It took nearly five years, but finally Microsoft has gotten around to upgrading the Xbox 360 controller’s D-Pad, AKA the worst controller D-Pad in gaming history, as I’ve opined numerous times before.
The new monochrome controller, scheduled for retail release on November 9th, is actually rather ingenious. With a simple twist, the D-Pad instantly transforms from the existing disc pad form into the more traditional “plus” style. The plus D-Pad still looks kinda chunky to me. But hey, it’s an improvement, and a neat innovation to boot, so I’m all for it.
The controller also features slightly modified analog sticks — they have a smooth concave finish without those little nubbers around the edge — and the face button colors have been changed to a grayscale scheme. Unnecessary changes, yes, but they won’t hurt anything.
Sadly, though, there is a bit of a catch. This redesigned Xbox 360 controller will only be available as part of the new Play & Charge Kit, which will cost the usual $65. At this time, Microsoft mentions no plans to release the controller by itself for, you know, the many Xbox 360 owners who have Play & Charge Kits and don’t want to spend $15 extra for something they already own.
New Xbox 360 Wireless controller featuring a transforming D-Pad [Major Nelson]
Matt Litten is the full-time editor and owner of VGBlogger.com. He is responsible for maintaining the day to day operation of the site, editing all staff content before it is published, and contributing regular news, reviews, previews and other articles.
Matt landed his first gig in the video game review business writing for the now-defunct website BonusStage.com. After the sad and untimely close of BonusStage, the former staff went on to found VGBlogger.com. After a short stint as US Site Manager for AceGamez, Matt assumed full ownership over VGBlogger, and to this day he is dedicated to making it one of the top video game blogs in all the blogosphere.
Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
