They actually do reuse them occasionally
NES controller -> Wii remote
Super NES controller -> Wii classic controller/classic controller Pro
Nintendo 64 controller -> Wii remote + nunchuck (D-pad = C-buttons)
GameCube controller -> GameCube controller (requires $50 adapter!)

I WON A BET AGAINST AZUREN! WOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
:3







