E3 '08: WiiMotionPlus "precision" addon intro'd

Los Angeles--As the latest NPD sales figures show, the Wii is far and away the most popular console in the US. However, that doesn't mean the platform is immune from criticism. One sore spot with many is the Wii Remote controller, which translates real-world motion into in-game action. Though revolutionary, the remote has been accused of not being as precise as other systems' controllers or the venerable-but-surgical keyboard and mouse.

Though it's never admitted any problems with the Wii remote, Nintendo has announced a new peripheral designed to enhance its "precision". Called the Wii MotionPlus, the addon snaps into the base of the Wii Remote, much like Nyko's litigiously challenged wireless Nunchuck attachment.

According to Nintendo, the Wii MotionPlus "allows for more comprehensive tracking of a player's arm position and orientation" making "every slight movement players make with their wrist or arm...rendered identically in real time on the screen".

Nintendo gave no reason as to why the Wii Remote would need fine-tuning. Nor did it offer any details about the Wii MotionPlus' price or launch date. The company did promise more details during the E3 Media & Business Summit press event.