If you could create an ideal controller, what would it be?

As far as traditional gaming goes, I think mine would be a fusion between the 360 and the Gamecube controller.

I like the 360's triggers and shoulder buttons, but I prefer the Gamecube's analogue stick (not the c-stick!) so I'd have two gamecube sticks in the top-left/ bottom-right positions (I don't like the dual-shock or classic controller layout with both sticks at the bottom). I'd have a better D-pad on the 360 controller, but I'd keep the A,X,Y,B funky button layout from the Gamecube controller (anyone who's played Soul Calibur 2 on more than one console knows why).

What do you think of my controller?

Some images to help your thoughts:

Traditional Controller:

The button pads would face slightly inward so your thumb would be pushing more toward the back of your hand. The "shoulder" buttons would be under the handle where you actually grip the controller instead of way up in front.

Tthe d-pad, joysticks, and button pads be separate pieces that insert into the controller in any place letting you move them around if you're left-handed or shift the joystick and d-pad around if you're changing games and it would be more comfortable in a different place.

The buttons would be like the 360's 4 face buttons shape-wise to more easily feel that you're hitting the button. The d-pad would be styled akin to those made by Gravis for the Sega's Genesis 6-button and Saturn controllers. The joystick would curve in to better contain your thumb.

The controller would obviously be wireless but with a wired plug-in and a long cord so that you have your choice of either. The controller would also be released initially in a variety of colors and shells to allow everyone to customize their experience.

The power glove modernized.

360 controller with ps3's d-pad

It would be purple.

Motion controls step aside till you've figured out a standard.

2D games -

3D games -

The end!

Wii Mote! I love teh Waggle and the IR pointer.

I like 360 controller as well but i do hate its crappy D-Pad

^ Lol

That lol was meant for Critic's mouse and keyboard, btw - I've got nothing against the wii-mote. In fact I was thinking recently that the Wii-mote really is an ingenious design. It allows for IR functionality and motion control while still keeping many aspects of the standard two-handed control systems from traditional controllers. Adding IR or motion controls onto, say, the gamecube controller really woudn't have worked, but by separating the controller out, Nintendo achieved something rather special.

It's even more impressive when you think that it was the first stab at these uncharted territories of motion control. Whoever came up with the design should be very pleased with themselves.