We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.

The Future of Input Devices on Nintendo Systems

Kionix Accelerometers

by Aaron Kaluszka - March 10, 2010, 12:00 am EST

Kionix manufactures accelerometers, much like those found in the Wii Remote to perform motion detection. Kionix also produces Wii Nunchuk-like devices for developers experimenting with motion control, and were in talks with Nintendo to be one of the providers for the accelerometers on the Wii controllers. The company also provided the accelerometers for the motion-sensitive DS game Tony Hawk's Motion.

Kionix showed off a demo of their latest chip for the DS. Besides tilt motion, this chip could also detect taps on the console. The demo contained an image that would move to a given side of the screen once the opposite side of the DS was double-tapped. Though the current iteration relies on a GBA expansion cartridge, the chips are small enough that they could be incorporated directly into a DS card for DSi compatibility.

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement