OK I have tried all the controllers.. It lets you use just a Wiimote turned on its side, I like this setup because its easier for me to hit up on the d-pad to jump than it is for me to hit up on the analog.. You can use the Wiimote/Chuck combo, its ok but not the best.. You can use the classic controller, and its my fav it has the d-pad and the analog stick and I like the action on the buttons.. And finally you can use the gamecube controller, my kids all like it best but the wavebird is just bigger than the classic controller and you know that the classic controller is my fav..
Oh and we have unlocked Luigi, Falco, Ness and Captain Falcon..