New Xbox 360 controller to fix the mushy D-pad

Microsoft has announced an updated wireless controller for the Xbox 360, which should fix the problems with the original controller’s D-pad.  Although it functions just fine, the design of the original left a lot to be desired, as it can be somewhat mushy and imprecise in regular usage.  I got accustomed to it fairly quick, but it has nothing on either Sony or Nintendo’s D-pads.  Of course, I’d argue that the PS3 controller is an anachronism from controller days gone by, and is only barely more ergonomic than a Colecovision controller, but that’s me.

The new controller will allow users to switch the D-pad from a precision cardinal direction input, which is often favoured by FPS type games for weapon selection to a more sweeping dial which works well in many sports titles.  To transform the D-pad you simply twist the D-pad itself, as seen in the video above from Major Nelson.  They’ve also made a few cosmetic changes, with a matte silver design, and more concave thumbsticks and the ABXY buttons are now greyscale instead of the traditional colours (I guess this is really targeting the hardcore player).

In any case, it’s good to see this coming out as an update to the Play & Charge kit, but it it would be even better if this became the default controller in new consoles in the future.  Though the D-pad isn’t the most vital point in most modern triple-A titles, I find it used much more frequently by people developing Community Games on the 360, so will probably eye picking one up myself in the near future.

The new controller will start shipping with the Play & Charge kit on November 9th 2010 in the Canada (and the US), and other regions later.

Microsoft Canada Press Release after the break…

Customize Your Control with a New Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Featuring a Transforming D-pad

This November, Xbox 360 owners will be able to alter their controller with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Play & Charge Kit – with Transforming D-pad. The matte silver controller contains a transforming directional pad that provides ultimate accuracy and control for both directional as well as sweeping movements. The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Transforming D-pad comes complete with a Play and Charge kit for $69.99 CDN and will ship to retailers in early November.

Select the traditional plus for distinct cardinal direction movement in games like “Halo: Reach” to change weapons and perform complicated combinations and deadly finishing moves in “Street Fighter” games, or rotate the D-pad to the disc format for sweeping motions in games such as “Pro Evolution Soccer 2011.” Choose your favourite controller set-up and experience unrivalled precision for all Xbox 360 games.

The award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is taken to the next level with a unique and premium button design, a matte silver color with grey A, B, X, Y buttons and comfortable, concave analog sticks. The Play & Charge Kit includes a charging cable and rechargeable battery pack for uninterrupted game play and up to 25 hours of play per charge.