In a bit of a surprise announcement – one perhaps intended to show-up Microsoft’s E3 press conference (which we’re liveblogging here) – Nintendo today announced a new peripheral for its oh-so-popular console, the Wii.  Rather than a simple wheel attachment like we got with Mario Kart Wii, this new device is called MotionPlus and, according to Nintendo, it will actually improve the motion-sensing capabilities of the Wii Remote.  Unfortunately, details are scarce right now, with Nintendo likely saving some of the most important details (such as its release date, price, etc.) for tomorrow.  However, the small blurb about it today seems to indicate that, if nothing else, Nintendo is listening to its consumers and is looking to offer a solution to some of its console’s rough spots.

“Nintendo's upcoming Wii™ MotionPlus accessory for the revolutionary Wii Remote™ controller again redefines game control, by more quickly and accurately reflecting motions in a 3-D space. The Wii MotionPlus accessory attaches to the end of the Wii Remote and, combined with the accelerometer and the sensor bar, allows for more comprehensive tracking of a player's arm position and orientation, providing players with an unmatched level of precision and immersion,” the short press release reads.  “Every slight movement players make with their wrist or arm is rendered identically in real time on the screen, providing a true 1:1 response in their game play. The Wii MotionPlus accessory reconfirms Nintendo's commitment to making games intuitive and accessible for everyone. Nintendo will reveal more details about the Wii MotionPlus accessory and other topics Tuesday morning at its E3 media briefing.”

While Nintendo seems to think it has the answer to 1:1 controls, it should be noted that the major hurtle in that feat was not poor motion-sensing technology, but the lack of feedback for the player.  No matter how accurately the player’s actions are depicted on-screen, video game consoles lack the ability to make the player actually stop moving when they are met with resistance during, say, a swordfight or something along those lines.  Still, for now, there is nothing more we can really say on the subject until Nintendo reveals more information during their press conference tomorrow (which we should be in attendance for).  Until then, we will continue to follow this story for any new developments and, if we learn anything more, you’ll see it right here.  So be sure to check back at VGGEN often!