I asked this on Reddit but received no responses - hopefully I'll have better luck here:

So I just bought a Retrousb AVS to run NES games and it's pretty much amazing. I just have one issue: I can't find a decent controller for it.

The Old Skool NES controllers have great buttons, but an awful D-pad that randomly inputs diagonal presses.

The Hyperkin Cadet has the worst D-pad I've ever seen (I know there are QC issues with those but I have no idea how to get a good one).

The 8bitdo controllers have variable latency and I really hate having delayed button presses sometimes, especially in a game like SMB1.

I really wanted a NEW controller for my new console, so before I go buy original Nintendo controllers from the 80s, is there anything else someone can recommend? Note: I HATE the button layout of the dogbone (B below A).

The original NES pads only have a bad d-pad if you have a worn out controller.

Yeah, if an original NES controller is having dpad problems, you probably just need to clean it and/or replace the rubber under it.

I don't have an original NES controller, I only have the ones listed above which are all brand new - is the original my best/only option?

Sorry, thought when you said “Old Skool” you meant original. Now I see it’s a brand lol

I mean, original hardware is always the best way to go - 3rd party stuff is bound to have various issues except in some edge cases. I’ve personally never tried 3rd party NES controllers so I don’t have much input on if any of them are worth while.

Never used third party nes pads, only heard bad things.

Okay, thanks guys. I just ordered 2 "great condition" original controllers from DKOldies. Hopefully that will be exactly what I need. =p

OEM is the way to go for sure!

Yeah I would take the time to find sellers with good pictures of the actual controller. I bought 5 nes pads recently and have pretty much frankenstein'd only two controllers out of the 7 I now own that are worth it.

I got the ones that are supposedly in "great" condition from DKOldies. I've ordered a few things from them already and was very pleased. Other than the Old Skool controllers of course. =[

i'd say go with OEM or if you feel like dropping around 40-50$ you can find the Sansui SSS which is what I use. It has a really similar dpad to the OEM controller, but its a little thicker and has rounded edges so its way more comfortable!