Wii Remote Controller Light Years Ahead of Traditional Remote Controllers
People of all ages and abilities are enjoying the Nintendo Wii Game Console and one of the best parts of this newer video game is not the life-like graphics of some of the games, it's the Wii remote that has people moving their arms, standing up and acting out what is on the screen or what they want to happen in order to get more exercise and enjoy the games more than a traditional game console and wired remote.
Many will agree that the Wii remote or 'Wiimote' is severely dissimilar to traditional two-handed remote controllers with a wire that tethers a person to their game box. The motion controlled Wii remote could be held in one hand and communicates with the gaming console through a Bluetooth inspired technology from up to 10 meters away. This gives players the option of moving around the room rather then sitting directly in front of a television.
Critical to the Wii remote's design are acceleration sensors by STMicroelectronics and Analog Devices (ADI). Nintendo and Analog Devices work in partnership in the past on software for other gaming systems. The acceleration sensors by ADI were used in games for Game Boy Color like Kirby's Tilt'N Tumble.
With the Wii remote controller Analog Devices' ADXL330 senses the gamer's motions in three dimensions of freedom: backwards-forwards; up-down and left-right. When the Wii remote is picked up and manipulated, it provides a quick element of interaction, sensing motions, positioning and depth all dictated by the acceleration of the remote controller itself.
According to the senior Nintendo managing director for Integrated Research and Development Division, Genyo Takeda, the company selected the ADXL330 because of its accuracy; extremely low power consumption and small size were all critical factors to the Wii Console's design objectives.
The Wii controller also contains the STMicroelectronics' three-axis acceleration sensors. These particular sensors are based on the company's microeletromechanaical-system (MEMS) technology, measures tilt to ensure users are able to move character's around. This is all happening while three-axis sensing transforms the Wii controller into a virtual musical instrument, sword or gearshift.
With the Wii Game Console, up to four Wii remote controllers could be connected to the game at once via Bluetooth technology. A wireless signal is detectable from the console by the Wii remote from up to 10 meters away. A three-axis motion system is contained within both the Wii remote and the Nunchuk controllers.
The Wii remote controller includes an expansion port, a rumble generator which is actually a cell-phone style vibrator and a speaker. This remote could also be used as a pointer up to five meters away from the console.
An upgrade for the Wii remote controller available, but not necessary to enjoy the games, is a infrared system that delivers remarkable CMOS Pixart Multiple Object Tracking optimal sensor, a technology used in cameras.
The Wii remote controller is shaped like a television remote control for easier handling during game play and the amazing motion-sensing technology sends any hand or arm movements made with ones arm directly into the game.
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