Performance Designed Products, or just PDP for short, just dropped us a line with a preview of their upcoming lineup for E3 this June. And of particular interest is one item they have in store for the Xbox 360, which you can see at your right.
Gametrak Freedom
Motion control gaming goes to a new level with the Gametrak Freedomâ„¢, a proprietary and patent-pending ultrasonic 3D motion sensing technology that delivers performance and increases control and flexibility. Unlike other motion control gaming systems, Gametrak Freedomâ„¢ accurately tracks the true 3D position and precise movements of up to four players anywhere within a given environment providing unrivaled game play opportunities. PDP will launch the Gametrak Freedomâ„¢ exclusively for Xbox 360 in fall 2009.
So, I don’t know what Microsoft may or may not have in store for the show, but that’s at least one third party (“the number one third party gaming peripheral maker,” at that) has in store, bringing a story from later last year full-circle.
Other stuff to expect from the show includes:
Squeeballs
“Squeeballsâ„¢” is a collection of more than 150 unique challenges that showcases the capabilities of the Gametrak Freedomâ„¢ controller. In the game, Squeeballs are toys that are manufactured on a secret island somewhere in the Pacific and they must be fully tested by the players of the game before they can be sold to children across the world. By using the motion controller, players can blow up, cook, slice, bat, bowl, shoot and bounce the Squeeballs with greater accuracy than is capable with any other controller. “Squeeballs” is PDP’s first Microsoft-licensed title.
From this, I get the feeling that this is more of a “Namco/GunCon” or “Konami/Dance Pad” sort of peripheral, an accessory to a game from a third party, rather than any sort of true Microsoft-championed competition for the Wii.
SmartStylus
The patent-pending SmartStylus™ 1 and 2 for the Nintendo DS feature a vibration feedback that players using the stylus will feel based on movements and commands in the game, adding a new dimension to game play. With the motion feedback capability, the stylus can now act as a motion input device, allowing you, for example, to hit a home run by swinging the stylus off the DS screen. The SmartStylus™ 1 will launch in fall 2009 pending license approval from Nintendo. The SmartStylus™ 2 can include a variety of added features, including LED capabilities, sound, and motion feedback, and should launch in 2010.
I see this one ending in fire. Or cracked screens, from people who completely misunderstand the concept.
Energizer Induction Charger
Charging your Wii remote just got simpler. The new Energizer Induction Charge System allows you to charge up to two Wii remotes without having to remove remote sleeves, Wii Motion Plus or lanyards. The Induction Charger uses contactless charging. Gamers simply drop the Wii remote into the cradle – no fussing with wires or battery packs necessary. The Induction Charger is part of PDP’s Energizer Power & Play series that includes charging systems for the Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360.
I guess that’s pretty good, but I don’t typically use the Wii Remote jackets, anyway. Not since I discovered that they don’t turn the Wii Remotes into high-tech Sock ‘Em-Boppers. Nor can I imagine the Wii MotionPlus being such a chore to remove, and the straps aren’t much of a problem, either. And in truth, I’m not even sure how the MotionPlus would fit, given the above picture.
Nonetheless, if you’re protective of your controllers and just want to toss them and go, this might be a good solution.
The branding also reminds me, did you hear? The Energizer Bunny was recently arrested.
He was charged with battery.
And finally…
NERF, Transformers and More!
Earlier this year, PDP and Hasbro signed a five-year deal that allows for the creation of a new line of video gaming accessories and products for popular gaming devices, iPods and cell phones. Check out new NERF items, products supporting the launch of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” movie and more.
Well, I’m sort of curious on the NERF and TransFormers fronts, anyway.
