[flaunf221]

> ex. the Steam Controller, nobody can make a decent game controller except for console vendors

Reading this feels feels like you are the one that is still in 1990s.

Third party controllers have long surpassed the ones from console vendors. Standard console controllers still continue to use potentiometers for sticks. Even pro versions that cost over a hundred euro still use them.

[Forgeties79]

Xbox’s stock controller since the 360 is hands down the best controller out there. Every other good controller is basically a variation of it lol

[opan]

Modern controller DNA goes back to the PS1, first to have 4 shoulder buttons and two analog sticks.

[Forgeties79]

Fair but the form factor is completely different. Dreamcast/xbox I’d consider the real base for modern controllers. But my original point is that once the 360 controller came out everyone (except Sony) has basically 90% copied it. Everything before is pretty distinct.

[opan]

While Switch is 360-esque now, the Wii Classic Controller had symmetrical sticks at the bottom, Wii U Pro Controller and GamePad had symmetrical sticks on top. So Nintendo wasn't totally committed to the 360 design even if the GameCube controller was almost there before. (Not gonna count the Wiimote as it's a little too different) Steam Deck and Steam Controller have symmetrical sticks as well. I don't think it's as clear cut as you say. 8BitDo and GuliKit have controllers in both form factors also (released in the last 2 years even). Also worth noting that XInput has been holding back PC controllers so that anything more ambitious than a 360 controller is hard to get working. Microsoft is also the only controller manufacturer to not put gyro in their controllers.

[Forgeties79]

You’re getting too nitty gritty. The general shape/form factor for all controllers, as well as 90% of the button/stick layout, was basically locked by the 360. Every diversion is either Sony or window dressing.

[opan]

So you don't mean stick or button layout, just the body shape then?