Microsoft Announces New 'Transforming' Controller Design

Microsoft announced today the existence of an upgraded wireless controller that contains a new transforming d-pad. Xbox Live’s “Major Nelson” says that the company listened to the concerns of the community and took the controller back to the drawing board for this new design. The current design has been criticized by platforming and fighting fans for its lack of precision.

The new controller allows the player to twist the d-pad causing the traditional ‘disc’ the pad rests on to recess in to the controller revealing a more traditional plus shaped d-pad. This allows players to gain precise movement in the four directions without the frustration of the previous disc based design. The controller also features a set of alternate colored buttons. The ABXY buttons have swapped their traditional bright colors for varying shades of white, grey and black. The right and left bumpers have also received a color swap – they are now black.

The new Xbox 360 Wireless Controller will be available at retailers in North America after November 9th and will retail for $69.99 with a bundled Play & Charge kit. Microsoft has stated this will be the only way to purchase the new controller. It will not be sold without the bundled Play & Charge kit unfortunately. Europe can expect a release date of February 2011 according to the included YouTube video from Major Nelson.



Image Credit: Microsoft

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