11 Remote Controls That Had 50 Useless Buttons
Remote controls are meant to simplify our entertainment experience, but sometimes, they complicate it instead. Over the years, some remotes have packed in far too many buttons, many of which nobody ever uses or understands.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
The evolution of remote controls shows how technology and design can sometimes miss the mark. Instead of making things easier, a few models introduced dozens of buttons that confuse users more than help them. These oversized and overcomplicated remotes often sit forgotten, with only a handful of buttons regularly pressed. Looking back at these devices offers a humorous reminder that simplicity often beats complexity in everyday gadgets.
1. The Universal Monster
Towfiqu barbhuiya on pexels
This remote control tries to be everything at once, featuring buttons for TV, DVD, cable, sound system, and even air conditioning. It packs over 50 buttons, many with vague labels like “Mode” or “Function.” Most users find themselves sticking to the basic volume and channel controls. The extra buttons confuse more than assist. Its size and complexity make it easy to lose or accidentally press the wrong option.
2. The Learning Remote with Too Many Functions
Geri Tech on pexels
Designed to learn commands from other remotes, this device includes buttons for features no one really uses. It has a full numeric keypad, input selectors, and odd options like “Sleep Timer Plus.” While the idea sounds useful, the execution is overwhelming. Users end up pressing just a few basic buttons regularly. The rest remain a cluttered mystery.
3. The Cable Box Overkill
Geri Tech on pexels
Cable provider remotes often contain buttons for features that no subscriber knows how to activate. From “Guide” to “Interactive” and “Info,” many buttons remain untouched. These remotes can feel like mini keyboards, with so many choices that users get frustrated. Many users end up hiding them behind the couch cushions. It is a classic case of too much tech and too little usability.
4. The Gaming Console Remote Confusion
Image Hunter on pexels
Some gaming consoles introduced remotes with buttons for games, streaming, music, and social features. The array of buttons can be overwhelming, especially for users only wanting to watch movies or navigate menus. Labels are sometimes confusing or overly technical. The remote’s design prioritizes features over simplicity. As a result, many gamers rely on controllers instead.
5. The DVD Player’s Button Overload
Alexey Demidov on pexels
Early DVD player remotes often packed buttons for scene selections, subtitle languages, angle views, and audio settings. Although these options were exciting, the button layout made navigation complicated. Many users only ever used play, pause, stop, and eject. The rest of the buttons collected dust. It was a gadget full of promise but poor interface design.
6. The Satellite Receiver Puzzle
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Satellite TV remotes sometimes feature buttons for recording, live pause, and pay-per-view, plus a host of lesser-known functions. With over 50 buttons, it becomes a challenge to find the right one quickly. Users often avoid the complex options altogether. The extra buttons tend to confuse rather than empower viewers. This remote is a prime example of overambition.
7. The Smart TV Confuser
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Smart TV remotes try to control apps, settings, and voice commands, leading to a cluttered array of buttons. Some include dedicated Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming platform buttons. While useful, the sheer number of buttons overwhelms users who just want to change the channel. The interface can feel more complicated than the TV itself. Many end up using smartphone apps instead.
8. The Sound System’s Button Chaos
Erik Mclean on pexels
High-end home audio systems come with remotes that control bass, treble, input source, surround modes, and more. They often include buttons with obscure abbreviations like “DSP” or “EQ Preset.” Users who just want to adjust volume find themselves lost. Many buttons are rarely, if ever, used. This remote prioritizes technical features over simplicity.
9. The Blu-ray Player’s Maze
Joan Costa on pexels
Blu-ray remotes offer options for menus, pop-up windows, special features, and multiple subtitle tracks. While impressive, the abundance of buttons can intimidate casual users. Often, only a fraction of the buttons see daily use. The rest sit idle, making the remote appear more complex than necessary. It is an example of functionality overshadowing user-friendliness.
10. The DVR Remote Overload
Geri Tech on pexels
DVR remotes include buttons for recording, rewinding, fast-forwarding, and managing multiple shows. They also add buttons for accessing menus, settings, and special features. The large number of buttons can confuse those unfamiliar with the device. Many users stick to the basics and ignore the rest. It often feels like the remote tries to do too much at once.
11. The Streaming Stick Remote Chaos
cottonbro studio on pexels
Some streaming device remotes include voice control, app shortcuts, navigation buttons, and playback controls. The addition of gaming and search buttons contributes to the crowded layout. Users often find the remote too busy for quick navigation. Many resort to using their phones as remote substitutes. The design tries to combine many functions but ends up overcomplicating.