Xbox Gaming in South Africa

Remember that rumour about a new Xbox 360 controller with an improved D-pad? Well, it's totally true. Microsoft has officially announced that a new Xbox 360 wireless controller with "transforming" D-pad will start shipping to US retailers on 9 November.

Select the traditional plus for distinct cardinal direction movement in games like "Halo: Reach" to change weapons and perform complicated combinations and deadly finishing moves in "Street Fighter" games, or rotate the D-pad to the disc format for sweeping motions in games such as "Pro Evolution Soccer 2011." Choose your favorite controller set-up and experience unrivaled precision for all Xbox 360 games.

The new controller will sport a matte silver finish with concave analog sticks, gray A,B,X,Y buttons (you better have the button colors memorized), and will launch as a complete package with the new Play & Charge Kit and rechargeable battery which promises 25 hours of play per charge.

While pricing is still to be confirmed locally, the controller is expected to retail at the same price as the old wireless controller + Play and Charge Kit combo in the US, with Microsoft setting a $64.99 RRP (around R650). Unfortunately, while gamers in the US will be able to get their hands on the new controller this year, Europe (and presumably South Africa) will have to wait until at least February 2011, according to a tweet by EMEA Xbox Community Manager Graeme Boyd.

We'll be following up with Microsoft SA tomorrow to get a better idea of pricing and availability locally. In the meantime, what do you think of the new controller?