So without regards to the software library, what am I thinking about the actual hardware and implementation of the XBox 360? Well, for starters, I heard from a retailer today that there were still a couple "Core Consoles" available (this was at 5 PM), which didn't surprise me. Of course everyone is going in for the $400 version. Seriously, consumers care about their money, and they know they're going to want all the accessories eventually, so if they have enough dough to consider buying a next generation console then they're going to go all out. That's just common sense.
The graphics, sound, speed, and space on the system are all fine. What interests me most is the controller. The original "Duke" controller for the XBox is by far my favorite controller for a console. It's the only one big enough to fit my hands, and forces them into very ergonomic positions. Never once did I complain about it. The "S" was too cramped for me, and I didn't like the thumbsticks or the placement of the black and white buttons. They just somehow felt unnatural.
The 360 controller managed to fall somewhere in between. The awkward placement of the black and white buttons, for example, got fixed by Microsoft eliminating those two buttons (though part of me is sad to see them go). The thumbsticks feel more natural than on the "S", and - this may just be my imagination - the controller seems slightly larger, or at least has better spacing. The biggest downfall is really the start and back buttons. Not once was I able to press either of them without looking down. They're in totally unnatural positions, and they're so small that they're hard to feel for. Overall though, not a bad job. It'll be interesting to see how the PS3 controller holds up in comparison.