Best and Worst controllers in the history ofs

[A Black Falcon]

For Saturn controllers, I exclusively usese the 3D Controller.  I don't like the somewhat weird feel of the d-pad on the digital controllers, and strongly prefer the triggers of the 3D Controller to the shoulder buttons of the regular one.  The handles add to comfort, too.  The Saturn 3D Controller is fantastic and probably is my second favorite analog controller ever, after only the N64's.  I do have a regular Saturn controller or two but never use them.  Oh, I mean the Japanese-style regular controllers.  I've never used a first-style American Saturn controller before, maybe ever.  I don't own one and never have.  I've heard they're worse but can't say myself.

As for Genesis controllers, I know there are variations of both the 3-button and 6-button pads, but as for d-pad differences... I'm not sure really.  I only own one regular 3-button Genesis pad.  It's okay, but is a bit oversized and the d-pad is significantly worse than the one in any of the 6-button pads. I wouldn't use it unless I had to.  I have several 6-button pads, both original ones and one modern Retro-Bit clone that looks like they were made with the original mold and are impressively close in quality to the real thing (though not QUITE as good), and all have good d-pads.  The 6-button Genesis controller is so, so amazing... the hand feel and design are just about perfect.