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Over the years, Nintendo has created numerous hardware and software
innovations that forever changed the course of console and
handheld gaming. In 1981, Gunpei Yokoi developed the D-Pad, an
innovation that allowed for a single finger to maintain all
directional controls. The layout has been implemented on the
controllers of every major console platform since. In 1990, Masayuki Uemara
introduced shoulder buttons with the launch of Super Nintendo. Whether it was the Robotic
Operating Buddy, Zapper Gun, Power Pad, U-Force, Power Glove, Analog
Stick, or Rumble Pak, Nintendo has made a name for itself as the
undisputed leader of console hardware innovation. But what's next?
 Last
week, Nintendo announced that it had made an equity investment in Gyration, a pioneer
in interactive controllers and related markets.
The company has developed a low cost dual axis gyroscope
"optimized for easy integration into input devices."
Furthermore, Gyration owns the "exclusive rights to application of
inertial sensors in a product which senses angular human motion in
order to control a graphic or cursor on a display." Nintendo may
choose to utilize Gyration's intellectual properties and technical
capacities in next generation gaming peripherals.
 What
does it all mean? GameCubicle evaluated the company's products,
plans, partners, and patents in an effort to find out. Of their
relevant products, Gyration's GyroMouse product
features intriguing technologies that would open many doors in the
wireless controller arena. We suspect that the same technology could
help create the ultimate controller for adventure, platform, and first-person shooter genres. Gyration's RF assets also
seem ideal for Nintendo's wireless WaveBird controller thanks to
the high performance and low power consumption features. One less
likely possibility is that Gyration's technologies could be
incorporated into a future wireless gaming gun that would utilize
motion detection systems for a new level of interactive play.
According to the company,
"Gyration intends to be the first company to produce game
controllers enhanced with gyroscopic motion-sensors, which have a
tenfold performance increase over accelerometer tilt sensors and add
the ability to sense yaw as well as pitch. A gyro-equipped,
motion-sensing controller provides a natural method of game control
that draws the player into the game and makes game play more
enjoyable. The motion sensor can take the place of a typical thumb
pressure pad allowing one-handed game play, or can be integrated
into a two-handed controller to add a dimension to game playing not
possible with traditional video game controllers."
To gain further insider insight, GameCubicle contacted Gyration's
Director of Marketing Communications, Marc Harris for the details of
the new relationship. GameCubicle's
pertinent questions prompted Harris to
throw together a little Q&A on his company's relationship
with Nintendo. We must note that in earlier conversation, Harris
mentioned that he had made use of GameCubicle.com when preparing his
initial presentation for Nintendo. Gyration demonstrated how their
technologies could "enhance" such titles as Luigi's
Mansion, Wave Race, and Rogue Squadron. The following was the
response he provided...
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| Many thanks to Mr.
Harris for his time and hospitality to GameCubicle. The following
press announcement was released soon after GameCubicle published the
above story. It includes some details of what may come from the
relationship and much background information. |
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Saratoga,
Calif.-September 24, 2001 -- Gyration, Inc., a leading manufacturer
of motion-sensing wireless input controllers for commercial and home
entertainment markets, announced today that it has reached an
agreement with premier electronic game developer Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nintendo will become an active
investment partner by purchasing an undisclosed amount of Gyration
stock. In exchange, Nintendo will gain access to Gyration research
and development in the areas of motion-sensing and wireless technologies.
"Gyration's motion-sensing hardware and software products have
become the #1 aftermarket presentation input devices for business
communications professionals," states Gyration CEO Tom Quinn.
"Partnering with the largest and most successful game console
manufacturer in the world will give us an exciting opportunity to
introduce our amazing technologies to Nintendo's broad home video
game market."
Gyration intends to be the first company to produce game controllers
enhanced with gyroscopic motion-sensors, which have a tenfold
performance increase over accelerometer tilt sensors and add the
ability to sense yaw as well as pitch. A gyro-equipped,
motion-sensing controller provides a natural method of game control
that draws the player into the game and makes game play more
enjoyable. The motion sensor can take the place of a typical thumb
pressure pad allowing one-handed game play, or can be integrated
into a two-handed controller to add a dimension to game playing not
possible with traditional video game controllers.
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Gyration, Inc. is a
leading provider of advanced hardware and software solutions that
remove the technological barrier between user input devices and
digital displays in the business communication, home entertainment
and computing market segments. Gyration combines motion-sensing
wireless peripherals with customized software applications to
enhance and simplify user input. Gyration's flagship products
include state-of-the-art wireless RF and IR controllers, keyboards
and motion-sensing devices for Presentation, Interactive TV and
Electronic Game markets. The company has developed GyroPoint
Technology, a unique method by which an inertial sensor detects
natural hand motions to move a cursor or graphic on a television
screen or monitor. This is combined with Gyration's wireless RF
network to offer reliable communication with a game console,
computer, set top box, or other device. Gyration offers its products
through direct and OEM sales as well as through an extensive A/V
reseller cannel. The Saratoga, California company was founded in
1989 and is privately held. For more information, visit Gyration.com .
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Reported
By: |
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Rick - Editor in
Chief, GameCubicle |
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