Logitech planning third-party Wiimote?

by JC Fletcher { Aug 30th 2007 at 3:40PM }

Peripherals company Logitech has hit on a capital idea: combine motion-sensing and rumble in a single controller. At least, that's what Chris Spearing, UK and Ireland manager for Logitech, seemed to think. His company still has yet to formally announce the identity of their first Wii product, but the discussion seems to be turning towards a Wiimote substitute.

Speaking about the issue of rumble versus motion controls, Spearing said "Having the motion-sensing in the Sixaxis, that really works for some games. And for the Wii – you've seen people rush out and buy the Wii for that realism, if you're swinging a tennis racket, you know how to do it." He then went on to mention that "Hopefully we'll be at the forefront of pushing that further, combining some of the two."

We'd assume that Spearing was talking about a PS3 controller design if not for the title of the GamesIndustry.biz story: "Logitech to create Wiimote rival?" If he is indeed talking about the Wii, he should check it out sometime-- he may be impressed with the controller.

Once they get their technological issues straightened out (i.e. figure out what technology is in the controller), we'd love to see Logitech's take on the Wii controller. Their hardware is top-notch, and often outclasses standard controllers.

Tags: logitech, rumble, waggle

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

hvnlysoldr @ Aug 30th 2007 4:13PM

It'd be really hard to figure out an even cheaper solution to what's in the Wiimote. You have accelerometers, bluetooth, and the connections to all sorts of peripherals like the Nunchuk and Classic Controller.

Fullmetal Salchemist @ Aug 30th 2007 4:15PM

Wait, he wants to combine a Wii remote and a SIXAXIS controller? So he wants to create a... Wii remote?

unreal mccoy @ Aug 30th 2007 4:26PM

I'm confused. Combining motion control and rumble? As if the two are mutually exclusive?

That article makes very little sense. Its like they took snippets from their interview with Logitech about keyboards and mice (*yawn*), and tried to turn it into hot news about the Wii.

Michael @ Aug 30th 2007 5:34PM

You know what would be an improved wiimote?

One with a rechargable battery, that has an alternate method of charging... What??? What else are you going to use all that kinetic energy for.

Sure It won't work for a full charge (It ain't no watch), but might delay the charging cycle.

Oh and Wireless Nunchuk.

Erik @ Aug 30th 2007 5:46PM

Since I use only Logitech mice for my computer as I love their quality, I tend to think they might take a good stab and making a more ergonomic controller. Though I don't mind the wiimote, it is a little boxy and the edges do interrupt a good grip than a thinner, more rounded design would.

I also wonder if they are looking at mimicking the control scheme and put the technology together to make similar PC ready devices. I'm sure there is a patent that would keep that in check. Who knows? Logitech might slap down some royalties for it?

accidental @ Aug 30th 2007 6:13PM

I've always considered logitech's console controllers to be bullshit. They ALWAYS have one or more flaws compared to the original. I stopped buying 3rd party controllers years ago. They break quicker, and in multiplayer sessions the person with the 3rd party controller always gets the raw deal and blames the controller.

Almadi @ Aug 30th 2007 7:19PM

Maybe they should make it more Virtual Console friendly.

A little more like this:

http://madiart.blogspot.com/2007/02/virtual-console-solutions.html

samfish @ Aug 30th 2007 11:29PM

I'd like to see something for the Wii where the Wiimote slides horizontally into a sort of shell that resembles the lower half of the Sixaxis, I suppose. you'd have your grips and two analog sticks and two more buttons below the 1 and 2 buttons on the right, as well as shoulder/trigger buttons.

I'm not entirely sure how ergonomic that would actually be, but I think it could work.