Genesis Controller

The Genesis Controller was the original standard controller for all Genesis units. It is a kidney bean-shaped gamepad with an 8-directional D-pad and three action buttons. The controller was replaced by the 6 button controller several years later, due to the rising popularity of fighting games, such as Street Fighter II. The controller was considerably larger than its predecessor, the Master System Controller.

Several third party Genesis controllers had borrowed the controllers shape for 6 button controllers, due to criticism of the 6 button controller being too small.