"jOG" Controllers Add Motion Control to Wii and PlayStation Games
Although it seems beyond old news to refer to the Nintendo Wii as taking advantage of motion-sensing technology, get ready for a new round of chatter. A UK based operation called New Concept Gaming, who according to their website are "...dedicated to the development and sale of ground breaking products that bridge the gap between video gaming and health & fitness..." are set to potentially shake up the gameplay of millions with the release of their jOG product line. Currently this encompasses two controller accessories, the upcoming jOG compatible with the Wii and the jOG-S21, which works with the PlayStation 2/PS3 and is already available in the UK. I refer to these as accessories because from the look of them that's just what they seem to be.
Taking advantage what is termed 'enhanced movement technology,' both connect to player's controllers. In the case of the Wii it attaches between the Wii Remote and the Nunchuck, and with the PS2/PS3 version between the controller and the console (use with PS3 requires and adapter). The actual motion-sensing portion of the device in both cases attaches to the player at the belt line, where apparently based on pedometer technology, it registers steps/up and down movement. This is translated into directional movement in games that can make use of it. The Wii version has yet to be released, but New Concept claims that the PS2 version is compatible with all PlayStation games, although it admits it works best with sports games, shooters, platform and adventure games. Full disclosure, I've not tested this, so take this claim with a grain of salt. They have also published a list of close to 140 games it works on. According to their website New Concept Gaming had a presence at CES '09, though probably not a large one, which is a shame because I've seen the PlayStation version referenced in several places for the relative steal of around $25. If this product ends up working well it could add considerable legs to almost every game it touches and thus be very popular. Any success would also prove New Concepts' stated commitment to merging health and fitness with gaming. If any out there doubt this simply try this little experiment. Stand up and run in place, leisurely if you prefer, while moving your hands in front of you. Do this for about five minutes. You may look a little silly, but most people who do aerobics do, and that's pretty much what you are doing. Now, have a seat and ask yourself this question. How many times have you, if you are a gamer, or have you seen someone play a game for only five minutes and not get in the least bit excited? Pretty much never, so feel free to hydrate as necessary. Look out Wii Fit. This accessory could feasibly turn just about any video game into a fitness regime.
Check out the video for the jOG compatible with the Wii:
An jOG-S21, compatible with the PS2 and already in use in the UK and listed on Amazon's UK site.
--Tom Milnes
gpriceshop10 on February 14, 2009 at 06:23 AM
The video was really superb and nintendo wii is updating more and giving much advantage for the gamers. Thank you so much!!! People are really very happy on releasing new updates.
EINSTEIN on February 19, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Its really interesting to see the video which is very useful and informative. Nintendo Wii updates gamers with latest information..
Good to have such a useful things !!!
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