Skip to main content

Long read: The beauty and drama of video games and their clouds

"It's a little bit hard to work out without knowing the altitude of that dragon..."

If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Exclusive Portal 2 levels for Razer Hydra

Valve backs new PC motion controller.

PC users who pick up the new Razer Hydra motion controller will be able to play exclusive Portal 2 content unavailable in console versions of the game.

According to Joystiq, Razer has teamed up with Valve to offer a Portal 2 bundle including the new controller, the game and additional levels built specifically for the new device.

What, you may ask, is the Razer Hydra? Well, it's a new motion control system developed by Sixense. You play with two wands, both with thumb sticks. Instead of using a camera to track your movements, a la PlayStation Move, the Hydra uses a small base station to create an electromagnetic field with a six foot radius.

Take a look at the video below, courtesy of Venturebeat, for an idea of how the gadget looks in action.

According to the Razer spokesperson, the Hydra will let users "manipulate the [game's] lasers better than anyone else because of the six degrees of freedom" the controller offers."

There's no price or release date confirmed for the bundle or standalone units but Razer has stated its aiming for a sub-$100 (about £64) price point.

We've requested further information about the exact nature of the exclusive Portal 2 content from Valve and will update when we get a response.

Portal 2 launches on 22nd April on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It's looking great.