ummm the dreamcast controller was boss.. I was a sucker for that damn virtual memory.

"Hey You, Pikachu" had a microphone for the N64.

The Sega Saturn controller is still my favorite controller of all time.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/smbu2000/misc/NEC_0125.jpg

(and that's not even counting the black Saturn controllers I have back in the US, hehe.

I sort of got used to the original PS1 controller, but I don't like the DS1/2. The SNES was a great step up from the original NES controller(though I played that a lot back in the day), though I enjoyed the Genesis 6-button controller as well.

I thought the Dreamcast controller was a big step back from the great Saturn controller and it was more like a bastardized version of the so-so Saturn Analog controller. http://www.axess.com/twilight/console/detail/saturn_b.html

As for the current gen controllers, I like the 360 one the best, but the Wii controller is very easy to get used to. I didn't think it would be when I first got it. As for the PS3 SA/DS3 I haven't really used them, but if they are still like the DS1/2 then I probably won't like them.

The point is that Nintendo did it and Sony copied it.  If Sony copied it and improved it, good for them.  The C buttons were for camera control which is exactly what the right analog is used for.

Dreamcast was AMAZING for the VMU but a bit cramped for unused fingers.

N64 was amazing for rumble, and mono-analog though it feels like it was designed for 3 hands at points.

Gamecube was the most comfortable and good for dual-analog though the c-stick feels awkward at times.

SNES was the most practical for 2D gaming.

360 is great for triple-analog but buttons + triggers feels a bit overkill.

Every Playstation feels cramped, especially the dual-analog.

NES was functional but the square shape is killer on unused fingers.

Original Xbox was HUEG! redesign is better but had mostly underused buttons.. like the N64's D-pad.

Genesis kinda felt like holding a donut.. D-pad was nice.

My thoughts of course.

Really! I must have missed playing that game (was not really into pokemon back in the day, was really into WCW and golden eye).

ALL TIME: Xbox 360 controller

2) Super Nintendo
3) Xbox (Duke, the big one)
4) Sega Dreamcast
5) N64

i really like wiimote+nunchuk combo best. it's not even really because of motion controls.
its nice to be able to position both hands individually. for example laying my nunchuck-hand on the armrest and laying my wiimote hand on the couch in allows for some very comfy and laid back gaming.

after playing with it so much i can't stand classic gamepads anymore.

PSX controller = Snes Controller with 4 shoulder buttons instead of two

Dual Analog controller= N64 releases with analog and 4 yellow "Camera Buttons".  Sony dumps the original, and doubles the number of analog sticks.

Dual Shock controller= Nintendo releases "Rumble Pak" peripheral.  Sony ceases production of the Dual Analog, and releases the built in rumble controller.

Dual Shock 2 =Sega Dreamcast releases with Analog Trigger buttons.  PS2 comes with controller with EVERY button analog.  It's barely used, though.  I used my PS1 dual shock on every game in my collection, except The Bouncer.

Now, Sony set the standard.  I can't deny it.  But as far as console innovation? 

My personal favourite is the Dual Shock, mostly because I've used it more than any other. The one that contributed the most, imo, was the SNES, though. If you look at it, the Dual Shock is a SNES pad with analog sticks and two more trigger buttons.

I've never found a controller unusable, but the DreamCast one looks pretty awful (I have no memories of playing DreamCast, what a sad life I have had )