One of the key elements to any console is its gamepad. You can instantly pick out any system by its controller, so this was an important piece in the Xbox tapestry. What was shown was what will be the final design; so let's take a look at it.
What is pretty obvious at first glance is that the designers started with the Microsoft Sidewinder Gamepad and added bits from other console systems' controllers. There's nothing wrong with this mind you…although I would have liked to see more innovation in its design.
The Sidewinder Gamepad is an extremely well put together piece of hardware. It's large, extremely comfortable, and very responsive. For the main controls, Microsoft has chosen a six-button configuration, with four main buttons and two smaller ones, all of which are fully pressure-sensitive. There are two analog sticks, one positioned at the top, and one on the right, below the six buttons (making it similar in style to the one on Nintendo's Gamecube). Immediately below the left analog stick is the digital pad, which looks very much like its Sidewinder counterpart.
In the middle of the pad itself are two additional buttons, labeled “start” and “back.” The inclusion of a start button is certainly no surprise, but the “back” button is presumably included for web browsing – something that Microsoft has been quick to point out won't be a selling point of the system. The original Nintendo Entertainment System and Super NES consoles had a second button labeled “select” (as did several other systems over the years) but this “back” button is just plain odd due to its specialized nature. Several of Microsoft's current hardware products include a “back” button, most notably their Intelimouse products, so it's possible this is a carryover from that.
Like the Dreamcast controller (and the Saturn's analog pad before it) the Xbox has a pair of analog triggers on its underside. Also like the Dreamcast it has two slots on the front of the controller, which will be used for memory cards and other add-ons. It's unclear if the internal hard drive will be the primary place for storing save game data, but even if it is, memory cards will serve the same function as the ones on the Nintendo 64 do for cartridges with a battery backup – they allow gamers to carry their settings or high scores with them wherever they go, or simply back them up for safe keeping.