Analysis:

This post will be about the best controller in the history of videogames. From my experience, I have grown up in the game gen from atari 2600 to sega master system to xbox 360 and ps3. The best controller, matters to me as the most comfortable and durable. Obviously, the 16 bit gen takes this one, but the durability of the controllers puts in in second place while the 8 bit being in third as nintendo's square controllers being very comfortable and durable. The square design of the stolen sega master system puts it in last place (they broke easily although more comfortable then the nes)...while I like the sega genesis controllers for there comforability, their durability is flawed in every single design, being easily broken. While the 16 bit is in second place, the 32 bit is in third leaving the durability of the sega saturn and psone controllers...well...flawed until n64 and the second v. of sega's controllers leading the way (although n64's joystick was always easily broken as was saturn's plastic weak) + comfortablility is judged in 2d and 3d games making the famous n64 the best...for 3d only though (like nes 8bit is for 2d) dropping it from 1st to 3rd. Sega's axis pads were always better than the hurtful nintendo, except nintendo was better than sony (plastic pads would press inwards and sensitivity would literally no longer be there) and so on, so for 2d games it actually steadily got worst. The sega saturn was the most comfortable in this gen, while the psone was and always will be a little wierd on the wrist. Now that we have second, fourth and third place, lets move on to first place and finally fifth. First place is obvious, the 128 bit gen takes this one. Leaving Dreamcast, as big but comforable with new features. The second xbox controller is by far the best design ever surpassing the comforability of the xbox 360, and ps3 and it is by far the most compatible with PC games with a simple affordable usb adapter attachment. Ps2, and Ps3 hold its own so I wont even count the current gen (or at least just put it in with the 128 bit gen). So here you have it as follows:

1st place: 128 bit gen/256 pc gen 2nd 16 bit gen (first PC gen) and finally 3rd 32 bit gen 4rth 8 bit gen

Innovations:

Dreamcast invented the vmu, which sadly dissapeared (not the most comfortable, def heavy at times but the most fun to use bringing back old school elements imho), while it was what followed a horrible upright joystick design in future consoles, n64 was the only to get the joystick posi right followed by the near perfect psone of which only the wrist effect angles or tilted wings made it close but not as good. The rumble feature on dreamcast paved way for rumble function, instead of being just loud and clumsy like n64s 'motor.' The Saturn stayed true to 16-bit's small grips. This is important, yet wouldnt last. Xbox 360 is bye far the most technologically advanced, and playstation 3 as well. Combining motion sensors, rumble functions and wireless. What is now dubbed bumpers was inevitable to happen given the complexity of games. Wii is the most universal bringing oldschool back with wireless motion sensor (apparently for 3d) technical achievements and funfactor. Gamecube, not mentioned above, was great for all games and luckily the system was not built for fighting games (much like how n64 stayed away from 2d because of its technology). Nintendo has always reared its way towards fighting game destruction in controls and at the same time became universal due to the close proximity of its buttons. Xbox and ps2 invented the famous click joypads. This was cool, but not necessay for non fps gamers. The PC has always been there and done that of course.

Best Periphirals:

Flightsticks, fishing rods, keyboards, dancing mats arcade sticks. These were always essential for gaming so it is avoided (Unless it is the kb and mouse combo via bba quake III pc ownage via dreamcast or any fps for example). Sometimes its essential though, like when maneuvering in Over-G on 360 with a tilt formation, or aiming the machine gun with a flightstick (for dogfights). BTW the Av8r flightsticks etc. are useless without rewiring the buttons on this 360 1st gen game and personally I prefer a secondary chain gun configuration for the joystick (as the right one) or a flightstick mounted one. For instance, they are not widely compatible for console games like a kb and mouse with Conflict Zone for dreamcast (which is required in order to pass the first few very dif levels). Usually because they require a hardcore devoted gaming fan and maybe at least even one game ala virtual on, fishing games. Other times its just how you play it (and up to the developer's choice of compatibilities, hopefully made for most games). So in the end there is not really a bad or good periphiral, only a hardcore gamer who could probably beat anyone on your block8). In my case though strategy games will always need kb and mouse, fps realism as well although it can do without (360 as the best controller for this genre being proof of that). Sega Saturn is by far the worst built racing wheels, lacking both rumble function and grip. It is made for arcade racers only, putting it last on the list in this peripheral. PCs like always are first. Flightsticks need plane games and console fighters arcade sticks and so on, thats why PC is def. ahead in this category.

Conclusion:

PC's famous unique designs with the gravis gamepad and microsoft sidewinder put it in its own place with the 16-bit generation as durable and comfortable but only for certain games. Although the 8bit gen was a close call as being comfortable and durable, it did not change the face of gaming with its square features and was not usually easy to controller with 3d games. While the 32 bit was the most innovative with features such as the rumble function, and the joystick, it did not create a comfortable controller. Like how Dreamcast's controller hurts the wrist, Ps2/ps3 can hurt the coordination. Overall though DC is better or most comfortable when its light, without the vmu and rumblefunction. The second best rumble function goes to Dreamcast as well, with xbox 360 as the best, then ps2's wierd motor and finally N64 innovative but sadly last or worst. The trick with rumble functions is to make it not feel like its there, thats why 3rd party parts and controls are never included and thats why first party controls are, because of the feel, durability and strength of its products (eg third party rumblepacks are known to be horrid or built with cheap motors, designs are wierd or break easily etc but cheap! Memory cards usually dont fall under these categories). Fitting for the console but loud and not in charge, very annoying imo. The PC controllers after its first gen, well after the sidewinder and the gravis gamepad, were just redundant and boring mock offs. At that time those two controllers were an essential combo for 2d games and flightsims.