Picked up the S controller and I love it. The controller change alone has raised my love for the Xbox. Its not just the size, but the way the x,y,a,b buttons are layed out and shaped is perfect. The layout on the bigger controller was way too crowded for my tastes and I was always hitting the white button when I meant to hit Y. I didn't like the angle they were at or the oval shape either. (I think I've just used the PS2 and Dreamcast controllers too much)

I was going to go trade in the original controller for a second S controller at EB. (you get a S controller for $20 when you trade in the original one) However, my seven year old son protested. He hates the S controller and prefers the larger controller. It kind of throws the whole size issue out altogether since his hands are tiny and he can still pull off tricks on Tony Hawk with ease. Anyway, I've certainly learned how objective the whole controller issue can be, but I'm still very happy that Microsoft gives two size options for consumers.

I wish Sony made a better (bigger) version of their controller. I can't stand it!

After much use of both.. I still prefer the regular controller, but do like the Controller-S.

I can't stand the original X-box controller either, for the same reasons listed above, the button layout sucks. It's also too big for my tastes as I don't have super big hands, probably just average size (I can palm a basketball if it's got decent tread on it). The S pad looks much better, but none of my X-box owning friends have one yet so I haven't got to try it.

My favorite controller is probably the GCN one, but it is far from perfect. The D-pad is pretty much useless, and the Z-trigger is terrible. Fortunately I haven't had much need for either of them yet. The rest of the controller is spot on. It fits my hands perfectly, the L and R triggers are comfortable to use, and leave you fingers on all the time, which is a first for me. The button layout is great, I never hit a wrong button.

The Dual Shock would probably be my favorite, if the Right analog stick switched places with the D-pad (in otherwords, put it in a similar position as the GCN right stick). The D-pad is in a perfect spot, and the analog stick (which i use 99% of the time) is slighty uncomfortable to use. Makes no sense at all.

I've loved the playstation controller. i don't have big hands or anything, i dunno it just fits my hand perfectly. have you tried 3rd party playstation controllers, are they any bigger?

I got one, can't remember what it's called, it's bigger and it supports my hands a little more, only the analogue sticks on it suck compared to the official controller and it wasn't doing me any good for snipering on GTA3.

Seriously, if MS can release different flavors of their official controller to suit the different markets, why can't Sony or Nintendo for that matter?

Controller Rant:

GCN: I loved this controller when I had a GCN...I thought they had literally created the perfect controller. On the other hand it did make my hand hurt...maybe it was too small?

PS1/PS2: Combined I have only played these for about 30 minutes. I was just confused the whole time cuz I wasnt used to the buttons. I did think they were bit small...

Dreamcast: GREATNESS...but they wear too easy! I broke 1 or 2.

XBOX: I had a MADCATZ that I am getting fixed(under warranty) that I love! The official controller is my favorite of all time. It may big and I may have big hands, but it works the best for me. It fits my hand perfect and my hands dont hurt... I will have to try the S-controller.

I'm just getting used to the GameCube controller and it is pretty good, but I don't like the ridges on the left analog stick. They make my thumb hurt after a while, kind of like the one on N64 did. All the other buttons work really well when you are playing. You can move between them without looking down or think about it.
I love the PS2 DualShock controllers more than any other I have ever used. My hands and thumbs never hurt after using one for hours. The buttons layout is second nature to me now.
I have only played for a little while with an XBOX controller and I felt like I needed a tri-pod to stand this up on. I had to lay it in my lap when I played. I was constatnly hitting wrong buttons and having to look down at the controller to see what i was supposed to be pressing. It was heavy and awkward for me to use.

Cat