I've been perplexed, bewildered and strangely enticed by the Wii Vitality sensor since it was announced at this year's E3, but Nintendo has yet to satiate my curiosity with solid info about how, exactly, a peripheral that readers gamers' pulses is going to make video games more fun or interesting. In a recent investor Q&A, though, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed that the Vitality Sensor would drop sometime in 2010, and also talked about some potential uses for the technology.
"Wii Vitality Sensor has great potential for various applications like measuring how horrified a player is in a horror title," Iwata said. "What we are trying to propose first is a videogame with a theme of relaxation, which is completely opposite from traditional ones, to enrich the users' lives."
"What if you were able to visualize how to unwind and relax, or check the condition of your automatic nerve by simply inserting your finger in the device once a day?"
"You have all had an experience where you are not in tune with how your body is doing or aware of how exhausted you body may be in a busy, strained period, but if you can visibly measure your condition every day, you can start to see how you're doing," he said.
"It would be like stepping up on a scale every day and seeing the change of your weight. Our new challenge that is different from past software development is to make a videogame by using the visible activities of your automatic nerve."
Hmmm... I've been onboard with the Vitality Sensor since it was announced, but I love the esoteric, bizarre and eldritch side of gaming, and this has Japanese Pseudo-Science written all over it, which I totally love. But I understand most gamers are scratching their heads over this one at best, and at worst saying, "This stinks!" without having seen it in action.
Does Iwata's description of how the device could be used change your mind about it at all? Let us know in the comment section!
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Ashley_Si
how about in say Trauma Center, the calmer you stay the better your cuts are, or in other activities that require a steady hand.
Joe22
Based on the pic, at least, it seems that you'd be playing the game one handed. Not that Nintendos' games based on weird things haven't been just a little fun, but for me, they lose their attraction pretty quickly. I don't see playing an in depth game with one hand controls.
Velocity2k
I still don't get it.
Velocity2k
I still don't get it.
xGreysonx
I think this is a stupid idea.
The whole Wii health thing is cool, but this is going a little too far.
Monrowe
I use to think this was a really crappy idea, but then I remembered that Sadness is supposed to come out for the Wii. Hopefully, the vitality sensor can be used with that game; that would be seriously intense.
DaTruth521
I sense a lot of kids and cheating boyfriends are in trouble cause nintendo is coming out with a lie detector, I think they may put the maury show out of business. NAH he still got the people who don't kno who their Baby Daddy's are.
edgeofblade
Turn on your TV to the E! channel. Nintendo is announcing a partnership with the Church of Scientology. You can now use the Wii Theaton Detector to audit yourself in the comfort of your home for only $15,000.
Blue_Vortex
that's right nintendo didn't build it so you hook it up with the nun chuck.
thedancinfarley
it looks kind of dumb you can only play rail shooters with it. And if you your freinds know how scared you are they're just gonna make fun of you.
madbadkc
Now that i know what they plan on doing with it i think its a great idea
Zackattack213
oh yeh another idea for it....... take it out hook up the the analog stick and play zelda
Zackattack213
hurt not heart sorry(only the first one)
Zackattack213
Game idea!!!!!!!!! What if its an on rail shooter. Super intense action that will make your heart pump also loud unexspeced nosies. ether when you get heart or when your heart right is to high ( idk wich) you die so the the idea is to try to keep your heat rate down ( with the when you get hurt one, when your in red your must try and medatat wile playing the game to make your health go back up.
Blue_Vortex
I'll only buy this if nintendo makes a horror game (but we all know that isn't going to happen)
The_Masked_Donut
I'm a Nintendo fanboy, I'm not ashamed to admit it, but even I feel like this idea was made just to confirm all the PS3/360 jokes that were made about the Wii. I suppose there's some ways to use it in gaming, but it just feels weird...
Dakota314
I would think it would be used the way he is describing it for games developed by nintendo, but games from third parties would use it in horror games. I feel a bit apprehensive, but it was the same way with the wii balance board and more recently the wii motion plus. I think this will be a great new feature, as long as they make more games for it, unlike the balance board. Can't wait for more details
Wozman23
Wozman23's comment is abusive and has been removed.
badthai
Remove the cord and make it wireless like the wii remote. It would be pretty handy in those scary game like Resident Evil.
groggy
hmmmmm crazy future application idea: electric shocks for being hit by enemies?
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