ISO 9241-9 evaluation of video game controllers

Fifteen participants completed a study comparing video game controllers for point-select tasks. We used a Fitts’ law task, as per ISO 9241-9, using the Nintendo Wii Remote for infrared pointing, the Nintendo Classic Controller for analogue stick pointing, and a standard mouse as a baseline condition. The mouse had the highest throughput at 3.78 bps. Both game controllers performed poorly by comparison. The Wii Remote throughput was 31.5% lower, at 2.59 bps, and the Classic Controller 60.8% lower at 1.48 bps. Comparing just the video game controllers, the Wii Remote presents a 75% increase in throughput over the Classic Controller. Error rates for the mouse, Classic Controller, and the Wii Remote were 3.53%, 6.58%, and 10.2%, respectively. Fourteen of 15 participants expressed a preference for the Wii Remote over the Classic Controller for pointing tasks in a home entertainment environment.