I agree that controllers do put off some players and are a barrier. However it just depends on what a player is looking for. When I was younger and couldn't type, I hated the computer. But I saw enough potential in it to learn how and now I am a master. So I do agree that a controller less (natal) or a basic controller with motion (wii, pswand) could do wonders for people with such misgivings. But I always see a need for a real controller.

Cell phones - numbers and letters.... the extra buttons are really only extra language input so phones don't have that many "control" buttons.... usually 2-4 control buttons plus some kind of navigation tool (d-pad or mini thumb stick)

Keyboards - again, a keyboard is a typing tool, the buttons do what they say on them and nothing else (at least as far as standard consumers use them)

Digital cameras - for the most part the buttons always stay the same (as with phones/keyboard) but to be honest, except for avid photographers I don't think most people actually learn how to use their digital camera's fully... most will put it on auto and apart from pressing the shutter button they will only use the zoom function and the review photo button.

------

furthermore, there is the control stick issue, the 3 examples you used all have digital buttons.... controls pads now have a number of analogue inputs that often require variable input strengths. clicking a phone button is a simple on/off, moving a character in an FPS can require you to hold the control stick at a slight angle in one direction, followed by a steeper angle in another direction, then perhaps a rotate around etc... all with the right timing as well. (timing being another issue often present in games but not in your three examples)

You completely miss the point.

While it's true they can learn to use a universal remote to control the TV, DVD, VCR, Home Theater, etc. Asking why thay feel so turn off by a PS3 or Xbox360 controller with this statement alone is not teh answer.

Consumers are willing to learn to use an input device when one of the conditions is met:

1. It's parts of their job and they will get fired if they don't learn
2. It will make their daily jobs easier (job as an universal expression, not just work, i.e. cleaning)

I know many people with fully featured phones and other devices that don't really know how to use them copmpletely, they are not willing to learn because of the "complicated" thing and just want something done, even though they acknowledge that using those features they can get much better results.

For a console, even though a game looks pretty fun, mainstream consumers don't want to sit down and learn control combinations to get actions done in the game. They are more used to one button = one action and not the combination that many games have. It's not just the software, it's the controller. If the purpose of a game is to have fun, then fun must be simpe to achieve to everyone.

But mobile phones, and digital cameras are useful. They have to spend some time with getting used to them, but it pays, because they get a new skill for it, and new ways to interact with real life. 

While video games are just for... passing time. They could as well watch a movie, or read  a book, and avoid the 30min long tutorials and learning curves,  OR even the 5 minute motion controller tutorials, too.

This is why software like Wii Fit, or Brain Age are so popular. First, they have simple controls, AND second, they give a reason why people should bother with learning to use them. 

If the trend of adding new buttons continued, we could possibly end up with this:

or this:

From the 6th to 7th gen, no buttons were added to the Dual Shock, except the PS Button. From 5th to 6th, it was just the analog sticks, to be able to control a 3D game.

I don't see the need for any more buttons. But that PS4 controller looks awesome.

I think that if someone wants to play videogames, must get used to the controllers. If someone really wants to play videogames, he/she won't feel frustrated, unless the controller/gameplay is utter crap.

Sometimes I chuckle when I remember my mother trying to play by tilting and moving the PSX controller, frowning and sticking her tongue out. She finally got into it.

Good times...

I think we shoul pay a proper tribute to it

Indeed.

I just remembered my Amiga 500's joystick.

Absolutely, my gal still has trouble navigating a DVD with the 360 controller, but she can whup me in Wii Bowling.