X-Box 360ii

In true Microsoft fashion, seeing the success that Nintendo has with their Wii platform, Microsoft will be releasing their own motion sensor device similar to the Wii's controller.

To make theirs stand apart, they will include a microphone and an analogue stick. Now I believe that the little stick on the nunchuck of the Wii qualifies as an analogue stick, so I am guessing that their intention is to combine both devices into one big clunky brick.

Now one of the things that makes the Wii controller so fun, is having the 2 separate controllers, one for each hand, so that you can simulate 2 handed, or legged, activities. If you combine both controllers into one, then all you get is a fancy wireless controller similar to the blue-tooth controller already available for the 360, that you can wave around.

I can just see it now. When you want to crouch, simply lower the controller in a rapid downward motion. When you want to toss a grenade, hold the 'B' button down, and perform a throwing motion with the controller. Remember to not let go your controller, or you may break your nice 60" plasma TV.

I am assuming that the intention of including a microphone in the controller, is to make it easier to play games like American Idol or Garage Band Hero IV. I cannot see it being useful in games like R6V2, if you wanted to, say, issue commands to your teammates, such as "Look out! I tossed a grenade instead of doing a diving crouch!" or "I'm trying to bash this door, but it keeps opening in my face and I dropped a grenade!" or just simply "Un oh! (runs away) GRENADE!". Having to bring the controller to your face, or bring your face to the controller, while you are attempting to perform some sort or evasive or offensive action, could very well result in the poor gamer loosing some teeth from smashing the controller in his or her own face.

Personally, I am lukewarm to the idea of Microsoft having a motion sensing input device, at least until I see an example. If anybody has a link to a picture of one, please post.