Microsoft has announced a new limited edition controller that will have a complete redesign of the d-pad, which was just revealed at the Gamestop’s annual managers meeting. According to people inside the meeting, the d-pad on the controller gives the player a better four-way directional feel, rather than how it feels today — with the crummy eight-way handle.

Apparently, all the player has to do is “pop-up” the d-pad, which raises it. When that is done, the controller should feel more traditional and give players a advantage while they play a genre like a fighting title.

Sadly, Microsoft did not announce a price nor a launch date; however, it sounds like it will be shipped before year’s end. Although, we were told the company expects to “officially” announce it tomorrow. So hopefully we should get all that info, along with pictures.
Again, right now, this only sounds like a limited controller and won’t be sold with the system, nor will it be a replacement. However, if people prefer this over the older one, I have a hard time believing Microsoft will only ship a short supply

http://www.slashgamer.com/2010/08/30/new-xbox-360-controller-coming-d-pad-redesigned/

Should of done this before the new 360S launched!

Booooo!! I thought this thread would have pictures.

so is this a perma change or a temp one?

well the op says its limited edition controller so its temp

lulz, I actually read that, no idea why I still asked that, I guess I wanted to say "why?"

Wow, and it only took em 5 years huh? I might as well pick that up, as I currently only have two 360 controllers.

Man great timing on the news then. I was just about to drop money on a new controller when I saw this.

Well if the dpad is as good as the DS3 then I might be buying the new Mortal Kombat for 360 instead of PS3 since my friend only has 360 and we are MK addicts. I only have one controller for my 360s so I was going to pick up another one anyways. Hope it matches the new 360.

Meh, not worth it when all you have to do is pop the standard 360 controller apart, take out the D-pad Rubber contact pad, and cut generous slits inbetween the contacts, and put the darn thing back together. I did this to one of my controllers and it actually feels and acts the way a Dpad would.