Smash Box controller
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/55/SmashBox_controller_2017.png/220px-SmashBox_controller_2017.png)
The Smash Box controller is a custom arcade controller designed by Dustin Huffer and developed by Hit Box from 2014 to 2017. Specifically designed for competitive play of Super Smash Bros. Melee, the Smash Box controller replaces the GameCube controller's analog stick with a button layout. This controller may allow more precise and rapid input, though it has a steeper learning curve than the traditional controller. Moreover, the Smash Box controller may have various health benefits, as it puts less stress on the hands of its user. The Smash Box is currently a legal controller for major Super Smash Bros. and fighting game tournaments, with it and other all-button controllers finding more acceptance and use throughout the communities.
Background and development
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/GameCube_Analog_Stick.jpg/220px-GameCube_Analog_Stick.jpg)
Dustin Huffer, founder of Hit Box, designed and developed the Smash Box controller in order to make input as binary as possible (removing the analog stick) and removing the controller's inconsistencies. In an interview with ESPN, Huffer said that his goal was "to evolve competitive gaming hardware for Smash," claiming that the GameCube controller created a "physical learning barrier preventing newcomers from joining in as well as putting a cap on many players' competitive lifespan with
Characteristics
Rather than an analog stick or
Tournament legality
Discussion arose among the professional Super Smash Bros. community as to whether the new controller should be considered legal for tournament use. In December 2016, Huffer was told in a private conversation with Genesis 4 organizers that the controller may be banned from the major Smash Bros. Melee tournament. After Huffer explained the situation to professional player Dustin "Gravy" White, the topic caught fire on social media. Huffer himself described the potential ban as "definitely unfair."[2] Tournament organizers were worried that allowing the Smash Box controller to be used in tournament play would allow other unconventional and possibly game-breaking controllers to be used as well. Genesis 4-organizer Sheridan Zalewski announced later that month that the Smash Box controller was allowed to be used in the tournament, noting that this would initiate a "test period" in which players could determine whether the controller gives an unfair advantage over players who use the traditional GameCube controller.[3][4] Zalewski later stated that this concession was only made to accommodate competitors who had signed up without realizing their controllers would be banned.[5]
In July 2017, a committee of five prominent Melee tournament organizers, including Zalewski, released a recommended ruleset for professional Melee competitions. This document includes a lengthy section imposing a "tentative ban" on the use of non-GameCube controllers such as the Smash Box controller, stating that the classic controller is "somewhat intrinsic to what we consider 'playing Melee' and the skills involved in doing so."
The Smash Box controller was allowed during the Super Smash Bros. competition at Evo 2018.[7] It is currently legal at major Super Smash Bros. and fighting game events, such as Genesis, Smash World Tour, and EVO.[8][9][10]
References
- ^ a b c Khan, Imad (2016-08-05). "Changing the game: Will Smash Box redefine Melee's limits?". ESPN.
- ^ a b D'Anastasio, Cecilia (2016-12-09). "A Modern Controller Is Splitting The Smash Bros. Melee Community". Kotaku.
- ^ D'Anastasio, Cecilia (2016-12-28). "Big Smash Bros. Melee Tournament Will Allow Controversial Controller". Kotaku.
- ^ Faulkner, Jason (2016-12-29). "Stickless Super Smash Bros. Controller by Hit Box Declared Legal For Tournament. Use". Shacknews.
- ^ Myers, Maddy (2017-09-26). "Time Is Running Out For The Super Smash Bros. Scene's Favorite Game Controller". Compete.
- ^ Myers, Maddy (2017-08-04). "GameCube-Only Controller Rule In Smash Melee Competition Raises Eyebrows". Compete.
- ^ Myers, Maddy (2018-04-17). "Evo 2018 will allow Super Smash Bros competitors to play using the Smash Box". Compete.
- ^ Genesis Gaming (2022-03-29). "Genesis 8 ruleset". Genesis 8.
- ^ Smash World Tour (2022-03-14). "SWT 2022 ruleset" (PDF). Smash World Tour.
- ^ EVO (2022-03-08). "EVO 2022 input ruleset". Evolution Championship Series.