This new control system is called Gametrak Fusion which will use ultrasonic and radio frequency technology to track controller motion. This system includes a small base unit which goes on the floor in front of the player. Each handset will have an accelerometer embedded in it which is one of the pieces that help track position and orientation.
In2Games says the pieces of their system make it more accurate, flexible and more responsive than the Wii's sensor bar system. Since Gametrak Fusion is all radio frequency, the system isn't affected by lighting and it offers a better range.
Company Managing Director, Elliot Myers gave a demo of Gametrak Fusion with their tennis title to compare it to the Wii's tennis game. The game controlled better and there was detection on top spin and slice hitting. The combination of embedded accelerometer and ultrasonic technology means the game can track the any type or speed of swing, where the player is on the court, the angle of the racket as it hits the ball and the exact arc of the swing for ball trajectory.
In2Games plans on releasing 20 games for their control system spread out over a four year time period. Most of the titles planned so far are sports games including tennis, baseball and golf each will be bundled with the necessary add-on accessory piece. For example a golf game would come with a golf club head piece that attaches to the controller's handset. The system isn't limited to just sports games though, a gun accessory could easily be made for shooters for example.
This all sounds like it will be very expensive but the price is expected to be around USD $60 That's just a bit more than you're paying for a standard wireless Xbox360 controller today. So when can you get one? Right now In2Games is saying their control system will be available around summer/fall of 2007.
