Microsoft will make very few changes to its controller design for the next-generation Xbox console, claims a report.

Unnamed 'sources' have apparently told Kotaku that prototype versions of the new console's controller, which are currently in the hands of developers, are much the same as the Xbox 360 controller.
Aside from being 'a little smaller' in overall size, the new controller apparently features the same twin-analogue setup and button layout, including the centrally-positioned Home button, analogue triggers and d-pad.

The new Xbox controller is also said to be void of any new input mechanics, unlike the Wii U, which has a touch screen, and the PS4's DualShock 4, which will feature a touchpad, lightbar, speaker and numerous other new features.

Kotaku also reports that Microsoft has covered its next-gen Xbox hardware prototypes in black and white-stripped patterns, possibly to deter leakers as each one could contain a slightly different - and, crucially, traceable - pattern.

It has been speculated that Microsoft will announce its next-generation Xbox platform at a special event in late April.

The next Xbox, codename Durango, is said to utilise an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics solution and 8GB of DDR3 RAM.