Rumor: Microsoft motion controller code-named 'Newton'

by Justin McElroy { Apr 9th 2008 at 12:00PM }

After one of us who shall remain nameless had to sing Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" on a certain podcast as the result of a lost bet, we've learned not to doubt Jacob Metcalf. You may remember him as the first to report the Bungie/Microsoft split. He says he's once again tapped his inside sources to get more information about a motion controller reportedly under development at Microsoft, which he claims is codenamed "Newton."

Metcalf reports that the controller is fundamentally like the Wiimote in design, with a USB-powered sensor bar and "rumble motors, wireless two way data communication with the 360, a built in Microphone for Xbox Live and voice-activated games." It's sounds great, but, as Metcalf says, we hope it comes with a free USB hub. We're filling slots faster than our grandmother in Atlantic City.

Tags: microsoft, motion-control, newton

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Apr 9th 2008 12:05PM

I hope they do it. I love the Wii, but the 360 is my primary console and I'd love to see motion controlled games like the Wii more than I'd like anything the PS3 has tried to attempt. The Wii controller is awesome and it's just so much fun.

pirate_troll @ Apr 9th 2008 5:10PM

"Publishers are far from greedy. It takes a lot of time, money and man power to make a great game. Stealing is wrong!"

You're an idiot.

Lars @ Apr 9th 2008 6:44PM

All in all I haven't been much impressed with mo co games. Most of the stuff on Wii falls under "waggle", and makes me ask the question "why am I not just pushing a button?" Occasionally there is a game that makes good use of it, like RRR. PS3 has made some better use of it too. But the feature that I feel really brings something to the table to speak of is the IR pointer. I wish it was more accurate but aside from that problem, it's the best new feature of any console's hardware. Unfortunately the Wii's game catalog hasn't been very impressive to back up the cool input devices. I love the idea of the Wii, but I want something with better graphics and price.

I must say I'm surprised people aren't flaming all over Microsoft for being copy-cats. I do recall lots of flames going up when PS3 added mo co. Well there are some flames, but not much. It just seems like it's "cool" to love MS and hate Sony right now or something.

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Apr 9th 2008 12:06PM

If Microsoft has a pointer type controller, and requires all previous software to be updated to use said controller, I will probably never play my wii again.

Except for brawl. And Mario Kart.

*needs to defect to MSDF*

Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Apr 9th 2008 12:09PM

Why would it need all previous titles to be updated? That's a pretty big assumption on your part. There wasn't an update for the SceneIt controller.

The controller would be used for games specifically made for it.

I'd love to see a Wii Sports game on the 360 in HD.

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Apr 9th 2008 12:10PM

because halo+gears+every FPS on 360 would become infinitely more fun/better if updated for use of and IR pointer.

If its only going to be used for "Scene It" like games, I probably won't bother.

Shmil (Brawl Code 2621-2310-1994) @ Apr 9th 2008 12:11PM

I was thinking the same thing, except Mario Galaxy was in my list as well.

Shmil (Brawl Code 2621-2310-1994) @ Apr 9th 2008 12:13PM

Though I hope they wouldn't update their shooters with the IR pointer. I loved the controls in MP3 but I wouldn't want it in my haloz.

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Apr 9th 2008 12:15PM

Optional controls, sir. Why would they completely scrap out dual analogs if its already there?

deaftly @ Apr 9th 2008 1:28PM

Crono, same here. I would sell my Wii and all its games if that ever happens. Sorry the little white box that could but guess what? You couldn't.

Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Apr 9th 2008 3:35PM

Crono:

"because halo+gears+every FPS on 360 would become infinitely more fun/better if updated for use of and IR pointer."

Since pointing control would definitely give an edge to player, my all bets that (1) they will never update existing games or (2) they will make sure that in multiplayer pointing controller can't play against classical controller.

IOW, it all will be like new games anyway.

tcc3 @ Apr 9th 2008 12:12PM

This will be just like the camera. There will be one or two games that support it and then the devs will forget about it.

See also: light gun controllers.

The difference here will be that the same shovelware we're seeing on the wii will now be cross platform.

albinogoldfish @ Apr 9th 2008 12:21PM

the only reason light guns aren't around is becuse they don't work with LCD tv's, kind of a bad product to push when your system pushes HD displays

tcc3 @ Apr 9th 2008 12:59PM

I didn't mean light guns as a specific xbox failing. Every generation has its gimmick. NES had the track and field pad and ROB - how many games took advantage?

The SNES light gun came with 6 games that we would now call arcade or casual titles and later a T2 licenced game was made....then crickets.

When was the last time anyone heard about any developemt for the vision camera? Exaclty.

I know why they retired the old light gun tech, this was just an example.

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Apr 9th 2008 1:03PM

COD4 (I think, maybe R6V) uses the vision cam for face mapping.

A peripheral doesn't need a game designed around it in order to be relevant.

E.J. @ Apr 9th 2008 2:20PM

@Chrono

R6V uses the vision cam for face mapping. I don't think CoD4 does as it doesn't have customizable characters.

Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Apr 9th 2008 2:39PM

Command & Conquer 3 uses the Vision Cam

tcc3 @ Apr 9th 2008 4:20PM

R6V was one of the best, most innovative uses for the camera, but it makes my point for me. That was two years ago....does R6V2 do it or did they drop it just like they did voice recognition and npc team radio speak through the headset?

This is exactly my point: a couple of games used the camera back when it was new. Now hardly anything uses it with nothing new on the horizon.

The motion peripheral will be the same way with one exception - a lot of those shovelware casual cash-in titles for the wii that everyone bitches about can now be cross platform. hardly excitement worthy.

If MS steps up to the plate with some real and continued motion control support, then I was wrong and more power to them. But I think thats wishful thinking.

Oreo @ Apr 9th 2008 12:13PM

And to think we were all wrong.

We all thought that Sony would still Nintendo's idea first.

Maxwell Ash @ Apr 9th 2008 12:19PM

They did. See "sixaxis"

Noshino @ Apr 9th 2008 12:22PM

you should read the artcle as it seems that you are STILL misinformed...

"Nintendo is an investor in Gyration but they don't own it. In 2001 Nintendo licensed patents from Gyration and used it to develop the Wii. They are US application patents 5898421 and 5440326 which are about a device tracking human motion and translating it into linear movement of computer graphic images."

"Microsoft is rumored to have licensed patents from Gyration and are using them to develop their motion sensing Wiimote controller."

See? There is no stealing Nintendo's idea as it had already been created...

ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 9th 2008 12:55PM

Yep sony stole Nintendo's idea first...and they didn't even have the brains to utilized it well.

Shitty company with shitty games and even shittier when it comes to true innovation.

Now MS is a company who could and probably will do something interesting with the concept without going overboard and yet make it fun.

samfish @ Apr 9th 2008 1:21PM

"See? There is no stealing Nintendo's idea as it had already been created..."

Copying an idea is more than just patent issues, though.

If Microsoft comes out with a remote controller of their own that looks almost identical to the Wiimote and has the exact same functionality, it's a rip off. You can say Sony ripped off Nintendo with the Sixaxis, but that was more like a bolted on response.

It's like if you made a painting of a sunset and I made almost the exact same picture after seeing it and said, "Well paint and sunsets already exist...I don't see how I'm ripping you off!"

Noshino @ Apr 9th 2008 1:42PM

samfish

"Copying an idea is more than just patent issues, though."

Oreo was talking about Microsoft copying the idea behind the Wiimote (NOTE: the IDEA not the wiimote itself) from Nintendo, but that idea had already been created and patented by another company, so yes, Microsoft isn't "stealing" anything from Nintendo...

"If Microsoft comes out with a remote controller of their own that looks almost identical to the Wiimote and has the exact same functionality, it's a rip off."

Yes, I agree that if the design is identical and has about the same functionalities, then yes, that is stealing the idea, or the object itself

"You can say Sony ripped off Nintendo with the Sixaxis, but that was more like a bolted on response"

I don't think they were aiming for the same, the technology behind the sixaxis is quite different, but yes, Nintendo had a lot to do with Sony approving the sixaxis

"It's like if you made a painting of a sunset and I made almost the exact same picture after seeing it and said, "Well paint and sunsets already exist...I don't see how I'm ripping you off!""

Like I said, first of all, there hasn't been shown any early build of such controller, so one cannot claim that it is a copy, yes, it is using the same technology behind the Wiimote, but until there is more information, we can't say it is a ripoff...

It's like a developer licensing their engine, if so, then there are so many GoW/UT3 ripoffs....

Lars @ Apr 9th 2008 6:48PM

@ThePremierAssassin

You're such a tool, that I could use you to fix stuff around the house.

Dash @ Apr 9th 2008 12:14PM

Halo 3 (or any other 360 shooter for that matter) with the control scheme from Metroid Prime 3 would be amazing.

Mr.ESC @ Apr 9th 2008 12:49PM

To be honest Halo Camera in multiplayer sucks, is not as fluid as I want to be even at sensibility.

This would be awesome but still I don't see why we can't have Keyboard and mouse support like the Ps3 especially because MS produces keyboards and Mouses (Mice?)

NATO_Duke @ Apr 9th 2008 12:14PM

I can only handle playing with the Wii controller for so long before it gets annoying. So I am not really hoping for this controller that much. Sure, it may be fun here and there, but it wouldn't make me ditch the regular 360 controller.

Tonbo @ Apr 9th 2008 12:14PM

I hope they do it too, although I don't have an xbox.
But if MS does it, Sony will be forced to play catch-up.

NATO_Duke @ Apr 9th 2008 12:45PM

Sony, play catch-up this generation? Never happened, never will.

/sarcasm

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 9th 2008 12:15PM

It was better when only Sony copied Nintendo... I miss the old days.

JerJerBinks @ Apr 9th 2008 1:41PM

DAMN IT, I accidentally voted you up. I cant help but think .. "So, this is how the world ends."

FrankTheCrank @ Apr 9th 2008 12:16PM

HAHAHAHAHAHA....This story is so juicy.

Micro$oft, thanks for teh laughs!!!

Yeah, motion controls will bring the masses over, sure. It's the only reason they all bought into the Wii, right?

See, the Wii is successful for several reasons, and not just for teh waggles. First off, "the franchise"...Nintendo is Nintendo and everybody loves them, knows of them and knows what to expect when they buy a Nintendo product. Secondly, first party games...Nintendo probably has the best run of AAA first party titles in the history of gaming. Lastly, the price....the Wii is $249 and in today's gaming market, very affordable. It's the old 1,2,3.

And if you try to match Nintendo on pricing, your going to get clobbered. Everyone knows their system is overpriced for the technology that it has. Nintendo could probably drop it another $100 and still make money on each console sold.

Superstar90 @ Apr 9th 2008 12:26PM

The only thing microsoft needs to bring in the masses are 2 things, mountain dew and halo.

ILPC @ Apr 9th 2008 12:19PM

like the Apple Newton?

J.Goodwin @ Apr 9th 2008 12:23PM

Thumbs up.

God I hate Steve Jobs.

Mr.ESC @ Apr 9th 2008 12:53PM

Actually I sort of admire Steve Jobs. While Bill Gates had money and the support of investor, Steve Jobs was kind of poor and he managed to study and succeed in live.

Yeah the Mac is still kind of ghey but creating a company that still manages to compete with MS is admirable.

I just which the Mac had the advantages of any regular PC.

Lars @ Apr 9th 2008 7:08PM

@Mr.ESC

For one thing, you need a history lesson. Gates didn't start out as a billionaire. Gates and Jobs were actually colleagues in similar situations and even worked together on some projects. The reason Microsoft succeeded so well back then is that everyone thought hardware was the real business at the time, turns out they were wrong. IBM screwed themselves and made MS a success because they figured software was of little value and not what draws people to computers. A lot of companies had this sentiment, such as PIXAR. PIXAR only made movies to show off their hardware at first (they made computers originally), but they realized that hardware wasn't where the money is at and became a movie company instead.

Everyone seems to think on terms of MS vs Apple, which makes absolutely no sense to me. They are NOT direct competitors! Apple is a hardware company, MS is a software company. That's why I hate those damn condescending Mac vs PC commercials. PC can't defend itself because the PC is a collection of standardized hardware, it's not one company churning out PC's. It's a cheap shot IMO.

commen-cents @ Apr 10th 2008 12:02PM

um apple makes software too... so yes they are direct competitors

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 9th 2008 12:21PM

This will have the same potential as the EyeToy and the PowerGlove. =p

Noshino @ Apr 9th 2008 12:33PM

Fernando,

The Powerglove was utter garbage, the response time was really slow and it needed a lot of calibration...I just hated it.

The EyeToy has much more potential, based on the games released for it thus far, and the ones that are on production (whatever happened to that game in which you control some agents?), and also other mechanics that developers might have come up with, but since I don't have access to the PS Developers network, the only reported was the one for head tracking...

seriously, how can you say that there is no potential there? is just like saying that, despite the fact that there are many ideas about how to make good use of it, there is no potential for the Wiimote because nothing that makes a great use of it has yet been made.

As far as this controller goes, it will probably have more potential than the Wiimote due to the console's power....

xFenixKnightx @ Apr 9th 2008 12:46PM

The difference is that MS would have more *quality 3rd party waggle games than the Wii.

Sorry Fernando =(

Rumerang: Xbox360 Arcade model replaced with Waggle Model

Rumerang: Banjo 3 to debut with MS Waggle

Mr.ESC @ Apr 9th 2008 12:55PM

STFU Fernando,I love the Power Glove...It's so Bad.

(I liked the eye toy but the problem is that there were only a handful of games for it)

Tone @ Apr 9th 2008 12:23PM

This reeks of MS desperation

DangerMouse @ Apr 9th 2008 1:28PM

You'd think that, but all companies adopt competitors methods when they're successful. The gamecube made the mistake of not utilizing DVD, and the system lacked in sales because of it. They later tried to rectify it somewhat with the Panasonic Q, but it never really caught on.

It won't catch on now, there are too many 360's out there for it to be effective. Game developers can force the motion method on people if they have all the equipment, but they can't force people to buy it, and so developers would opt for the regular controller method as well.

Neil Marr @ Apr 9th 2008 12:24PM

The only WII-mote game worth playing are those made by Nintendo... Since the 360 will NEVER see any of those, this is a waste

Kewlrats @ Apr 9th 2008 12:24PM

I'm curious... what kind of patents does N own on the WiiMote concept that MS could get around?

Regardless, I don't think this would be as big as some are hyping it to be. Where N uses it as a standard input, MS uses it as an add-on... and probably a pricey one at that (think $79).

I don't think this has legs. Besides, MS is probably just protecting itself for future possibilities (XBOX 720?) rather than coming out with this now.