Controller Experiences

[Vipershark]

The only N64 game that I can think of that FORCED the use of the D-Pad was Kirby 64. Otherwise, why would your hand even be on that part of the controller?

Anyway, the Gamecube controller is the closest controller to perfect that I can think of, but it has a few flaws that keep it from there.
The overall size and shape are perfect and feel great in your hands, though a Gamecube controller made with these improvements would be perfect:

• L1 button to compliment Z's R1 functionality (seriously, why would you NOT make this symmetrical?)
  
• Analog L and R buttons, (as they are they're just spring-loaded regular buttons) but still with that satisfying click when they're pressed all the way down
  
• L3/R3 stick click functionality
  
• Select (and Home for modern consoles, I guess) button next to start
  
• Slightly bigger D-Pad
  
• Consider putting the face buttons back in the standard cross shape
  

...so in other words, a Gamecube-shaped/sized 360 controller, I guess.

If the GC didn't exist, the 360 controller would be the best.
If it had a D-Pad from a PS Vita or a DS Phat and reworked L1/R1 (fuck that "Bumper" shit) buttons so that they feel better/give a better tactile response when pressing them, it would be perfect.

Believe it or not, the Ouya controller is surprisingly not as terrible as it seems. It certainly feels cheap and hollow at times, but the D-Pad is nowhere near as bad as the 360's and I've never had any problems playing games using it that were a result of the controller itself and not just terribly coded games.