motion control
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Pachter: Project Natal and PlayStation Motion Controller won't topple Wii
Sony and Microsoft both had something up their sleeves when it came to motion-based controls at this year's E3, revealing a new controller and Project Natal, respectively. Nintendo has been doing it since late 2006, but this year, both Sony and Microsoft have hopped on the waggle bandwagon. Games analyst Michael Pachter told Edge that despite these new product announcements, Nintendo really has nothing to worry about."We do not expect either to displace Nintendo's Wii from its leadership position," Pachter said. He went on further to say that Microsoft's Natal is really only aimed toward interface improvement, and that Sony's new controller is simply "Wii-nis envy," justifying his company's opinion that the Wii will still be the top console for a long time. We're inclined to agree, mostly because Sony and Microsoft's new products won't be on store shelves for quite some time.
Miyamoto flattered, not worried by Sony, Microsoft motion controllers
If there was one driving theme behind this year's E3, it was that motion controls are too cool for school. However, even with both Microsoft and Sony jumping onto the bandwagon with their own gesture-based antics, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto tells the BBC that he's "not worried at all" about being left behind. In fact, the brain trust says that Nintendo's "very flattered" by the competition. Still, Miyamoto barbed his comments, stating that, based on what he's seen so far, neither competitor's motion controllers "have the type of depth that we're able to provide with Wii Motion Plus." Sony. Microsoft. You hear that hitting the floor? That's the gauntlet.[Via 1UP]
Motion control wars: Xbox 360 and PS3 are playing catch-up with Wii next year, who will do it right?
It doesn't come as a surprise that Sony and Microsoft are hard at work at motion controls for their respective consoles: Nintendo is eating their lunch. The Wii's incredible appeal with the average consumer -- due primarily to the accessibility and charm of its Wiimote motion controls -- has also created an annoying divide in the industry (real or perceived) between consumers who use embarrassing gestures to control meaningless mini-games, and those who memorize incredibly complex control schemes to control deeper and more "mature" experiences. There's been a small amount of crossover, of course, but since Sony and Microsoft have lacked most of the gestures option, a majority of it has taken place on the Wii -- the inclusion of an accelerometer in Sony's Sixaxis controller has had little impact on gameplay, and Sony's EyeToy 2 has had even less impact on the average gamer. Of course, that's all about to change next year, with the emergence of the Microsoft's Project Natal and Sony's PlayStation motion controller. Typical thinking would suggest that Sony and Microsoft will be attempting to capture a slice of the casual gaming market that the Wii has so well dominated, while also expanding on the Wii's capabilities at serving the hardcore gamer -- some capabilities which Nintendo itself is attempting to add to the Wii with the even more imminent MotionPlus add-on. So, does anyone here have what it takes to serve up the next generation of gaming controls to everybody, or do cost considerations and the current state of the console wars dictate an ongoing rift in the market? Let's weigh our options...
Watch the PlayStation Motion Controller in action
You've read about it, you've seen pictures, but trust us when we say that seeing the PlayStation Motion Controller in action is believing. Embedded above is the full presentation of the motion controller taken from Sony's E3 press conference. You should watch it. Like right now.
Sony announces new PS3 motion controller
Sony just announced the rumored new motion controller for the PS3 -- the prototype looks like a wand with a color-changing ball on top. It's designed to work in conjunction with the PlayStation Eye, with the wand overlaid on-screen with a weapon or tool. Unlike Microsoft's Project Natal, Sony says they've learned "some experiences need buttons," which is why there's still a controller involved. The system is said to be "sub-millimeter" precise, and it was demoed drawing and playing a shooter -- it's sort of the middle ground between Natal and Wii Motion Plus. Sony says it'll launch in the spring of 2010, but we don't know what pricing will be like yet.Update: Video added after the break!
Microsoft's Project Natal demo video has us jumping with anticipation
We're itching to get our own, uh, body time with Microsoft's Project Natal real time motion-capture accessory for the Xbox 360, but until that happens we're eagerly soaking up every last bit of footage we can -- like this teaser video shown during this morning's keynote. Lots of little tidbits here, like voice and face recognition, custom texture scanning and mapping, video chatting, and all sorts of use-your-whole-body gameplay applications. Of course, we don't know how much of this is real and how much is TV magic, but it certainly seems like Natal's got tons of potential -- check the video after the break. [Via Joystiq]
Overheard@E3: Kudos to Kudo's Wii burn
No doubt a little flustered by the woman wildly flailing about at the other end of the stage, Kudo Tsunoda slipped in a comment that, according to wicked modern parlance, could easily be classified as a "sick burn." The recipient? The Nintendo Wii, which will soon find itself competing against Microsoft's just-announced motion control system, "Project Natal."Said Kudo: "This isn't the kind of game where you just end up on the sofa using some kind of preset waggle commands." Pheeeeeew.
Tony Hawk's Ride coming to GameStop October 13th for $120
How much would you spend to pull a faux ollie? How about $120? That'll be the damage due according to GameStop where Tony Hawk's Ride game with skateboard peripheral lists for $119.99 with a simultaneous Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3 launch on October 13th. Until then, grab some some griptape and mom's salad bowl and get to practicing.
J Allard's 'magic wand' patented ... years ago
Apparently Microsoft's J Allard is back in the gaming business, according to a two-year-old patent filed by Microsoft and released publicly this past week. Now a CTO at the company, Allard (along with a couple other folks) is credited on the patent for a motion-based controller from way back in November of ... 2007. Given Microsoft's recent purchase of Big Park and the vast array of motion-sensing camera rumors, we're betting this patent is old news. That being said, it would lend credence to the "Newton" rumors from last year surrounding the company -- a rumor we lent credibility to at the time based on the reputable source. All we can do now is hope that Microsoft isn't dead set on pulling a "Wii-too!"[Via Engadget]
Tony Hawk's new 'Ride' game includes motion-sensing skateboard controller for shredding your mom's new carpet
We'd heard rumblings that Tony Hawk was working on something with motion controls -- which seems only natural after EA's Skate hit the scene with its intuitive Flickit control scheme, and Shaun White's game put the Wii's Balance Board to good use, both making the Tony Hawk method of arcade-style button mashing feel a little dated. Well, Tony's new Ride is looking to change all that, with a skateboard peripheral that looks like... a skateboard. It's hard to tell from just looking at it how precisely interactive the controller will be -- it seems basic balancing and leaning would be in, while Christ Air-ing your little sister in the face wouldn't go over so well. According to the man himself, Hawk is quite good at the game, and skateboarders should find the transition easy. A promo video is after the break, and apparently on June 2nd we'll be seeing this thing in action.Update: We added another video after the break, including video of the actual board in action. Turns out the motion controls are quite detailed, and in advanced modes even allow for in-place 180s, but nothing seems to involve lifting the board actually off the ground. Grabs can be performed by actually grabbing the edge of the board, with infrared sensors picking up your hand position, and pushing is performed by running your foot along the side of the board. Ollies and flip tricks are obviously going to be a bit different than the real deal, while manuals and steering are pretty much spot on, and apparently there's a lot of choice as to how much "realism" you'd like in controlling the thing. Tony Hawk also sees the controller as a "standard," which could work with snowboarding games, surfing games, exercise games and other assorted cash cows for Activision.[Via Joystiq]
Rumor: Sony to unveil new motion-sensing controller at E3
Sony may already have a motion-sensing controller, but it's shaped like a regular controller instead of a stick -- and that's just not what's hot with the kids right now. Gametrak's working on a third-party motion controller for the PS3, but Sony might just beat the company to it.Rumors (and patents) of a camera-based motion controller (or some other variant) have been popping up since the console's launch. Those rumors may finally become truth this month, according to this ... additional rumor! The Cut Scene reports that, according to "sources," Sony is set to officially unveil this new device at E3, which is already the venue for some rumored new Sony hardware! How exciting! To be honest, the new device could still be shaped like a regular controller, but include pointing.According to The Cut Scene's shadowy informant, the prototype closely resembles one of the patents, meaning that it used a small camera to track the movement of multiple LEDs on a controller. It's basically a Wiimote in reverse, with one important distinction: "Because the camera can read different color lights and the shape and angle of each light, it's much more accurate than the Wii-mote. It can track precise movements, including along the Z axis (pushing toward and away from the TV; something the Wii is really bad at) as well as velocity."
PlayStation 3 motion-sensing controller to be shown off at E3?
It's now just over a month before Sony's E3 press event and already the rumor mill is aflutter with what the comapny's planning to debut on stage. We've already heard about PSP's apparent makeover, and now comes word from Variety that the PlayStation 3's oft-rumored motion sensing controller, closer in the vein of the Wii remote than of its relative-positioning Sixaxis pad, will be getting some time on stage. A source from Kombo late last month suggested key third-party developers have already been brought up to speed and asked to implement the functionality into their upcoming titles. Like we said, this isn't the first time we've been down this road, and it's not happened infinitely more times than has, so... take that as you will. Brace yourself, this is only the beginning of the of a flurry of game-related murmurs and speculation in the leadup to next month's conference. Read - Variety Read - Kombo
Moore: Microsoft, Sony looking to improve motion control
When asked about motion control during a recent episode of GameTrailers TV, EA's Peter Moore said that he believed both Microsoft and Sony are likely looking at ways to implement and improve upon motion control. Moore spoke most specifically regarding Microsoft -- not surprising, given his former relationship with the company -- which he said is "constantly thinking three to five years ahead" about its consumers. He added that Microsoft probably isn't focusing on simply "replicating" current motion control technology, but rather taking it "one step further." Moore believes that Sony is "probably" pursuing a similar goal as well.Moore's statements fall in line with comments from Shane Kim delivered almost a year ago, in which he said that it would be "a mistake" for Microsoft to simply "copy what Nintendo has done," adding that the company would have to focus on what its "innovation aspect" would be. Our suggestion: Just make sure it isn't as ugly as sin.[Via Eurogamer]
GDC09: Waggle finally arrives on DS
If you thought PDP's motion-based GameTrak Freedom controller for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 was a great idea, prepare to be blown away. At GDC, the company is also showing off a motion controller for ... the Nintendo DS. This huge stick is the SmartStylus, a device that provides various advanced features for the DS, including rumble, uh, blinking lights, and, in one configuration, motion control.The SmartStylus 1, expected to launch this fall pending Nintendo approval, is basically a Squiggle Wiggle Writer connected via (we believe) a GBA cartridge, acting as a rumble pack. The SmartStylus 2 "can include a variety of added features, including LEDs, sound and motion feedback." Wow, all that in just one hilariously oversized device! After the break we've got a shot, taken by Kevin Kelly, of the SmartStylus display on the show floor.
GameTrak Freedom motion controller for Xbox 360 outed at GDC
IGN's gotten a preview of the Gametrak Freedom motion-controller we first spied back in September. Designed by Performance Designed Products (PDP), the Xbox 360 (which will probably also be available for the PS3 at some point, too) stick's looks have changed quite a bit since then. Like most other motion controllers it uses accelerometers, but also adds ultrasonic 3D positioning using two sensor bars mounted to the display, which can triangulate the device's positioning to precisely calculate its distance, orientation and speed. Though the Gametrak Freedom is expected for Xbox 360 in the fourth quarter of this year, there are no specific details about pricing or availability yet. [Via Joystiq]
GDC09: GameTrak Freedom motion controller detailed
Performance Designed Products (PDP) has come to GDC prepared to showcase the latest model of it's new creation, the GameTrak Freedom -- a motion controller for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Planned to be released on Microsoft's console this fall, and the PS3 (potentially) next year, the Freedom acts like current motion controllers on the market but adds a special feature. Through the use of accelerometers, the Freedom establishes the pitch, roll, and yaw of the controller but, unlike other motion devices, it can calculate the precise distance, orientation, and speed of the controller with the use of two side-mounted sensor bars. According to IGN, third-party companies are already developing titles for the Freedom but PDP has taken the reigns by developing it's own launch title: Squeeballs. Currently in development by PDP owned, In2Games, Squeeballs is a mini-game collection, which includes a total of 150 challenges across 11 different games.After ages of Xbox 360 motion controller rumors that have led to nothing official, we wonder if Microsoft's console is in need of such a device. Arguments could be made that the release of You're In the Movies attempted to test the waters for peripheral based games (not associated with Rock or Heroes), but mild interest in that family friendly venture could prove that Microsoft isn't fooling anyone into thinking the Xbox 360 is something it isn't.Interestingly enough, due to the Freedom's precision, players will actually have to put effort into movements unlike the faked wrist-flicks done in current gesture-based games. In other words, buy a pane of bulletproof glass to put in front of your television this fall. The (cute, yet disturbing) trailer for Squeeballs is available after the break. [Thanks, Niko O.!]
Analyst: Wii-styled remotes are key to connecting consumers
We've seen all manner of remote control, from numberless to sliders to the hand-waving variety, but Strategy Analytics believes its latest survey indicates the ideal TV media browsing device is something like the Nintendo Wii controller. Topping PC-style keyboards, traditional remotes and voice control in that order the motion-sensitive point and click nature of the Wiimote gives it a leg up on the competition in the ten-foot interface battle. Ready to switch from tennis to Boxee without changing controllers, or are you still looking for the nearest touchscreen input laced Harmony product?
DS Daily: Motion
If you want motion control on your DS, it's available, and about to be even more available. Between the homebrew solutions, riskier options, and official motion-sensing tech coming down the pipeline, we're about to hit a glut of handheld movement. The question is ... do you want motion controls on your DS? Is it even an issue? Sure, some things might be nice. Feel free to suggest a few! But would you pay for it?
Mirror's Edge meets the Balance Board
EA's Mirror's Edge is a beautiful game, if a bit flawed, and the highly-physical, parkour-inspired gameplay would suit the Wii's motion controls quite well. The only problem is that it wasn't made for the Wii! What's a gamer to do? Clearly, the answer is this: make a video demonstrating just what Wii controls, with the Balance Board, for Mirror's Edge could look like.The video is well made, but there's a long lull at the beginning giving everyone their due, and after that, the controls-and-gameplay windows are small, so there's really not a lot of meat to it. But the video, and the notion behind it, is interesting enough for a watch. When you're done there, go back and check out our Mike Sylvester's revolutionary ideas for Mirror's Edge 2D.
Rumor: Tony Hawk's Motion signals another add-on
Is Activision about to dip its bloated, corporate toe into the murky world of DS peripherals once again? Whispers about the next Tony Hawk game shipping with a motion-sensing device that plugs into the handheld (à la the Guitar Grip) have been flying around since, well, since the company revealed that the title would "utilize new technology not yet seen on the DS."And now, your honor, we present the latest piece of evidence: an OFLC rating for a DS game known as Tony Hawk's Motion. Could that name suggest anything other than a motion-sensing device or self-applicable go faster stripes for your DS? We've already seen the Guitar Grip peripheral snapped up by tons of people with a higher cramp tolerance than us, so maybe Activision wants more of that sweet pie.[Via Shacknews][Update -- Fixed errors, thanks Pyro!] Ah, the crazy, unhinged world of the DS plug-in peripheral. Activision's Guitar Grip was far from the first to appear on the scene -- back in 2006, Metroid Prime Pinball shipped with the Rumble Pak, while a DS camera, the Love and Berry card reader, and Taito's paddle controller are available in Japan. And who can forget Mag Kid's downright odd (and dangerous) "slide sensor"?
