> Well, if you prefer X-box to Playstation that will significantly simplify matters. You see, the Xbox uses a protocol that's identical to USB albeit with a different plug (insert comment about multi-nationals and their practices).  
 
Or you could go with an Xbox 360 controller that IS identical to USB, that plug-and-plays as a HID device on XP and Vista (although it does require that drivers be installed on XP). Or a Logitech gamepad which is even more vanilla USB than the Xbox 360 controller, and which p-np's with no drivers whatsoever. Both have 11-button 2-joystick 1 D-pad controllers..