a chainsaw and included a D-pad and analog sticks. It featured a clear window displaying fake gears for a visual effect, and the cable connected through the handle. While it functioned like a normal controller, the triggers and face buttons were positioned along the sides. It was originally released as a special edition controller for the game ‘Resident Evil 4’ and came in different colors depending on the console.

Namco NeGcon

As a racing game fan, I always loved how Namco thought outside the box with the original PlayStation! They made this awesome controller with a hinge in the middle that let you twist it – it wasn’t just about how far you turned, but how you turned it, giving you incredibly precise steering. It was way better than using a D-pad! Plus, it had two buttons that weren’t just on or off – the harder you pressed, the more gas or brake you got. Games like ‘Ridge Racer Type 4’ and ‘Wipeout’ really took advantage of this, letting you smoothly drift around corners like never before.

Dreamcast Fishing Controller

Sega created a unique Dreamcast accessory shaped like a fishing rod, featuring a motion sensor and a spinning reel. Players cast by swinging the rod forward, with the sensor detecting the throw and the reel controlling line tension. A few buttons on the handle allowed players to navigate menus and select lures. While designed for games like ‘Sega Bass Fishing’ and ‘Marine Fishing,’ it also offered a fun, if unconventional, experience in ‘SoulCalibur’ thanks to customized controls.

Donkey Konga Bongos

As a huge GameCube fan, I always thought the bongos were so cool! They had two drums you hit, and a microphone that could pick up if you clapped. What made them special was that games could tell the difference between hitting the left drum, the right drum, and a clap – so you could really get into the rhythm! You could even plug them into a normal controller port and use them in some platformers if you customized the controls. Of course, the big ones everyone remembers are ‘Donkey Konga’ and ‘Donkey Kong Jungle Beat’ – those games actually made you drum to move and attack, which was a totally unique experience!

Sega Activator

The Activator created a ring of infrared beams on the floor. When a player broke a beam with their hand or foot, it registered as a button press on the Sega Genesis. The ring divided the space into eight zones, each connected to a controller button, and allowed for complex combinations of moves. Games like ‘Mortal Kombat’ came with pre-set configurations that assigned specific kicks and punches to each beam.

Tell us about any unusual controllers you’ve used – we’d love to hear your stories in the comments! And let us know which ones you’ve actually gotten your hands on.

2025-11-26 20:15