Microsoft Revises Xbox 360 Controller With New D-Pad

Microsoft is releasing a new controller for its Xbox 360 console later this year that features a subtle redesign. Beyond a matte silver finish and a uniform gray color scheme for the buttons, it addresses user complaints about the old D-pad. By depressing the new D-pad, it can either be used as a single button, or turned to raise the directional input functionality. Xbox Live director of programming Major Nelson revealed the new controller on his official weblog, dating its launch for the 9th of November. He also described changes made for style, including concave analog sticks. Common user complaints about the Xbox 360 controller's original D-pad generally hinged on its lack of responsiveness, an issue that frequently surfaced nearby discussions of Capcom's newest Street Fighter titles -- next-gen installments in a franchise that requires directional button precision to pull off moves. The controller will only be sold as a set, packaged with the new Play & Charge kit, and the combination will retail for $64.99 in the United States when it comes out later this year. The announcement of a fine-tuning to the controller and a new package on offer comes right after another Xbox 360 tweak: Microsoft also announced a change to Xbox Live Gold subscription prices this week.