It Came From E3: Hardware

A bunch of new hardware has been recently shown, here's some pics and a brief explanation of each device.

Microsoft:
HD-DVD Drive

Alright this is the much speculated HD-DVD Drive. It's design closely follows the 360 "inhale" theme. Same colour (Shocker!) It's also got 2 USB ports on the back, a Firewire port and (logically) a power port. It's also able to go horizontally or vertically, just like your system! It comes bundled with that expensive remote noone bothered to get, but here's the best part: It plays HD-DVDs!

The Wireless Headset

This is the new wireless headset. It's shorter and suposedly has better sound reception. I'm not a big fan of the ear humping design (always found it kinda painful), but I'm sure many people'll prefer it over the headstrap. 4 can be used with 4 controlers and will not interfere with one another.

The Wireless Steering Wheel


And here's the wireless steering wheel. I'm pretty sure you're supposed to strap it to a desk or table or upper body, but it looks like it needs something to hold it down which kinda keeps the tether the wirelessness is trying to break. Button layout looks decent, pedals for the floor. It loks like the slot for the headset is leaning to the wireless headset. I don't think the wires is long enough if you're at a (long) arm's length. It will also take the same batteries that are in your wireless controllers so getting a quick charge kit may be for the best.

The Xbox Live Vision

Last up for Bill and co is the Xbox Live Vision, a neat little webcam that allows gesture gaming (flailing your arms), video chat, and face implementation along with a myriad of other features. The camera will pop into a USB port and work with many games to come. Uno already works with it (if you can get a camera somehow), but look for more support for this later in the year.

Sony

The "DualShake" Controller

Alright it's hard to call this new hardware since it looks identical to their old design and it's only new feature is ripping off Nintendo, but it's new nonetheless. The new controller features motion sensitivity (courtesy of Nintendo), a new center guide button and more "trigger like" R2/L2 buttons (courtesy of Microsoft), and a design from back in the grand old day of 1994 (courtesy of... themselves...).


Nintendo
The New Wiimote

Not much change in the Wiimote, but enough to make it noteworthy. A few buttons have been relabled to avoid confusion (a and b are now 1/2). The biggest change though is the addition of a Microphone and a Speaker in the center, enabling great immersion possibilities. For example, when you fire Zelda's bow it'll "twang" in the Wiimote and "Thuck" on the TV. I'm sure voice chat is also obvious, but it'll be up to individual developers to innovate with this tool.

The Wiimote "Shell"

While the initial predesigns showed the Wiimote slotting into a larger shell the new model is actually an add-on just like the Nunchaku. This is a simple controller that provides a way for the Wii to recieve cross-platform ports with ease. The only problem is that if this isn't bundled with the system at launch many gamers may not feel like shelling (sorry) out extra cash.

The Wii-Wii Gun

Much like that fan design we all remember Nintendo's taken a page from their own history book and made this Zapper replica. The Wiimote slides in the tip, with an analogue stick on the back for moving (or fleeing) around. Looks big enough not to feel cramped, but still small enough not to be heavy. This is something I'd feel proud doing a rolling shot with.