new Xbox 360 controller redesign spotted

Over at the Leipzig Games Convention, a new controller for the Xbox 360 has been spotted. Reports say that the redesign isn't all that substantial. No waggling components or some such. The change mostly lies in the D-Pad, supposedly making it more responsive than before.

Unfortunately, we can't seem to locate any pictures of the new controller just yet (actually, we might not even need pictures because it's been said that the controller really looks pretty much the same as the standard one), but reports coming in from the showfloor state that the redesign is sporting "an eight-way input taking place of the previous four." This might be a relief for some of you who've got some sticky D-Pad, yes?

The new controller was spotted at a Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 demo booth, and is expected to be released some time the game. If that's so, we can probably see the new 360 controller as soon as Autumn or Winter this year. It's also been noted that the redesign of the controller was implemented with the upcoming release of Street Fighter IV in mind.