I was thinking about a column that user isntchrisl wrote a while back, The Wii U Controller and Gamers' Resistance to Change, and challenged myself as to why it is I have such a strong dislike for non-standard controllers like the upcoming U gamepad.  In every aspect of my life I am a proponent of change, I always see change as being a positive. Though there are some things that once I like, I never change.  Like wearing Chuck Taylor's.

So why the hate? Gaming is my primary hobby and interest, I take it fairly seriously. I choose the games I play with great deliberation and tend to note the subtle differences in the genres I specialize in. As a part of this hobby I implement tools that I find to be most effective. Back in the old days, this meant buying third-party controllers until I found the perfect one.  These days, MS and Sony have pretty much provided the almost perfect tool for the job, so I don't have to go third party anymore.

I imagine if my hobby was fishing, I'd be the same way about my fishing rods and the associated lures, sinkers and lines. After 30 years of fishing, I'd have a good idea of what works and what doesn't, and while I may occassionally try a new line or lure, I'm not switching from using a rod to catch fish.  If a Japanese dude came along the river and tried to sell me a net, and encourage me to get rid of my current gear because the net is more efficient, catches multiple fish at a time, is lighter and well, just better in everyway, I imagine that I'd respond in the same way I have to the U. In short, "Get the hell out of here!".

To labor the metaphor, in time, after watching him use the net, I may pick one up to augment my fishing but I won't enjoy it as much and will reserve it for those times when a net is called for. But since I won't be a regular user I won't really appreciate it and after years of dis-use, likely throw it away.