Get the new controller with the re designed d-pad man. I have it and it works great!

Even the transformable dpad is far inferior to the Playstation dpad. It's very irritating when I play MK 2011 since I only have an Xbox.

Basically, they never should've put the dpad on a stick in a recess.

Anyone try using a Street Fighter IV fightpad on this game? Does it feel alright?

I personally recommend the HORI EX2 360 pad. I bought one a few weeks back, and let me tell you, the d-pad on it feels like playing on a classic SNES d-pad. It's crisp and responsive, and it made playing UMK3 and SSF2T FAR easier.

Just my $.02...

Very nice. That looks excellent. I may have to purchase one.

I should really look into getting one. I've been sanding at my wireless controllers dpad a bit but haven't opened it up, have had that instructable saved as a bookmark for some time now too...

I own the Tournament edition stick which is flawless to use for inputs...HOWEVER.

It causes me extreme RSI in my hands after a bit of playtime so I'm forced to going back to my controller again after a few matches. I'd rather use the stick, too.

I did this to my controller a while ago, and thought it help but after playing the new MK game for the first time with it, I realized it didn't work.

I recently got the PDP afterglow controller which has a much improved Dpad despite looking like the stock 360 dpad. For some reason the PS3's version of the afterglow is actually the old dpad style like the hori pad.

"I personally recommend the HORI EX2 360 pad. I bought one a few weeks back, and let me tell you, the d-pad on it feels like playing on a classic SNES d-pad. It's crisp and responsive, and it made playing UMK3 and SSF2T FAR easier. Just my $.02... " @DArqueBishop Thanks a lot for that info. I'm definitely going to look into that controller. Although the fix I originally posted was definitely an upgrade, it can still be better.

As it turns out, I can really use a fourth controller. I have friends over all the time and we want to play 2 on 2, but I'm one short. After reading your advice, I read some more reviews of this controller, and it looks like it is one of the best d-pads available. I just ordered one, so I'll add comment when I get to try it out.

I still recommend the modification for those who don't need a new controller. It improved inputs noticeably to my 3 Microsoft controllers.

I just came across another method for fixing the360 dpad. Here: Dpad fix.

It's partially the same. Where it requires you to sand down the inside of the ring around the dpad. The second half of the fix is different though. It claims that the reason why the dpad is wonky to begin with is because there is an extra tab on the left side of the base of the dpad itself. Rather than having you insert a plastic washer under the dpad it asks you to just cut/sand the extra tab off.

I'm actually in the process of doing this right now. Since I tried the original fix that was posted and it didn't seem to fix the problem enough to make MK playable. I'll give an updated impression of this new fix after I test it out.

[update]: I performed and tested the mentioned mod, and I have mixed feelings. It does seem to correct the inaccuracy/over sensitivity I was having with having a plastic washer between the dpad and the rubber membrane (I removed the washer when I did this mod). But it doesn't seem to be consistent the inputs.

Looking closer at the internals of the 360 controller when I took it apart. I'm think the underlying problem with the 360 dpad is actually the rubber membrane that sits under the dpad itself. I'm think it's not secured enough inside the controller, which is causing it to bunch, twist, and whatnot cause inaccuracy with the inputs. It's only secured by one little loophole that holds it in place. I think MS needs to find a way to secure all corners of the rubber membrane to correct the problem.