Ever since Microsoft released the Xbox 360 in late 2005, gamers have had to put up with a clunky directional pad that lacked precision and actually made it possible for fools out there to get lucky enough to beat me at Tecmo Bowl once in a while. Now the company has announced a redesigned controller, but it will cost players looking to upgrade.

The new controller, which boasts a transforming d-pad, allowing you to swap it from an 8-direction disc shape to a four-direction pad that’s been standard since the mid-1980s, when the Nintendo Entertainment System was king of living rooms. Those who use the new controller will no doubt have a tremendous advantage in online play in some games, but they’ll pay for the edge. The controller, due out Nov. 9, will cost $65 in a bundle with a USB charging cord. Current 360 controllers can be had for $30.

If you have an Xbox 360, have you been frustrated enough with the old controller to spring for a new one?

New Xbox 360 Wireless controller featuring a transforming D-Pad [Major Nelson via Joystiq]

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