Microsoft are so scared by the popularity of the Nintendo Wii, which has sold 28.5 million units worldwide compared to the Xbox 360’s 13.8 million, Microsoft announced at E3 a few developments for their console that seem a little too close to those of the Wii.

Firstly, despite the Xbox 360 supposedly being the console for the serious gamer, and representing the closest experience to that of a PC game, Microsoft are looking to win over families by introducing more family orientated, Wii style games. Among these family games are a karaoke game and a new online game arena that allows families to compete against each other in a quiz show environment.

The karaoke game is named ‘Lips’ and was presented by singer Duffy at the games event. The game will allow players to hook up their MP3 players to their Xbox 360 in order to use their own music, and sing along to it during the game.

The second way that Microsoft are aping Nintendo’s Wii console is with the introduction of player Avatars, which just like the Wii are cartoon characters each player creates, and can customise in their own image.

An Xbox spokesman stated:

We’re entering a new age in entertainment, and Xbox 360 is uniquely positioned to become the heart of the living room.

He also stated that Microsoft’s Xbox 360 would outsell Sony’s PS3, which it currently is doing… however they’re both being beaten by Nintendo’s Wii, by some considerable margin. In fact, the Wii is almost outselling the two combined, which is bad news for Sony and Microsoft.