Does it really matter? Thumbsticks exist because of the N64. Sony added their own version after they saw how well it worked for 3d applications. They are both variable input and the only thing that differs is how the signal is transferred and where it's converted into digital. Tech is never the going to be the exact same, but the results are. They can't make an exact copy of another companies product. This doesn't matter though, as consumers don't know or care about the tech. To them they are identical because the results are identical. It's just like Move and the Wiimote+; the tech is different, but the results are the same. The reasons for them being added are also the same - Nintendo showed it works and people want it.
These are companies copying each other and tweaking their copy enough that they won't be sued. That's not a bad thing, it is however a reality. It's how all products get improved upon and refined. This happens in every market and anyone who thinks it's not happening in the video game market is delusional.
Smash Bros: 2363-5325-6342 
