The Wii MotionPlus is an expansion device that connects into the bottom of the Wii Remote, where the Nunchuk controller usually plugs in. It allows the Wii Remote to more accurately capture complex motions. According to Nintendo, the Wii Motion Plus sensor supplements the accelerometer and Sensor Bar features of the Wii Remote to enable actions to be rendered identically on the screen in real time. Nintendo has used the term 1:1 (one to one) motions specifically, a feature long sought after for by Nintendo Wii consumers. Thus far, the only Wii game using this new technology is Nintendo's casual style game Wii Sports Resort , a follow up to the massive launch day hit, Wii Sports. It has also been said that Red Steel 2 will also use the Wii MotionPlus accessory.
The Wii Motion Plus was announced by Nintendo in a press release on July 14, 2008 and was revealed the next day at Nintendo's press conference at the E3 Media & Business Summit. The Wii Motion Plus addon will be bundled with the game Wii Sports Resort, which is scheduled for release in Spring 2009. The device will also be available for purchase separately. The Wii MotionPlus will be packaged with a longer version of the Wii Remote Jacket to accommodate the Wii Remote when the expansion is attached.
Wii Motion Plus When attached to the Wii Remote, the unit extends the length of the controller body by approximately 1½ inches. The device features a pass-through expansion port for connecting expansion controllers such as the Nunchuk or Classic Controller. The attachment has a color-coded mechanical slide switch for locking the clip release
Functionality
The Wii MotionPlus incorporates a dual-axis angular rate sensor, which can determine rotational motion. The information captured by the angular rate sensor can be used to distinguish true linear motion from the accelerometer readings, allowing for the capture of more complex movements than is possible with just the Wii Remote itself. The sensor used is an InvenSense IDG-600.
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