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DS

The Future of Input Devices on Nintendo Systems

PDP SmartStylus

by Aaron Kaluszka - March 10, 2010, 12:00 am EST

PDP is developing advanced stylus technology for the DS. They plan to release two versions of their SmartStylus product. The first version uses radio communication with a GBA expansion cartridge to transmit information. The stylus includes a rumble motor and light, which turns on depending on what the player is doing in the game, leading to a more tactile experience. They are currently in talks with Nintendo to get the device on the market. The SmartStylus 2 is supposed to include more features, such as motion control, which is already used in their Wii Remote clones for Xbox 360.

The company had a demo of several minigames, which showed off some potential interactions with the stylus. In Avoidance, spiky balls float around and players must move the stylus to avoid them. Coming close to a spiky ball makes the stylus vibrate. In Dark Maze, the screen begins completely black, and touching adjacent squares reveals a maze. Touching walls makes the stylus vibrate. In Keepie Up, players knock a soccer ball up in the air and the stylus vibrates whenever the ball is touched. In Balloon Pop, players must pop balloons while avoiding explosives. As expected, the stylus vibrates when an explosive is detonated. In the final game, Drum Beat, players must hit pieces in a drum set when they light up, and the stylus rumbles with each hit. While these were just basic demos, PDP developed a game to go with their stylus called Squeeballs.

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