top 10 controller innovations: IGN

[DeathsHand]

I don't think it's fair to credit the Wavebird with the 'invention' of wireless controllers...

Also just for kicks, I checked up on some other things with wikipedia...

"In 1982 Atari released the first controller with an analog stick for their Atari 5200 home console. However, the non-centering joystick design proved to be ungainly and unreliable, alienating many consumers at the time.

Also in 1982, General Consumer Electronics introduced the Vectrex, a vector graphics based system which used a self-centering analog stick, obviously a precursor to the modern design."

aaaand the D-pad

"A precursor to the standard D-pad was used by the Intellivision console, released by Mattel Electronics in 1980. The Intellivision's unique controller featured the first alternative to a joystick on a home console, a circular pad that allowed for 16 directions of movement by pressing with your thumb."

Though I've never played Intellivision so I dunno exactly how it compares to the D-pads we know today (other than having twice as many directions to move in)... But I guess because each of those examples are "Precursors" they don't count...