As any gamer will tell you that an optimal, comfortable controller is crucial to the gaming experience. After all, these handy devices serve as the mediator between you and the in-game protagonists that inhabit the virtual worlds displayed on your monitor, TV, or mobile device.

Despite still being a relatively young form of entertainment, gaming has seen a vast and event-filled history filled with a plethora of gadgets, particularly controllers. These controllers have ranged immensely in their size, shape, functionality, and button layout. But which have proven the most well-crafted and designed?

Related: Every Nintendo Controller, Ranked From Worst To Best

We'll take a look at just that as we shine a light on the best-designed game controllers, spanning decades of gaming history.

11 Wii Remote

Wii Remote and Nunchuck

There are few controllers that polarize gamers more than this bizarre gadget from Nintendo, used as the main controller input for the Wii. This thing essentially received more attention than the console itself, given its unique design and ground-breaking features.

The "Wiimote," as it became known, had quite a few bells and whistles for a 2006 device. Not only was it wireless and laced with 3D motion controls, but it even had a built-in speaker, and a port which allowed you to interchange various devices - namely the "Nunchuck," which brought it a bit closer to a more traditional controller.

Regardless of your stance on this remote-like device, it's tough to discredit its innovations and its appeal to a larger audience, who responded to its intuitive, inviting nature. Playing games was now as simple as swinging this device like a tennis racket or a sword. The possibilities were seemingly endless and truly exciting to ponder.

10 Sega Genesis Arcade Pad Controller

Sega largely positioned itself as the cool, edgier alternative to Nintendo products during the Genesis/SNES era, and this characteristic extended to its controller. This black, curvier controller, complete with more buttons and a more dynamic d-pad, just exuded sleekness - at least for the standards of the early '90s.

The controller felt comfortable and was simple enough for younger gamers to palette while this particular model's extra buttons proved ideal for more complex games - especially fighters.

9 GameCube Wavebird

Many gamers, even Nintendo fans, tend to have mixed feelings when it comes to the original GameCube controller, between its odd button layout and rather cheap, plastic-y feel. Still, most look at the more sophisticated version of this model, the Wavebird, quite a bit more favorably.

This thing doesn't just feel great, with its more solid, weighty feel, but it was also pretty revolutionary for its time, being one of the first major examples of a wireless controller that actually worked well. It even offered 16 wireless channels, and worked from up to 20 feet away. Its battery life was similarly impressive, clocking it at 100 hours for 2 AA batteries! While its lack of rumble is unfortunate, most everything else about this thing rocks, including its name!

8 Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

There's a lot to like about this solid controller design - beyond just that neat, innovative green ring around the home button which indicates how many controllers are recognized.

This is especially great when you consider what a vast improvement it is over the massive clunker that was used for the original Xbox when it first launched. This controller allows you to use either traditional batteries or a rechargeable pack; both of which come with an impressive duration. While its d-pad was a bit dicey, most everything else checks out here, especially the pressure-sensitive triggers and tactile-feeling face buttons.

7 Switch Joy-Cons

While these unique interchangeable devices have received a bit of criticism for their small buttons and tendency to drift on occasion, they're an impressive bit of gadgetry all-in-all.

Related: 10 Great Cheap Nintendo Switch Controllers To Get On A Budget

Nintendo really outdid themselves in terms of the myriad of features and sophisticated tech packed into these little guys. The fact that you can attach them to your console or play them separately is impressive in its own right. But then you've also got the realistic feel of the HD rumble, the precision motion controls, Amiibo NFC reader, and the IR sensor - which can even measure your heart rate!

6 DualShock 4 Wireless Controller

Sony's controllers have just about always been known for their terrific designs. Yet, with each successive generation, they've managed to step up their game and tweak a few details here and there, as well as improve and refine aspects to make the experience even better. This is certainly the case with their latest model, the DualShock 4.

Related: Every Playstation Controller, Ranked

The curvier, more ergonomic nature of this controller makes those long and intense gaming sessions even easier, and the spongy, tactile feel of the buttons are a subtle, yet noticeable improvement. The springier triggers now recess a bit inward which feel satisfying and responsive. And of course, you've got the neat additions of the multi-touch pad and gyro capabilities to add a little technical pizzaz to your gaming.

5 Xbox One Wireless Controller

Much like Sony, Microsoft has largely run with the concept of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," while fine-tuning a few elements from their Xbox 360 controller design. Though this controller maintains much of the same shape and button layout as its predecessor, the design has been slickened up and made to feel a bit more weighty and high-end. Its d-pad has been improved, the vibration is more detailed, and its thumbsticks are refined, as are its more recessed, more compact buttons.

The controller is also more versatile in terms of its Windows functionality and its rechargeable battery packs. You can even add a makeshift wire to charge your battery or use as a source of power by inserting a micro USB cable.

4 Super NES Controller

Super Nintendo Controller

When it comes to solid, well-crafted controllers, it's tough to beat the standard device used for the SNES. At least in terms of 2D gaming, you'd be hard-pressed to find a design more tailor-made to provide comfort, functionality, and simplicity. There's a reason this design has seen many imitators with third-party variants for other consoles and PC. Even Sony's original Playstation controller was largely modeled off its basic design.

With its solid d-pad, 4 face buttons, and easy-to-access triggers, this controller rests at the sweet spot between simplicity and intricacy.

3 DualShock 2

While the original DualShock felt a touch cheap and crude, Sony refined and fleshed out their standard controller for the PS2, and made it look even sleeker in the process with its transparent shell on certain versions.

This controller is a tremendous blend of functionality and depth, with its compact design that makes it easy to access its plethora of buttons. Its joysticks feel great and prove optimal with their size and rough texture that allows for ample grip. Its pressure-sensitive buttons and vibration make for a more dynamic gaming experience through a simplistic means.

2 Xbox One Elite

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Not factoring the price - which is admittedly quite steep - this is truly the deluxe controller; the Lamborghini of video game input devices.

Microsoft's Xbox One Elite model controller makes the already sleek and solid default model feel cheap by comparison. Aside from its whopping 40 hour rechargeable battery life, it's also very versatile; both in its functionality and customizations of the controller itself. The interchangeable thumbsticks and buttons allow you to tailor the device to your style, and the grip and paddles that adorn the sides and back allow for a more solid, comfortable grip.

You can even enable alternative inputs for the buttons, and control the depth of the trigger push for swifter shooting in FPS games.

Next: Ranked: The 10 Weirdest Video Game Controllers Ever