Xbox 360 to get wireless sport-themed controllers

By Tim Conneally | Published May 2, 2008, 6:07 PM

Qmotions, the peripheral manufacturing subsidiary of the Actiga Corp. and a maker of controllers unique to individual sports games, will soon be releasing fully Microsoft-endorsed Xbox 360 wireless controllers.

One of these is called the Big Air, a wireless full-sized skateboard deck controller for skate- and snowboarding games. The Big Air will be an updated version of its X-board, which was a PS2 and Xbox peripheral that retailed for $99.99. Its availability is currently only listed as "Spring 2008," but updates are pending.

The market for skateboarding and snowboarding games is not what it was during the turn of the century, with the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and SSX series still early in their life cycles, so the major impetus for pushing such a peripheral may be the popularity of Wii Fit and its balance board, which is more like a scale than a skateboard.

QMotion actually had a fitness-related controller in the last console generation called FunFitness, which was an exercise bike attachment that was compatible with a dozen race games for the Xbox and PS2, but such peripherals have usually proven to be more of a novelty than a phenomenon.

Comments

View comments by with a score of at least

More useless junk.

Score: 0

|

I've actually used the XBoard at a friend's house. It is a very cool device. Being able to stand on a board and be able to change directions by leaning was a lot more realistic than using a standard controller. I could also feel a pretty good workout in my legs after being on it for a while.

I am assuming that you've tried it and didn't like it. If not, I wouldn't make comments like that about something you haven't tried. That would be like me calling you a moron without having to get to know you.

Score: 0

|

They better get out a keyboard, so people don't need 4 hands and both feet to control a simple character.

Score: 0

|

hell yeah son now im gonna get my Madden NFL controller

Score: 0

|

'A pivot from war to peace:' The AMD + Intel armistice, in their own words

An extraordinary day in technology history is recognized by two long-time rivals that mutually decided it's futile to fight anyplace else except the marketplace.

PS3, Xbox to soon get Twitter, Facebook integration

Both Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3 will integrate with Facebook in the near future.

Windows Marketplace for Mobile now available in browser, iTunes' App Store still not

You can now check out what Windows Marketplace for Mobile has to offer without a Windows Phone.

Microsoft damage control after marketer claims Win7 inspired by Mac

Have you ever said anything you wish you could take back? Ever? No? Not even once? Well then, you won't sympathize with a mid-level Microsoft manager today.

Blockbuster's way down, but poised for a comeback

Though it took a serious beating in 2009, Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes says the company can turn it around.

iTunes Preview doesn't go far enough to create Web-based option for store

Apple has rolled out iTunes Preview, a Web interface for browsing iTunes.

PDC 2009 Preview: The move to Office 2010 and Visual Studio 2010

The major focus of Microsoft's conference next week will likely be explaining why two pillars of its software sales strategy deserve to remain where they are.

Dell's first smartphone aids the Android onslaught

Longtime PC leader Dell has finally announced its Android-based smarphone.

After the Intel + AMD armistice: Do we really want a level playing field?

Scott Fulton On Point: One by one, the reasons for us to continue suspending the course toward open and fair competition in IT, are dropping like flies.

FLO TV launches pocketable, smartphone-like TVs

Qualcomm's FLO TV Personal Television made by HTC launches in retail today.

Google acquires Gizmo5, builds IP telephony portfolio

Google Voice today confirmed rumors that it would acquire IP telephony company Gizmo5