Click to enlarge

MTV News has reported the company is planning to launch a Wii controller clone for the Xbox 360, so as to stem the Xbox 360 sales slump and cash in on Nintendo's successful market differentiation strategy.

Apparently, the controller isn't much different in functionality or design from Nintendo's Wii remote, but will come with four face buttons, an analog stick and a microphone. The report states there are also plans for the controller to interact with the Xbox Live Vision Camera.

In addition to designing the interface for the controller, the company has also designed a concept on Nintendo's Mii avatars, the report said.

Microsoft's Miis are designed to be associated with any game that incorporates the controller and create a standard look for the games. The avatars aren't tied to a controller when in use, as the Xbox Live profiles currently are,  as the MTV reported says.

Microsoft is reportedly hoping to release the controller before the end of the year, despite rumoured development delays.