Rumor: Sony to unveil new motion-sensing controller at E3
by JC Fletcher 
{ May 1st 2009 at 9:32AM } 
Rumors (and patents) of a camera-based motion controller (or some other variant) have been popping up since the console's launch. Those rumors may finally become truth this month, according to this ... additional rumor! The Cut Scene reports that, according to "sources," Sony is set to officially unveil this new device at E3, which is already the venue for some rumored new Sony hardware! How exciting! To be honest, the new device could still be shaped like a regular controller, but include pointing.
According to The Cut Scene's shadowy informant, the prototype closely resembles one of the patents, meaning that it used a small camera to track the movement of multiple LEDs on a controller. It's basically a Wiimote in reverse, with one important distinction: "Because the camera can read different color lights and the shape and angle of each light, it's much more accurate than the Wii-mote. It can track precise movements, including along the Z axis (pushing toward and away from the TV; something the Wii is really bad at) as well as velocity."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Levi @ May 1st 2009 9:36AM
RESIDENT EVIL 5 WII EDITION ON THE PS3 IN HD!!!!!!!!
Cody @ May 1st 2009 10:18AM
LMFAO +1
Foetoid @ May 1st 2009 10:18AM
MUST BUY!!!!
Pat @ May 1st 2009 5:54PM
Hey Cody. Nintendo has a historical tendency to retain what works onto the next generation of its console. They moved to the N64 but kept the cartridge format even though it was clear a disc based system was the norm. They added rumble, though. However they moved to the Gamecube but they retained the exact same rumble motors from the Rumble pack with no alterations. Moving on to the Wii the hardware is just marginally better than the GC (for economic reasons, but still the same). With the Wiimote working for this gen, that's the element they will keep for the next console and they will focus on improving the graphics engine again. This is more the case since they are finishing with the construction of the Wiimote now with the addition of the Motion Plus, thus preparing it to leave it as is for a future generation of consoles.
The reason I say "finishing the construction" is because Motion Plus is nothing more than that: let's add the three remaining axes that we didn't ship originally with the device and that Sony already has in the Sixaxis. Sony had this nailed from day one but their Achilles heel- trying to do so much at once- made them loose focus of pushing the device further. There's no exclusive PS3 game I have played that doesn't work perfectly with the Sixaxis motion controls.
And LArs, I completely agree- Sony should be pushing the PSEye a lot more. No controller at all gameplay, motion tracking, and gestural interfaces are truly the next true revolution. How come no one has created a new version of Anti Grav (probably the only game to push the tech beyond punching something just left or right) is beyond me. Maybe there's still hope: Eyedentify still appears as listed as a future release though no date is set. Here hoping...
Levi @ May 1st 2009 6:32PM
Wtf pat?
Game_playa @ May 3rd 2009 8:09PM
I'm sure he meant to reply to the comment below you, so forgive him :]
Rob @ May 1st 2009 9:38AM
It's still stupid and won't help Sony's situation at all.
el serpiente @ May 1st 2009 10:32AM
What's the matter? Afraid your waggle box won't be special anymore?
squeehunter @ May 1st 2009 10:34AM
Is that what you call your penis now?
Devin @ May 1st 2009 10:35AM
IMO, the device will only be stupid if it turns out to be like the Eye with almost no game support, though the Eye can be used as both a camera and a mic.
I was hoping an external sensor device wouldn't be required, but it looks like it is. Oh well, as long as its priced affordably, has rechargeable batteries and has titles that support it I'll be sure and take a look.
atrimus @ May 1st 2009 10:36AM
i'll assume you're a Sony shareholder. i mean, it seems to make perfect sense that they'd be the only ones worried about Sony's "situation".
as far as i'm concerned, Uncharted 2, inFamous, MAG, WKC, A Crack in Time and other first-party exclusives makes their "situation" perfectly fine.
el serpiente @ May 1st 2009 11:12AM
It's always so gross when an internet stranger talks about your penis.
Gotta love the panic that the wii fans are displaying here as the only competitive advantage the wii has had becomes irrelevant.
samfish @ May 1st 2009 11:36AM
I don't see any Wii fans panicking. There's hardly even any of the usual LOLing at Sony for blatantly copying the competition.
Actually, I only seem to see you panicking over how dumb you'll look once this comes out and you change your tune on motion controls (because SONY is doing it now! Yeah!)
Whatever, though.
Insight (Fatass Defense Force) @ May 1st 2009 12:29PM
I'll likely be changing my tune on motion controls if something like this hits, but only because I see it having more potential for the kind of games that I'm into. The Wii was marketed first and foremost as an 'everybody' system, but a lot of developers took that as an invitation to make simple gamesexclusively for the system. I have no problem with simple games (that don't suck, you know, like Geometry Wars: Galaxies), but the fact that the motion controller the Wii utilized was, uh, just for the Wii, I didn't (or shouldn't have) planned on seeing it fully utilized as far as 'core' gaming goes. There are some great examples of how the Wii Remote should be used on the Wii, but honestly, I have no doubt that if similar motion controls were adopted on any other system, you'd see the potential of said controls tapped almost immediately by devs who'd be more than eager to make games that appeal to those of us who own these systems.
Oooooof course, even though I've explained myself rationally, months from now (if this does happen) folks'll just go 'dur wel ur just on there side cuz its sony cuz its cool to haet nintendo'. I get accused of 'doing what's cool on the internet' every day, and it's BS. Whenever I bring up Nintendo or Sonic or any of that shit, that's all I hear... it's as though the opposition just can't put up an argument of worth. I don't mean to generalize here, that's just what I've experienced, even around here.
Lars @ May 1st 2009 1:03PM
I like motion control in games when it's not the main focus on input but used more like the cherry on top of a sundae. I mean, you're not buying the sundae for the cherry, but it's a nice little something extra.
Everyone but Sony seems to know that the coolest thing would be eye toy gestural controls, face integration, etc. ala Minority Report or something.
But whatever, I actually would like it if they just offered a split Dualshock. Basically just like the dualshock now, but with the ability to split it in half. Maybe throw in motion control for both halves too. I could go for some HD Bass Master motion control games.
el serpiente @ May 1st 2009 1:33PM
"Actually, I only seem to see you panicking over how dumb you'll look once this comes out and you change your tune on motion controls (because SONY is doing it now! Yeah!)"
Heh, thanks for putting words in my mouth, samguppie. Definite sign of a man with no rhetorical legs.
I disagree with your simplistic assessment of my fictional opinions. Never said there was anything wrong with motion controls. They are just a tool, and I think they will be standard on the next gen of consoles. Like anything, it's the implementation of, and not the tech itself that will determine its utility. The wii has got some things right, and others wrong. But the second generation of a technology can always use the experiences of the first gen as a resource and improve upon it. Which is why I am more optimistic for the solutions that will be presented by microsoft and sony.
But if my comments don't fit with your simplistic agenda, please feel free to make something up that suits your purposes.
Cody @ May 1st 2009 1:52PM
"But the second generation of a technology can always use the experiences of the first gen as a resource and improve upon it. Which is why I am more optimistic for the solutions that will be presented by microsoft and sony."
What makes you think Nintendo's second generation motion controlling offering isn't going to completely trounce whatever offering Sony and Microsoft put out next gen? Because chances are, it will.
Duke @ May 1st 2009 2:45PM
Oh c'mon el serpiente's comments were funny guys.
el serpiente @ May 1st 2009 3:44PM
Well, young Cody, while I admire your boyish enthusiasm for all things Mario, the difference is that Nintendo has already adopted a platform for their motion technology (that they are incrementally enhancing with their Motion +) whereas MS and Sony have the option to try different solutions based on what may work for current and future gaming trends.
In a sense Nintendo has done a lot of the legwork in figuring out what place motion control has in the gaming scene and all the game companies are watching and will capitalize on this. In this case Nintendo been richly awarded for being the first to market with this integration into home consoles, but be sure the others will take note and react. It would be stupid, financially and technologically, for them to ignore it.
I make no claims that they will indeed be more successful solutions than what has been put forth by Nintendo, but we will have to wait and see what happens in the next few years.
Daniel @ May 1st 2009 9:40AM
Hasn't that been the rumor the last 3 E3s? (E3^3?)
Draco @ May 1st 2009 9:47AM
E^9?
Draco @ May 1st 2009 9:51AM
Damn! I forgot how to do math
E^6. add the exponents not multiply :(
Mr. Joystiq sir can you delete my posts lower down that were supposed to be replies?
aristokrat @ May 1st 2009 10:10AM
Swing and a miss. You were right the first time.
Add exponents when they are multiplied: (x^3)(x^3)(x^3) = x^(3+3+3)
Multiply exponents when they are stacked: x^(3*3)
Draco @ May 1st 2009 10:31AM
Yeah, I realized that right after posting the second one, but I'd rather look stupid then post 5 messages in a row lol.
Ben @ May 1st 2009 10:33AM
It would only have been 3 messages in a row. Maths, huh?
Draco @ May 1st 2009 10:48AM
There are two more further down. you would have seen them by now most likely.
Geist @ May 1st 2009 9:42AM
Goddamnit Sony, stop it. No one wants your crappy controller, everyone already has a Wii. Just keep making your, ahem 'hardcore' titles and your playerbase will be happy.
Rob @ May 1st 2009 9:47AM
How much you wanna bet there will be people who ragged on the Wii for its motion controller, but love the Idea now that Sony is doing it.
HighFiveJesus @ May 1st 2009 9:59AM
Why is hardcore in quotations? Are you implying that they are mini game fests?
T @ May 1st 2009 10:15AM
"hardcore" is in quotes because "hardcore" is just another self-appointed title some gamers give themselves to make it feel like they are cooler.
And considering that "hardcore" these days apparently translates to "Gritty shooters and lots of grey!" yes, it does deserve to be in quotes.
Snowblind @ May 1st 2009 10:31AM
"Hardcore" games also refers to things like Zelda, Final Fantasy and Street Fighter, etc, and those are far from gritty shooters. Hardcore simply means something that isn't a silly collection of minigames aimed at morons.
Orex @ May 1st 2009 10:32AM
And i see how games like "Ellen Whittakers Horse Life" & "Baby sitting part" come into the picture of hardcore titles, sony and Microsoft both CLEARLY have better titles than nintendo wii, a great way to prove this is how even multiplat game get a hugh CUT on the wii,
e.g:
Sean whites snowboarding on playstation 3 and xbox 360
Sean whites snowboarding: "Road Trip" for the Wii
(Yes i know that game is poop)
But who cares if sony are making some new sort of motion sensing, my point is IF U AINT PLAYING IT OR DONT HAVE THE CONSOLE....WHY THE HELL DOES IT BOTHER YOU? stick to your games like "Petz: Monkey Madness" cause there obviously the "hardcore" titles that you play all day.
(and before you decide to downvote me, i DO have a wii, but only play it when i nephew & neice are arround the house, cause of course there the type of gamers u play only u know, 5-15 year old kids, and mid-life crisis Adults)
Wii will never have great titles like
Gears of war,
Killzone 2
God Of war
Mass effect
It shall only have games like "big mommas Cook" out.
Now, Go ahead DownVote me, like it will do anything to block out the TRUTH!!!
Orex @ May 1st 2009 10:34AM
The only Great? Awsome? Ledgendar games the wii will hold?
Ledgend of Zelda & Super Smash Bros, the only reason i have a wii sitting downstairs.
Foetoid @ May 1st 2009 10:52AM
Lol Orex
Wii will never have great titles like
Mario Galaxy
Metroid Prime 3
The Conduit
Smash Bros Brawl
Oh wait............. *resists urge to make list 5x bigger*
My point is, just because there are lots of shitty Wii games that can barely be called games at all, doesn't mean there are no good hardcore games whatsoever. If you don't own a Wii, you're the one missing out on them.
velocitySTRIKE @ May 1st 2009 11:06AM
Orex, that large post of yours makes my eyes bleed.
HighFiveJesus @ May 1st 2009 11:25AM
foetoid
you could have owned a wii and played them all and sold it by now and wouldn't have missed much since brawl.
i'm keeping mine because i do plan to play the conduit but 1 fps isn't going to make non wii gamers jealous.
Geist @ May 1st 2009 12:56PM
You all need to look up Muramasa: The Demon's Blade for a 'hardcore' game.
Mario and Zelda are not hardcore, they can pretty much be played by anyone, not people who focus on gaming.
I own both a PS3 and a Wii, and I get a delightful mix of games on both (and if I really need to, I borrow a friend's 360 for one or two titles).
Yes I put hardcore in quotes because it's just a title. The range of games on the PS3 runs the gamut from some pretty focused titles to child's play.
Erwos @ May 1st 2009 9:42AM
Well, it could be cool, especially if it works with the existing camera. No reason it couldn't, really.
Hife @ May 1st 2009 11:45AM
Exactly. Since they basically don't support the Eye anymore, it would be great if this actually let me put it to use.
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ May 1st 2009 9:42AM
this is supposed to be unveiled every year....sure the patent is there but like we have all said this could EASILY be PS4 Tech...I'll believe it when I see it...
teh nub @ May 1st 2009 9:44AM
someone wanna kinda explain this controller briefly to me (like how it would be use in games) im a little tech newb.
Bowser Rogozhin: Princess Nyah Defence Force @ May 1st 2009 9:49AM
Imagine if the Wiimote worked.
Rob @ May 1st 2009 9:50AM
Boo!
Foetoid @ May 1st 2009 10:32AM
I could try to imagine Bowser, or just walk over, turn on the Wii, and feel it work.
Archon (PSN: Archonik, XBL: DarkARHN) @ May 1st 2009 9:48AM
I would love head tracking, so that it would add just a little more depth, just like it was demoed on the Wii and PS3 a couple years back and everyone was impressed...
Draco @ May 1st 2009 9:49AM
Damn! I forgot school.
E^6. add the exponents not multiply :(
Draco @ May 1st 2009 9:50AM
Finally figured out this stupid comment system.
you can't re-reply to someone without reloading the page. you can press reply but it wont actually do it.
now to look like more of an ass and re-re-re-reply to the original message :(
Foetoid @ May 1st 2009 10:35AM
It'll find a way to not-work again. Many many internet experts have been screwed by it. You learn to live and weep. I've seen many a gamer leaping off rooftops, cursing the words of "Joystiq Comment System FTL"!!!!
samfish @ May 1st 2009 9:51AM
I'm probably trading up my 360 for a PS3 later this year, so I kinda hope this happens. Hopefully there'll be some decent games made for it (there won't be).
Tyler @ May 1st 2009 10:30AM
I think you will enjoy it man. I own both and I'm playing my PS3 more and more lately. The only reason I buy a game on 360 is if it's exclusive (gears) or has exclusive DLC (gta4).... or if the PS3 port simply sucks (orange box). PS' online community is a lot different but they're coming around. Don't expect many people to have mics though....