Coming this November, just in time for Christmas, Microsoft is bringing out a new controller for the Xbox 360. The new controller features new analog sticks and a D-pad that rises for more precise controls, if the game calls for it. The new controller will be available at a retail price of $65.
Microsoft spokesman, Larry Hyrb, showed the new controller on Youtube today and pointed out the subtle, yet changes for the better. Clearly, the biggest change for the new controller will be the attention to the D-pad. Over the years I have noticed the changes from a specific directional control pad to an almost smooth disc like pad. The disc like pad didn’t make the directional specific moves very easy for games like Call of Duty or Street Fighter.
The D-pad has been ignored for some time and was used as more of a secondary button compared to the uses for the other buttons on the controller. The new D-pad actually combines the “disc-like” button with the directional specific button and it can be changed with a little twist. The twisting motion brings the D-pad “cross” up about one-quarter of an inch for ease of use.
Some other features include a little more concave on the analog sticks and a monochromatic look for the color scheme. Stay tuned in November and make sure you check back for a review of this new controller!
