RSS Feeds
peripherals
Stix - A Wiimote For Your PC
Posted by Mike Fahey at 12:40 AM on July 2, 2008
This August PC gamers can briefly jump on the motion sensing bandwagon before shrugging and going back to keyboard and mouse control with a new line of vaguely Wiimote-looking controllers from GoLive2. Called Stix, the press release calls them motion-sensing touch-screen controllers, though the lack of an actual screen makes me think they meant touch-sensitive.
"Stix will completely change the way people experience online and PC gaming", said Brian Zheng, President, Plahut. "At purchase, Stix will be compatible with thousands of free online and retail games, and we're adding more games to that list daily. The fun is endless with Stix, and the wide-range of free, supported games makes this product perfect for every member of the family".
The Stix controller will come in two flavours at launch, the 2D motion sensing Stix 200 and the 3D Stix 400, both supported by the online gaming portal at http://Sphere.GoLive2.com.
Getting a Wiimote to work with your PC is really only fun for the novelty of it all. These look more like a me too than anything else. I mean, if I wanted to sit in front of my PC and shake my hand back and forth I'd...nevermind.
GOLIVE2 UNVEILS STIX, A NEW LINE OF WIRELESS, MOTION-SENSING CONTROLLERS SET TO REDEFINE PC GAMING
Compatible with Thousands of Free Online Games, Stix Touch-Screen Controllers Bring Active, Motion-Sensing Gameplay to the PCCITY OF INDUSTRY, CALIF. - July 1, 2008 - GoLive2, the independent gaming division of Playhut, Inc., today introduced Stix, a new line of wireless, motion-sensing gaming controllers for the PC and Internet. Redefining the PC and online gaming experience, Stix are wireless, touch-screen controllers that allow users to play thousands of free Web-based games as well as Games For Windows® titles with an active, motion-sensing play pattern. For the first time, players can abandon their mouse and keyboard to experience online and PC games in an entirely new way! Available at retailers nationwide in August, Stix are designed for players six years and older.
"Stix will completely change the way people experience online and PC gaming," said Brian Zheng, President, Plahut. "At purchase, Stix will be compatible with thousands of free online and retail games, and we're adding more games to that list daily. The fun is endless with Stix, and the wide-range of free, supported games makes this product perfect for every member of the family."
Introducing an unprecedented level of active gameplay to PC gaming, the motion-sensitive Stix are compatible with thousands of existing, free online games. GoLive2 will unveil two versions of the Stix available at launch: Stix 200 and Stix 400. Designed for casual gamers, Stix 200 adds active gameplay to 2D online gaming. Stix 400 is compatible with both 2D and 3D environments for the ultimate online and Games for Windows gaming experience.
As a compliment to the Stix product line, GoLive2 has also launched a free, online game portal called Sphere (http://Sphere.GoLive2.com) that provides hundreds of free games to play with Stix controllers. Sphere consists of both internally-developed games designed exclusively for the Stix as well as hosted games from online game developers that support Stix. Sphere also features a search engine that connects users to thousands of compatible third-party free, online games. In addition, users can configure their favourite PC games to preferred Stix settings. Finally, developers of all skill levels have the ability to create new games that harness the unique Stix gameplay pattern.
Stix will be available at retailers nationwide in August 2008, along with the Sphere companion site (http://Sphere.GoLive2.com).
For more information on the Stix line, visit www.GoLive2.com.
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
DelSource
Posted 1:46 AM 2/7/08
@ArgentAngel @WhiskeyJak: : In that case, Sega should be putting their lawyers in touch with Nintendo:
[homepage.ntlworld.com]
Look familiar? That would be the prototype Sega Dreamcast motion sensing - that's right, motion sensing - wireless gaming remote from about 1999. Clever how Nintendo "invented" it several years later (though it was actually sold to them by Gyration and Bridge Design).
@Llost: And GameTrak have been working on these ideas for applications such as PC gaming since 1989.
But never mind about the facts, eh?
DelSource
Leepox
Posted 1:38 AM 2/7/08
omg another stick to work on under the table!
:D
Leepox
Shachihoko
Posted 1:38 AM 2/7/08
Oh wait till the holiday comes up, Grandma would buy this mistaken remote for poor little Jimmy for Christmas..
Grandma: "Jimmy boy, look what I got for you. <3"
Jimmy: "Oh boy! A present!"
Jimmy tears off the wrapping and find a black pc-remote...
Jimmy: "YAY a super dooper awesum BLACK wii-mo-Waait a minute, what is this?! This is no wii-remote!!1" D=
Shachihoko
Zaxxon Q Blaque
Posted 1:13 AM 2/7/08
Yeah, if Nintendo is gonna sue over the Kama, they're gonna sue over this. >_>
Zaxxon Q Blaque
Salen
Posted 1:12 AM 2/7/08
@ArgentAngel: Yeah, I'm wondering when the Copyright lawyers will descend upon this thing like a plague of locusts wearing colorful plumber outfits.
Salen
Tycoonalex1337
Posted 1:07 AM 2/7/08
I don't like it one bit. Looks like a badly modded Wiimote.
Tycoonalex1337
Llost
Posted 1:04 AM 2/7/08
What??? Now even PC is copying this crap? I don't find the Wii crap, nor the control system, just the flood of crap games that don't take advantage of the control system and barely have any real value. Lets be honest, the Wii controller has not been used in any game (except, in my opinion, resident evil 4) to actually improve on any form of genre. It's proven no better for FPS, TPS, RPG, fighting and whatever. It's a side step and while I do like the diversity it brings it's now being spread over all game consoles and the PC.
I like the controller and the keyboard and mouse, I like the Wii stick too but I'd prefer them all in moderation. I don't want every game on everything to use any one of these input devices solely. I don't see the sudden crave for this stuff, it's not improved anything.
Llost
Shachihoko
Posted 1:04 AM 2/7/08
For a moment I thought Nintendo finally released a black one with a charger, I was jumping for joy until...
I look at the the headline...
and....
the articial....
This is bullcrap....!
*goes off and sulk*
Shachihoko
nick.soapdish
Posted 1:03 AM 2/7/08
One of my friends has had a gryoscopic mouse for his PC for a long time, and loved using it for quite a while, but never for gaming. He always converted back to his standard WASD+mouse very quickly.
It would be interesting to see if they could get some good FPS aiming down, however. It'd be an interesting alternative, especially if it is done well. That said, it probably won't.
nick.soapdish
Zerbrechen
Posted 1:03 AM 2/7/08
@pd771: I have no knowledge of legal matters concerning this, and, the way things usually turn out, you're right.
It's just gotta be aggravating for a company when something like this comes about, though.
"Just look at it!!"
Zerbrechen
arinthel
Posted 1:00 AM 2/7/08
taking into account what muscrat_01 said, this thing is going to need amazing accuracy to compete not only with the wiimote-PC mods, but with keyboard and mouse.
If using a product puts you at an in-game disadvantage, people won't use it.
arinthel
Kaizuden
Posted 12:59 AM 2/7/08
If Nintendo lets them get away with this, what would make that Nyko incident be then?
Kaizuden
muscrat_01
Posted 12:58 AM 2/7/08
The Wiimote can already work on PC...
And there are plenty of games that make sure of it (ala Wiimote HL2 mod)
muscrat_01
QualityJeverage
Posted 12:58 AM 2/7/08
I remember seeing a video of a Half-Life 2 hack with Wii-Mote support, which allowed for some pretty awesome Motion-sensing Crowbar action.
If I were to see that come to fruition, I might consider something like this. Otherwise...eh.
QualityJeverage
pd771
Posted 12:57 AM 2/7/08
@Zerbrechen: Nintendo didn't invent the technology for the wiimote, they just implimented it. This is very similar but in no way claims to be a wiimote. Nintendo would have no case
pd771
KingBroly
Posted 12:57 AM 2/7/08
They're so sued.
KingBroly
Spoony Bard
Posted 12:55 AM 2/7/08
"The fun is endless with Stix"
...
Really?
They're going the 80's toy TV commercial route? Huh. Let's see how that goes.
"Now available in rainbow. Fun for all ages."
Spoony Bard
iNFERN0
Posted 12:55 AM 2/7/08
Does this mean Wii shovelware will make it to the PC? Horray!
iNFERN0
AznSlackerType
Posted 12:55 AM 2/7/08
hehehe the wiimote's blue led(?) blinds me enough when I'm playing in the dark, to such an extent that I've taped over the damn lights, I wonder what I'd do if I had one of these.
AznSlackerType
Zerbrechen
Posted 12:55 AM 2/7/08
@pd771: Maybe in a way that prevents other companies from making things that look exactly like it?
Zerbrechen
JustJake
Posted 12:53 AM 2/7/08
I would have named them the Wagglenator 5000's.
JustJake
The_Rabbit
Posted 12:51 AM 2/7/08
After trying to think up a good fake instruction manual direction involving shoving the Stix far, far up your own ass to attain full value and failing, I'll just say this.
Why?
The_Rabbit
CockroachMan
Posted 12:49 AM 2/7/08
A controller for games that no one cares about!
There are already drivers out there to use the Wiimote with our PC anyway :P
CockroachMan
WhiskeyJak
Posted 12:49 AM 2/7/08
How long before Nintendo sues for patent infringement or something?
WhiskeyJak
Kanik
Posted 12:49 AM 2/7/08
What they should do is create software that lets you map movements to the thing so that it works with EVERYTHING on the PC.
This reminds me of when I tried to get back into PC gaming after being lured by consoles. I thought that by using a lightgun to play TF2 it would be an easy transition.
Kanik
cdammers
Posted 12:48 AM 2/7/08
"Designed for casual gamers, Stix 200 adds active gameplay to 2D online gaming."
Well, that's pretty meaningless. Presumably this version is just a mouse you point at the screen instead of moving on a mat.
"Stix 400 is compatible with both 2D and 3D environments for the ultimate online and Games for Windows gaming experience."
This might be more interesting, but it's still just another peripheral. Even if it's up to Wiimote standards, it's just a Wiimote. It's not like any other novelty control peripheral has taken off on the PC.
cdammers
pd771
Posted 12:47 AM 2/7/08
@ArgentAngel: how can you copyright a goddamn remote?
pd771
geekgrrl
Posted 12:46 AM 2/7/08
they go with my current Antec 900 color scheme. hrm.. do i care about accessorizing that much.. ? naaaahhh.
geekgrrl
ArgentAngel
Posted 12:46 AM 2/7/08
"Vaguely Wiimote-looking"? Don't you mean "copyright infringement looking"?
ArgentAngel
pd771
Posted 12:46 AM 2/7/08
Now if Sony was smart, they'd make a deal with these people to make stix PS3 compatible...
pd771
Dannon
Posted 12:45 AM 2/7/08
You sick bastard....
Dannon
Mike Fahey
Posted 2:21 AM 2/7/08
@furiku: That's not a screen. A touchscreen is a screen that displays images that you can control via touch. This doesn't have a screen. It has a touch-sensitive panel.
Mike Fahey
vaterunser
Posted 2:20 AM 2/7/08
What the hell, who needs that?
All you need to hook up your Wiimote to your PC is a bluetooth adapter, which even allows you to use virtually any Wiimote add-on (as in Nunchuk, Classic Controller, SNES Classic Controller, Hori Arcade Stick, probably even the Guitar Hero controller) on your PC as well...
What a piece of trash, they didn't even try to make it look unique...They could've at least added another button instead of REMOVING at least two buttons (+ and -)...
vaterunser
furiku
Posted 1:56 AM 2/7/08
@ Mike Fahey
I've not seen one of these in real life, but that doesn't look like it has buttons, it looks like one big screen on the whole thing.
Also, I know there isn't really much that can be done with a strap, but c'mon, at least try ffs.
furiku
Lootskin
Posted 2:28 AM 2/7/08
Fappan Gaems.
Lootskin
Llost
Posted 2:27 AM 2/7/08
@DelSource: I never said Wii invented it, I just said I don't want this stuff everywhere.
Llost
Reetesh
Posted 3:31 AM 2/7/08
If this can replace a mouse pointer, then just about any flash game can be played with this.. and it will be used for those PPT presentations too :P
Nice!
Reetesh
bubble-bee
Posted 4:16 AM 2/7/08
Cool... well, something is changing... Nintendo cant do big thing...because its not their design. Or else u would see everyone suing everyone just because of some TV remote controls...that all look the same. LOL Also because it wasnt nintendo creating the motion idea, already existed...
bubble-bee
wonder6oy
Posted 5:02 AM 2/7/08
"Getting a Wiimote to work with your PC is really only fun for the novelty of it all."
Ummm, no, no, no...
I have a script I will be posting tomorrow on Wiili for GlovePIE that might just change your mind on that.
Or not.
I love it, anyway. :-p
Look for the one by wonder6oy (after tomorrow)
:-)
wonder6oy
Chewbenator
Posted 5:16 AM 2/7/08
I wasn't going to click on this, but that last comment made me read the whole things. I don't really know why it did though.
Chewbenator
eli
Posted 6:05 AM 2/7/08
Nice idea, but why pay for it?
If you have a webcam, you'll get it for free in about a month.
[www.camspace.com]
eli
oskarkeo
Posted 7:03 AM 2/7/08
"not to thin, not too thick, it's stix stix stix"
oskarkeo
TStodden
Posted 8:08 AM 2/7/08
The biggest issue will be pricing point... If they're releasing it for more than $65 (the rough cost of a Wiimote + a Bluetooth USB adapter), they're on the losing end since Wii owners can do the same thing cheaper. The only upside that they have would be driver support, since the Wiimote really doesn't have any well developed drivers for PC... yet.
TStodden
atoxic
Posted 1:25 AM 2/7/08
@Llost: 3 words: Johnny Chung Lee: www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/projects/wii/
You can just use any random Wiimote (with or without a Wii, though a Wii on nearby will most probably steal your signal) with a computer that has Bluetooth and a driver you could Google up.
Nintendo lawyers are gonna eat this company up (and get back that $21 million they just lost).
atoxic
ninja_warrior
Posted 12:46 AM 2/7/08
Brian Griffin: "Cut, print..." (you know the rest)
ninja_warrior
crazyorloco
Posted 9:17 AM 2/7/08
@DelSource: ugh...I thought you would have a legitimate source from your post. Instead we get a jpeg. You have no proof that is a motion sensor controller, nor have any articles on it. Never mind the location of the facts, eh?
crazyorloco
Alicia
Posted 4:18 PM 2/7/08
work that stix, work that stix..
Alicia
DelSource
Posted 8:19 PM 2/7/08
@crazyorloco: Can't find the original article for the Sega wand. Never mind, you'll have to settle for searching about Elliot Myers' GameTrak (working on motion sensing remotes since 1989, including for PC gaming), plus Gyration and Bridge Design (they sold Nintendo the Wiimote technology although apparently it looked very different at first - that's where the Sega remote comes in...). There's enough information out there on all three to show that Nintendo were not the first to introduce this stuff to gaming - they didn't even think of it first.
Plus, if you can find it (I can't), I suggest you watch the video on YouTube of that American guy playing a boxing game (just like on WiiSports) using two motion sensing hand controllers he'd designed. In about 1999 I think.
DelSource