The PC Gets Third-Party Motion Controllers

When Nintendo released its Wii to the hungry gaming masses, it managed to prove that, without a doubt, people loved the idea of motion controllers. So, naturally, other companies soon started investing money into this kind of research. The big competitors on the console market for Nintendo are Sony and Microsoft, and both have already announced their motion-sensing controllers. Microsoft has already announced that its Project Natal will be ready by Christmas, but the PlayStation “Gem” is a little behind on the schedule, with an official release still pending a prognosis.

But there is one major platform, which, since it's not owned by anybody, never got any big announcement regarding motion controllers. And while both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 users will have to wait before they can wiggle their hand in order to reach a high score, it looks like PC gamers are the next ones to get this opportunity. Working together, PC peripheral manufacturer Razer and motion-control company Sixense have joined forces for the noble purpose of allowing PC gamers to experience zombie killing in a brand-new way, the motion-sensing Left 4 Dead 2 way.

Unlike the Wii Remote that uses an accelerometer and infrared technology to interpret movement, the PC motion controller relies on electromagnetic fields that track movement to an outstanding, one-millimeter precision. The President of Razer USA, Robert Krakoff, said that, “The magnetic motion sensor technology combines precision and speed with the freedom of other motion sensing technologies to fill the gap between consoles and PC in terms of human interface devices,” and Sixense wasn't any shier in making statements regarding the new controller either.

The company's chief, Avi Arad, stated that, “We are really excited to be working with Razer to bring motion gaming to the PC world. This technology collaboration will allow PC gamers to experience true-to-life gaming in a different dimension.”

As for someone that actually has some gaming experience, and even more, some Left 4 Dead 2 experience, Valve Software developer Chet Faliszek explained that, “With this controller, Razer and Sixense have created the most immersive way to play our games... For us and for our customers, this release represents motion-enabled gaming that's more integrated and visceral than any platform has so far achieved.” The only thing left now is to giggle with excitement in anticipation of the moment in which we'll frypan a zombie's head and feel tired about it. So go ahead, giggle.