MICROSOFT SUED FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT IN KINECT CONTROLLER

Microsoft is being sued for patent infringement over motion-sensing technology used in its blockbuster gaming accessory, the Microsoft Kinect. Ohio-based Impulse Technology has filed a complaint alleging that Microsoft’s Kinect controller infringes on seven of its technology patents. One patent referenced in the lawsuit covers “wide variety of games where the movement of a player is tracked in three dimensions…and certain exercise games where the motion of the player is tracked to effect movement of a virtual avatar, and the exertion of the user is monitored, including where the tracking of the player is done by the use of a camera.” A separate patent describes an “education system challenging a subject’s physiologic and kinesthetic systems to synergistically enhance cognitive function.”

Impulse Technology is seeking a permanent injunction to block the import and sale of Microsoft’s Kinect, and it is also suing Electronic Arts, Konami and Sega for developing Xbox 360 games that utilize Kinect and infringe on its patents. Impulse is seeking damages, treble damages, interest, and attorney fees from Microsoft as well. The Kinect motion-based video game controller has been a smash hit for Microsoft, having set numerous sales records since its launch. This past March, Microsoft announced that it had sold 10 million Kinect controllers since the device’s launch just before the holidays last year.

NINTENDO'S IWATA CONFIRMS ONE Wii U CONTROLLER PER CONSOLE

Nintendo's tablet-esque Wii U controller raised a few questions when it was announced at E3. Questions like, "What kind of crazy games are going to use that thing," and "How much will a second controller cost me?" The latter, at least, has been answered. Nothing. You don't need one. Nintendo's Satoru Iwata recently said in an interview that games enlisting more than one Wii U controller aren't being considered just yet -- although they are possible.

Sources are saying Iwata told Diamond Online that the Wii U can technically support multiple screen-controllers, but that additional slabs would be too expensive to sell on their own. Iwata went on to say that the console would ship with only one, and that game developers should design titles under the assumption that each console will use a single Wii U controller. Player two will have to settle for a good 'ol Wiimote, and even Satoru himself admits that there are plenty of those around.

NINTENDO PRESIDENT TALKS ABOUT THE Wii U

Nintendo took some inspiration from the TV remote for its Wii controller, and it apparently thinks its new Wii U controller could well be the "TV remote of the future." That's just one tidbit from All Things D's sitdown with Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who also talked more broadly about the Wii U's new role in the living room.

As evidenced by E3, that will include catering to more hardcore gamers than the Wii did, but Iwata says the Wii U is also an effort to take some of the couch time back from folks playing games on tablets, smartphones or laptops. To that end, Iwata says that Nintendo's mission is to "shorten the distance between people and gaming" and remove some of the barriers involved with console gaming, further adding that it's also trying to "reach out to the people who are not interested in video games."

Though it's not saying much about it, Nintendo's no doubt hoping to win back a few investors as well. As you may have noticed, the company's stock slipped significantly following its E3 announcement and, while it's bounced back a bit since, it's still well off its Wii-fueled heights of recent years.

NINTENDO UNVEILS NEXT GENERATION Wii AT E3

Nintendo just announced the new Wii U at its keynote presentation from the annual E3 conference. As the rumors suggested, the Wii U controller features a 6.2-inch touchscreen centered between a d-pad and an analog stick on the left side and a second analog stick and buttons on the right side. The controller also features a microphone, stereo speakers, a camera, an accelerometer, and even a gyroscope — in fact, the controller can act as a console itself!

Moreover, the controller becomes a second window into the game being played, showing different views of the current scene, plays and options in sports games, items in a players cache. The device looks like a tablet and allows users to play games either on a television or on the controller itself.

Nintendo also stated that all current Wii games will work with Wii U and the new Wii U controller. The console supports High Definition gaming, online gaming much like the solutions offered by Sony and Microsoft, and even social networking integration. Nintendo states that the goal of its Wii U console is to serve the avid gamer and casual gaming communities alike, with a single console. From the look of things, they might just be able to pull it off. The Wii U console will launch in 2012 and pricing has not yet been announced.

PLAYSTATION MOVE REVIEW

Sony Playstation 3's motion controller will be arriving in stores soon.  The Move may look a little silly with the round ball on a stick design, however it does seem to work well.  Depending on what you need the Move can be purchased for as little as $50

Like:
Precision
Launch Library
Design
Ball
Augmented Reality
Price
Charging

Dislike:
Constant Calibration
Button Placement
Touchy XMB

To read the full review, head on over to Kotaku.

NEW XBOX 360 CONTROLLER NO LONGER A RUMOR

The rumored new Microsoft Xbox 360 controller has made an appearance.  Major Nelson has a video up of the controller and we have a picture.  As reported the D-pad turns into a four way directional pad with a twist and more comfortable grips. Oh, and it's silver.

That's the good news...the bad news is it will only be part of a $65 bundle that comes out November 9th. [Major Nelson]

RUMOR: NEW XBOX CONTROLLER COMING

There is a new rumor hitting the game sites that Microsoft will be releasing a new and improved Xbox 360 game controller.  Specifically, the D-pad when rotated ninety degrees will raise up about a quarter of an inch.  This is apparently targeted towards fighting game fans.

There are a lot of questions still to be answered and Microsoft is remaining mum about the whole thing. [Joystiq]