I’ve been wondering why most game controllers today stick to just 4 face buttons, especially when some older controllers like the SEGA Saturn and the OG Xbox had 6. With today’s variety of games, especially fighting games, wouldn’t 6 buttons be more beneficial? I noticed that even SEGA limited their Dreamcast controller to 4 face buttons, which seems like a step back. What gives?
3 Answers
Having 6 face buttons works if you’re solely into fighting games, but for other types of games, it can get overwhelming. The current setup with 4 face buttons, plus 2 shoulder buttons and triggers, fits just fine for most genres. Plus, it helps keep the controller ergonomic, avoiding the ‘vending machine’ feel of having too many buttons.
The gaming scene has evolved, and with arcades declining, developers turned to simpler designs that matched what players were used to. When PlayStation became super popular, other companies followed suit by adopting the 4-button layout, which led to it becoming the norm for controllers.
Exactly! It’s all about what feels right in your hand and what gamers are used to now.
I think 4 buttons are just easier for quick reactions. The layout of having 4 face buttons is more streamlined and familiar to most players now. Plus, it avoids cluttering the controller with too many buttons.
But what if you mainly play fighting games? Isn’t 6 buttons better for that?
True! The back paddles on some controllers make it feel better for shooters, though!