Game Console Gamepad Controller - Dismantled for reference and curiosity
While not as revolutionary as the NES controller the SNES version did introduce two shoulder buttons on the top surface of the controller along with adding two extra action buttons on its front. The controller was designed with the extra shoulder buttons to accommodate the planned release of the Super Nintendo version of Capcom's 'Street Fighter II'.
The controller still made use of the directional pad pioneered by Nintendo for their 'Game & Watch' LCD handheld games and ignored other console controller trends towards a more ultra-ergonomic design, regardless of the more rounded shape.
Like the NES controller the SNES gamepads use a proprietary plug to connect to the SNES as opposed to the standard D-Sub 9 connectors favoured by most console manufacturers at the time; eg. Atari, SEGA and many home microcomputer designers.
If this SNES controller looks a little odd then you probably grew up in the US where the four coloured buttons were light and dark blue-ish purple.
Much like the SNES itself, the US version of the controllers and the console were remodeled for the US market with the console and the cartridges being a more boxy design vs. the Japanese Super Famicom's rounded look. The PAL region SNES consoles are copies of the Super Famicom's rounded style and retained the four coloured buttons on the controller.
The controller below was sold in Australia.
