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Wii MotionPlus

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Wii MotionPlus
Wii MotionPlus attached to the Wii Remote with extended Wii Remote Jacket
ManufacturerNintendo
Product familyWii Remote
TypeExpansion device
ConnectivityExternal Extension Connector

The Wii MotionPlus (Wiiモーションプラス) is an expansion device for the Wii Remote video game controller for the Wii that allows it to more accurately capture complex motion. According to Nintendo, the sensor in the device supplements the accelerometer and Sensor Bar capabilities of the Wii Remote to enable actions to be rendered identically on the screen in real time.[3]

History

The Wii MotionPlus was announced by Nintendo in a press release on July 14, 2008,[3] and revealed the next day at a press conference at the E3 Media & Business Summit. It was released in June 2009.[1][2] On May 3rd 2010, Nintendo announced that starting May 9 2010, the company will include its Wii Sports Resort game and MotionPlus controller with new consoles with no price increase.[4]

Technology and features

The device incorporates a two-axis[5] tuning fork gyroscope,[6] which can determine rotational motion. The information captured by the angular rate sensor can then be used to distinguish true linear motion from the accelerometer readings.[7] This allows for the capture of more complex movements than possible with the Wii Remote alone.[8][9]

The Wii MotionPlus features a pass-through External Extension Connector, allowing other expansions such as the Nunchuk or Classic Controller to be used simultaneously with the device. The attachment has a color-coded mechanical slide switch for locking the clip release. When attached to the Wii Remote, the unit extends the length of the controller body[10] by approximately 1+12 in (4 cm).[11][needs update] Each Wii MotionPlus includes a longer version of the Wii Remote Jacket to accommodate the added length.[8]

The device is only used by games that have been specifically developed to use its functionality. It can remain attached to the Wii Remote when playing games that do not support it without causing any problems, but it will not enhance gameplay. The device must be detached when using the Wii Remote with certain accessories such as the Wii Wheel or Wii Zapper.

Development

The Wii MotionPlus was developed by Nintendo in collaboration with game development tool company AiLive.[12] The sensor used is an InvenSense IDG-600[13] designed in accordance to Nintendo's specification;[14][15] with a high dynamic range, high mechanical shock tolerance, high temperature and humidity resistance, and small physical size.[5][16]

The Wii MotionPlus was conceived soon after the completion of the initial Wii Remote design, to address developer demand for more capable motion sensing, but was only announced after the sensors could be purchased in sufficient volume at a reasonable price.[8][17] During a developer roundtable discussion at E3 2008, Wii Sports Resort producer Katsuya Eguchi discussed the potential influence of the Wii MotionPlus on the Wii's existing market, stating that Nintendo was looking at whether the MotionPlus capability will be built into the Wii Remote in the future, or kept "as an attachment we only use for certain software."[18]

In November 2009, a black Wii Motionplus was released to coincide with the release of the black Wii console. Bundles containing a black Wii Remote and MotionPlus attachment were also released. In North America, all black, blue, and pink Wii remotes are bundled with a MotionPlus

Reception

Developers at Electronic Arts have noted that the fidelity of the device can be too sensitive,[19] although technology reviewers have likened the improved accuracy to the leap from the fidelity of VHS to that of Blu-ray.[20]

Game reviewers 'Official Nintendo Magazine' have called the device '100% accurate' and that movements are 'captured extremely accurately'.[21]

In North America, approximately 374,000 Wii MotionPlus units were sold in June 2009 (including nearly 205,000 units sold as part of a bundle with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10), according to the NPD Group.[22]

In Japan, the Wii MotionPlus sold approximately 650,000 units in its opening week (including units sold as part of a bundle with Wii Sports Resort), with about 296,000 sold as standalone units.[23][24]

Third-party accessories

Nyko revealed the Nyko Wand+ at CES 2009, a Wii Remote alternative with the Motion Plus functionality built into the device, saving players from having to change plugins.[25]

Supported games

Title Developer Publisher Bundled Required Release date N. America Release date Japan Release date Europe Release date Australia
Academy of Champions[26] Ubisoft Vancouver Ubisoft September 4, 2009
All Star Karate[27] THQ Optional 20th April 2010 21th May 2010
Backyard Sports : Sandlot Sluggers Atari Humongous (game developer) No Optional May 25, 2010
Conduit 2[28] High Voltage Software Sega Optional
Grand Slam Tennis[29] EA Canada EA Sports Some[30] Optional June 8, 2009 June 26, 2009 June 12, 2009 June 11, 2009
Hooked! Again: Real Motion Fishing Arc System Works Aksys Games Optional November 3, 2009
James Cameron's Avatar: The Game[31] Ubisoft Montreal Ubisoft Optional[32] December 1, 2009 December 4, 2009
Crazy Mini Golf 2[33]
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword[34] Nintendo Yes[35]
NewU Fitness First Mind Body, Yoga & Pilates Workout[36] Lightning Fish Black Bean Games Optional March 19, 2010[37]
NHL 2K10[38] Visual Concepts 2K Sports Some[39] September 15, 2009 October 23, 2009
Racquet Sports[40] Ubisoft Ubisoft Optional March 9, 2010[41] March 25, 2010[42] March 25, 2010[43]
Red Steel 2 Ubisoft Paris Ubisoft Some Yes[44] March 23, 2010[45] March 26, 2010 March 25, 2010
Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage[46] Ubisoft Montreal Ubisoft Optional November 8, 2009 November 13, 2009
FlingSmash[47] Artoon Nintendo Yes
SpongeBob's Truth or Square Heavy Iron Studios THQ Optional November 3, 2009 February 28, 2010 December 2009
The Grinder[48] High Voltage Software
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 EA Tiburon EA Sports Some[30] Optional June 8, 2009 July 3, 2009 July 3, 2009
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 EA Tiburon EA Sports June 8th, 2010
Virtua Tennis 2009[49] Sumo Digital Sega June 2, 2009 June 2009 June 2009
Wii Sports Resort[1][2] Nintendo EAD Nintendo Yes Yes July 26, 2009 June 25, 2009 July 24, 2009 July 23, 2009
Zangeki no Reginleiv Sandlot Nintendo Optional February 11, 2010

WiiWare

Title Developer Publisher Required Release date N. America Release date Japan Release date Europe Release date Australia
GhostSlayer[50] Gevo Entertainment Gevo Entertainment Optional
Rage of the Gladiator[51] Ghostfire Games Ghostfire Games Optional March 15, 2010
ShadowPlay[52] Deep Fried Entertainment Deep Fried Entertainment Optional January 11, 2010

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Nintendo to Set Summer '09 Ablaze with Wii MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort". Nintendo of America. 2009-04-14. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
  2. ^ a b c "Nintendo to set Summer '09 ablaze with Wii MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort". Nintendo. 2009-04-14. Retrieved 2009-04-15.
  3. ^ a b "Introducing Wii MotionPlus, Nintendo's upcoming accessory for the revolutionary Wii Remote". Nintendo. 2008-07-14. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
  4. ^ "Wii to bundle Sports Resort, MotionPlus". CNET. 2010-05-03. Retrieved 2010-05-03.
  5. ^ a b "INVENSENSE™ IDG-600 MOTION SENSING SOLUTION SHOWCASED IN NINTENDO'S NEW Wii MotionPlus ACCESSORY". InvenSense. Retrieved 2010-03-25.
  6. ^ "MEMS Gyroscope Technology". InvenSense. Archived from the original on 2008-04-16. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  7. ^ Gyroscopes and Accelerometers Compared (Flash Video). InvenSense. Event occurs at 00:00:37. Retrieved 2008-07-17.[dead link]
  8. ^ a b c "The Gyro Sensor: A New Sense Of Control". Iwata Asks: Wii MotionPlus. Nintendo. p. 1. Retrieved 2009-06-04. No, the intention was to integrate the two from the very start. This is why when we use the term Wii MotionPlus, we are referring to the accessory with the Wii MotionPlus Jacket attached.
  9. ^ Wii MotionPlus and AiLive's LiveMove 2 (Flash Video). AiLive. 2008-07-28. Event occurs at 00:04:13. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  10. ^ "Easy To Hold With Both Hands". Iwata Asks: Wii MotionPlus. Nintendo. p. 3. Retrieved 2009-06-04.
  11. ^ Yu, James (2008-07-17). "Wii MotionPlus Hands-On". GameSpot. CNET.
  12. ^ "AILive Reveals LiveMove2 For Wii MotionPlus". Gamasutra.com. 2008-07-15. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  13. ^ "InvenSense IDG-600 motion sensing solution showcased in Nintendo's new Wii MotionPlus accessory". InvenSense. 2008-07-15. Retrieved 2008-07-15.
  14. ^ Caron, Frank (2008-08-25). "Of gyroscopes and gaming: the tech behind the Wii MotionPlus". Ars File: Technology and Culture. Ars Technica. p. 2. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
  15. ^ Hatfield, Daemon (2008-07-23). "Interview: Wii Motion Creators". IGN Wii. IGN Entertainment. p. 2. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  16. ^ "Combining Two Sensors". Iwata Asks: Wii MotionPlus. Nintendo. p. 2. Retrieved 2009-06-04.
  17. ^ Brightman, James (2008-07-22). "Interview: Satoru Iwata Talks Wii MotionPlus, Supply/Demand & More". GameDaily BIZ. AOL. p. 2. Retrieved 2008-07-22.
  18. ^ Gibson, Ellie (2008-07-17). "Next Wiimotes may integrate MotionPlus". Eurogamer.net. Eurogamer Network. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  19. ^ "EA: Nintendo's Wii MotionPlus is 'over responsive'". Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  20. ^ "Hands-on: Nintendo's Wii MotionPlus". Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  21. ^ "Official Nintendo Magazine answer E3-related questions". Retrieved 11th July, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  22. ^ "Nintendo DS Franchise Sells More than All Home Consoles Combined in June". Nintendo of America. 2009-07-16. Archived from the original on 2009-07-17. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
  23. ^ "週間ソフト&ハードセルスルーランキング(2009年6月22日~6月28日)" (in Japanese). Media Create. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  24. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (7 July 2009). "IGN: Wii Sports Resort Takes Over Japan". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  25. ^ Nyko's Wand+ Has Wii Motion Plus Built Right In
  26. ^ "Ubisoft scores with Academy of Champions". Ubisoft. 2009-05-20. Retrieved 2009-05-20.
  27. ^ http://www.thq.com/us/game/show/5788/All%20Star%20Karate™
  28. ^ "E3 2010: Conduit 2 Supports Wii MotionPlus". IGN. 2010-06-10. Retrieved 2010-06-11.
  29. ^ "EA's Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 and Grand Slam Tennis to Hit Retail One Week Early". 2009-05-04. Retrieved 2009-05-04.
  30. ^ a b "EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 available with Wii MotionPlus at Launch". Electronic Arts. 2009-04-21.
  31. ^ SDCC 09: Avatar: The Game First Look - Wii Preview at IGN
  32. ^ http://avatargame.us.ubi.com/#/media
  33. ^ Michaels, Deux (2009-06-01). "Data Design Interactive Presents, a realistic golfing experience with a fresh new spin, Crazy Mini Golf on Nintendo Wii". Data Design Interactive. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
  34. ^ "Q & A". Corporate Management Policy Briefing / Semi-annual Financial Results Briefing for the 70th Fiscal Term Ending March 2010. Nintendo. 30 October 2009. p. 1. Retrieved 5 November 2009.
  35. ^ IGN Advertisement
  36. ^ Gamasutra - Press Releases - NewU Fitness First Mind Body Yoga & Pilates Workout : l’équilibre pour l’homme d’aujourd’hui
  37. ^ NewU Fitness First Mind Body Release Information for Wii - GameFAQs
  38. ^ NHL 2K10 Feature Blowout - Wii Feature at IGN
  39. ^ Ronnie2K. "NHL 2K10 Bundle with Wii MotionPlus Exclusively Available for Canada". 2K Sports Forums. 2K Sports. Retrieved 25 September 2009. It will only be available at retailers throughout Canada while supplies last, starting on September 15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  40. ^ "Racquet Sports - Official Site". Ubisoft. 2009-05-20. Retrieved 2009-05-20.
  41. ^ Ubisoft - Racquet Sports
  42. ^ Ubisoft - Racquet Sports Party
  43. ^ Ubisoft - Racquet Sports Party
  44. ^ Red Steel 2 MotionPlus-Only
  45. ^ 日本発売が期待される『レッドスティール2』開発現場に独占潜入! - ファミ通.com
  46. ^ Craig Harris. "Shaun White Supports MotionPlus". IGN.
  47. ^ "Span Smasher". Nintendo of America. Retrieved 2009-06-05. Span Smasher is used with the new Wii MotionPlus accessory, which adds even greater precision to players' swings.[dead link]
  48. ^ Casamassina, Matt (2009-05-26). "Pre-E3 2009: The Grinder Revealed". IGN Entertainment. p. 1. Retrieved 2009-06-02.
  49. ^ "Sega's Virtua Tennis 2009 Ready for Wii Motion Plus". SEGA. 2009-04-15. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  50. ^ GhostSlayer Wiiware
  51. ^ http://www.cubed3.com/news/13081
  52. ^ ShadowPlay Review - Wii Review at IGN