This is a tough one for me.

Even though I liked the DreamCast controller, as well as the 360's which is very comfortable IMO, the N64 controller had the best design.

Sure it looked a bit weird, but it made it stand out, and the trigger in the back was awesome. It was a ALL IN ONE solution, that is with a rumble pak attached. I have to give Nintendo props for their well designed controllers, from the NES to the Wii (even though the remote idea is kind of cheesy, but the fact that it has motion sensors makes me overlook that).

actually the wiimote w/ nunchuck attachment is ideal for fps....i love it.
for actually best controller. i'm partial to the super nes controller. i think that the super nes was the best system ever and had the best games and i loved the graphics (ok a little off topic there so i'll stfu)

I think I am one of the only people who liked the gamecube controler, it works best for soulcalibur 2

I have to agree with GaMeR, the N64 Controller was the shit.

I still have my n64 and its controller too.... no games though.

The GameCube controller was a step down from the N64 controller IMO, if they would of implemented some sort of trigger and a better layout it might of been better than the N64's.

The Gamecube controller had a comfort level of 10 for me. It slipped right into your hand, and wouldn't tire you out. The rubber control stick also made it easier on the thumb.

BUT! The N64 controller was also very comfy, although after hours of Starfox 64, your thumb was as sore as a pregnant woman after birth. The Gamecube controller solved that.

Sigh. If only the GC control had kept the same design as the N64, but put the nice, soft control stick, we'd have a control for the ages.

The best controller design was clearly the playstation analogue. All consoles since have adapted the design keeping its instinctive ergonomic design.

I agree with the wiimote being awesome but remove the motion detection and its just a stripped down ps analogue with each half separated by a wire

I think the analogue Playstation pads are a terrible design.. They're not all that comfortable, and continued use of the analogue sticks can cause some major RSI...

And whilst we try not to dig threads from the depths of years back, I think this is a "let it slide" case, considering it actually kept on with the discussion.

The N64 controllers weren't that good,. The joystick was a real pain after playing for a few hours.
The gamecube's controllers better utilized the plastic it was given and I'm able to play it FOREVER.
The Wii's controllers are just too foreign to me now, but given time, I think I'll like it more.

FPS/Third Person Shooters - Xbox 360

Fighting games - Gamecube

RPGs - PS2