Xbox

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and if that is the case then Nintendo must be feeling pretty flattered at the moment.

MTV has recently been contacted by a developer who says that Microsoft is working on a Wii-style controller for its 360 console, as well as a version of the ‘Mii’ avatar concept for Xbox Live Arcade.

The controller is rumoured to be similar to the Wiimote but lacks the ‘Nunchuk’ attachment; the developer (who understandably wishes to remain anonymous) in question has commented that Microsoft’s solution means the additional controller isn’t required.

To add insult to injury, former Nintendo bedfellow Rare has apparently been tasked with producing a game to showcase the abilities of this new peripheral but the veteran UK studio is having trouble keeping to deadlines. MTV’s source has stated that although the project is running slightly behind schedule, Microsoft expect to have something to show by the end of the year.

Couple this news with what we already know about Sony’s Sixaxis pad and it makes for rather depressing reading; can’t these companies come up with their own ideas for once?

[source mtv.com]