E308: Wii MotionPlus puts better control in your motion control

by Alisha Karabinus { Jul 14th 2008 at 12:03PM }

Concerned that motion controls aren't quite precise enough to get the job done? No worries -- Nintendo's on it. While we expect more details at tomorrow's E3 press briefing, a press release has surfaced for the Wii MotionPlus, an add-on for the Wii remote that "allows for more comprehensive tracking of a player's arm position and orientation." That opens up nearly as many questions as it answers, so we'll be watching tomorrow's conference even more excitedly. If things get more any more intense around here, well, we just might explode.

See also: Ding ding! Another E3 prediction resolved.

[Thanks, Erie!]

Tags: accessory, e3-2008, e308, motion-control, wii-motionplus

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Chris Are @ Jul 14th 2008 12:11PM

Well I wish it wasn't a peripheral (not sure what the alternative would be, but still) but at least they acknowledge the problem. I don't know about everyone else, but I've gotten pretty frustrated because of the lack of accuracy for the Wiimote. Most recently with Zack and Wiki. "Just put the damn bait on the hook!"

N4N0T3CH @ Jul 14th 2008 12:17PM

I guess a peripheral is better than having to buy a whole new controller

N4N0T3CH @ Jul 14th 2008 12:18PM

I guess a peripheral is better than having to buy a whole new controller

Chris Are @ Jul 14th 2008 12:19PM

That's true.

Timerider @ Jul 15th 2008 11:05AM

Maybe it will be available as an accessory and built in to new controllers.
Do games have to be designed for this or does it improve everything?

Timerider @ Jul 15th 2008 11:13AM

It should be available as an accessory but built in to new controllers.
Will this have to be coded into games, or is it universally accepted in old ones?

kebertxela @ Jul 14th 2008 12:19PM

it should say
[Thanks, kebertxela!]

how much will it cost?
is it truly nessacary?
the 'chuk can still connect, right?

iofthestorm @ Jul 14th 2008 2:04PM

It looks like the bottom has a little connector, so probably anything can still connect through it. I have a feeling they'll make this standard with new WiiMotes, and hopefully send free ones to people like they did the jackets, especially if this starts becoming required for games. On the other hand, if no one has it games can't take advantage of it so it's like a chicken-egg situation, so I think the best thing for Nintendo to do would be to send them out for free to everyone. Otherwise you're looking at a total cost for a controller to be maybe $80 ($40 for Wiimote, $20 for nunchuck, and probably $20 for this).

Eternityx @ Jul 14th 2008 12:21PM

All they have to do is add a IR Sensor expander and a few Button Extenders and you have what seems to be a Transformer Toy..

Dieguinho @ Jul 14th 2008 12:22PM

how do they expect the casual gamers to keep up with so many attachments and peripherals and gadgets??....

ChunkyB @ Jul 14th 2008 12:24PM

This is hilarious. I could have guessed 100 things that I thought Nintendo would reveal this week, and this wouldn't have been on it. I would say I"m excited, but I'll wait to see how expensive it is, and if it will work with all games, and not just new games.

bombtrak @ Jul 14th 2008 12:27PM

"...more comprehensive tracking of a player's arm position and orientation."

Gotta be for a new adventure for Little Mac and company. Gimme two of these on two Wiimotes with 1:1 control and I'm good to go.

samfish @ Jul 14th 2008 12:27PM

Now I'm gonna need a trojan sized condom for my Wiimote.

Roto13 @ Jul 14th 2008 12:42PM

It looks like the one on the left Wiimote actually covers the new dongle thingy.

iofthestorm @ Jul 14th 2008 2:11PM

Ah, nice catch roto. That kind of adds support to my idea that they'll send them out for free, because if they're making new controller jackets too they might be sending these out for free. Eh, that doesn't really make sense but whatever.

Jesse @ Jul 14th 2008 12:30PM

meh, more hardware from Nintendo. New hardware with demo level software is getting old. They need to cut back on developing new controllers or add-ons and focus on Software, both games as well as the Wii's core functionality.

Roto13 @ Jul 14th 2008 12:46PM

Come on. I already have to buy a separate Nunchuck for my second Wiimote. I don't want to have to buy two of these, too. I'm going to end up spending something like $100 on an extra controller.

Ryan @ Jul 14th 2008 12:55PM

This probably makes the Wiimote more sensitive to movements. Look at Wii Sports for example. I get really frustrated when i putt, cause all I want to do is tap the ball in. Since it's a very small swing, it doesn't register on the Wiimote. Then you keep swinging and swinging with the short swing and you probably get pissed with it. That's what Nintendo probably fixed. =D

Granted some of you are like couldn't have they done this when they shipped it out, well, the problem with that is the Wiimote is already small. Let's see what's in it: Bluetooth module, 2 AAs, small (I mean SMALL) memory for Mii storage, rumble feature, speaker, high-quality infrared camera, accelerator, and the rest circuitry. So you tell me where they are going to expand on a better controls?

tkashur @ Jul 14th 2008 1:00PM

The wii is turning into the Sega Saturn peripheral wise...remember all the guns, arcade sticks, dual sticks(virtual on) and etc's it came out with? Only difference is that most of the additional controllers have little to no extra hardware in them...just plastic. If this fixes anything...I hope it fixes the pointer, because I'm tired of it jumping from the left side to the right side of the screen when i'm trying to center it on the screen.

Chance @ Jul 14th 2008 1:08PM

But can you still use the nunchuk? I don't see a hole for it.

Kankki @ Jul 14th 2008 1:11PM

I think there's a connector behind that little flap.

Mr Khan @ Jul 14th 2008 1:14PM

That is the question that could make or break this peripheral

Don Day @ Jul 14th 2008 1:17PM

There appears to be something that you pop out to put in the connection. Sort of like the dummy DS cartridge in the DS light. That's what it looks like to me at least.

Ju1c3 @ Jul 14th 2008 1:12PM

how about they have you send in your current wiimote and send back the old ones. this is getting ridiculous.
2 wiimotes, 2 classic controlers, 2 nunchucks, 2 guitars.... and now 2 sensors? i mean WTF?!?!?!?! sure the wii might be 249, but hell after all that, its more then a 360 and damn close to a ps3. if nintendo relaises that the controler is that bad, then replace my damn controlers.

i am going to call this what it is, bullshit

iofthestorm @ Jul 14th 2008 2:29PM

2 guitars? That was a bit random, not everyone wants to play Guitar Hero or Rock Band. And I have a strong feeling that this will be a free addition, because otherwise one controller would be ridiculously expensive for the Wii, especially since this seems to be improving basic functionality and thus would probably be a requirement for many games.

Siddif @ Aug 7th 2008 2:11PM

i cant wait for this and wii sports resort. its a tiny device and the wii offers more functionality than traditional controllers so i dont know what everyone's complaining about. as for those who complain about the classic controllers just buy an old GC wave-bird its probably cheaper and doesn't have to be put in the controller

Ju1c3 @ Jul 14th 2008 1:12PM

Ju1c3 @ Jul 14th 2008 1:15PM

damn dbl post ftl

matthewdavid @ Jul 14th 2008 1:52PM

Man people just whine and whine... 40 bucks for this much tech in a little device... I'm sure it cost a lot more for all the r&d on something like this... and sure it was 249... sure there's a lot of controllers for it... sure it still kicks ass... I don't know... for me payin for better graphics doesn't make as much sense as payin for fun and gettin everyone together for a game... PS3's and Xbox's are awesome machines... but I could never get my girlfriend to play one... but my wii she's always wanting to kick me ass at something :)... so you get what you pay for... and if this device makes it a little better SWEET... but yeah it would be cooler if they'd just release a better wiimote... like a higher end one... that way people could have 2 standard ones and 2 really nice ones... that would be the way to go

FYIan @ Jul 14th 2008 2:00PM

Hmm, depending on exactly what this does, it could be insanely cool or incredibly useless. If it somehow adds functionality to the wiimote, like allowing 1:1 movement, it will rock. If it just makes what the wiimote does more precise, then it's just about useless, because developers still can't get it right with what we have.

Hopefully, they'll release both a new wiimote with this functionality built in and then these little connectors so that people that already have four wiimotes don't have to buy them all again, but those people who have the cash don't have to have a stupid looking, massive wiimote.

I don't mind the nunchucks at all, but the fact that I need a classic controller is frustrating, and I hate keeping gamecube controllers around. I also have to keep track of a guitar and a wii wheel, but that's my choice, at least. I feel bad for those who have multiple wii wheels, Rock Band, a set of perfect shots, the zapper, and a balance board.

If anything, this seems like it should have been saved for the Wii 2, along with a better pointer system (more LEDs :p).

Aaron @ Jul 14th 2008 2:26PM

It adds 1:1 movement. See here...

http://wii.ign.com/articles/888/888837p1.html

Nintendo is listening to gamer and developer complaints regarding the wiimote's inability to due true 1:1 actions (golf swing, boxing punches, sword fighting, etc).

Perhaps this would be better as a new Wiimote entirely, but if it comes packaged with a Link's Sword Fighting game for $20 bucks like the Zapper, it will totally be worth it.

Besides, this is Nintendo's way of showing the gaming world that they are still king of the motion control arena, despite Sony and Microsoft's inevitable wiimote-clone announcements due tomorrow.

Sit back and watch my predictions come true.

El hombre arana @ Jul 14th 2008 3:43PM

Well I am not impressed right now. I have to see how much it will cost and how it will affect upcoming games. It would be also interesting to see if already published games could take advantage of this addon.

I guess Nintendo came forward with this due to either Sony or Microsoft producing some sort of Wiimote clone and incorporating "last gen" technology into their consoles.

Al3xand3r @ Jul 14th 2008 3:56PM

I'm glad Nintendo isn't sitting about doing nothing while the competition plans to hit.

I'm not glad the market may be fragmented with players possibly being unable to play some games, or play them properly until they upgrade.

I'm glad they will most probably make a grand job in marketing everything as usual so that MOST Wii owners end up having this at least for one of their wiimotes, thus not fragmenting the market too much.

I'm not glad people are whining so much. No, it's not ideal that we didn't have this right out of the box, however it IS a solution to many complaints. If Sony did fine replacing their original controller with Dual Shock, if Sony did fine replacing their SixAxis with Dual Shock 3, if it's fine for Microsoft to start looking into motion sensitive gaming (even if they don't, response was positive), if it's fine for Microsoft to fragment the market between Live paying and non paying customers and between people who have a HDD and people who don't, then it's fine for Nintendo to also improve their stuff in this way to better fight the competition.

I'm excited to see what becomes of this, I hope the 1:1 mention isn't just hype. Roll on July 15th!

SegaPleaseMakePanzerDragoonWii! @ Jul 14th 2008 4:13PM

Crazy. I think something like this may work, if done and priced properly.
WiiMotionPlus: $10
New Wiimote 2.0 (with WiiMotionPlus built in): $50
New Wiimote jackets: free from Nintendo

Then people who already own Wiimotes won't feel like they got ripped off, as they'll be paying the same price as buying the Wiimote 2.0 in the end. Eventually they could phase out both the original wiimote and this add-on. Start by shipping WiiMotionPlus as a pack in with a big first party title just to get it out there.

We'll see what happens, I guess.

sepaar @ Jul 15th 2008 12:30AM

With a "big" first party title? I was thinking more along the lines of that Wii Conduct thing they had displayed. This seems like it would be perfect for that and we haven't heard anything about that in awhile. Could be wrong though.

AWade @ Jul 14th 2008 5:41PM

This was the natural way to go about it.

People talk about Nintendo redesigns on portables and think the same would work for Wii - it wouldn't, just like many, many people would be pissed if there was a "Wii Remote 2" that makes our existing remotes obsolete. Players just wouldn't put up with it - after investing $100's in existing accessories, and the fact that you STILL can't just walk into most stores and buy a Wii - means that they need to be very careful with this customer base.

While I'm not terribly pleased about MORE white plastic stuff clogging around my house (really need to find a better way to house this stuff), and of course we need more details to make a true judgement (cost, compatibility - i.e. will games we already have get better), this is the kind of solution we can expect - it will be a long time before any form of "Wii 2" comes out (though I *do* expect a redesigned remote to follow this one with the nub included).

(01) @ Jul 14th 2008 9:43PM

I' not sure if this is indicative of anything, but I find it interesting in Wii Fit after rhythm boxing, it asks you to unplug the "extension controller," rather than the standard "please unplug the nunchuck controller." Interesting things abound with this though; it looks like MS forced Nintendo's hand with their rumored controller. This is more likely Wii controller 1.5.

Andreas @ Jul 15th 2008 3:52AM

So they finally found out that the IR bar and gyro isn't enough to track motion. As an example, plenty of us were very keen to see a drum game but the accuracy as of today's controllers isn't precise enough to emulate a drum kit. It's only accurate when you point it towards the bar. The gyro kind of sucks when it comes to precision.
I don't know what this new peripheral does to produce a 1:1 result. If it's a new motion bar based on some kind of radio signals rather than IR, or if it's just an evolved kind of gyro that can do precise enough motion tracking. Anyways, too bad they didn't have this ready at release, but I'm glad to see they're constantly working to improve things.

Burnt Meatloaf @ Jul 15th 2008 5:07AM

What good is 1:1 when we live in a 1:1:1 world?

Most games are already designed so a snap of the wrist and a flail of the arm do the same thing. That ergonomic margin is necessary to make the games "accessible" to a wide audience. So, now flailing and waggle will be more accurate? Please.

When TVs start using holographic technology that allows us to perceive depth reasonably well, this add-on will matter. Until then, it's a money-making distraction from not having a hard drive available.

LV426 @ Jul 15th 2008 7:18AM

How about they start shipping this with controllers and offer them for S&H to current owners? Id call that fair as hell. (But then, I havent had issues with sensativity out of WiiSports Golf)

frakuk @ Jul 16th 2008 5:47AM

.......... why guess when you only have a few hours to wait......
Lets face it, this is a business and all the players have to make money. The difference is this with the WII it's not just another game, it's a 'gaming experience'. As long as the developers keep bringing this stuff out - I love it!. You can't beat continuous improvement and inovation, that, i take my hat off to Nintendo for.

Marko @ Jul 16th 2008 10:39AM

The new MotionPlus attachment will do a number of things.

[1] Add a proper sixth axis (yaw) to the remote

[2] Add more bits of precision to the rate gyro and accelerometers for improved tracking , and

[3] It may include a three axis magnetic compass - so it can recalibrate on the go without needing a sensor bar.

Eventually this extra functionality will be incorporated into the Wii Remote v2.0