Microsoft prepping new Xbox 360 controller with improved D-pad for the holidays [update]

by David Hinkle on Aug 30th 2010 9:10PM

We've got it on good authority that sometime this Holiday season, Microsoft will launch a new Xbox 360 controller with a rather unique D-pad. According to our trusted source, when one rotates the D-pad ninety degrees on this new controller, it'll raise up about a quarter of an inch -- a modification apparently revealed to be targeted at fighting game fans.

Could it be a version of that nifty (yet ugly) European controller tie-in for Pro Evo 2009? Will it replace the new Xbox 360 S controller (pictured above)? Or will it be a separate, special controller? We've got plenty of questions and will try to dig up some more info, so stay tuned.

Update: The new controller with a "transforming D-pad" has been announced and will be bundled with the Play & Charge Kit this November. Read the complete details here.

Tags: microsoft, xbox, xbox-360-controller

Reader Comments (107)

I have zero problems with the d-pad on the 360 controller, but then again i transplanted a xbox (original) s controller d-pad into my 360 controller,

I've never had a problem with the D-pad.... and in Street Fighter I actually have gotten pretty good with the regular analogue stick.... but I understand that lots of people have complained.... so this isn't a bad thing.

Why this took 4 years is beyond me.

All I can say is when Razor puts out it's controller, I'm selling my two Microsoft wired controllers for this one...

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/razer-wants-cut-of-xbox-360-peripheral-business/

I got the Scott Pilgrim game on the PS3 just to avoid the 360's d-pad. (also it came to it first)

Probably the cheapest and easiest way would be to make a sub-assembly of plastic (closer to the surface of the d-pad, not 3/4" away like it is now) and put a silk-screened circuit on it (like the PS3 uses for all its buttons) and slip that into a connector on the PCB.

Even so, the very shape of the 360's d-pad is also to blame, but they have to make it different from Nintendo / Sony pads because they're patented.

I'm glad to hear they're finally addressing the d-pad. The controller is just about perfect, and for many games it's not noticible, but for those games where it's necessary to have precision, and where you have to use the d-pad, it becomes obvious there's something not quite right.

Improved D-pad will make this perfect for playing those old school games in arcade. 2D fighter's will play even better then before. Games that require you to use more of the D-pad functions will make it easier to manage your selection with less error. This was the only thing that made the Xbox360 controller not a perfect 10 controller, I give it a 9/10. With an improved D-pad, I could see a 10 coming and I am pleased, even if it took MS this long to correct this, I am glad there finally working this out.

Previous 50 Comments