E3 is underway and not one to let Sony steal the headlines with their recent price cut for the PS3, Microsoft released a new controller that I can only describe as resembling a baby rattle. The device, which some are dubbing the “Big Red Button”, will be initially bundled with the “Scene It?” game (actually four of them will be), though it will probably be used in future games as well.

The obvious comparison here is to the Nintendo Wii’s Wiimote as both seem to be “controllers for everyone”. While this is not likely a coincidence given how well the Nintendo Wii is selling, if Microsoft thinks that hitting a big red button will lead to the success of a motion sensing device, they are mistaken. I really don’t see the need for this controller at all other than it being a gimmick. Why not just release the game with a Staples “Easy Button”? Is Sony going to announce a Power Glove-like device tomorrow?

By the way, Microsoft also announced a green/gray Halo 3-themed 360, some hideous new regular controllers in pink and blue, gave a name and price to their new 360 keypad (the Chatpad Messenger – a typically awful Microsoft name, but only $30 come September 4th) and could announce system-wide price cuts very soon further stealing the PS3’s buzz.

[UPDATE]: Here is the new 2-minute Halo 3 trailer that finished Microsoft’s E3 press conference.

Something else that is very interesting to me is that Microsoft announced the availability of Disney movies in high definition on Xbox Live starting immediately. I find this odd as:
a) Microsoft and Disney are on opposite sides of the Blu-ray/HD-DVD war so Disney is at least indirectly helping to sell a device pushing a rival media, and more importantly
b) Steve Jobs is Disney’s largest shareholder and Disney has yet to bring HD content to iTunes, another reason to get a 360 over an Apple TV…