How the Console 'Failures' Finally Won

Something SEGA excells at is failing. At least reading this article makes life easier to handle. And I quote: For that matter, it is in the background of controller evolution that comfort and precision are generally held to the highest standards. In response to niche demands, through the mid-'90s Sega refined its control pads to a level that many enthusiasts consider the peak of design. The result: of the three major consoles of the last generation, the least mainstream is one of the most well-designed controllers ever; the second-least mainstream is one of the most innovative controllers ever, and the controller that became the default model for the following ten years – while neither well-designed nor in any sense original – is best adapted to the demands of the majority, by borrowing bits of everything else.
I don't care what those ninty fans say, the Mega Drive 6 button controller is by far the best controller to come out. Ever. Period. 8 direction pad, solid buttons and that is it. It's amazing how simple it really is.