Sony readying Wii-like, two part gamepad?

Sony is developing a unique controller that would help the PS3 offer motion-based games like those found on the Nintendo Wii, GamesIndustry claims. Anonymous sources allege that the gamepad would act as usual in most cases but separate into two distinct parts, each of which would have a built-in accelerometer that recognizes movement. The pad is already said to be in the hands of some companies producing games for the PS3 and would let them implement code to support the controllers in advance.

When if at all the dual-mode pad would be released is unknown, though the July E3 gaming show is the first potential venue for the announcement.

Sony is known to be interested in shadowing Nintendo's approach and reacted to the revelation of the Wii's control system weeks before an earlier E3 with the impromptu addition of motion sensitivity to the PS3's original controller that was shown at the event. It ultimately resulted in the SIXAXIS gamepad that accompanied the PS3's November 2006 launch and was updated in recent months with the Dual Shock 3, which adds force feedback.

Filed under: gaming, gadgets
Other story tags: sony, PS3, Nintendo, Wii, Dual Shock, SIXAXIS