In a fiercely competitive MP3 player market, new innovations and technological advances aren’t the only way that MP3 player manufacturers are looking to win some ground with consumers.

The novelty MP3 player route is also something that attracts a substantial customer base. For example, iRiver have just launched something called the ‘M Player’. It’s been out in Korea for some time now, and has just made its way to the USA. The M Player is a Mickey Mouse inspired player that features the famous ‘head and ears’ ball design. The ears themselves aren’t just there for show either, as they also double as the volume control buttons.

It’s being sold in the US through the Disney Store.

The player has a shiny surface and is available in a variety of colours, such as pink, silver, blue, black and white. The MP3 player is fairly small in storage, featuring just 1GB in memory, but is uses USB 2.0 so you can transfer your music from your PC.

The retail in the USA is quite pricey at $70, which works out at around £40 in the UK.

You can expect this to be on the Christmas of every little girl if it makes it over the UK.