We've just found out from third-party publishers at the Leipzig Games Convention that Microsoft is planning to release a revised version of the Xbox 360 controller with a new d-Pad.

Microsoft has confirmed the story to be true and has stated that the new D-Pad will be released alongside Pro Evolution Soccer 09 and is "optimised" for the 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," said Microsoft.

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

So fighting games will actually be decently playable now?

Tags : D-pad : games convention : konami : leipzig : microsoft : Pro Evolution Soccer 09 : Xbox 360 : Xbox 360 Controller

Comments

By: Laylia

On: 12:26 Aug 20th, 2008
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So when they say "enhanced" and "optimised" what do they mean exactly?

By: Dragonfly

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On: 12:37 Aug 20th, 2008
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Laylia;57301

So when they say "enhanced" and "optimised" what do they mean exactly?

I'm hoping it'll be something like the D-Pad on the Saturn's controller.

The common problem with the D-Pad on modern controllers is that you can't slide your fingers across them comfortable, which makes their use in fighting games especially troublesome.

The Saturn had a ridged D-Pad that curved upwards as it went out; it allowed your fingers to glide very comfortable around the different directions of the D-Pad.

By: Laylia

On: 12:49 Aug 20th, 2008
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I used to find that with the Saturn controller lighter touches wouldn't register which is obviously rather problematic. If they can get around that issue, then I guess it would be a good idea to make these controllers available.

Afterall, people can still play with whatever controllers they wish to use.

Anyway, when I first read this thread I was wondering whether they were going through a complete redesign. Maybe I'm just too used the PS controller, but it always seemed weird to me that the two analogue sticks weren't in line with each other.

By: Evren

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On: 03:36 Aug 20th, 2008
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Hooray!!!!
I r impressed. =3

I can has fighting games now.

By: Snake Plissken

On: 10:32 Aug 20th, 2008
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So will the be copying the Wii design or the PS3?

Only so many ways to do a D-pad, I look forward to seeing what they come up with.

By: Dragonfly

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On: 01:02 Aug 21st, 2008
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Snake Plissken;57358

So will the be copying the Wii design or the PS3?

Both are pretty poor to be honest.

By: Snake Plissken

On: 09:53 Aug 21st, 2008
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Dragonfly;57361

Both are pretty poor to be honest.

Your a total cross-box fan boy M. :P

By: boa

On: 06:13 Aug 23rd, 2008
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Aboutr time, the D-pad is the biggest failing on the pad, and was a bad part of the Xbox pad.

By: SwitchxA

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On: 06:47 Aug 23rd, 2008
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Thankfully you can use the analog stick for everything and that for me has managed. I didn't think the d-pad on the 360 was that great to begin with, but it wasn't enough of a problem for me that I thought it needed to be revised.

As for for good d-pad design, I like the PS style the best. I mostly play RPGs so it's nice to be very clear on what direction I am pressing. It's kind of important when sifting through menus quickly.