Topic: Nintendo Announces the Wii Vitality Sensor

[Crimm]

The device will measure the body rhythm of the user, to help them "relax."
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=18687

 At their E3 Briefing today, Nintendo announced the Wii Vitality Sensor.  The device attaches to the Wii Remote via the device port, and clips to the user's finger.  It appears similar in form and function to pulse oximeters used in hospitals.  Nintendo states that the device measures the pulse and “…a number of other signals being transmitted by [the userÂ’s] bodies.”  Nintendo President and CEO Satoru Iwata said the Vitality Sensor will provide users feedback about their “bodyÂ’s inner working.”    

No details were offered on how the device could be used for software.  However, Iwata said that it could be a tool to help people relax and lower their heart rate.  Nintendo offered no further details about the project, and it remains unclear what, if any, future plans they have for the Vitality Sensor.

[ThomasO]

An idea would be if the player were in a horror survival game, and the game read how scared the player was, or something.

[Mop it up]

The Japan-only Tetris 64 used a piece of tech similar to this which would cause the game to get easier if your heart rate increased, and it would get more difficult if it went down. There was also an option to swap that function. I wonder if this may be used similarly...

[NWR_DrewMG]

Personal Trainer: Napping

[EasyCure]

An idea would be if the player were in a horror survival game, and the game read how scared the player was, or something.

That'd be pretty cool actually. Does this vitality sensor have anythign to do with the Wii Fit Plus game though?

[DAaaMan64]

I uuhh don't care about this thing. You could only really hold one wiimote while using it.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

It eats FINGERS.

[Caliban]

IT'S OVER 9000?!

[King of Twitch]

One step away from Nintendoxygen

[EasyCure]

I uuhh don't care about this thing. You could only really hold one wiimote while using it.

I read that differnetly at first and got this disturbing image in my head of how gamers get "relaxed"

ew.

[KDR_11k]

No games = no care.

[Kairon]

The Japan-only Tetris 64 used a piece of tech similar to this which would cause the game to get easier if your heart rate increased, and it would get more difficult if it went down. There was also an option to swap that function. I wonder if this may be used similarly...

Wasn't that Bio Tetris?

[Mop it up]

Nope, the game was titled Tetris 64. The mode which used the Bio Sensor accessory was titled Bio Tetris:

[Kairon]

Ah! I never knew that, thanks!

[NWR_pap64]

Now that I got the shock out of the system, the Vitality System could either be the best thing they have ever created or one of the worst. It all boils down to what game they will create around it, which is what stunned me the most at the conference.

Nintendo has always shown games that show off their new technology. The Wii Remote, MotionPlus, the Balance Board  and any game that came with special technology. So when Iwata came in, started talking about immersive gaming and just shows the thing it confused the hell out of me.

I hope the rumored after E3 conference and the Fall Conference dives deep into this new technology and shows something for it. As of now, color me confused and extremely curious.

[Kairon]

I honestly don't think this will be the next big thing, but I can imagine some well-implemented potential in health-oriented titles aimed specifically at the blue ocean market.

[King of Twitch]

Put these pieces together:

Trauma Center series + Wii Vitality + Ubisoft camera + motion+ ...



= 2-player facemapping surgical simulation

[NWR_insanolord]

I've never played Eternal Darkness so I might be wrong, but wouldn't tying the sanity effects in an Eternal Darkness sequel to this be pretty cool?

[DAaaMan64]

I've never played Eternal Darkness so I might be wrong, but wouldn't tying the sanity effects in an Eternal Darkness sequel to this be pretty cool?

Good thinking.

And yes I immediately thought of putting my wiener in it.