Rumor: Microsoft Developing Wii-like Remote Controller

Citing an unnamed source, MTV News has reported that Microsoft has actually been developing its own Xbox 360 version of the Wii remote controller since last summer (sketch viewable here). The plan is supposedly for Microsoft to have the new peripheral ready to launch by the end of 2008.

MTV also said that Microsoft-owned studio Rare, which created Perfect Dark Zero, Kameo, and Viva Pinata, has been given the job of creating a unified interface and look for the controller. The studio has had some difficulty hitting its deadlines, however, MTV's source indicated.

Nevertheless, MTV's source said that unlike the Wii remote, Microsoft's remote would not be used in combination with any other controller like the Wii's accompanying nunchuck piece. It also would feature four face buttons, an analog stick and microphone, and is being designed to interact with the Xbox Live Vision Camera.

Considering how successful the Wii has become and how its motion controls have enabled Nintendo to penetrate the mainstream consciousness, it wouldn't be too surprising to see other companies try to imitate Nintendo's product. After all, Nintendo designed the very first traditional controller (NES) with the d-pad and introduced the analog stick with the N64. These are innovations that the other manufacturers soon adopted, but whether Sony and Microsoft will follow suit this time around remains to be seen. Certainly the motion controls in the Sixaxis (and now DualShock 3) can't compare to the Wii remote. Moreover, considering how poorly peripherals tend to sell, would it really make sense for Microsoft to launch a product like this at this stage?

Also, as MTV's source pointed out, this appears to be a blatant marketing attempt to match the Wii's appeal, and consumers may see right through Microsoft's sudden motion sensing initiative.

"They want the usual assortment of Halo/ Gears/ Forza/ whatever, just in waggle form," MTV's source said. But the concept has apparently not been embraced by all at Microsoft. "The whole thing is a colossal clusterf---," the source said. "[Microsoft] marketing just want it so they can match the Wii point for point. The biggest parts of their marketing materials outline how easy it would be for third parties to port their Wii games to the 360."

For its part Microsoft issued the standard response: "Microsoft does not comment on rumors and speculation."