Some people seem to have a huge problem with the lay out and dimensions of the dreamcast controller compared to that of xbox and the playstation 2. it was deemed one of the worst controllers of the next gen systems. Any thoughts?

Ive never heard that before as all the people i know love the way the Dreamcast controller is set out. All my friends like me think it sits nicely in your hand, isnt to heavy or light to hold & its easy to get at all the buttons. For me its my favourite controller of any machine to use.

I never had a problem with the Dreamcast controller's shape or size, but then I was used to the size of the Sega Saturn's analogue pad.

Anyway the Xbox control pad (not the controller-S) is pretty much the same size and layout to the Dreamcast pad

i suppose its a bit of a debate
general forums do the same
http://www.epinions.com/game-Hardware-Accessories-Dreamcast-Sega_Dreamcast_Controller/display_~reviews