Joystick or directional?
 

Which do you prefer for gaming?

Depends on the game. I tend to prefer a dpad though if there is any sort of precision needed(for example platforming or racing). It's sad that racing games have opted instead for analog stick controls with no options.

Unless it's a floating dpad. **** those.

wot noobie hes not talking about touch devices.. omg noobie..

joystick for almost everything, dpad for retro games. the dpad on the 360 is **** though, that disc is the worst controller related thing i've used.

I as well prefer the dpad when wanting exact movements. The analogue stick gives me problems with this. Eventually it will be touch>.>

Depends on the system. For portable consoles like the 3DS, directional buttons for sure. For touch screens, D-pad as well. Console games are really the only system that I enjoy using joysticks on.

^^^^
The joystick on the 3DS isn't as good as the D-Pad IMO.