The Xbox 360 has text and voice chat, so what does Wii have to do to keep up? There’s rumored that an instant message type system is in development for the Wii console. Chances are we will not see any sort of major differences between this system and the ones offered by Xbox Live already, but the possibility still makes for some interesting conversation.

The Wii game types could enable some extremely active conversations. Take for example a rousing game of Baseball, utilizing the Wii controller type, your out of breathe and barely able to make noises. (This coming from an out of shape smoking gamer.) Still sounds interesting, just hope they develope a Wii headset that fits my noggin better than what Microsoft currently offers with the 360.

Nintendo filed for a patent to this messaging system almost 6 years ago and just recently were they granted the exclusive rights to it. The system incorporates text and voice messaging, like the 360, and also utilizes buddy icons and the typical IM toys.

Joystiq.com focuses on explaining that Nintendo did not copy off of Microsoft and that its highly unlikely that Microsoft copied of off Nintendo for this Wii messaging system. The age of the actual filing for the patent is purely speculative at best.