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Report: Sony Prepping Wii-like 'Break Apart' Pad
by Aaron Linde, Jun 13, 2008 1:00pm PDTGamesIndustry is reporting that Sony Computer Entertainment is at work on a new PlayStation 3 controller which will "break apart" into two individual units, each containing an accelerometer for Wii Remote-like motion-sensing functionality.
According to unspecified sources, working units have been delivered to development partners, although it's not clear when the pad will be officially unveiled. As expected, Sony Computer Entertainment declined to comment.
A differing report at Kotaku, however, suggests that the control system consists of a small device that attaches in the body. Multiple devices can be worn, such as two on the hands to move a character's hands in-game or four on the hands and feet. Kotaku's source disputed the notion that the pieces would merge into a single controller.
At present, the PlayStation 3's Sixaxis controller allows for basic motion-sensing functionality, though not quite as articulated as what's offered by Nintendo's Wii Remote and nunchuck controller combo.
The runaway success of Nintendo's Wii console has led many to speculate as to its competitors plans to break into the motion-sensing sphere of gaming. Last April, rumors circulated of a Wii Remote-like peripheral for Microsoft's Xbox 360, codenamed Newton, reportedly aimed for debut the following month. No official announcements for Newton materialized at Microsoft's product showcases.
Should Microsoft or Sony indeed be working on controllers or peripherals to counter the Wii, those products—such as the above-mentioned PS3 "break apart" pad—will likely be unveiled at this year's E3 Media and Business Summit.
Comments
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People keep talking about console controllers as they are now on the 360 and PS3 as some defacto standard for gaming and all you'll ever need...but there are certain kinds of games that are severely limited by a control pad or just can't be done well with one (like say, RTS games or flight sims or really fast paced FPS games like Quakeworld). Given the closed nature of consoles, it is necessary to expand upon whats available IMHO (on the PC you just get the controller that suits the game in question...but the PC is an open platform which comes with its own baggage (though I prefer the PC personally...but consoles are great too)...if I want a fighter I buy an arcade joystick, a flight sim; a flightstick, throttle, pedals, a racing game; a wheel...etc...on a console you have some of that as well...but you are limited in terms of what the console maker will allow...so things like this are needed).
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