Odd Controllers
Declan Kennedy
| 12-03-2025
· Lifestyle team
Hey Lykkers! We know gaming is all about enjoying immersive experiences, but what if we told you some of the controllers out there are more bizarre than the games themselves?
Over the years, some game consoles have come up with controllers that break all the norms, and some are so unusual that you can't help but wonder, “What were they thinking?” Today, let's take a closer look at 10 of the weirdest video game controllers ever made. Ready for this fun ride? Let's jump in!

1. Sega Fishing Rod

Who doesn't love a good fishing game? Sega sure knew how to make it interesting! In 1997, they released the Sega Bass Fishing game, and rather than using the standard Dreamcast controller, they offered a Sega Fishing Rod. The rod let you “cast” your fishing line and reel it back in just like a real fishing experience, adding a new level of immersion. This controller was compatible with several other games, but it was definitely a strange choice for gaming.

2. Resident Evil Chainsaw

For the 2005 release of Resident Evil 4 on the GameCube, Capcom teamed up with a unique controller that mimicked a chainsaw. Yes, you heard that right—a chainsaw! Styled after the chainsaw-wielding antagonist in the game, this controller looked the part with its blood-splattered design. While it was functional, its bulky size and awkward button placement made it more of a collectible item for most players than a practical controller.

3. Katana: The Soul Controller

Capcom and Hori took things to a whole new level when they released the Katana: The Soul Controller for the Onimusha 3 game on the PlayStation 2. Shaped like a katana sword, this controller came with a sheath, and the blade was just for show—made from plastic, of course. The controller was functional with all the usual buttons, but it came at a steep price. At over $150 when released, it was more of a collector's item than a practical game controller.

4. NES Power Glove

The Power Glove was released in 1989 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It looked like a futuristic controller, and it was designed to let players control the game by moving their hands. However, it was expensive (equivalent to around $150 today) and didn't work as well as expected. Despite being marketed as a groundbreaking way to play, the Power Glove wasn't a huge hit, and it was discontinued after just one year.

5. 'ASCII Keyboard Controller'

Now here's an odd one! The 'ASCII Keyboard Controller' was an accessory released in Japan for the GameCube. Instead of a regular controller, it came with a full keyboard in the center, designed specifically for the RPG Phantasy Star Online Episode 'I & II'. While it might have been useful for text-heavy games, it definitely wasn't something you'd want to use for more traditional gaming.

6. Samba De Amigo Maracas

In 2000, Sega released Samba de Amigo for the Dreamcast, and with it came a set of maracas as controllers. These maracas were used to mimic the rhythm of the game, where players would shake them in time with the music. The maracas sensed the position, frequency, and intensity of your shakes. While it was fun for the rhythm game, it wasn't exactly something you'd want to use for anything else.

7. NES Hands-Free Controller

The Hands-Free Controller for the NES was designed to help players with limited hand mobility. Instead of holding a controller, players would strap this device to their chest and use their mouth to control the D-pad and buttons. Released in 1989, it was a thoughtful attempt to make gaming more accessible, though it was quite a rare and expensive piece of gaming history.

8. Tony Hawk Ride Skateboard

The Tony Hawk Ride game released in 2009 introduced a unique controller in the form of a skateboard. No, it wasn't a real skateboard, but it was designed for players to stand on and use their feet to control their skater's movements. Instead of using a regular controller, you would tilt the board to do tricks and maneuver your skater. It was certainly a novel approach to gaming, though it wasn't embraced by many.

9. Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style Pad

In 1999, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style for the original PlayStation was released, and along with it came a controller in the shape of the Wu-Tang Clan's iconic "W" logo. This controller was designed for use with the game, but it didn't have the thumbsticks that most PlayStation controllers had, making it a bit of a novelty. While it wasn't ideal for gameplay, it was highly sought after by collectors who wanted a unique piece of Wu-Tang gaming memorabilia.

10. Steel Battalion

Lastly, let's talk about the ultimate oddity in gaming controllers—Steel Battalion for the original Xbox. Released in 2002, this game required a massive controller setup that included a cockpit-like control panel with joysticks, buttons, and foot pedals. It was designed to control a mecha in the game, and only a limited number of these controllers were made. As a result, it became incredibly rare and is now one of the most valuable and collectible gaming controllers of all time.

A Truly Bizarre Collection

There you have it, Lykkers! These 10 video game controllers are some of the most unusual and memorable ones in gaming history. While most gamers today are used to the standard controllers with thumbsticks and buttons, these bizarre controllers added a unique touch to their respective games. Some were fun and functional, while others were simply designed to stand out or serve as collector's items. Which one would you love to try—or just display on your shelf? Let us know your thoughts and share any other weird controllers you've come across!