Xbox 360 controller getting a redesign to fix the d-pad?

[Queasy]

IGN

UK, August 20, 2008 - A subtly redesigned Xbox 360 controller has been spotted on the showroom floor at this year's Games Convention in Leipzig, sporting a new-feel d-pad that addresses the previously unresponsive and spongy model.

While aesthetically identical to the previous controller, the d-pad has been re-engineered to offer more instant control, with an eight way input taking place of the previous four. A brief hands-on with the controller playing Pro Evolution 2009 proved that the redesign has been effective, with the d-pad sitting in a larger rocker and proving more tactile.

It's expected to release at the same time as this year's Pro Evolution Soccer, and the re-design is thought to have been inspired by the imminent release of Street Fighter IV.

We'll have photos of the new controller - though don't expect to see the difference - and further impressions later on.

Great but crappy news. Why crappy news? I've got 4 360 controllers already. <sob>

Update

Microsoft has confirmed our earlier report that it plans to release a new Xbox 360 controller with an improved d-pad on 24th October.

We found the pad and photographed it on Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer stand, and Microsoft confirms the pad is "optimised" for the football series.

"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," Microsoft told Eurogamer.

"We're always looking to improve products and we made these changes based on feedback from gamers."

However, the new pad is "a limited edition promotional item that is only available in Europe, Asia and Latin America while supplies last", which is likely to upset fans who feel the d-pad needs full-time replacement rather than a one-off patch for PES.

Speaking to Eurogamer at Games Convention, one third-party publisher told us that the pad was also designed to work with Street Fighter IV, so perhaps it will turn up again next year.

This enhancement better be making it to all 360 controllers because this is a bass-ackwards decision otherwise.

 

[ggnl]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Great but crappy news. Why crappy news? I've got 4 360 controllers already. <sob>

Just buy one and make your friends use the crappy old ones.

 

[Kabob]

I've got 2 and don't really want another...

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: Queasy
Great but crappy news. Why crappy news? I've got 4 360 controllers already. <sob>

Ditto. I already have a full set. Unless the difference is undeniably better than doing a sandpaper mod I doubt I'll bother with buying a new one.

 

[JackBurton]

D-pad? They need to fix the d-pad AND button layout. This four button layout ain't gonna work for me on Street Fighter IV. I'll skip the new controller and get a real joystick that has it all.

 

[yowolabi]

I didn't know I needed this feature, now I can't live without it.

 

[bdubyah]

hell, the d-pad doesn't bother me that much in the games i play. the cheap ass analog sticks are what piss me off.

i got my first wireless controller around xmas, and by like april, the joysticks were sticking all the time. and now the new one i bought is slowly starting to do the same thing, i love being in a COD match and try to hide behind something, only to keep slowly sliding out into the open.

i'll probably have to drop another $50 here soon. really annoying...

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: bdubyah
hell, the d-pad doesn't bother me that much in the games i play. the cheap ass analog sticks are what piss me off.

i got my first wireless controller around xmas, and by like april, the joysticks were sticking all the time. and now the new one i bought is slowly starting to do the same thing, i love being in a COD match and try to hide behind something, only to keep slowly sliding out into the open.

i'll probably have to drop another $50 here soon. really annoying...

Wow, that doesn't happen to me and I've used my original a while now. In fact you're the first I heard of consistently having this problem. Are you sure it isn't something you, a sibling, or a friend are causing?

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: bdubyah
hell, the d-pad doesn't bother me that much in the games i play. the cheap ass analog sticks are what piss me off.

i got my first wireless controller around xmas, and by like april, the joysticks were sticking all the time. and now the new one i bought is slowly starting to do the same thing, i love being in a COD match and try to hide behind something, only to keep slowly sliding out into the open.

i'll probably have to drop another $50 here soon. really annoying...

Stop eating while you're playing video games. 😉