MTV Multiplayer has gotten their hands on a sketch of a Wiimote-like motion controller for the Xbox 360 (pictured) from a developer working on the project. Their source claims work on the motion controller began last summer, and development kits for the new controller have already been distributed to key developers.

Rareware is purportedly helming the project, but “has had trouble hitting its deadlines.”

Microsoft wants the controller to offer the same features and functionality as Nintendo’s Wiimote, allowing publishers to more easily port their Wii titles to the Xbox 360. In order to further court the ever-expanding casual gaming audience, MTV Multiplayer’s source also states that Rare has “fleshed out Microsoft’s take on Nintendo’s Mii avatar concept,” with Microsoft’s Miis designed “to be associated with any game that incorporates the controller and create a standard ‘look’ for the games.”

Microsoft has long been trying to tap into the casual gaming audience through initiatives like XNA and XBLA, Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action, which includes its own “casual-friendly” controller, and the Core and Arcade versions of the console itself, which are geared specifically towards casual gamers. A motion controller, then, seems like the next logical step in Microsoft’s continued effort to break off a piece of Nintendo’s pie.

Despite the lovely Microsoft Paint image of the new controller supplied by MTV Multiplayer’s source and confirmation from other unnamed developers that an Xbox 360 motion controller is indeed in the works, I’m going to remain skeptical for now. I don’t even want to imagine “create 2,000 Miis” achievements.

Source: This Is A Sketch Of Microsoft’s Wii Remote Imitator [MTV Multiplayer]

Never one to shy away from making money through special edition consoles and gimmicky peripherals, today Microsoft announced two new limited edition versions of the Xbox 360 as well as two new peripherals for the console.

The Xbox Live Board Game offers the ultimate casual 360 experience, allowing you to play against up to seven other players and unlock achievements by correctly answering trivia questions. The game requires an Xbox 360 to play, as the board itself connects to the console via a USB connection.

The new Xbox 360 Wireless Helmet allows you to experience any of the 360’s many first-person shooters like never before and features “AirFlow temperature control” to keep things nice and comfortable.

Microsoft also plans on bringing out Recon and Vintage versions of their console. The Recon Xbox 360 is “rugged, portable, and battery-powered,” and presumably less susceptible to those nasty red rings of death. The Vintage Xbox 360 is Microsoft’s attempt to bring the nostalgic, old school gamer into the Xbox fold, and features wood paneling in pine, maple, or oak finish and a retro USB joystick.

All four new products should be on store shelves this spring.

Additional images:

New For Spring [Xbox.com]