General Discussions

For me it really depends of the type game.

For platformers like mario, SNES controller.

For 3d platformers like Banjo, the N64.

For FPS, mouse/keyboard.

Rest would go with either PS2 or xbox 360.

And this is definitely the best 3rd party controller. I got mine today, was a ***** to find.
Link

The Gamecube controller, hands down.

I think Dualshock

If I absolutely have to choose a gamepad, I'll take the Playstation one. Only because I'm accustomed to it.

But all gamepads suck.

If you really like playing games, get a PC (they're not expensive anymore) and use the keyboard and mouse.

Keyboard and mouse for shooters and RTS games, Gamecube controller for everything else.

I've really only ever used the Xbox and Playstation ones. I prefer the Xbox ones for one reason, the triggers. You can't play a racing game with buttons, it's not precise enough.

If I absolutely have to, I'll use the keyboard and mouse. Only because I'm accustomed to it.

But all keyboards and mouses suck.

If you really like playing games, get a gamecube (they're not expensive anymore) and use the gamecube controller.

Ooh! It's just like a political debate! One side makes a claim, and then the other says, "Thats not true." and then waits for the other side to say the same thing.

Honestly, it depends on the control scheme for the game. Something like Assassin's Creed is well suited for a controller, while generally all FPS games are better suited for keyboard/mouse control.