|
Game enthusiasts were eagerly anticipating
a new motion-control device announcement at E3 this year, but they
didn't expect it to come from Nintendo. After all, the company
already has a motion-sensing controller in its Wii remote. Nintendo
announced its new Wii MotionPlus accessory in conjunction with a
brand new Wii Sports game, Wii Sports Resort. The MotionPlus add-on
plugs into the bottom of the Wii remote and works together with the
remote's sensors to make controls even more precise.
When throwing the Frisbee in the Disc Dog
game, the MotionPlus's sensor detects how you're holding the disc
in hand. Rotate your wrist slightly, and the Frisbee will rotate up
or down on-screen in response. The Wiimote, MotionPlus and Nunchuk
become handle bars in the Power Cruising jet ski racing game.
Rotating the Wiimote with the MotionPlus attached activates the
throttle just like on a motorcycle or personal water scooter.
In accordance with the Nintendo Wii site
www.wii-fever.com , the Wii MotionPlus attachment plugs into
the bottom of the Wiimote. It adds about an inch and a half to the
length of the controller, and includes a pass-though port for the
Nunchuk. The MotionPlus's port cover actually folds into the
Nunchuk's connector to stay out of the way when the Nunchuk is
connected. The MotionPlus has a lock that keeps the add-on attached
if you're not using the rubber Wii jacket that comes with the
accessory.
I think this new wii-motion + peripheral
is basically turning the wii remote into what i was expecting when
i picked up a wii-remote for the first time ever. I was kinda
disappointed at how it didn't recognize as many motions and to
such a degree as i thought it would. Maybe this will change things.
Kinda peeved about extra cost and having to get one for each remote
though.
There's a good reason why this gyro tech
wasn't used in the first place....cost. Looking at the InvenSense
website you can buy one gyroscope for $40 ($35 each if you buy over
100). Obviously Nintendo will get and sell them cheaper due to the
quantities...but a couple years ago they would have been even more
expensive. You could have been looking at $80 for the Wiimote
alone.
Recommend this article... |
