Not content with the current state of your Xbox 360 controller? Well Microsoft's Major Nelson has revealed a new slightly-tweaked official controller design fresh from 'the lab'.
The new controller has taken on a monochrome look with some minor colour differences with the body, and the usual red, green, blue and yellow buttons being grey, light grey, black and white. There are also some altered grooves in the analog stick and some minor shape redesign so the controller is easier to handle. However, these changes are thankfully not the only thing that has been cooked up by Microsoft.
The big difference which is apparently so amazing is it has been patented as the twisty d-pad. The purpose behind this bizarre feature is that with a twist you can make it so the d-pad sticks out like a "+" and when you twist it back it is much like the shape of the current d-pad with the rounded corners described by Nelson as a 'disc'. This is for easier use of the d-pad as the previous one was apparently criticized for being hard to use at times.
Overall the controller is looking pretty good with a November 9th release in the US at $64.99 (approx £42) and a February release for the UK. The controller is apparently only bundled with a play and charge kit, which may explain the price. At least Microsoft are showing some passion for those of us who actually still like buttons. So what do you guys think? Are you so bothered by your d-pad that you will buy a new controller for a twisty one? Leave your thoughts below.
Via: Electric Pig