260209 The Wii Hacks

Less to do with nostalgia and more to do with physical console hacks and consumer development this video describes a method for creating a VR like experience using Wii technologies. The simplicity of this concept is beautiful and it is difficult to see how the method will not be developed by Nintendo or one of the other mainstream console producers. It appears to offer the ability to experience seemingly 3D interfaces without the need for any expensive technologies. From viewing the test application featured in this video alone the potential for dramatically increased levels of perceived immersion during play are clear.



This, at face value, appears to be a genuinely new form of control that build on the physical action (perceived) required to become immersed in Wii play. Player physical movement being interpreted by the Wii console and directly changing what is displayed on-screen is integral to the premise of the Wii. racking the line of sight of the user rather than the movement of a limb is the key difference here and will potentially lead to interesting takes on existing game formats such as the first person shooter.