got to see the xbox controller first hand today...
 

And I am surprisingly impressed. From pictures the thing looks huge and uncomfortable but the EB across from where I work has a Xbox kiosk (minus the actual xbox) with the controllers attached and I must say they are pretty damn comfortable... its is a big controller but not uncomfortable like I assumed.

Any idea when they will be actually putting the Xbox in these kiosks so we can play them? maybe actually playing one make persuade me to get one.

the XBox probably didn't fit in the display. :D

I hope the Japanese controllers work with the US units. From what I've seen those are the perfect size. Of course I don't have very big hands.

The kiosks will have the actual console installed on October 8th or 9th. No idea what game will be loaded in.

I have been hearing reports that some of the kiosks have the shell of the Xbox in them. I didn't see one in this kiosk, maybe because of the big promo poster over the front where the system should be and the TV screen is. But I did notice that the Xbox kiosk is about twice as wide as the PS2 kiosk they have had since the ps2 launch.

You can go see the XBox size at TRU. They have a display model for people to look at.

I was expecting something a lot larger, but it was smaller than a VCR. It wasn't much larger than a PS2.

It will look very nice with my home theater system.

The XBox's bigger than most consoles, but by no means 'too' big mean compared to other HT components. From reports that I've heard I'd expected the XBox to huge.

Most of the X-Box controller is nice. One to three of the buttons (depending on how most people hold it) are too far away though and make it awkward to hit.

Got a buddy that develops games for the Xbox... he hates those controllers. He just went on and on about how much worse they are... than the DREAMCAST ones!

He said we just better hope that there are 3rd party developers coming out with a better alternative.

Well, just because your buddy doesn't like it, doesn't mean everyone else will share his opinion. I happen to really like the Xbox controller. And yes, there are 3rd party controllers coming out, or you could get the Japanese ones.

anyone have a link to a pic of the japanese controllers? I keep hearing they are different but I can't find any pics anywhere.

Hey! There's nothing wrong with the DC controllers. I like em! The X-Box controller isn't that bad either. I played Nascar and NFL Fever with it, and it was alright. If you read the EGM issue with all the X-Box coverage (maybe 3-6 months ago), their discussion on the controller was a good one. Not everyone will agree, but their logic is good and everyone should try it out WITH games before the complain too loudly. I think we're just used to the PS style controllers. The GameCube controller is quite good- played Luigi and Wave Race extensively with it. The only controller I've really hated is the N64 controller- goodness that was ugly and not very good playing wise.

I'm real worried about the controllers. Tee X-box ones look terrible. But, if it works with my hands I'll probably pick up a box to compliment my cube.

we have found the solution to the console wars!
Just get them all.

seriously lucky you!