Smash Box controller

Super Smash Bros. Melee is traditionally played using the standard GameCube controller, which features an analog stick with an octagonal gate that allows an accurate input in eight directions.

Some players would hold their controller in a "claw" position, using the index finger in tandem with the thumb, in order to move the analog stick more precisely.

As Imad Khan of ESPN described the situation: "As competitive matches can have players hitting six inputs per second, accidental slipping of the thumb stick can mean a win or loss."

This layout and the controller's flat surface allows each individual finger access to any button, eliminating the need for rapid and precise thumb movements.

Hungrybox explained that the learning curve for the Smash Box controller is very steep, but it "theoretically could make someone the most technical player of all time."

Alex Jebailey tweeted his support for this decision and stated in an interview that alternative controllers "should rightfully be scrutinized and tested at a local level before being allowed to used in a major scale event.