PS3 Informer

Introducing the Gametrak Freedom -- Motion Sensing Controller for PS3

While the PS3 Sixaxis does technically work as a motion-sensing controller, few games have made good use of that input option, and so far the Wii has been the only real motion-sensing show in town. All of that could change, with the advent of third-party motion peripherals like the Gametrak Freedom.

Gametrak Freedom is a new controller that can be used with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. According to the makers of the device, it features proprietary and cutting-edge patent-pending ultrasonic technology, which is used to provide a true motion capture gaming experience. The company brags that unlike the wiimote, Gametrak Freedom accurately tracks the true 3D position and precise movements of up to four players, anywhere within a given environment, giving total control and unrivalled game play opportunities.

While the idea of controlling our existing game library with "ultrasonic precision" might be fun for a couple of minutes, we suspect that we might revert back to the old analogue stick as soon as the first legitimate threat showed up on screen. Even Lair got a patch to re-introduce analogue controls after fans and reviewers balked at the mandatory motion input in the original version of the game.

According to company president Chris Richards, the Gametrak will soon be accompanied by a number of new games that will take full advantage of the new controller: “We are extremely excited to bring this unparalleled technology to 1st Party console manufacturers, as well as 3rd Party Publishers and Developers to further heighten the level of game interaction with the player. We are planning a coordinated launch with other titles from participating publishers and developers that will position PDP’s Gametrak Freedom technology as the standard for the industry.”

So far, the only confirmed title for the controller is Squeeballs, a minigame compilation that will launch some time in 2009. We are not convinced that this new device has much of a chance of catching on, unless major studios and first-party devs start signing up. But hey, you never know.

[Via: Press Release]