So what can we expect for the future of controllers? The answer is, who knows? There are potential signs of what's in store. The new controller-in-controllers (referring to Sony's Pocket Station and Dreamcast's VMS) have plenty of promise and I certainly wouldn't be surprised if the Nintendo Game Boy Color was compatible with Nintendo's new machine. Being able to download games onto a special cart for the GBC would certainly be interesting and exciting. Rumours are that Shigeru Miyamoto is currently working on the new Nintendo controller for Dolphin - we wait in anticipation...

I feel there will be very little change in Sony's new controller as their machine will be backward compatible, meaning old PSX games will function on the new machine. Though it has been tried before, unsuccessfully, game gloves may make a comeback because they have something of a 3D aspect about them. Just imagine walking round the online world of Everquest, greeting people with a handshake or fighting hand-to-hand combat. So far, controllers have been only able to tap into one sense, that being touch (through Rumble Paks, etc). Developers seem intent on taking us completely into the world of their games and so controllers of the future may include sensors which can monitor heartbeat and brain activity and adjust the game mechanics to suit each individual player, such as humour level, scare factor, etc. This sort of technology is some way off but, if achieved, has massive potential.

Controllers are under-respected and not given the credit where it's due, but they can make or break systems - remember the Atari Jaguar's 'phone' controller? Having the right feel and control for your character or object is one of the most important aspects of a game. Without simple, easy-to-use controllers, games would be impossible to master.

What features do you think controllers of the future should have? And what do you think the greatest controller of all time is? Here at Future Gamer, we're actually rather fond of the PlayStation's Dual Shock. Let us know what you think, though - letters to the usual address.