It’s really no surprise that Microsoft is rumored to be developing a motion-sensored controller. With Nintendo Wii’s huge success, and the PS3 offering some games with motion control, Microsoft is left playing catch-up on this technology.
Although the source remains unnamed, MTV News reports an anonymous developer came to them with the story that Microsoft will be releasing their version the motion-sensor controller by the end of the year. MTV quotes the source as saying “They want the usual assortment of ‘Halo’/ ‘Gears’/ ‘Forza’/ whatever, just in waggle form — the whole thing is a colossal clusterf***,” the source said. “[Microsoft] marketing just wants it so they can match the Wii point for point. The biggest parts of their marketing materials outline how easy it would be for third parties to port their Wii games to the 360.” The source also mentioned that Microsoft will be coming out with Mii-like characters in the near future, but with more details and user abilities.
Although not confirmed (or denied) by Microsoft, the anonymous source also provided a sketch of what he or she remembered to be the protocol for the upcoming Microsoft controller.
Look a bit familiar?
Personally, I’m a bit on the fence on this one. Motion control is fun for some games, but I certainly wish it was an option. Sometimes I want to lie down in my bed and play games and for most Wii games, that is just not possible.
Also, even though these plans are “rumored,” I find it hard to believe Microsoft would blatantly copy the Wiimote’s design. The PS3 did a nice job of integrating the motion sensor into their usual style control, and creating options for if you want to use motion sensor or normal controls (flying in Warhawk for example).
Hopefully in the months to come, there will be more official news on what’s to come from Microsoft, but it seems as though there is definitely some sort of motion-sensor controller in the works.
April 8th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Let’s just hope they take a better approach than Sony did. SIXAXIS blew ASS.
April 8th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Eh. I’m like you with this one. I like it for some games but not all. Wii Sports wouldn’t be what it is without motion control. Paper Mario became annonying having to contanstly use it. I’ll probably just stick to my pink 360 controller.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I have a feeling htat nintendo is going to try and sue Microsoft for this lol
April 9th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Yeah, it’s crazy similar. I don’t think it’s possible that this is the actual protocol.. who knows. Maybe it’s just some guy who thought he was cool leaking information.
April 9th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Wow. Now that is too damn blatant a copy. Hmm. Me smells lawsuit.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
The very mention of SIXAXIS makes me want to vomit.
April 9th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I agree I do smell a lawsuit a brewing here