I just destroyed my DualShock knockoff gamepad in a fit of NES

>>4118187
An Xbox One or PS4 controller

File: Fighting Commander.jpg (52KB, 1000x600px) Image search: [Google]

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As as current products go, Hori d-pads are probably the best
They have a couple different controllers, some with analog sticks, some without

>>4118187
for (s)nes emulation prob 8bitdo or wait until the mini snes releases and get those controllers (if you can get your hands on one)
all purpose controller ds4 or x1.

File: Neo Geo Microswitches.jpg (217KB, 768x1024px) Image search: [Google]

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There are a variety of fundamentally different d-pads. Back in the day, an arcade stick built with authentic arcade components would have been considered the gold standard and originally d-pads were invented to be less expensive/more durable than cheap sticks e.g. Atari but I'm not trying to longpost

Most arguments on the "best" d-pads end up being boiled down to a philosophical debate between the SNES controller (best cross-style pad) and the model 2 Saturn controller (best rocker-style pad). The easiest way to know you have a top tier pad is to get a good OEM one of those two and an adapter. There are some native USB versions available as well but the Saturn ones in particular are hard to find in good quality.

Personally, I find that microswitch aka "clicky" d-pads give a valuable tactile feedback.The all-time greatest example of this is the Neo-Geo pad (pic related) though there are some "fightpads" out there made by Hori that also have (smaller) microswitches and offer a good value.

It's also possible to modify 360 controllers using a spacer cut from a Pringles lid to fix the mushiness and get a rocker-style d-pad similar to a Saturn pad that also has noticeable (but weak) clickiness.

>>4118274
that's a sexy looking d pad