I am using GameCube controllers through one of these adapters: http://www.amazon.com/GC-Controller-Adapter-for-PC/dp/B0089NVTDM

Imo, the GC controller is the best controller ever made, comfort wise.
This adapter works OOTB on Linux with rumble and everything and can be used with most games.
That said, most games have hardcoded Xbox Controller mappings without any way to change them and in those cases this won't be a good choice since the axis and button mappings differs.

Also, you should be able to use your PS3 controller as a controller.
I've been playing Smash Bros through Dolphin on my computer with me using GC controller, and friends using PS3 and Xbox Controllers.
The PS3 controller worked OOTB, but you had to press the PS logo button on the controller in order for it to be usable.

Quoting: GuestUnfortunately my Xbox 360 controller is wireless so I can’t use it (I prefer the PS2 pad anyway).

If you do any couch play, I highly recommend getting a wireless 360 adapter. I got one myself and it worked right out of the box :)

As much as I hate to admit it, the xbox 360 controller works really well on my system and is actually an excellent controller. I got a hold of a wired controller and it has a standard USB connection. I plugged it in and it was recognised straight away, the analogue thumb sticks are extremely responsive (as are the action buttons), the vibrate feedback works well and overall is an excellent gaming pad.

I use the Logitech F710! Linux Support, two input modes, tiny USB 2.0 dongle, amazing battery life, and it's recognized as a controller. It's wireless VIA USB so it shouldn't be a problem with your Bluetooth dilemma. The only downside is that the back triggers detect the amount of pressure being applied, and mine lingers at 0.02%, which angers some games.

I have an Afterglow AX.1 Xbox 360 controller & it works perfectly on everything I've tried it with so far.