(Update) Here’s what the new Xbox 360 controller looks like

Yesterday’s rumor about a redesigned Xbox 360 controller has been confirmed by Microsoft today. The new controller will be going on sale in the United States on November 9, 2010 for $64.99. Europe will most likely get the controller in February 2011.

The biggest change with the controller is the directional pad. The d-pad can be changed from a disc shape to a plus shape by twisting it. This allows for more precise inputs for games that rely heavily on the d-pad. Other changes include more concave analog sticks and grayed face buttons. The Xbox 360 controller always had red, blue, yellow and green buttons, but Microsoft decided to use only a few base colors with this design. This may get confusing with games that use color coded commands during quick time events.

The new controller will only be available with a new Play & Charge Kit.

It looks really nice and more high tech than the design of current Xbox 360 controllers. Is it worth the price of admission? Yes if you’re dying for a new d-pad and love jumping on the latest Xbox products. Otherwise I would wait for a sale.

Update: Major Nelson says via Twitter the gray ABXY buttons are not going to be standard. They are unique to the controller he demonstrated.

Via [Major Nelson's Blog] Read [Xbox Addict]