I've had a couple Mad Catz over the years and while I like how they handle, they definitely all go bad over time. My recent one got rendered incompatible by a PS3 firmware update. I know that's Sony's fault, but it seems inexcusable on both parts. I don't know why they wouldn't have a contract provision that the peripheral will work with all future updates.

I've had problems with official Sony ones as well. My favorite PS2 controller feels like there's syrup all over the analog sticks. Another one has a faulty R2 I think. And my original Sixaxis that came with my PS3 has sticks that are creaky, so they won't move as smooth as a new controller and sometimes will be stuck tilted a bit if left idle.

But my DualShock 3 is going on its fourth year and it's pretty much the same as when I got it new. I've actually been impressed with that one.