My Xbox 360 wireless controller dpad problems

My Microsoft Xbox 360 wireless controller dpad doesn't work properly ... and its not the first.

The dpad or digital pad is responsible for the digital movements of up, down, left and right. When I bought by Xbox 360 I found the dpad was not so 'next-gen'. It was unresponsive in one direction, sometimes to the point that I could actually press the dpad to its full extent without any movement happening onscreen. It also occasionally moved in one of the directions close to the direction I pressed, especially annoying when navigating the Xbox 360's menus or writing messages.

I returned (just) the controller for a replacement which I am still using now, months later. Its no better. I now use the analogue controls where possible, for example when navigation the xbox360's dashboard or writing messages. My Flash simulation above gives you an idea of what my controller is like, sticking when moving right and often moving right when pressing down.

It seems I'm not alone. One of my friends has the same problem with both his controllers and another says he's had similar problems too. I did a search and found complaints online. When playing Lost Planet I've heard quite a few mumbles from players in sniper games accidently turning on their flashlight when they tried to select a weapon.

Some players who acknowledge the problem say just live it with, and I'm inclined to agree. I just want to show other gamers they are not on their own - and maybe prompt Microsoft to make future improvements. The otherwise excellent xbox 360 controller has many redeeming features and most of the games I play don't rely on the dpad for the most crucial gameplay functions.

Tags: Microsoft, xbox 360, wireless controller

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