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New 360 controller to feature transforming D pad

Microsoft addresses oft-made complaint with a new wireless pad due out November 9 with play-and-charge kit for $65.

In the past five years, Microsoft has encountered a number of complaints regarding its Xbox 360 hardware. The most vociferous of those were likely related to critical hardware failures, but not far behind were gripes about the standard Xbox 360 controller's D pad, which players felt yielded insufficiently precise inputs for some games like Lumines Live or Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting.

The D pad on the new controller in its raised configuration.

The D pad on the new controller in its raised configuration.

The former complaint has largely been addressed with extended warranties and newly redesigned Xbox 360 systems. The latter one could also have a solution on the way, as Xbox Live director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has revealed that a newly redesigned Xbox 360 controller will be released later this year.

"We've heard from the community that you're not big fans of the D pad, so the engineers went back into the laboratory and came up with this ingenious solution," Nelson explained in a YouTube video introducing the controller.

The solution is a patented D pad that switches from a disc configuration to a raised plus sign by twisting the pad around. The new pad will also feature a revised color scheme with buttons in shades of gray instead of the candy-colored gems Microsoft has used since the debut of the original Xbox. Hryb said the pad also boasts other improvements, though he didn't specify what those were.

The pursuit of precision comes with a price, as the new controller will only be available bundled with Microsoft's play-and-charge controller kit for $65. The new controller will be available in the US November 9, with a European debut expected sometime in February.

1066 Comments

  • TheoAlmighty

    Posted Aug 1, 2011 10:14 pm GMT

    so expensive!

  • gearsstreet018

    Posted Jul 29, 2011 10:01 am GMT

    There iclude in de xbox 360 GEars Of War 3 and theere so nice

  • Ze_Muffin_Man

    Posted Jul 28, 2011 4:19 pm GMT

    How is this revolutionary? It's definitely useful, but i'm not falling flat on my feet because you finally fixed something that bugged me for years, silly M$ and your word choice

  • kinstar2002

    Posted Jul 27, 2011 10:24 pm GMT

    Solution: Go buy a gears 3 controller. It has the new d-pad scheme and colored buttons

  • X-RS

    Posted Nov 2, 2010 9:01 pm GMT

    sounds like she gots better buttons imo. why the color change you know?
    analog sticks that lasts longer would be nice though.
    a switch to alternate between black/white (uniform size) as off, LT/RT, LB/RB would have been the step beyond. though im sure it would change the layout/size.

    ive got 5 controllers and every one has a worn stick that developed a mind of its own.

    BUT if you seriously want input, check shoryuken to see if any deals were announced by madcatz. sometimes you get a tourney stick (the great one), plus free shipping (us) for $100.

  • BilkeLegenda

    Posted Sep 28, 2010 1:00 pm GMT

    $65 is insane.

  • KlepticGrooves

    Posted Sep 13, 2010 3:01 pm GMT

    Should have coloured ABXY buttons. Perhaps not as bright as the current ones, but maybe a bit more translucent.

  • Hydrolix

    Posted Sep 13, 2010 2:14 pm GMT

    @mclebron23

    again with the name calling. I never called you any names. I merely pointed out that if name calling is the only way you can express yourself, then perhaps the title belongs to you my friend.

  • mclebron23

    Posted Sep 13, 2010 5:13 am GMT

    @Hydrolix ...BTW i'm not optimistic about this new controller. Its a good improvement but not worth 65$ IMO, especially when a controller called the Razer Onza is coming out and its gunna be awesome. Its going to be 50$ dollars. and the D-pad on it, will probably be up to par with the PS3 D-pad

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOw5ISYvbX8&list=QL

  • mclebron23

    Posted Sep 13, 2010 5:09 am GMT

    @Hydrolix So I'm a dumb ass because I name call? Yup that makes sense. Sorry but I just cant take dumb people like you that post stupid comments like you're 10 yeas old or something.

  • kuda001

    Posted Sep 12, 2010 11:39 am GMT

    1. The old 'd-pad' is fine input-wise, player clumsiness is the problem there.
    2. And seriously when exactly do you need to use the d-pad for precise input, use the analog stick for Lumines and Street Fighter trust me it's a lot better and easier on your fingertips.
    3. So yes your buying a new 'better controller' to play a handful of games, oh no but wait it's only available in a bundle worth $65.

    Very clever M$.

  • Hydrolix

    Posted Sep 7, 2010 10:46 am GMT

    @mclebron23

    No need to name call. And I'm not a dumb ass, but you might be if you are unable to express yourself without resorting to name calling. Sorry if I'm not as optimistic as you are about changing a bit of plastic to make it work better. I think the problem is in the pressure sensor's themselves, not the shape of the plastic disc.

  • I--Thee_MC--I

    Posted Sep 4, 2010 2:03 pm GMT

    Now that the Halo series is done, maybe it's time to move to PS3. I can get a controller that already comes with a "charge and play" kit. And I don't have to pay $50 a year in membership fees either. Also the blu-ray. I've been a die hard 360 fan for years, but this is starting to get ridiculous. Every week it's a new product.

  • Balck_soul

    Posted Sep 3, 2010 7:49 am GMT

    never had problem with d pad , thought it was good but i might get that just for the hell of it ;P

  • MrHatnClogs

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 9:07 pm GMT

    Can you guys come up with a more durable controller that doesn't break apart when you strangle it to death? That would be great!

  • mclebron23

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 7:39 pm GMT

    @ MJ-X, No. I have a PS3 too and one of the main reasons i dont play it is because of the ps3 controller. It sucks balls for FPS games.

  • mclebron23

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 7:38 pm GMT

    @Hydrolix you're a dumb ass. The reason the D pad has problems registering the inputs is BECAUSE of the DESIGN of the D pad numb nuts. The D pad is a circle for christ sakes.

  • Doh3rty

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 6:21 pm GMT

    never been a problem

  • Hydrolix

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 4:38 pm GMT

    The feel of the D-pad hasn't ever been the problem for me. it's that it doesn't register inputs all the time.

  • Kexster

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 12:35 pm GMT

    I think this controller looks neat. The buttons still have the A,B, X and Y on them and most people can still read so I don't know what the big deal about colour is.

  • MJ-X

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 10:46 am GMT

    i like how M$ keeps coming with extra stuff for ppl to buy, too many additions to the point where it costs more than the 360 itself.... so sad.
    i myself would prefer a PS controller, much easier to grip and less thumb scatter.

    PS3 owner

  • XanderZane

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 10:16 am GMT

    @mrzero1982pt2 said:
    @XanderZane you miss the point. those are fightpads. they are spaced out solely for the fact they are made for one game. most fighting gamers go out and fork out 200 bucks for a fighting stick for one game and one game only. microsoft heard the gripes of normal gamers who want to give fighting games a shot, but not go out and spend an arm and a leg for what, how many fighting games are made for the 360 you can buy in stores? 3, blazblue, sfiv, tekken? they want something they can play, when they are done, take that game out, and play gears without having to put a controller away. its expensive, but sensible... i will get a pre owned one, or wait til the price drops. *************************************************************
    It's not expensive at all. $40 for a fightpad is cheap and if you own a lot of fighting games, it's a perfect addition. The control is much better then anything the PS3/360 controller could offer. You can get a fightstick for the same amount you'd pay for this new 360 controller. It's not $200 unless you get a limited edition tournament fightstick. They are less then $100. There are a lot of fighting games on the 360 (Mortal Kombat, SSF, SSFH, DoA, Soul Calibur, SFIV, SSFIV, MvsC2, MvsC3, KoF, BlazBlue, BlazBlue: CS, Tekken 6 and many others. A fightpad or fightstick is definitely a good investment if you play a lot of fighting games.

  • Evenios

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 10:09 am GMT

    yeah they should offer wired controllers for a lower price.. guess its about the money! im not paying 65 bucks just to ge a bit better dpad!!! RAWR!

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 9:02 am GMT

    The PS3 DualShock 3 controller comes with Bluetooth, SixAxis, Rumble, an awesome d-pad design and Rechargeable Li-Ion battery for $40-50. I guess I just don't understand why Microsoft can't match that price. The play-n-charge kits are usually $15-20 meaning the "value" of this new Xbox 360 controller is the same as the old 360 controllers. Isn't it about time Microsoft included rechargable batteries without charging consumers extra $$$?

  • InnerSenses

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 8:57 am GMT

    @AshTray1986
    If they were to make the perfect controller, one with no issues, then in two or three years time, what could they slightly improve in order make more money? Be on the lookout for a premium controller (with an improved D-pad and coloured buttons) bundled with Micro$oft's play-and-charge controller kit for $80.

  • DiscGuru101

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 5:34 am GMT

    "...the new controller will only be available bundled with Microsoft's play-and-charge controller kit for $65."

    -This is the part that annoys me.

  • gamerpipe

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 2:12 am GMT

    I don't like the gray buttons. they should add some LEDs to the colored buttons not remove them.

  • Jebril

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 2:04 am GMT

    I like the new D-Pad it looks great,but then they have to bundle it with something I already have and charge an outrageous price for it. Then they have to change the color scheme to something that makes no sense, I liked the color buttons, no black and white and grey is not kewl it's dumb.

  • David_Kniffin

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 2:03 am GMT

    Love that they're trying to make the D-Pad better! But why do I have to buy ANOTHER Play-and-Charge Kit?! I already have one and only need ONE! It's bad enough that the controller that came with the Slim was a AA battery pack and the only option I have for a proper rechargeable battery is trying to force a second Play-and-Charge Kit on me. If I want a controller with a better D-Pad, I would have to buy a third?! Come on...

  • naryanrobinson

    Posted Sep 2, 2010 1:15 am GMT

    Grey? Gay I hope they come to their senses in the FOUR MONTHS it takes to get here... but I know they won't.

  • Dynamo11

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 10:55 pm GMT

    But I like coloured buttons. Why the hell are they grey?!

  • crashndash

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 10:43 pm GMT

    well atleast colourblind people dont feel left out now? lol XD

  • ReD_FeLony

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 8:55 pm GMT

    Hmm...so when your girlfriend is tryna play tekken or something, you shout gray, no darker gray, no the gray thats a bit lighter!

  • Chief_Kuuni

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 8:43 pm GMT

    about time they stepped up, I never liked the D-pad either

  • XeonForce

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 7:52 pm GMT

    Why not just make this a standard feature on all the controllers they sell?

  • fazio93

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 7:49 pm GMT

    there was nothing wrong with the colored buttons....

  • Nkosistryder

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 7:48 pm GMT

    @ coppershark1973

    Errm don't believe i heard him say you have to buy it so stop whining. This is a new pad IF YOU WANT IT. If you don't then JUST DON'T BUY IT. I'm sure they'll add colours to the pad later on or something if its such a big issue (and probably charge you a few extra $/£ for inconveniencing them LoL) Gotta Love M$ pricing ethics. LoL

  • steve4123456789

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 7:33 pm GMT

    Yeah but there just taking advantage they make me sick really, they could sell it for £80 and it would sell, I think £40 is a joke, it should be £10 or £20.

  • steve4123456789

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 7:28 pm GMT

    So much money the charge, costing more for memberships, and now this there getting to fat with money.

  • Gelugon_baat

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 7:19 pm GMT

    Come to think of it, does any person who is using the Xbox 360 actually look at the controller while playing games?

  • nparks

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 7:02 pm GMT

    @mrzero1982pt2

    One of these days I'm going to realize how futile any attempt at satire is when performed on an internet message board. There's so much inherent absurdity in the medium that it's impossible to say anything so blatantly absurd that nobody would try to take it seriously. I weep for our children's future. But I'm encouraged that at least they'll have really cool d-pads to play with. Well, the rich ones will anyway. Unless they abandon physical controls entirely for glorious motion controlled gaming. How's that for a mixed message from MS?

    Also, just so we're clear, that bit about weeping was hyperbole.

  • blakeney

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 6:41 pm GMT

    Why all the hate on the button colors, are you people all seriously that spasticated that you can get by with just the letters??

    I understand those that play games that call on you to "press green", but cant see that a great deal of games use the colors only, becuase that would be hell for the colorlindites amoung us!

  • kubb724

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 6:16 pm GMT

    @Arkk_Angel... They only worked together to come up with discs for their system , yes , they shared ideas...for discs....Anyways it doesnt matter cause we are on a Xbox page , shouldnt be ranting about Sonys and nintendos crap.

  • jeffbordonaro

    Posted Sep 1, 2010 6:12 pm GMT

    @ gamekingpin let me guess... you get ALL your info from wiki?? i can tell by the [12] and [13] in your paragraph..if your going to fake knowledge atleast copy paste from a reasonable site.

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