Gaming isn't just something we do for fun. I know that sounds like I was going to be incredibly profound there and come out with something to match the Dali Lama, but it's true. Gaming is more than that; it's a way of life, and it's a way of showcasing our personality. Why else do you think 90s kids collect so many things and display so many trinkets on our desks or in our game rooms?
When it comes to playing your favourite game, you want to pick up a controller that you connect with. You want to pick up a controller that captures your personality perfectly so it feels like an extension of your arm, a controller that tells the other people in your friendship group what games you grew up playing and how much you love your favourite console with one quick glance.
And sometimes, you just want a pink translucent controller like you're back in the 90s, and that's fine too.
The main problem is that official custom controllers aren't something that we tend find as readily available these days. Back in the days of the N64, Nintendo had so many different variants of their iconic three-pronged controller that collectors had to get specific units just to display them all. It was that era of translucent tech where you could see the gubbins of your controllers and consoles that made you feel like a proper mad scientist, an era that I sorely miss.
As advancements in consoles rise, Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, aka 'The Big Three' seem to be giving us controllers that, while technologically brilliant, are a little on the dull side. They look 'safe', with no notable characteristics that could wow us or make us feel connected to the gamepad in our hands on a deeper level.
Well, it's a good job we're alive at the same time as Killscreen to make sure we've got custom controllers that really get to the core of our identities. And if you were a fan of the sleek and stylish PSOne, then you're going to want to pay attention.
The PSOne Controller
Killscreen are kind of like the Bring Me The Horizon of the controller world. They go against the grain, being effortlessly cool with everything they produce, and they're not afraid to shake things up in a scene that has become stale and boring. The artwork on their packaging is amazing too - this looks like it could be a vinyl record sleeve, but it's got something even more exciting inside.
Killscreen have released two PS5 DualSense controllers that champion the spirit of the PSOne - a 'Shock Button Style' with matt plastic buttons that look and feel like the original DualShock controller design, and a Sense Button Style remote, with buttons that feel more like the existing PS5 controller. Check out the brief video below to see them both in action!
These controllers might look simple in terms of colour compared to the other controllers in Killscreen's range, but this controller symbolises much, much more. When I look at the Shock Sense controller, it takes me back to the days of the PS1, of Sony streamlining their iconic console and redefining our existing notions of console design.
The first time I saw a PSOne, I couldn't believe that the bulky grey PS1 that looks more like the GameTank could ever be put into something so small. Now, we have consoles like the Switch 2 running Metroid Prime 4, but back then, it was remarkable that you could play the greatest PS1 games on something that was as big as a school exercise book.
As you might expect with this being a DualSense controller, the triggers are all exceptional. They feel very similar to the original PS5 controller and are just as responsive. Both of these PSOne controllers come with TMR thumbsticks and are weighted perfectly for long gaming sessions.
'When people come round to my house, they check out my Killscreen controller collection as though it were the holy grail.'
Seb Santabarbara, Editor-in-Chief & Controller Nerd
One of the best bits that the original PS5 controller doesn't have is a textured grip on the back. I know that the DualSense controller has lots of little tiny symbols on it that add a little bit of texture, but these grips are great for when you're in the midst of a long gaming session and need to know your controller isn't going to fly out of your hands while fighting Thor in God of War or running away from your 8,757th storm in Fortnite.
Adding Some Style To Your Switch & Series X/S
The CubeSense is a fascinating controller in many ways, but mostly because it feels so sacrilegious. A PlayStation controller with GameCube colours and button styles; it's like the ultimate taboo! I love the fact that the joysticks are textured like the original GameCube remote and that the right-hand stick is smaller like the GameCube's C-stick. It's a work of art, and the magic doesn't just happen on the front, either.
Remember I said about how I loved that old-school transparent casing on my tech? Well, it's in full swing here too. Just look at how incredible the back of this controller is. There's so much that goes into making one of these remotes, and getting to see the rumble motors and all of the wires that control the touchpads and haptic feedback is phenomenal. There's definitely a lot more going on inside here than there was with the original GameCube remote, that's for sure!
Killscreen don't just stick to PlayStation, however. They have an amazing range of Xbox controllers in different styles too. And yes, there are more Nintendo-themed controllers here too.
Whether you love or hate Nintendo, you can't deny that their rich console history and the iconic designs of their controllers. Having an Xbox remote with a NES theme or SNES design (my personal favourite, I'm not going to lie) feels just as wrong as the CubeSense controller. But if that's wrong, I don't wanna feel right!
Again, that same transparent tech style that we know and love from the 90s has been replicated here too. This amber clear yellow controller would look perfect next to an old iMac G3 and a see-through N64 on my desk. If you didn't grow up in the 90s, you probably don't get the same appeal for these remotes as I do, but just believe me when I say that they're the funnest things in the world to 90s nerds like us.
Killscreen are yet to tap into the Switch Pro Controller market, but they have a small selection of Nintendo Switch Joycons available that also feed our inner 90s kid with those clear shells. The red-top joysticks and colouredstrap buttons are nice touches, as are the back-lit neon buttons on many of the examples in the picture above.
I really would be keen to see Killscreen bringing out Switch Pro controllers in the style of previous Nintendo consoles, with GameCube and SNES colour schemes, for example. I'd also be keen for them to take a slice of PowerA's customer base away too and create controllers that are themed around our favourite games. Ok, they might not be able to put Link on their if they're not licensed, but we could have images and patterns that made us think about the Hero of Time while playing - that would be awesome!
Final Thoughts
I can't sing the praises of Killscreen enough. When people come round to my house, they check out my Killscreen controller collection as though it were the holy grail, especially when it comes to checking out the CubeSense remote. They oggle at it like it's something they never thought could be possible, and then I snatch it from under their noses and proclaim that it's mine to use and mine only.
Why is the custom controller so important, and is there a market for it? Well, as I've said time and time again through this article, the custom controller takes us back to the days of picking our favourite remote from a big pile as opposed to everyone using generic white pads. It's why I'm so glad that 8BitDo finally made the N64-themed Analogue 3D controller.
If Killscreen made an N64-themed Switch Pro controller in the same vein as their CubeSense controller, then they'd have my money quicker than I could say 'Let'a-a-go'. That would be something special; guys, if you're reading this, let's make it happen!
Head to Killscreen's website to check out their full range, and don't forget to tell them we sent you!
![Every PokéPark Pokémon Card Ever Made [2005 - 2026] post image](/content/images/size/w1600/format/webp/2026/02/pokepark-cards-list.webp)
