Earlier quoted context omitted.
One of the ex rare Goldeneye Devs said in an interview that the N64 not having a cd drive lost them that generation. I think he's probably mostly right. Cartridges were not only an anti piracy move, it saved on cost of console manufacturing (the N64 was still sold at a loss). As you point out N64 games were originally a lot more expensive than playstation games. Also Nintendo were really restrictive with who could de…
The N64 controller did Nintendo no favors, particularly with games like Goldeneye. The original playstation controller didn't stand the test of time either, but once the analog sticks were added it became an instant classic.
1. This was the first console controller with any analog stick at all.
2. Goldeneye, though it controls differently to modern shooters, was an excellent use of the single stick at the time. You could also use dual sticks by using two controllers at once - groundbreaking!
3. The Z-button was the first trigger-style button on console controllers.
4. The rumble pack was one of (if not) the first force feedback options for console controllers.
So obviously very many of the concepts in the N64 controller laid the groundwork for what became the standard controller design later, with dual triggers, dual sticks, and built-in force feedback.
Personally I think the N64 controller was less weird than:
1. Gamecube controller
2. Wiimote
3. Dual Screen handheld with touchscreen and stylus
4. Probably whatever the Wii-U had.