Button configurations?

[Liquidsnake]

What is the OPTIMAL butoon configuration when making a joystick setup for classical and modern games?

 

I figure a joystick with 6 buttons but not optimal for older games.

 

Suggestions?

[davidbrit2]

I have four buttons to the right of the joystick, arranged in a sort of cross, two buttons to the left of the stick, with the left one just slightly further back, and one button in front of the joystick. There is also a start button towards the back of the console. If you don't really play any fighting games, then this will suit most games. There are some exceptions, like Vindicators, but some clever MAME configuration will get you 8-way joystick compatibility, similar to the NES version.

 

If you space the buttons comfortably, then this layout will even work well with Asteroids and Defender.