I have been considering purchasing an AVS on and off for about a year, and it is decision time now.
Due to the layout of our living room, the TV has to go in the corner.  Corner TV stands like mine generally have limited space, and I don't plan on buying a new TV stand to accomodate the AVS.   On my TV stand, a front loading console can easily fit in the somewhat narrow compartments under the TV and a top loading console can be tucked behind the TV on top.  The problem that I may have is that the AVS is basically a front loading console that requires top clearance, so it has the space limitations of a front loader AND a top loader.
Could someone tell me what the physical dimensions of the AVS are (I could not find anything precise online) and how much clearance you need above in addition to the console's height.  I am not talking about opening the lid to a full 90 degrees, just enough to be able to easily insert and remove games.
 

You can get by with about 5" of clearance, at a minumum. This assumes you want to play Famicom games ever at all. If just NES you could get by with maybe 4", but it'll be hard to take the games out. You could always have a long enough cord that you can pull the console out to insert/remove games, if space is INCREDIBLY tight. The console while closes is under 3" tall.

Thanks Gloves!, that is just what I needed, very helpful

update: I just got my AVS. I have 4.5" of space for it and have no problems inserting or removing NES or even the small Famicom games. (I don't have any of the taller FC games, but they would probably be difficult)

Nice. Welcome to the AVS club!

Get a PowerPak, you won't ever have to worry about changing carts.  

Thanks, I am really enjoying it.

 

I've thought about that, mainly because I keep my games on a different floor than my main TV.

 

Wow, I thought I was dedicated hauling carts in from another room. You're a trooper!