Best NES controllers?

[mic_]

I could use some new controllers for my NES, and was wondering what the best option is these days.

Currently I've got an AV Famicom controller, which I'm pretty happy with except for the A/B button placement (the buttons are placed at an angle, instead of being vertically aligned like on the original NES/Famicom controllers). I've also got a couple of original NES controllers that have seen their best days (flimsy D-pad, worn out B-button).

Are those fix-a-pad kits a good option? Any particular "brand" that is better than others?

I've seen newly produced NES controllers from SJ, TTX, Tomee and Innovation(?). There are also ones named "Turbo Card" or something like that. Has anyone here used any of these and can tell if they're any good? I'm looking for something with an accurate D-pad, and A/B buttons that have the same placement and similar feel as the ones on an original NES controller. Obviously it shouldn't break after a few months of use, and it's a plus if it has roughly the same weight as an original controller (I've got some 3rd party SNES controllers that weigh almost nothing, which just feels wrong).

The reason I'm considering 3rd party controllers is that original NES controllers in good condition can be pretty expensive these days (I've seen people trying to sell them for nearly $30 a piece).

[Drag]

I think we have enough resources to be able to make new NES controllers from scratch and have them be the same build/feel quality as the originals. It just comes down to someone taking the time to do it.

With that said, I'm also interested in the same thing as the OP.

[thefox]

Currently I've got an AV Famicom controller, which I'm pretty happy with except for the A/B button placement (the buttons are placed at an angle, instead of being vertically aligned like on the original NES/Famicom controllers).

Angle by itself is not the problem, it's just angled in the wrong direction.

Something like a PSX->NES controller adapter might be good for this purpose, since there's a lot of PSX/PS2 controllers out there, and PS2 controllers may still be manufactured even? Not sure if such adapters are sold anywhere, however.

[Memblers]

I've thought about getting a spare SNES controller, and putting an NES cable on it. Or make an adapter out of extension cables. I believe then the SNES Y,B would be NES B,A.

[Myask]

an accurate D-pad, and A/B buttons that have the same placement[...]as the ones on an original NES controller.

The NES MAX fails these two criteria, but I like it. (The cycloid is a little tricky to get used to.)

Currently I've got an AV Famicom controller,

...odd, nearly everyone I can think of thinks these are the best thing since sliced bread.

I believe then the SNES Y,B would be NES B,A.

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Looks it.

[Super-Hampster]

I'm partial to my dog bone controller. I don't have any problem with the Max either but my Max is aging.

[mikejmoffitt]

I did a write-up of one replacement pad kit not long ago.

[tepples]

I've thought about getting a spare SNES controller, and putting an NES cable on it. Or make an adapter out of extension cables.

I had infiniteneslives make this adapter for me. If you make one, feel free to drag out a Super NES Mouse and play Thwaite. It feels wonderful.

I believe then the SNES Y,B would be NES B,A.

It is.

I wonder whether the tendency of some replacement controller makers to use a curved contact comes from the use of curved contacts on Dual Shock 2 for pressure sensitivity.

[Drag]

A fat lot of good that did for the PS2; I didn't even remember the d-pad was pressure sensitive until just now. That does make sense though.

[mic_]

Currently I've got an AV Famicom controller, which I'm pretty happy with except for the A/B button placement

odd, nearly everyone I can think of thinks these are the best thing since sliced bread.

It's perfectly fine for many games. But I wouldn't consider it a good controller for games where you often want to hold down the B button and be able to tap/press the A-button at the same time (without holding either your arm or the controller at a weird angle), like the SMB games.
Also, it's currently the only NES controller I've got that's in good working order. I'd like to have at least one more.

I've ordered a couple of different controllers, so I guess I'll post here at some later date to say what I think about them.

[tepples]

When playing SMB I hold the controller funny anyway, with my index finger over B and my middle finger over A.

[Movax12]

When playing SMB I hold the controller funny anyway, with my index finger over B and my middle finger over A.

Ewww. Tip of thumb goes on B and ball of thumb on A. That is the correct way.

[rainwarrior]

Everybody's got different hands.

[Asaki]

When playing SMB I hold the controller funny anyway, with my index finger over B and my middle finger over A.

Ewww. Tip of thumb goes on B and ball of thumb on A. That is the correct way.

I always used my thumb until I saw a kid at school playing Genesis with his pointer, middle, and ring fingers. Blew my mind.

Using your fingers instead gives you a lot more precision, especially in games where fast button presses are essential. Just look at any arcade machine.

[tepples]

Especially in a rhythm game like Frequency or Amplitude. I never learned to use the shoulder buttons; I ended up using my fingers on Square, Triangle, and Circle.