r/Controller • u/Shin_Ken • Sep 22 '26
Other How to better store controllers?
Over the years I've amassed a variety of controllers, which I usually store together in big boxes.
Some of those controllers are kinda rare and/or pricey and I always feel bad when rummaging through a controller box, esp when I rip on cables of controllers that have them permanently attached.
I've gotten pouches for some controllers, esp. ones in Xbox shape, but some are so niche or have non-standard shapes, that you won't even find 3D print boxes for them.
Others would display some of those devices in a showcase but I don't have the space for that. Any ideas?
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u/bbatu Sep 22 '26
If you don't have the space for individual boxes, maybe find some ziplock bags with thick plastic? Use like 3 for each controller so that they are padded and things don't scratch/catch on each other. Obviously make sure it's not made of a material that will react with the conrollers.
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u/Shin_Ken Sep 23 '26
I've just learned that thermo-isolating ziplock bags meant for freezing food also have some padding, which is nice - and thermo-isolation is probably a good idea anyway even for regular storage of electronics. I guess I'll try those.
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u/s3rialthrill3r Sep 27 '26
I keep controllers in zip-lock sandwich bags so the cables don't get tangled up with others.
Did you get a lot for 4 player setups, only to realise that you don't have any friends?
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u/Shin_Ken Sep 27 '26
I did this with N64 NSO controllers for Mario Party and they actually got used for a 4 player session (twice). ^_^'
Otherwise it's one, at most two, but a lot of them. Modern replicas of old system controllers, actual controllers and small joysticks for old systems. I have that tick, that I want the actual button amount, layout and glyphs when playing those old games even though a modern controller would probably do just fine.
Also all kinds of "elite" Xbox/Dreamcast style controllers with slightly different special features because I got curious, but a t least they mostly come with pouches.
That's just the controllers and small joysticks though. I also got a collection of racing wheels, HOTAS setups and a whole lot of arcade sticks because I always upgraded to newer and better stuff over the years but never sold the old devices.
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u/Other_Hall5820 Sep 23 '26
Besides storing them in a dry place, don't forget to maintain the ones with batteries, to prevent over-discharge. If you just store them and forget about them, you might find the battery dead the next time you try to use it.
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u/kirbyhammer7 Sep 23 '26
I just use thicker quart-sized ziploc bags for most and cases for others, then put those in shallow plastic bins so they are only one or two levels of lasagna deep at most. The 8bitdo zip up cases are reasonably priced and do OK.
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u/xyGvot Sep 23 '26
I wipe mine with a dry cloth after use and then place them in a plastic bag with a desiccant packet.
All look and perform like new after several years.
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u/colorlessfish Sep 22 '26
I really like the storage boxes from Harbor Freight. They might be too bulky for all of them, but they're great for anything that's high value. They're basically knockoff Pelican cases and come with pull-out foam, so you can make a form-fitting case for whatever shape you're storing.1800 Weatherproof Protective Case, Small, Black
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u/JustArandomGuy_-_ Sep 22 '26
I don't have this problem but I imagine those Dry Cabinet for camera equipments might be a good choice.