Microsoft redesigns the d-pad (again)

Microsoft has announced a redesign of its controller that will go on sale in November.

“We’ve just made the Xbox 360 Wireless controller even better with a brand new version that includes a transforming d-pad,” said Microsoft’s Major Nelson. “ The engineers have come up with an ingenious solution with a d-pad that can go from a plus to a disc with the twist of the wrist.”

This isn’t the first time Microsoft has made changes to its d-pad. In Europe, where football games top the charts all year round, Microsoft redesigned the original d-pad because gamers preferred to play the likes of Pro Evolution Soccer and FIFA on a PlayStation pad. Many still do.

The boom in popularity of fighting games such as Street Fighter IV and Tekken 6 is thought to be one reason why the d-pad has been tweaked once again.

The new pad comes in a matte silver finish and also features concave analogue sticks and gray A,B,X,Y buttons “for added style”. What do you think?

The controller will only be available with the new Play & Charge Kit that will launch on November 9th for US $64.99. A New Zealand release date has yet to be announced.

Here’s a clip of the Major showcasing the new device.