PS3 to get motion-sensing controller?

By Ellie Gibson Published 1 May, 2009

Will be unveiled at E3, reckons Variety.

Variety is quoting "several sources" as saying a motion-sensing controller is in development for PlayStation 3.

One source claimed to have seen the device several months ago. Two others said it will be unveiled at E3 in June.

The controller apparently uses LEDs and a webcam to track movement. "Because the camera can read different color lights and the shape and angle of each light, it's much more accurate than the Wiimote," reckons the Variety report.

"It can track precise movements, including along the Z axis (pushing toward and away from the TV; something the Wii is really bad at) as well as velocity."

The controller is said to look "kinda funky", with "a bulb to house the LEDs on the end". Word is that Sony wants developers and publishers to produce some early software to show it off.

Sony has yet to comment on the story, but it's unlikely they'll break with tradition and comment on rumour or speculation.

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About Ellie Gibson

Since joining Eurogamer in the mid 2000s, Ellie has written about subjects as diverse as the fall of Gizmondo, the rise of Hollyoaks actresses in Red Alert games and the noise a bear makes under NSFW circumstances.

Read more articles from Ellie by visiting the Ellie Gibson archive page.

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Comments (47) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Physically_Insane #1 3 years ago

    I bloody hope not.

  • chessboxer #2 3 years ago

    I saw a video presentation of this back in late 2008. I can't remember what the controller looked like but it was very sensitive. The guy what was doing the presentation was demonstrating its use in a golf tech demo.

  • Evolution #3 3 years ago

    but what about the wonderfully implemented sixaxis function?

  • insincere_dave #4 3 years ago

    Game changer.

  • NotSoSlim #5 3 years ago

    Motion sensitive on actual next gen games/hd games like Tiger Woods will be mint....wont alienate the hardcore and bring in casual gamers.

    Sony just need to do it right...and it wont be forced like it is on the Wii. All about choices people
    Edited by NotSoSlim at 01/05/09 @ 09:34

  • DrDamn #6 3 years ago

    Needs to be coupled with a price drop for the machine I think. Also 'bulb to accomodate LEDs' erm ... so they went for the meat and two veg design then?

    Oh and it best support the PS3 EyeToy too.
    Edited by DrDamn at 01/05/09 @ 09:43

  • Vistrix #7 3 years ago

    Aslong as it doesnt bring in tons of casual games and is used in quality games in the correct way, it could be great.

  • TopKatt #8 3 years ago

    I kind of hope not as well to be honest. Call me old fashioned but I prefer sitting on my arse playing games to jumping round the living room like an idiot.

  • Darren #9 3 years ago

    Well the original SIXAXIS proved to be a total waste of time and effort, simply because virtually no games made use of its tilt sensors in any decent way and those that did were virtually unplayable - I mean did anyone ever try playing MotorStorm or, especially, Virtua Tennis 3 with it. It fills me with terror just thinking about it!!!

    The replacement DualShock 3 with the rumble reinstated was far more useful as far as I'm concerned so I have zero interest in yet another gimmicky motion-controller. I already own a Wii, thank you very much, and that is only used once in a blue moon.

  • spenner #10 3 years ago

    If it works by reading LEDs, then am I right in thinking that if line of sight is not there then it wont work at all? Step backwards to light gun technology me thinks

  • Bigglesworth #11 3 years ago

    Yep, no more knob-twiddling sessions under the duvet in your bedroom.

  • DrDamn #12 3 years ago

    @Spenner
    Kind of like the Wii-mote in that respect - which needs line of sight for some aspects too. Where are we stepping back from exactly?

  • GreyBeard #13 3 years ago

    Kinda inevitable. Sony have invested far too much in PS3 to not allow it a long lifespan, so adding functionality with accessories like this is a no-brainer.

    I'd suspect a price drop will be announced at E3. Realistically the thing holding the PS3 back right now is the cost, and despite what the various Sony PR mouth-pieces are saying publically, they must know how badly its hurting them.

  • FooAtari #14 3 years ago

    Well if it is going to have any chance of being bought by a large number of consumers it HAS to be released with a decent game. Otherwise like most other hardware add-ons most people won't buy it and support will be non-existant.

    @NotSoSlim

    Motion sensitive on actual next gen games/hd games like Tiger Woods will be mint....wont alienate the hardcore and bring in casual gamers.

    I don't own a Wii, but that comment stinks of;
    "Nintendo were wrong to release the Wii with motion sensing controls" but if Sony do it, well that's OK"

    You do know that the PS2 was the most "casual" console of last generation. Games like Singstar and a crap load of shovelware made it pretty popualr with people who wouldnt nomrally play games. Nintendo just took that idea to the next level.

  • NotSoSlim #15 3 years ago

    @FooAtari

    Yet you forget the rest of my quote about choices. Different here is you will have a choice more than likely on certain games like Tiger Woods as to what control method you use

    Sorry if a choice is a bad thing...as i said it wont alienate anyone where as Nintend unintentionally are alienating the majority of the hardcore market.

    Honestly i dont see how choice is a bad thing. Yea Nintendo took it to the next level and good on them
    Edited by NotSoSlim at 01/05/09 @ 10:10

  • Dizzy #16 3 years ago

    Way too late. The "waggle" market is now owned by Nintendo.

  • mcwildcard #17 3 years ago

    Oh good, that'll be the perfect opportunity to dilute the generally pretty great and innovative titles on the PSN with bucketloads of shovelware.
    *fills PSN wallet in preparation for 'Catering Mother'*

  • robg #18 3 years ago

    Given the choice I'd prefer rumble to motion controls.

  • Goodfella #19 3 years ago

    I liked the idea of that 'split' motion controller (did I dream it?), basically a dualshock that can be seperated into two parts.

  • Razz #20 3 years ago

    Not this again. :/ Ddin't we see the vids and the patent for this tech last year?

  • Xerx3s #21 3 years ago

    Are these the same sources that claim this each year for both ms and sony?

  • StooMonster #22 3 years ago

    After launch add-on products are rarely "game changers", even if given away with subsequent consoles. e.g. RAM expansion for N64, CD-ROM players for 16-bit Sega, etc.

    Sony have already shifted millions of PS3 consoles with out a waggle controller, therefore it's unlikely a publisher with any business sense will wish to develop and publish titles for a sub-set of the PS3 market (i.e. those with a waggle controller).

  • Xerx3s #23 3 years ago

    Tbf, I think that there is a good chance that companies such as that newton company spread these rumours to improve the chance of sony/ms adapting their tech. Utterly futile of course.

  • the_dudefather #24 3 years ago

    Remember when Banjo nuts + bolts was 'definatly' going to use motion controls?

  • oreillymj #25 3 years ago

    Can see a new bundle with PS3, Eyecam, "PS3eeMote" and some mini games like Bowling & Tennis a la Wii Sports to establish it in the marketplace. With standalone accesories for existing users who want them.

    Not sure why the LED's & Camera are required though. I thought the SixAxis had everything to allow the PS3 to track it's position in a 3D space.

  • DrDamn #26 3 years ago

    @StooMonster
    "After launch add-on products are rarely game changers"

    So the popularity of the PS2 was nothing to do with Eyetoy and Singstar? There is a distinction between Add-on and Peripheral I think and certain peripherals have been very successful.

    Strangely I think the Wii has probably helped as people will know what this is all about and they have shown what works well and what doesn't. The Wii needed to package the controller as standard to push the tech, though imo it has hampered more standard gaming on the system. (Not that Nintendo are worried by that). This sort of system for the PS3 can pick up on the stuff which works well on the Wii and potentially enhance with better physics and graphics. I think it needs some good killer titles and a system price drop to a more consumer friendly level though.

    Oh and I think it is a given MS are not working on something similar too. They have the advantage of already being at a better price point too.

  • Canyarion #27 3 years ago

    Why would they go with LED+camera technology when the gyro tech is up for grabs? As far as I know, Nintendo does not own any patents on it.
    Oh and when they say "better than Wii", do they the old controller or with WM+?

    And like others have said, it's way too late for the PS3 to start with motion control.

    WiiMotionPlus has a chance because it will be included with the million-seller Wii Sports Resort. Most people will get the expansion.

  • dominalien #28 3 years ago

    I mean did anyone ever try playing MotorStorm...[using sixaxis controls]

    I completed Motorstorm using exclusively sixaxis controls. It was actually pretty well implemented and suited the game's handling.

    I tried playing Wipeout HD with sixaxis as well, but that game was way too fast for that.

    As someone else had said, it was fine in Heavenly Sword and I really liked it in Folklore as well.
    Edited by dominalien at 01/05/09 @ 12:27

  • dominalien #29 3 years ago

    Way too late. The "waggle" market is now owned by Nintendo.

    Following your logic, no one would ever enter a market where a player is already dominant.

    What would you be playing had MS said "it's too late to make a console, the market is already owned by Sony"?
    Edited by dominalien at 01/05/09 @ 12:25

  • makeamazing #30 3 years ago

    I thin ka motion sensor still has an important place in gaming...

    Initially for the wii, getting up and jumping around was fun, but it soon got boring... I would prefer that as others have said is used intelligently in games rather than having to get up off the sofa every two minutes, or just moving you hand fast to move the racket in tennis.

    Certainly dont want tons of useless shovelware either. So if its done right and in the context of AAA games, then i think it could work.

  • oerhoert #31 3 years ago

    <em>"It can track precise movements, including along the Z axis (pushing toward and away from the TV; something the Wii is really bad at) as well as velocity."</em>

    Hm, I wouldn't mention this as something the Wii is really bad at. Interpolation of and predicting movement, yes, but measuring the distance to the TV was done very well in for instance Metroid Prime 3.
    Edited by oerhoert at 01/05/09 @ 13:10

  • bad09 #32 3 years ago

    Knew it. Just waiting on MS now.

    / looks at new PCs....

  • oerhoert #33 3 years ago

    Agreed, I miss Wii FPS controls when playing FPSs on 360 and PS3.

  • Chalee #34 3 years ago

    Metroid Prime 3 controls PLUS HD Console would be so full of win the world would end!

  • daz_john_smith #35 3 years ago

    I'm sure this will as big a success as the Eye Toy, and spawn just as many successful games... oh wait.

  • turnget2005 #36 3 years ago

    i really dont understand why people think that sony is soo far behind in the console wars!

    here are the stats: ps3 sales: 21.3 million (as of December 31, 2008)

    xbox sales:27.93 million (as of January 14, 2009)

    now considering that MS had a whole year on sony and 1.5 years in other territories i cant see what the fuss is about.

    regarding the "new controller" if its done properly and its accurate then it could be good, i had a wii for about a week, i was very excited about golf games but found it to be very vage and i sold it.

  • DaDon123456 #37 3 years ago

    Nooooo!
    Please no!
    I like having a console dedicted to motion (Wii) and a console dedicated to traditional controls (PS3)

  • oerhoert #38 3 years ago

    turnget: You failed to mention the Wii, at around 50 millions, and the PS2 at well over 110 million.

    In light of those numbers, the PS3 and the 360 both have a way to go.

  • NotSoSlim #39 3 years ago

    @DaDon

    Why not a console that caters for all?? Choice is good

  • Xerx3s #40 3 years ago

    "Would be nice to have the Wii's FPS controls on a HD console. "

    No. If they must include a point system, they can use the mouse + keyboard.

  • ronuds #41 3 years ago

    "i really dont understand why people think that sony is soo far behind in the console wars!"

    Probably because they've lost about 60% of their market share from last gen? I suppose if going from first to worst is something to be proud of, then they're doing pretty good!

    This move definitely stinks of desperation, though. Like PS3 owners are really clamouring for motion control? I highly doubt it.

  • smelly #42 3 years ago

    >No. If they must include a point system, they can use the mouse + keyboard.

    keybords are digital.. the nunchuck is analog.

    Fps games are loads better using wii controls... Not that the wii has many,...

  • ronuds #43 3 years ago

    "Fps games are loads better using wii controls... Not that the wii has many,..."

    I think that's a highly subjective opinion. I personally disagree. I can't play an FPS for extended periods of time if I have to keep my arms pointed at the telly the whole time. And I personally don't feel there's much of a difference. Just different input devices, one being no better or worse than the other.

  • FogHeart #44 3 years ago

    Those who already have a PS3, I understand that you don't care about motion sensing - otherwise you wouldn't have bought it! But if motion sensing controls will attract NEW customers (like me, because I'm with others here who'd love to see a PS3 game that controls like Metroid/Conduit) then surely Sony should do this.

    I don't think it will drag the console down into mini-game, shovelware hell, because customers who only want the 5 minute jump about the room sort of game will go for the cheaper console and not care about the superior power of the PS3.

  • 3william56 #45 3 years ago

    Not so Fogheart. I like my PS3, and don't really want motion controls for most of my gaming. But I'd jump at the chance of a good motion controller for party games, sports games and some of the more out there concepts that the Wii has, but can't face Wii graphics uglying up my monster plasma telly. A HD Wii is better than a Wii and a motion controlled PS3 is better than a PS3.

    In fact, having an aftermarket controller may be better than if it was a standard controller. The market will be smaller, hence less likely to generate the buckets of sh*t motion controlled shovelpartyware the poor Wii drowns in. Hopefully will be (mostly) limited to proper games or add ons to big games.

  • smelly #46 3 years ago

    "can't play an FPS for extended periods of time if I have to keep my arms pointed at the telly the whole time."

    Maybe you should play games less and do some more excercise?

  • bad09 #47 3 years ago

    "Maybe you should play games less and do some more excercise? "

    LOL Smelly you talk so much bull dude, I remember you pulled "I AM HE-MAN watch me POINT for hours you girlymen!" routine with me a long while ago. ;)

    Maybe (like MANY of us) he just doesn't want to point at the screen for a few hours. While we are all sure your built like Arnie and we would gaze upon your muscular frame with awe if we actually met you, it does ache and become uncomfortable. I LOVE gun games but would not play one for HOURS because your arms ache and it becomes uncomfortable. I not going down your pathetic route of pretending to be hard, but I do actually have quite strong upper body strength and don't think I need to work out just to play Wii for a few hours. Besides you if REALLY believe it's down us poor little weaklings, If you are REALLY telling us all we need to work out to play FPS on a Wii, surely that means your Holy Grail is not that accessible then doesn't it?

    Anyway, I guess you are right, what with all those AAA FPS's on Wii and that.....

    / Puts on eye of the tiger, starts pressing, wishes he was big and strong like Smelly so he could play Wii....

    Edited by bad09 at 04/05/09 @ 22:31