The New Xbox Wireless Controller with Transforming D-pad: If it Ain’t Broke…Just Tweak it

How many times have we seen a company take a product that works perfectly well and that everyone loves…and decide to completely redesign it, to the point where it no longer has any of the qualities that made it popular in the first place? Thank you Microsoft–thank you for not falling into that trap.

Fanboys notwithstanding, I think most would agree that the Xbox 360 Wireless controller is about as good as it gets for console gaming. Yes, the DualShock is a great controller and has served me well over the years…but the Xbox 360 controller has always felt just a bit better; whether it’s the heavy-but-not-too-heavy feel, the slightly larger form-factor or just the way all of the buttons are nicely spaced without being out of reach, the Xbox Wireless Controller has always been the gold standard. Starting tomorrow, Microsoft will begin shipping a new version of the Xbox controller: The Wireless Controller with Transforming D-pad. This controller is not a complete redesign, but as the title of the article suggests, more of a collection of enhancements designed to improve performance. How does it compare to your current Xbox weapon of choice? Well, the good folks at Microsoft were kind enough to send us one–so let’s take a look, shall we?

Let’s start with the obvious–the controller has a new look. This new controller is sporting a matte, silver finish that looks terrific; as much as I love my black controllers, this silver finish makes the new controller look just a bit more high-tech. Aside from the fact that it looks great, this was also a very smart design choice by Microsoft; this new color works well with both white and black consoles, meaning buying this new model won’t result in any awkward “controller/console clashing” issues. You’ll also notice that the usual colorful array of buttons has been replaced by different shades of gray; it’s subtle, but this also adds a touch of class and enhances the new high-tech look. Though some may feel that gamers lose a bit of button recognition due to the color change, the truth is, people that are used to the old colors rarely (if ever) look down at their controllers anymore–they’re already familiar with the configuration; people new to the 360 should also have no problem adjusting to to the new buttons.

Of course, there were some physical changes to the controller that have nothing to do with the color; the biggest of these being the new “Transforming D-pad.” Microsoft had gotten lots of feedback on the design of its D-pad (not all of it positive) and determined a change was in order; the new D-pad has 2 settings that change with a simple counter-clockwise twist: Standard mode, which pretty much behaves like the old D-pad, with the cross more flush against the round pad–and “raised” mode, where the cross is more prominent–allowing more specific input when navigating north, south, east and west. Having spent the last few days putting the controller through its paces, I’m happy to report that this new D-pad is no gimmick; in raised mode I felt I had far greater control of my input, especially in games that required inventory management (which is usually mapped to the 4 points of the cross). Using this new D-Pad also results in a more satisfying “click” when choosing a direction; the old D-pad wasn’t bad, but definitely feels spongy by comparison.

Microsoft also talks about having increased accuracy using their new controller–and I have to agree. I’m sure part of this has to do with internal components, but also helping with the accuracy is the subtle redesign of the analog sticks. Sporting a more concave design, the sticks also feature a more prominent ridge; along with being more comfortable, this new design keeps your finger on the sticks with less effort, resulting in more fluid control.

If there is one downside to the controller, it would have to be the fact that it’s only available with the “Play and Charge Kit,” meaning part of your $64.99 is going towards a rechargeable battery and cable whether you need them or not. Obviously, this is not really a strike against the controller itself; but I’m hoping that Microsoft’s marketing team realizes how popular this controller will be, and gives consumers the opportunity to purchase it as a standalone device. All in all, this new Wireless Controller with Transforming D-pad is a winner; though the changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, a new bar has been set for an already excellent device.

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