An Xbox controller does have two joysticks, but I think I could get a lot more buttons on two real joysticks, but I think that still might not be enough buttons, lol.

My current idea is a Nostromo N52 in my left hand, and a mouse in my right, using the Dpad on the nostromo for my 2nd characters movement, and the mouse/wasd on the nostromo keys for my primary characters movement.

This has the effect of fairly poor control of my 2nd character... only turn and back/forward movement, but it does allow me to have a decent number of hotkeys.

I will most likely be using a footpad for additional shift states, so that I can get enough buttons for both characters. Also, if I don't have mirror image control (read dual mice or dual joysticks) I will need a button to shift between characters, because my 2nd character will always have inferior control than my first.

I'm still really wanting to find a way for total control on both characters if anyone has any ideas =-). (and 20ish buttons!)