We all hate the 360 controller’s d-pad. There is absolutely nothing to like about it. It’s sticky, squishy, mushy and any other word you don’t want to hear when it comes to pinpoint controls. I’m pretty sure no one in their right mind would want to play a game with the d-pad on that controller. Microsoft however didn’t seem to mind the fact that everyone was constantly complaining about it, they just kept on trucking. Then a few days ago rumors popped up of an improved game controller being used at Konami’s booth at GC 2008 in the Pro-Evolution Soccer stand. Photos were taken, the internet caught fire.

Now we have word from Microsoft that the controller is in fact real and is optimized for the (uuggg) football game. “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,” Microsoft told Eurogamer. Praise the lord! I can’t wait…to…get…it’s not coming out in North America? The controller is a limited edition promotional item that is only available in Europe, Asia and Latin America? Meaning it isn’t a permanent fix but simply designed around actually being able to play football on your 360? Crap.

You may notice that I refer to the game as football and not soccer despite my heated debates with Thom. This is because it is clear that Europe, with their misnaming of sports, has won. They get the awesome controller and we’re stuck with nothing. How I hate thee, Thom.