News

Microsoft confirms it's transforming the D-pad with new Xbox 360 controller (UPDATE)
Posted: 31.08.2010 16:24 by Jamie Davey Comments: 12
Microsoft has confirmed to Strategy Informer that a new redesigned Xbox 360 controller will be released worldwide with the Play & Charge Kit in early 2011.

"The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Play & Charge Kit - with Transforming D-pad will be available worldwide beginning early 2011." said a spokesperson.

Early this morning it was rumoured that Microsoft were apparently asking its Xbox division technicians to redesign the d-pad for the Xbox 360 controller, to make it more fighter friendly.

That's all we know at the moment, but we expect Microsoft to issue a press release with more details in the near future.

UPDATE: Microsoft has now issued the following press release:

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 $64.99 (U.S. ERP) and will ship to retailers beginning Nov. 9.

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 favorite controller set-up and experience unrivaled 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 gameplay and up to 25 hours of play per charge.

Comments

By stuntkid (SI Core) on Aug 31, 2010
stuntkid
We'll have to see about the matt-silver colour! I'm surprised it's taken forever to redesign the contoller!
By Jasca_Ducato (SI Core Veteran) on Aug 31, 2010
Jasca_Ducato
If it ain't broken...
By Wowerine (SI Elite) on Aug 31, 2010
Wowerine
The new controller looks sweet :) All silver with white and black keys. nice. I dont care about the D-pad. I'm glad it comes with the play and charge kit already, now I dont need to buy a battery extra ::)
By Jasca_Ducato (SI Core Veteran) on Aug 31, 2010
Jasca_Ducato
@Wowerine: Where have you seen a pictureof the new controller?
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Sep 02, 2010
FoolWolf
Engadget have some pics of it. Looks nice, but it is without cable, so too mecky to fix into the PC.
By Jake_SI (SI Elite) on Sep 02, 2010
Jake_SI
Looks nice, I guess. But the decision to make the buttons black and white, is one I dont understand from a user-friendliness standpoint.
By hellweed (SI Core Member) on Sep 02, 2010
hellweed
New d-pad looks ok. But i have 2 pads. So i dont buy new ones only because new d-pad.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Sep 02, 2010
herodotus
Unless it's a PC keyboard and mouse...well, it's just not gaming, is it!!!
By Kres (SI Elite) on Sep 02, 2010
Kres
We're gonna be giving away Xbox console in a special package soon! More info to follow perhaps after the weekend.
By hunter612 (SI Core) on Sep 03, 2010
hunter612
Thumbs up @Herod!
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Sep 03, 2010
FoolWolf
Nice with a new competition Kres.

@Hero - I agree with you as far as gaming doesn't reach fighting and driving games....
By Kres (SI Elite) on Sep 03, 2010
Kres
We're about to launch that giveaway: 2x Xbox 360 S, 2x Kinect, 2x Halo reach. I've made a promise that we wont left out US in the next competition. Thing is though now that this is US only competition. But we got a third Xbox 360 and that one will be EU only. After this one finishes around 22nd Sept.