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The Evolution of Video Game Controllers: Look How Far We’ve Come

By on May 6, 2013

Evolution_of_video_games_zoom_Tennis_for_Two

We all have memories of our first video game system. For me, the original Nintendo (NES) was set up in my childhood dentist’s office — who knew there were ways to get seven year olds excited about oral hygiene? But if you’ve been gaming since joysticks were the height of technological prowess, it’s nearly impossible to remember them all. Until now. Blow a little air into the dusty cartridge of your memory and check out the newest print from Pop Chart Lab featuring the meticulous and beautiful Evolution of Video Game Controllers.

What started with a single button and knob combo circa 1958’s Tennis for Two has evolved into controllers in nearly every shape imaginable. Wheels, guns, guitars, magic wands and, hey, is that a set of maracas I spot in there? It reads like a Choose Your Own Adventure chart by way of a Family Tree, with a color key at the bottom to define the different controller types and how they’re chronologically related. Remarkable.

The Evolution of Video Game Controllers -- Full Chart

Pop Chart Lab’s The Evolution of Video Game Controllers tracks video game system controllers from 1958’s ‘Tennis for Two’ to the impending, ultra-modern DualShock 4 (PS4).

Want a closer look? Over at Pop Chart, you can zoom in on the entire print in all of its painfully detailed glory (as well as purchase a poster for you game room).

About Christina Broat

I'm a Seattle girl with So Cal roots who has fully embraced coffee, galoshes, and the fact that not every beach is replete with surfers. If I'm not in front of a computer, you'll find me knitting, exercising, or eating at the hot new restaurant in town.

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