Xbox 360 Wireless controller has created a brand new version that includes a transforming D-pad. By transforming I mean a d-pad that can go from a solid + form to a current disc form with the twist of the d-pad. In addition to the new d-pad, the matte silver controller also features concave analog sticks and gray A,B,X,Y buttons for added style. The controller will only be available with the new Play & Charge Kit that will launch on November 9th for US $64.99.

The Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle features an exclusive silver design and comes with two custom Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers with artwork inspired by the game, a Standard Edition copy of “Halo: Reach,” a token for the Limited Edition Elite armor set, an episode of “Halo Legends” and a “Halo: Reach”-themed Xbox 360 wired headset. As an added touch, the specially designed console in the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo: Reach” Bundle not only captures the look and feel of the game, but also features custom sound effects from the “Halo” universe.

This bundle will be available on September 14, 2010 for $399 so get to pre-ordering today!

Microsoft has announced that Kinect will be available this fall and will include the bundled game Kinect Adventures for $150. Kinect Adventures allows players to make their way through 20 adventures, navigating roaring rapids and ducking and dodging through mountaintop obstacle courses and other exotic locations — no controller, wand or balance board required.

A new bundle will also be hitting shelves in time for the Kinect Launch this November. The newly announced $199 Xbox 360 4GB console which will be available at the end of summer and The Kinect camera can be found together for $299. The Bundle will include Kinect, Kinect Adventures and the Xbox 360 4GB console all on November 4th 2010. Select retailers are already taking pre-orders like Amazon and Gamestop so can you smell the Kinect fever yet?

GameStop has been cagey about its plans to deal with the impending digital age, but the new CEO Paul Raines spoke frankly about it in a recent interview with The Street. He says he wants the GameStop Website to be a “destination for gamers, whether they are getting content via online, mobile, console or any other platform. We are also migrating our website from a purely e-commerce site to a gaming platform that users can visit to play, learn and purchase games.”

He says the company is taking a look at other online companies that have successfully started their transition to digital formats. “We have studied Netflix a lot, and most of their users still absorb physical content rather than streaming,” Raines said. “Now we are looking to see how gaming compares. We are focusing on consumer acceptance. The world won’t be all digital tomorrow, even though that’s what people are claiming. In this business, users still want physical content.”

He also remarked on the difficulty of sustaining a used game sales model, echoing recent comments made at the Develop conference. “In tough economic times the consumer doesn’t want to spend $59 for a new game,” he said. “They may not have $59, but they may have $40 and an old game under their bed that they can trade in for a new title.” He also shrugged off competition in the used games space. “Pricing buybacks and sales is complex. We have a refurbishment facility and last year recycled 100 million units. This system is difficult to replicate.”

GameStop has always seemed unconcerned about the advent of digital content, even dismissing EA’s Online Pass as an opportunity to sell downloadable content. Plans to turn the site into a gaming portal might explain their confidence, but raises new questions about online competition with existing services.

Seems like the stories of another Xbox 360 becoming available later this year were true. The new Xbox 360 4GB console, which begins shipping on Aug. 3 in the U.S., will be available for $199.99 (U.S. ERP). This is the newest Xbox 360 remodel and includes built-in Wi-Fi N, 4GB of internal flash memory, touch-sensitive buttons and a black matte finish. We’re not sure if any deals will be taking place with the remaining Xbox Arcade systems that are still on the market but we can only imagine that massive promotions will be offered for those as well.

ASTRO Gaming’s recently released and critically acclaimed ASTRO A30 Cross-Gaming Headset is on sale for a limited time for $99.95 (regularly $149.95). Reviews for the A30s have been stupendously awesome, and for good reason, because they are indeed stupendously awesome!  But, there has been one relatively universal meme from fans and reviewers alike, that while the A30s are the best headset available and are worth every cent, they certainly command a relatively high-price. Today, ASTRO has heard the faithful and directly addressed the concern with a significantly lower price!

ASTRO A30 information, specs and reviews can be found HERE.

““Their new video game controller will take racing games to a new level of challenge and realism by allowing players to replicate the bets driving techniques used by race drivers.” They will also be showing some of what they have to offer at this years E3 convention.

For more information about North American and international retailers please visit the Mafia II website www.mafia2game.com/preorder.