The Worst Gaming Peripheral: An Unforgettable Journey Through Baddies and Blunders
Video game peripherals have come a long way since the early days of joysticks and paddle controllers. However, some of these devices are so notorious for their failure and relic status that they stand as prime examples of why they should be remembered as some of the worst ever created. In this article, we explore a handful of those misfires and why they deserve a place in gaming history for all the wrong reasons.
The Xbox Kinect: A_radical Idea Gone Awry
Let's start with the Xbox Kinect. The device was a radical idea built on some interesting technology and the implementation was quite good. However, its impact and usage left much to be desired. My flatmate and I purchased a Kinect for the Xbox but ended up using it only once. The novelty of the device wore off quickly, and we barely explored its full potential.
When we did explore what the Kinect could do, the bundled “sport” games pretty much covered all there was to do. No new genre of game emerged to support it; it was simply a clumsy way to control existing games. The true potential of the Kinect was never really realized, and it became a largely forgotten peripheral in a generation of gamers obsessed with consoles and controllers.
The Unforgettable Sega Activator
Moving on to another classic failure, the Sega Activator takes the cake. Introduced at the 1993 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Activator was a fun but frustrating creation. My memory of its debut is crystal clear: two friends from Marketing were demonstrating it with Mortal Kombat. A move that required all four limbs to be off the floor was particularly challenging, and within five minutes, they were drenched in sweat and struggling to keep up.
The Sega Activator was a bizarre mix of fun and frustration. While it offered a unique way to engage with games, its design and gameplay mechanics were flawed. The experience was simultaneously the funniest and the most painful thing I had ever seen. It was a massive misfire that left a lasting impression on the gaming community.
The Quirky and Unreliable Nintendo Power Glove
The Nintendo Power Glove was another peripheral that seemed like a great idea but wound up being a source of frustration. This device was quirky and unreliable, and it left gamers feeling highly unsatisfied. While the concept was ahead of its time, the execution was woefully inadequate. The glove often failed to perform as expected, leading to awkward and sometimes comical experiences.
The Virtual Boy: A Headache in a Headset
The Virtual Boy from Nintendo is perhaps one of the most memorable missteps in gaming history. While the idea was innovative for its time, the execution was far from appealing. The red graphics were harsh on the eyes, and the headgear was uncomfortable to wear. Neck spasms and migraines became commonplace with this device. Despite the potential, the Virtual Boy failed to deliver a comfortable or enjoyable experience, ultimately becoming a notorious failure.
The Atari 7800 Two-Button Joystick: A Clumsy Controller
Lastly, let's discuss the Atari 7800 two-button joystick. This controller brought very little joy to Atari enthusiasts. Its construction was so poorly designed that users noticed issues with joystick response just one week after purchase. The controller was a literal pain in the neck, contributing to discomfort and dissatisfaction.
The Sega Base System Attachments: A Lesson in Misery
Finally, anything attached to the Sega base system was generally a misfire. These peripherals often brought terrible game content, eternal load times, and ridiculous clunkiness. The Sega Shake Spin and Sega Power Glove, in particular, were notorious for their poor performance and unreliability, leaving players with little to no satisfaction.
Through the lens of history, these peripherals stand as a testament to the importance of thoughtful design and execution in the gaming world. While many of these devices were innovative at the time, their flaws and shortcomings eventually led to their downfall.
In conclusion, the worst gaming peripherals are a reminder of the importance of a well-thought-out design and user experience. Whether it's the Xbox Kinect's lack of lasting appeal, the Sega Activator's combination of fun and frustration, or the Virtual Boy's harsh red graphics and discomfort, these failures teach us valuable lessons that continue to shape the future of gaming hardware.