Microsoft Reveals New Controller

The new premium controller contains a "transforming D-Pad" that promises to greatly enhance the D-Pad.

Microsoft has recently posted a product description for a new controller that features what they call, a transforming D-Pad.

The transforming D-Pad allows players to use the directional control in the traditional plus fashion or as a circular D-Pad, as exists now on the current 360 controller. In order to switch between the two options, players need only twist the D-Pad. The new design promises to be an improvement when compared to current, standard Xbox 360 controller.

The new controller also contains a couple of other minor changes. The analog sticks are now concave, the body of the controller is matte silver, and the face buttons are gray, instead of the traditional multi-color color scheme.

The new Xbox 360 controller will be available on November 9 in North America and it will be priced at $64.99 and bundled with a Play & Charge Kit.

Our Take

Lukasz Balicki Staff Alumnus

09/01/2010 at 07:09 AM

While I don't really like the price, I may have to pick one up since playing certain XBLA games I have is painful with the analog stick and d-pad on the stock 360 controller.

Nick DiMola Director

09/01/2010 at 08:27 AM

It's about time they released an update to this godforsaken D-Pad. It's a damn shame that they have waited this long to do it, but one can only hope that the controller will have use beyond this generation.

At 65 bucks I definitely can't justify a purchase, but eventually I have to hope they'll package one with a USB adapter so that I can also use it as a really good PC controller as well.

09/01/2010 at 08:46 AM

Nick, since it's the wireless controller you can technically use Microsoft's wireless receiver dongle so that you can use it on the PC. Sadly you can't use the play and charge kit's USB connection to hook it up to the PC since it will only charge the battery pack.

09/01/2010 at 11:24 AM

Yeah, I just want the package deal, in place of the stupid Play and Charge Kit.

Kathrine Theidy Staff Alumnus

09/01/2010 at 08:24 PM

So Microsoft finally fixed their D-pad? They should have done this a long time ago, and made it standard on every controller.

Jason Ross Senior Editor

09/01/2010 at 08:36 PM

They fixed their D-pad in theory, yes. I'd have to try it out first to make up my mind, though.

This could make it more difficult to hop in somewhere and play something like Scene-It or Rock Band. Color-coded buttons definitely helped navigation.

PixlBit