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What do you get when you combine a Wiimote, Balance Board, RC car, and a laptop?
This video! Witnessing the powers of the Wiimote, the Balance Board, an RC car, and a laptop combine together in the above video reminds us of Saturday mornings with Voltron and our Lucky Charms, for some reason. It's not the most accurate way to steer a toy car around, as you can see, but you have to give these guys credit. It's like their inner child broke its restraints and came forth from their bodies to tinker around. And we love it when grown folks don't act their age.If you want the video in higher quality, hit up their site here.%Gallery-23865%[Via Balance Board Blog]
Amazon celebrates new year with savings on accessories
Those of you who still have some spare cash in your wallet at the conclusion of yet another holiday season, know that Amazon wants it. They've put all of their gaming accessories on sale, taking 10% off the price of certain items. If you were looking for that extra Wiimote (and aren't expecting it as a gift), they qualify. Or, you could just grab Wii Play with a Wiimote, if you're into that sort of thing. The Nyko Perfect Shot, the Zapper, WiiSpeak, and even Wii Wheels qualify. There's a lot to check out.Planning on picking something up? Do it before January 10, 2009. Offer expires then.
Get your Ravi on with We Rock: Drum King
If there's one thing we learned from Nintendo's presentation at E3 earlier this year, it's that snowboarding injuries are often hilarious playing imaginary drums is like, the coolest-looking action that anyone could ever hope to perform. 505 Games, whose publishing repertoire includes PAL versions of Cooking Mama and Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life, will attempt to capture said lightning in a bottle with their upcoming Wii rhythm game We Rock: Drum King. We think we know who's winning the coveted "Best Video Game Title of 2009" award. The title, which is being developed by ARC System Works (the minds behind WiiWare "games" Family Glide Hockey and Family Table Tennis), is currently slated for a Europe-only release of April 2009. Based on a brief explanation provided in a press release, gameplay sounds like it will be reminiscent of Guitar Hero, with players using two Wiimotes to "air drum" along with a song, as designated by multicolored bars moving along a track. We will be heartbroken if this one doesn't make it across the Atlantic.
Nintendo settles lawsuit over Nyko's Kama
After what we imagine was a fairly one-sided legal battle (considering one of the parties has enough cash to resurrect Clarence Darrow), Nintendo has settled its lawsuit with Nyko over the wireless Kama nunchuk controller. No further details were provided, except to say Nyko would be allowed to continue to sell "a redesigned version" of the Kama.When asked why the suit was dropped, Nintendo spokesman Mario Mario said, "Well, we just didn't know where we were going to put any more money. ... I'm not joking. Look at my giant belly. I'm actually slim now, but the company makes me carry about a hundred grand in rolled-up 20s in my overalls. It's perverse."
7.9 million American Wii owners didn't mind getting Wii Play with their controllers
Most people buy multiple controllers for their game systems. That's more of an anecdotal or common-sense conclusion than one based on statistics, but we think it holds. Even people who live alone generally like to have a second controller around for company. And with the Wii's status as a party system, a lot of people are likely to have third and fourth controllers as well. Nintendo found a way to get many of these controller sales to count as software in NPD: by bundling controllers with a game and adding just $10 to the price. And the strategy has worked. Nintendo told Gamasutra that since the product's launch in February of last year, 7.9 million copies of Wii Play have been sold in the US. That's more than half the number of Wii systems sold in the US (15.4 million).We like the cow racing game.%Gallery-18693%
A Wiimote wrapped in hemp: high-times indeed
What you're looking at is an actual Wiimote and nunchuk wrapped in high-grade hemp. Modder DHRECK wanted to recontextualize Nintendo's controller by turning the sterile, white plastic into something much more natural. In his words, "In stark contrast with the original Wii-mote set, what was once sleek, cold, white and hard plastic has now become a slightly fuzzy, natural, warm and textured concoction." We know what you're thinking -- and the answer appears to be no. If you want to get high while gaming, you're still going to have to pause. Take a few more looks after the break.
Scientists use Wii to codify learning systems
Only good for Super Mario Galaxy and Smash Bros. Brawl say you? Not so, say we! The Nintendo Wii is also good for that most noble of pursuits: The very understanding of the human mind. Researchers at Rice University are using the console "to codify learning systems in ways that can be used in a range of human endeavors, from sports to surgery."When talking about the practical applications of the research, the release goes on to say: "Think of hitting a tennis ball. Learning by trial-and-error is fine, but it would be much easier if a robotic sleeve could tell you exactly where that hitch in your swing is and gently prod you to hit the ball correctly." ... So, wait, they're using the Wiimote to learn to make a Power Glove?Oh, and because we couldn't work it in before, wiisearch. That is all.
Nintendo denies report of new Wiimote tech
Remember that story we ran last week about Nintendo wanting to change the internal components of the Wiimote? Well, Nintendo has finally responded to the Nikkei Tech-On! article that claimed the company would be looking into alternative accelerometer chips for the Wiimote, denying what was said in the piece. In speaking to Edge, a Nintendo spokesperson shot down the possibility for a tech upgrade to the Wiimote's internal parts, stating this is all "purely rumour and speculation." Of course, we wouldn't rule out the possibility, because if the technology can be improved through alternative components, why wouldn't Nintendo want to go that route?%Gallery-31614%
Nintendo considering new Wiimote accelerometer tech
Nintendo must be pleased as punch with the McDuck-esque mountains of money that their motion-sensitive system has garnered -- though they seem to be focusing on making sure their well-received one-handed peripheral is at its waggliest. In addition to introducing the Wii MotionPlus at this year's E3 press event, Nintendo is apparently looking into swapping out the accelerometer in the Wii Remote, replacing it with newer, faster motion-sensing technology.This is not only good news for accelerometer manufacturers (who are already wrestling to get their technology into the best-selling controller), but for Wii enthusiasts as well -- according to a Nikkei Tech-On article, a manufacturer named Kionix could provide an accelerometer that will noticably improve the Wiimote's motion sensitivity. However, we hope it doesn't make it too sensitive -- after all, what good is a controller that sits in its room all day, watching Love Actually and listening to James Taylor?
Revolutionary: Wave of the Future
There was a time when innovations like the analog stick and rumble feedback were thought of as gimmicks that would never catch on. Some thought that 3D rendering would be limited to a few niche games, while the majority would stick to two dimensions. In the eyes of value-critical consumers, the Dreamcast looked like a crippled game box going up against the DVD-based, multimedia-rich PS2. But in time, all things change. Going into the next generation, buying a remote pointer-less console may seem ... well, pointless. There are a lot of change-resistant "hard core" gamers out there pouting over the inevitable evolution of their controllers, but there's just no denying it anymore. Motion-sensing controllers are the wave of the future.
Nintendo considers new accelerometer tech for Wiimotes
Minor hardware revisions are common in electronics. As parts get smaller, cheaper, and draw smaller amounts of energy, companies swap out the internals for identically-functioning new versions. It's no surprise that Nintendo is looking into alternate accelerometer chips to provide the motion sensing functions of the Wii Remote, or that companies who manufacture accelerometers are clamoring to get their devices into the controller, thus ensuring a constant demand for their chips. Nintendo is currently looking at samples sent from many different manufacturers.According to a Nikkei Tech-On! article, one of the companies, Kionix, may make it possible to increase the sensitivity of the accelerometer's motion-sensing. Nintendo has yet to make any decisions. "It is difficult for manufacturers to be selected as a new supplier," an employee of a sensor company told Nikkei. [Via Gadget Lab]
Wee bit of trouble: Nintendo can't trademark 'Wii Remote'
Oh, woe is Wii. Sure, Nintendo's latest console is printing money, but it has a little problem on – or, rather, in – its hands: the US Patent Office has suspended a request by the company to issue a trademark for the "Wii Remote."GamePolitics reports the application was put on hold due to the fact that "remote" is such a widely-used term, but the USPTO is willing to compromise. As long as the word "remote" is always preceeded by the word "Wii" (in all marketing, manuals, etc.) and Nintendo admits it holds no trademark on the word "remote," the government will reconsider. Why not just go with "Wiimote," something that we (not Wii) and, well, everyone else have been calling it from day one? GamePolitics points out that Nintendo did, in fact, try for that one – only to learn that a Florida company markets a TV remote for children under the name "Weemote." D'oh. Perhaps Nintendo could take this opportunity to re-brand the controller? Think of the possibilities: the "WaggleWand," the "GameBaton," the ... "Einhänder!" Oh, wait. Why don't you give it a shot? (And, as the Superintendent says, "Keep it clean!")
FlingPC 3D controller for gamers that don't know any better
If it's Tuesday, it must be time for yet another "revolutionary" motion sensitive game controller. Of course, 3DiJoy's FlingPC is no TrueMotion 3D or Wiimote -- at best, it seems to be the next wireless mouse. Consisting of an accelerometer-equipped Bluetooth remote and a USB dongle, and bundled with ten custom 3D games, this looks like the sort of off-brand toy that hapless parents inflict upon their long-suffering children. Interested? We bet you are. Shipping in December, packages start at $99 for both Windows and Linux versions. Of course, you can't play Mario Kart with the thing -- but don't worry, they do have a generic bowling game for you.
Ken Moore goes where no man has gone before, turns Wiimote into theremin
Ken Moore likes to fiddle around with things. His latest project turns the Wiimote into a theremin, which is one of the earliest electronic instruments and the first that is actually played without touching. Above, you'll see a video of Ken providing a tech demo and brief history lesson on the instrument. Past the break, you'll see Ken attempt to do the theme for the original Star Trek show.
Wiimote repurposed into theremin, Vincent Price's ghost perks up
Both practical and not-so-practical applications for the Wiimote have been around since Nintendo's console launched, but this latest hack is quite possibly the oddest thus far. Ken Moore, tinkerer extraordinaire, has inexplicably converted the controller into a new-fangled theremin. By coupling IR-infused gloves with a JV-1080 synth and the Wiimote's built-in Bluetooth, he's been able get his PC to recognize the left hand position as volume, and the right hand position as pitch. Once the IR camera in the Wiimote sends the positioning info back to the PC, MIDI sends it to the synthesizer to create sound. Now, you could just pick up a copy of Guitar Hero or Rock Band if you wanted to casually riff on some classics, but if you've got an intrinsic urge to perform a rendition of the original Star Trek theme, this might be your speed. Peep the setup in video action after the break.[Via Joystiq]
Ken Moore's Wiimote theremin hack explores the final frontier
Are you worried that your Wii remote's innards are atrophying during the recent dry spell of Wii titles aimed at the discerning "core gamer"? We recently stumbled upon a great way of giving your one-handed peripheral a nice workout -- using it to make music. Oh, no -- not like that. We're speaking of the latest Wiimote homebrew, from the musical mind of Ken Moore, which effectively turns your controller into a theremin. You know, the only musical instrument that you play without touching. What, your parents didn't make you take theremin lessons in grade school?We've got a history lesson and tech demo posted after the break, as well as Mr. Moore's attempt at the opening theme for Star Trek. The original theme, that is -- not that wretched "Faith of the Heart" cover.[Via Destructoid]
TrueMotion 3D enables true motion control
While the Wiimote opened the door to motion-sensitive gaming, it's obvious limitations even have Nintendo pushing the tech forward with add-ons like the MotionPlus -- but a company called Sixense might have leapfrogged the field with a system called TrueMotion 3D. Rather than relying solely on an accelerometer, this controller uses a magnetic field to track both your hands' positions in 3D space. With a refresh rate of ten milliseconds and accuracy up to a millimeter, and interest from developers including Activision and EA, this guy could someday relegate your Sixaxis to the back of your junk drawer -- right next to your old Atari's paddle controller. Not convinced? Scope the tell-all demo after the break.READ - video at Engineering TVREAD - Sixense website
Tiny Wiimote "projector" is not nearly as impressive as it sounds on paper
This image is not necessarily one we are thrilled about having projected upon our walls, but we are pretty fond of anything in miniature. This 2.25-inch Wiimote is actually a semi-ingenious mini-projector which projects an image (yes, only one) from Super Mario Kart when its button is pressed. When you order you'll get a random choice of one of the six possible images, each less exciting and more pointless than the next. They're available from ThinkGeek now for $6, which is maybe worth the roughly one minute of amusement you (or your cat) will get out of the thing.[Via Wired]
Surprisingly rare and expensive GameCube games
We love a lot of GameCube games. In fact, when Play on Wii was announced, it felt like a dream come true. See, we imagine many GameCube games being retooled for Wii. Now, we're glad its actually happening for some of those games.But, not all titles are destined to get that touch of Wii magic. And, what if you never had a chance to try some of them? Well, unless you've got a suitcase buried in the back yard, there are a few titles that might be a bit out of reach, according to the list over at Video Game Price Charts. Of all of them, which would you say is the "must own" title?[Via digg]
Man conducts symphony with Balance Board and Wiimote
Paul Henry Smith is one smart dude. He has created the Fauxharmonic Orchestra, a simulation of a real orchestra, brought to you by the Wiimote, Balance Board, and his brain. We're not classical buffs by any means, but what we're hearing (and seeing) is pretty impressive. We have on criticism, though. It looks like Paul is wearing his shoes in the video. Dude, you're going to scuff your very expensive peripheral!Otherwise, kudos, Paul, on a job well done.%Gallery-23865%[Via Balance Board Blog]