When it comes to weird controllers, it’s hard to find one more iconic than theDragonQuestSlime Controller. It follows a long tradition of strange accessories for video games fromtheWuTang Clan: Shaolin StyleControllerto holding a literal baby doll forBabysitting Mama, gamers are used to seeing some odd accessories made to “enhance” their gaming experience.
RELATED:10 PS5 Controller Memes That Are Too Funny
As companies likeOtterBox join the gaming accessory market, there’s the potential to see even more wacky and wild accessories out there. It’s a perfect time to look at some forgotten accessories as a reminder of why they should, or shouldn’t be, forgotten forever.
Updated April 14th, 2022 by Russ Boswell: There are tons of crazy, wacky, weird, and downright entertaining video game-based accessories out there. Companies are always hungry to one-up each other and that keeps them innovating and attempting to design the “next big niche thing.” A lot of the products that were featured on this list originally were from yesteryear, but there are still plenty of strange accessories that can be found in the modern age. To better highlight some of theweird video game accessoriesfloating around the Internet, the following list has been updated and now includes even more entries, many of which can be grabbed online today.
15LED Game Sword Joy Con Holder
Many players that missed out on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword when it released for the Nintendo Wii and Wii U would get another chance with the “re-release” on the Nintendo Switch. Developers went back through the title to update it and bring it into the modern era, with improved motion controls for those craving the sword-slinging action of the underrated Legend of Zelda release.
It seems that accessory-makers wanted to capitalize on the hype generated by the title too, as one developed a unique Joy Con holder that would replicate Link’s sword (without making it too similar for Copyright reasons). The end result is a neat holder that lights up each time players swing the sword around.
Get It On Amazon Here!
14Top Rider Motorcycle Controller
Imagine being a kid with a full-blown motorcycle as a game controller back in 1988, how cool is that? Top Rider was developed by Human Entertainment and was released exclusively in Japan. The bike players sat on was inflatable, and the game was controlled by a unique handlebar controller. The game wasn’t even playable without the odd peripheral without using a rather obscure cheat code.
13Mini Keyboard And Desk Vacuum
Those that have a gaming setup that uses a keyboard will definitely understand how easy it is for things to get incredibly dusty and dirty. Debris can fall between the keys and the static from the setup will usually collect quite a bit of dust. One solution to keeping the setup clean is to snag this strange but smart miniature robot that acts as a rechargeable portable vacuum. This cute little character has small bristles and vacuuming power that let it quickly clean up any surface dust, as well as small debris particles that may be lying around. Players can use this on their controllers, keyboards, mice, or just their gaming space in general.
12Hands Free NES Controller
Less on the weird side and more on the absolutely awesome one, the Hands Free Controller was an attempt to make games more accessible for disabled gamers. Players used their mouth and tongue to move a stick for the D-Pad and breathed in or out to press the A and B buttons. With accessibility in games becomingmore of a priority in recent years, it’s cool to see there were people out there all the way back in 1989 trying to do the same.
113RD Space Gaming Vest
As well all know, gamers want to know what it feels like to get shot in the chest. Wait, what? No seriously, it’s literally in the 3RD Space Gaming Vest’s product description. “Get pounded with body slams, crushed with G-forces, and blasted with bullet fire.” Yeah, it didn’t exactly sell well as expected.
RELATED:The 10 Most Expensive Console Gaming Accessories (& How Much They’re Going For)
This concept isn’t new either, it just seems that accessory designers have forgotten them too. The Aura Interactor came out back in 1994 and advertised itself heavily for use withMortal Kombat IIbecause everyone wants to experience a fatality. One thing is for sure, we won’t be seeing these gaming accessories atParis Fashion Week.
10Vigros Cat Ear Gaming Headset
Consumers have been able to buy Cat Ear-based objects for a while now. Once the cutesy craze took off, companies began producing Cat Ear headbands, hoodies, and other clothing items. Now that craze has leaked into the gaming world, giving players the chance to sport cat ears while gaming online. The Vigros Cat Ear Gaming headset might look a little strange to some, but the company did a great job in creating a cat ear-style accessory that is functional and rather aesthetically pleasing. The best part is that they’re inexpensive, making them pretty accessible to pretty much everyone.
9ASCII Stick Super L5
Another awesome adaptive device toincrease accessibility in games, the ASCII Stick Super L5 was designed so players could enjoy their favorite games using only one hand on theSNES. It was primarily designed to work for RPGs but could be used with any other genre for those willing to try.
8Wii Inflatable Kart
For those times whena little plastic steering wheelisn’t quite good enough for that immersive kart racing experience, why not try the Wii Inflatable Kart? Players could blow up the cart, sit inside, and get the full karting experience. With the Wii Football and Wii Bowling Ball somehow existing, it seems only fitting thisover-the-top unnecessary accessorywould also exist.
7The Joyboard
Balance boards existed for gamesfar before the Nintendo Wii. The Joyboard was out all the way back in 1982 for use with theAtari 2600. There were only three games designed to work with the peripheral —Mogul Maniac,Off Your Rocker, andGuru Meditation.
6Slime Themed Controller Stand
Gamers that grew up in the 90s will surely recognize this iconic lime green ooze, as it was plastered all over cartoons and movies produced by Nickelodeon. Many kids growing up in the era wanted to be “slimed” just to see what it felt like, but the hype for the strange concoction isn’t as prevalent today. That hasn’t stopped some companies from attempting to cash in on the nostalgia of it all and people that are heavy into slime can even buy a controller stand that will proudly display their device atop a geyser of the green stuff.
