Good controller for SMB and other platformers?

[fungal_entity]

I've been trying to figure this out for a little while. I have a bunch of platformers and other 2D action games I want to play, but my old controller is only half-functional and has a mushy d pad. It was a cheap one from Radioshack and I was naiive about build quality. I think Super Meat Boy ruined it. I prefer using a d pad and from what I can tell, PC d pads are usually terrible and most aren't in the cross shape or are "floating" (looks mushy). I would consider a snes replica or something of that nature, but I'd also like to be able to use it for other games that need the sticks.

I've heard that a PS3/PS2 controller is pretty good for this, but I've never used a broken d pad, the ergonomics don't look good, and I'm not sure I want to mess around with drivers to get it to work. I'm looking to spend $20 - 35. Anybody have any suggestions?

[Leonard]

the XBox 360 works fine with many game and also this one

[fungal_entity]

I would get one, but I've heard terrible things about the d pad and that's what I prefer to use.