Back when home video games were still new, every new console's controller was an experiment. And before people settled on things like the Atari 2600's joystick and the Nintendo Entertainment System's gamepad, which influenced everything that came after them, they tried out some ... unusual form factors. Like the Fairchild Channel F's hybrid paddle-joystick, or the Mattel Intellivision's disc-and-touchpad arrangement.
Even today, though, some game controllers still manage to turn heads on account of how unusual they are. Like these four! Just remember, being strange isn't necessarily a bad thing ... just ask the Nintendo Wii or DS.
The NeuroSky MindWave Headset
For only $99, you too can have your own EEG headset for your home computer. No laboratory gel or electrodes required; it looks more like a Bluetooth voice headset. Ten "apps" are included, and it can run for 10 hours on one AAA battery. It can sense when you blink, as well as when you're being attentive or meditative -- and presumably a bit more than that as well.
A game called Mind Labyrinth, for Linux, Windows, and Mac, can optionally use the MindWave to control your character. (According to Joey Sneddon of OMG! Ubuntu!, it's extremely easy, and not at all fun, if you just use the mouse.) Putting yourself into a meditative state even heals your character.
The Xappr Gun
Presumably pronounced "Zapper," the Xappr Gun is an attachment for your iPhone, Android phone, or Windows Phone 7 device. Basically, it's an NES light gun-style controller, except that instead of shooting at your TV with it you attach your smartphone like a scope. Then you use the Xappr to essentially play Laser Tag with people, using Augmented Reality games like AR Invaders which are designed to work with it.
As of right now, only four games are compatible with the Xappr, and not all of them are available on all the platforms that it supports. More, however, are "Coming Soon," according to its website.
The Sony PlayStation Vita and the Nintendo Wii U's controller
If the PlayStation Portable was a pocket-sized PlayStation 2, the PlayStation Vita is basically a (somewhat less pocket-sized) PlayStation 3. The dual analog sticks on the face bring it closer to the PS3's Dual Shock controller, and the capacitive touch screen is par for the course for a mobile device today. The touch pad on the back is what makes it unusual, though, and Sony has featured a lot of tech demos to show it off.
Meanwhile, the Wii U's controller is a cross between a large game controller and a small touch screen tablet, complete with a webcam and a resistive stylus.
Jared Spurbeck is an open-source software enthusiast, who uses an Android phone and an Ubuntu laptop PC. He has been writing about technology and electronics since 2008.
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