Redesigned Xbox 360 Controller Has Better D-pad, Is Not Arriving in North America

Update: Microsoft has confirmed to Shacknews that there are indeed no plans to bring the "optimized" D-Pad to North America in any form.

"Basically, the controller will only be available for a limited time in Europe, Asia and Latin America, and has been optimized for certain games that are D-pad intensive," explained a Microsoft representative.

"There are no plans to make those changes to the existing wireless controllers at this time. However, the Xbox 360 wireless controller is one of the most popular controllers of all time and we're confident that it will continue to provide the complete gaming experience."

Original Story: A revised Xbox 360 controller with a more precise directional pad will hit Europe on October 24, Microsoft has revealed.

Said to be "optimized" for Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series, the green controller is billed as a "a limited edition promotional item that is only available in Europe, Asia and Latin America while supplies last," the company told Eurogamer.

Many gamers have complained that the Xbox 360's directional pad suffers from precision issues, leading to character movement in unintended directions and frustration in titles such as Bionic Commando Rearmed.

"We're always looking to improve products and we made these changes based on feedback from gamers," claimed Microsoft. "The new limited-edition green wireless controller offers enhancements to D-pad functionality, which will add to the experience of playing games where the D-pad is the primary control mechanism."

Given Microsoft's phrasing, it is possible that the revised D-pad could make its way to North America, just not alongside that specific green controller. Shacknews has contacted Microsoft for more details.