Nintendo shipping Wii Classic Controller Pro this April; price starts at $19.99

Nintendo is bringing a new controller to the United States this spring for the Wii: the Wii Classic Controller Pro. But you're still going to have to plug this one into a Wiimote to use it.

This is the second classic-edition controller for the Wii, with the first looking more like an original Nintendo console remote, and this one being more reminiscent of the PlayStation 2 DualShock controller.

Previously only available in Japan, Nintendo has announced that American gamers will be able to buy the Wii Classic Controller Pro this April. Compared to the Wiimote, it will have that now old-school look, plus a second row of shoulder buttons and ergonomic grips.

There are a few different buying options. Available in both black and white, gamers have the choice of buying these separately for $19.99 per controller, or as part of a bundle. That bundle will include a copy of Monster Hunter Tri (apparently "one of the most highly anticipated titles for 2010") and one black Classic Controller Pro, all for $59.99.

As for actual use, the Classic Controller Pro plugs directly into the Wii Remote controller, and it will work for more than 450 Wii, WiiWare and Virtual Console titles.

Any one desperate for a controller in this fashion rather than playing with the regular Wiimote?