In a Tuesday announcement, Microsoft said that it intends releasing a new Xbox 360 wireless controller, which will feature a transforming D-pad, in November. Similar to the present Xbox 360 controller, the new model too starts in a disc format, which is supposedly the best for sweeping motions that connect one direction to the next.

For more distinct directional presses, players can rotate the D-pad to heave up its plus-shaped portion. This provides greater accuracy in stringing together button combinations, especially while playing combat games like Street Fighter IV.

Noting that currently the users of the Xbox 360 controller "are not big fans of the D-pad," "Major Nelson" - Microsoft's director of programming for Xbox Live - said that the twisting of the disc helps in raising the D-pad much higher; thereby making it more usable for the players.

Further adding that, at one position, the D-pad will be almost flush with the disc behind it, Microsoft said that the updated Xbox 360 controller has chiefly been designed to give the gamers a better D-pad.

The new controller - which hits the market November 9- will be available only with a Play and Charge battery kit; and will cost $65. The controller will sport a gray and black finish, and its buttons will be in different tones of gray; which will a marked difference from the current controller's white finish and multicolored buttons.