Do you buy the spiffy designed customized peripherals the console makers launch?

[Kovlak]

Do you buy the special new controllers, plates, special edition hardwear console makers release?

I'm not talking about mid gen upgrades like the Pro consoles, One X or Switch OLED.

 

[stinkerdoo]

I'll usually buy controller upgrades if they're available. Like the Wiimotes that came with Wii Motion Plus, the Wii Classic Controller Pro, the Switch Pro Controller. I also own a couple third-party controllers for consoles that the Big 3 never made themselves, like a fightstick.

But I rarely buy upgraded consoles unless they have big features or solve a hardware problem I had with the original. I used the original 3DS during the entire generation, I used my launch-day Switch for the entire generation, and unless the Switch 2 gets a HUGE upgrade, I'll probably stick with my launch-day Switch 2.

I think the difference for me is that console upgrades are kind of intangible. They can release a Switch 2 with a better screen, but I could also just connect it to a monitor. They can release a PS5 Pro with better hardware specs, but it still plays the same ol games. They can release an XBOX with the power of a supercomputer but it still won't have any games ;)
But controller upgrades are extremely tangible. I can feel the difference, and it feels different in every game, on every supporting platform. And there's a good chance this same controller will be supported on the next generation of consoles, so I can use a nice premium controller while I wait for the next-gen premium controllers to go on sale.

I never bought any special plates or anything though. I was interested in the idea of them when the original New 3DS came out (not the XL), but wasn't interested enough to buy one lol.

 

[Adrastia]

I think the last thing like that I bought was the original PSX analog controller.

There's been lots of stuff I wanted but couldn't get. Generally if there's something special, unless I get it as a gift it's off brand for me. I never bought any special plates. I didn't even know that you could replace that little circle thing on the Gamecube until recently.

 

[Isegrim]

Not if we didn't really need it. Only if we actually needed that item at the time and it wasn't priced that much higher.

I might spring a little higher if it involved a franchise I really like say a Monster Hunter themed controller but if we don't actually need it, I'll pass.

 

[GuyZero32k4]

Only thing I can think off the top of my head is the clear top cover for the Dreamcast. Otherwise, I changed the cover to the PS5 to a red cover, not too happy with it, wanna change it.