The gamecube controller is the be all end all controller imo.
Not only did it have a bunch of buttons, but the layout made sense and was VERY comfortable to hold and use. It came wired and of course in the wavebird version (praise the gods). Although lacking feedback, a small price to pay for the freedom at the time.
One thing to add is that the shoulder buttons had dual function...they had a partial and full depress function, making them two buttons in one. ...And, the Z button, for accessing maps and other odds and ends, pure genious.
Although, I do enjoy the wiimote for fps (i mean how do you equal or surpass the mouse and keyboard??? the wiimote!!), the button layout is not as friendly and some buttons are almost useless or inconveniently placed for precision quick response play (1 and 2 buttons in fps anyone?) so that limits the actions performed with the lack of reasonably accessible buttons. Though some are able to be taken up by gestures, it doesn't negate the loss of convenient button layout in my book.
If you can't get your hands on a couple gamecube controllers at this point (i love that the wii is backwards compatable with gamecube games, controllers and gamecards), then the classic controller pro looks pretty damn close, and I will be picking one up with MH tri. Why they didnt just continue producing the GC controller and put a wii label on it instead of coming up with a new design is beyond me.
holding the wii mote sideways for classic games like blaster master, super mario and castlevania rebirth is pretty satisfying i must say.
@ ghaude
not a bad point, or point of reference. Kw = 33
...and btw, my vote for worst controller ever goes to Coleco Vison, although I loved the system...Defender, Donkey Kong and Centipede for the all time win!
Essay Pro