Finally. After molesting countless thumbs and ruining everybody's
Pac-Man CE scores, the Xbox 360 controller's dismal d-pad looks to be replaced by, well, a
functional d-pad.
IGN's Martin Robinson claims to have played with a redesigned controller at
Leipzig's Games Convention, describing it as "aesthetically identical" to the original (it's actually a sickly green), with "the d-pad sitting in a larger rocker and proving more tactile." The new controller is expected to debut alongside
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and is thought to have been prompted by the upcoming release of
Street Fighter IV.
Good riddance, you worthless, clacking agent of spongy misdirection. Oh, and tell
The Duke we said "Hi."
Update: Curses! The pad is a "
limited edition, promotional item" for now.
[Thanks, Fenix]
{ Aug 20th 2008 at 10:03AM } 
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jack of No Trades 85 @ Aug 20th 2008 10:07AM
Wow, MS is really catering to us. Im loving the way they are treating us right now. This is the golden age of gaming.
Vcize @ Aug 20th 2008 10:12AM
To be fair, they should've fixed this a long time ago.
Jack of No Trades 85 @ Aug 20th 2008 10:16AM
I agree, but at least they're fixing it and not turning their back to the problem. It really feels like MS is in tune with gamers. They are doing a great job.
Fenix @ Aug 20th 2008 10:25AM
I agree Jack, at least they're fixing it. I'm also glad that MS is taking action instead of saying, "why waste more money on redoing it?"
Vcize @ Aug 20th 2008 10:55AM
Indeed, from XBL to small changes to that I really think MS has a terrific vision of what core gamers want now and in the future.
I just hope that soccer moms and 8 year olds don't ruin it by continuing to endorse a console/company that provides none of that, and has a general attitude of "screw off" to that same genre of players.
Fenix @ Aug 20th 2008 10:57AM
What are you hinting at Vcize? :P
Vcize @ Aug 20th 2008 11:09AM
Clearly I was talking about the n-gage.
jcmschwa @ Aug 20th 2008 12:25PM
why can't they just copy the dual shock d-pad. it was easily the best for fighting games and the like, when you really need a d-pad. the separation of the directions made it a lot harder to accidentally hit up-left when you just wanted to hit left.
Mike M. @ Aug 20th 2008 1:11PM
Hmm, I don't know. Maybe because of patents? Maybe Microsoft doesn't want a lawsuit over a d-pad?
immelmann @ Aug 20th 2008 10:07AM
O RLY!?!?
LiqwidZero @ Aug 20th 2008 10:20AM
I hate you.
Travis @ Aug 20th 2008 10:11AM
Finally! The only thing I found wrong with the controller is being fixed.
DrNicodemus @ Aug 20th 2008 10:12AM
Thank God.
Vcize @ Aug 20th 2008 10:13AM
Even if they're fixing the rocker and the too close edges and keeping the same design, that design still stinks.
That said, this will still be a HUGE improvement. Thank science no more sandpaper mods.
SAGExSDX @ Aug 20th 2008 10:16AM
from what i read from other sites, it sounds like it is only a limited run and not a permanent production change. also, sounds like its just in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Brandon @ Aug 20th 2008 10:51AM
“The new limited-edition green wireless controller offers enhancements to d-Pad functionality, which will add to the experience of playing games where the d-Pad is the primary control mechanism,” said Microsoft.
I'm not sure how to take that quote... does it mean the green controller is limited.. or the enhanced dpad itself?
Vcize @ Aug 20th 2008 10:53AM
That seems to pretty clearly imply that the d-pad change will go into effect on all controllers, and will be done in time for the new limited edition green/red ones that are coming out as well.
There's no way they're introducing a fix, and only making it a limited run. What the hell would that accomplish PR wise?
Vcize @ Aug 20th 2008 11:07AM
Hmmm, actually upon reading the whole article I'm not so sure.
I thought they were talking about the new green/red controllers, but it looks like they're talking about the controller made specifically for Winning 11. That is far less convincing.
Fenix @ Aug 20th 2008 10:16AM
Woohoo! My first [Thanks, Fenix] ever from a tip I send in :) Not that I send in many :P
Anyway, this is awesome! Ive been wanting to get a black Elite controller or a Gears2 red and black one. Hopefully the redesign is in effect.
Misfit Toy @ Aug 20th 2008 10:16AM
I still have a Duke controller. Had to keep a part of gaming history alive so that one day I could tell my grandkids the story.
"Was this controller for the giants grandpa?"
"Yes child. Giants roamed the land in seek of video games they could play, but their hands were to big for any of the controllers. It wasn't until Microsoft came along and thought of them as a real market worth investing in. All the other companies were still making controllers for us mere mortals! A-hehehehe!" (What grandpa doesn't end his story with a good coal-miner's laugh?)
Erluti @ Aug 20th 2008 10:27AM
I loved "the Duke". Why is everyone hating on it's huge-osity! Those sleek curved edges are designed to fit any hand comfortably. And it does.
Mmmmm. The glory days.
Poisoned Al @ Aug 20th 2008 10:39AM
The duke made my hands hurt, and I have HUGE hands. I was forced to use a crappy Mad Cats thing to stop my hands cramping up.
(PS, the new posting system is REALLY getting on my tits now)
Pureshooter @ Aug 20th 2008 11:01AM
If I had huge hands and tits I'd never leave the house.
deaftly @ Aug 20th 2008 1:41PM
Ya had me at tits
GoldenS1104 @ Aug 20th 2008 10:17AM
*facepalm*
I already have 4 controllers. At least they realize their shortcomings. I have to figure by the next generation of consoles, every minor complaint like this will be ironed out... of course that doesn't mean they won't come up with new problems.
FireStiq @ Aug 20th 2008 10:18AM
Finally now I can say *Most comfortable current gen controller ever* can't wait to see and feel it, but that means spending more money which I can't do right now, just hope it's affordable very doubtful though.
flashpoint zero @ Aug 20th 2008 10:18AM
Does this mean that the red controller coming out at the end of September will have this new D-pad?
MC Double Def DP @ Aug 20th 2008 10:18AM
damn I better start working at selling off the FIVE 360 controllers I have already. And I don't know how I ended up with five to be honest. I think they multiply when you're not looking.
Wiinterfang @ Aug 20th 2008 10:21AM
Try to keep then in a dry place, they multiply with the touch of water.
Mental Issues @ Aug 20th 2008 10:33AM
And whatever you do, don't feed them after midnight.
BPM [MSN: BPMdotEXE @ hotmail.com] @ Aug 20th 2008 10:40AM
And, for the love of God, don't feed them after midnight...
BPM [MSN: BPMdotEXE @ hotmail.com] @ Aug 20th 2008 10:43AM
Dammit. Mental's post wasn't there when I posted mine. :|
Vladeon @ Aug 20th 2008 11:13AM
You better keep a close watch on your quadro-triticale, they might clog up your air vents. I hear those controllers are born pregnant.
Jayslacks @ Aug 20th 2008 10:20AM
Hey, don't be hating on the Duke. That controller was the bomb, yo.
turkeybaster @ Aug 20th 2008 10:39AM
Anyone remember trying to play a game like Tony Hawk with the Duke? It was implolsible.
LordChimp @ Aug 20th 2008 10:58AM
Is the Duke the old D-pad used on the original Xbox (and original controller before the S?) If so, that controller can burn in hell.
Wiinterfang @ Aug 20th 2008 10:21AM
Wow everyday I'm closer and closer to get and Xbox360, who knew?
Fenix @ Aug 20th 2008 10:28AM
Yay?
Wiinterfang @ Aug 20th 2008 10:41AM
I'm just waiting to see How Sonic Unleashed will turn out, Since Sonic games is the only reason I bought Consoles.
Duke @ Aug 20th 2008 1:36PM
You limit yourself to sonic games? Then you must not have wanted a console in a while. There are soooo many better games to enjoy.
AwesomeTown @ Aug 20th 2008 10:22AM
The d-pad was definitely an afterthought on the controller, but damn do I love that controller. Hands down the most comfortable controller I have ever held in my hands.
Wiinterfang @ Aug 20th 2008 10:44AM
Yeah it's like a better version of the Dreamcast controller, I don't care what anybody says, the DC controller was comfortable >: (.
Boffo the Sock @ Aug 20th 2008 10:59AM
I know you don't care, but I didn't like the Dreamcast controller as much as most other people seem to have liked it. The VMU slot dealio in the middle always rubbed against and dug into my fingers/knuckles. I found it to be a nuisance.
Donald @ Aug 20th 2008 1:49PM
I actually really don't like it much. Outside of the d-pad issue the analog sticks seem to make every character feel like I'm pushing a giant balloon and the face buttons are uncomfortable if you have to tap them quickly.
Gamecube controller FTW!
LordChimp @ Aug 20th 2008 10:22AM
This seems to be the era of "lets build and make our system/accessories and then release a new design later on and milk everyone of what they are worth!"
Wiinterfang @ Aug 20th 2008 10:28AM
The PC approach huh? Well if it works for Nintendo.
BPM [MSN: BPMdotEXE @ hotmail.com] @ Aug 20th 2008 10:43AM
Wii Remote -> Wii Remote + Wii MotionPlus
SIXAXIS -> DualShock 3
360 Controller -> FUNCTIONAL D-PAD 360 Controller
All parties are equally guilty here. Well, at least Nintendo's "enhancements" don't require gettting rid of your old controllers.
Wiinterfang @ Aug 20th 2008 10:46AM
What about the DS lite?? we had to get rid of a fully functional game system or the Wave bird??
All of this sucks, but it's for the better anyway, nobody is forcing us to buy it those things to play the games....oh wait.
Jack of No Trades 85 @ Aug 20th 2008 10:52AM
BPM
Im pretty sure we can still play the same PS3 & 360 games without the "updated" features like rumble and a better d-pad lol. If you want to play the new"ly" enhanced Wii games you "need" Motion Plus lol
Open your eyes.....
LordChimp @ Aug 20th 2008 10:55AM
I wasn't just saying this for Microsoft. Like most have said, all companys are guilty of doing this.