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Sixense/Kickstarter

Stem controllers brings wireless motion tracking to gaming

The STEM controllers can track the movement of your legs, arms and head and reproduce them in-game.

ANYONE WHO HAS ever wanted virtual reality to become, well, a reality will be a step closer to realising it thanks to a new set of controllers.

The Stem controllers, developed by digital control company Sixense, are wireless and use electromagnetic tracking to capture your movement in-game.

Taking the shape of a handle with an analogue stick, a trigger and six buttons, the controllers works in pairs – one for each hand – allowing it to track your legs, arms and head independently. If you move your hand, your character’s hand moves as well.

The makers claim that the controllers can deliver motion gameplay to “virtually any published PC game.” However, games that have been customised to work with it like Portal 2 – which has 14 levels made by Sixense itself – will benefit the most from it.

Although it can be used on its own, the controller is also compatible with the Oculus Rift, the virtual reality headset which is designed to offer an immersive gaming experience.

(Video: Sixensent/YouTube)

The project was originally put up on Kickstarter where it raised over $600,000 (€440,000) back in October. The company will begin shipping the system in July.

Read: Sony announces game-streaming service Playstation Now >

Read: 15 free games to play when you’re feeling bored >

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    Mute nigel foudy
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    Jan 7th 2014, 11:44 PM

    Really cool bit of Tech Absolutely amazing, the possibilities of this thing are unlimited
    You could perform training simulations for surgeons or people with phobias could use it as a safe net for concurring there fears like flying, or even in schools to give kids pre driving lessons without scaring the hell out of driving instructors This is really a gateway to learning things in a new way. And really could be very beneficial to sick kids in hospitals that are bed bound or have allergy conditions and never played catch or been to see the Eiffel Tower or touched a animal. Maybe for a lot of people these things sound silly but with a kids imagination these are real !!!

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    Mute Jack Dermody
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    Jan 8th 2014, 12:11 AM

    Rule of thumb.
    If technology is not used in the porn industry it is probably no good…

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    Mute nigel foudy
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    Jan 8th 2014, 12:39 AM

    If technology is not used in the porn industry it is no good what ?
    Rule of thumb keep your rules to yourself and probably get yourself a woman !

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    Mute David Carino
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    Jan 8th 2014, 1:08 AM

    Was thinking more of playing along side Ronaldo and Messi in FIFA 16 to be honest

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    Mute Newton Martin
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    Jan 8th 2014, 4:54 AM

    Can you imagine using this to play alongside Ronaldo and Messi? You’d actually have to be as good as them to compete. I think I’ll keep my handheld controller and the fact that the game is set up to help me look good.

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    Mute Justin Flynn
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    Jan 7th 2014, 11:21 PM

    Why was my first thought to scratch my balls?

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    Mute Conor McK
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    Jan 7th 2014, 11:15 PM

    One hour of novelty, then it will sit in the box forever.

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    Mute corgarve
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    Jan 7th 2014, 11:03 PM

    Will I be able to put my thumb up and like a post?

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    Mute Kris Mooney
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    Jan 8th 2014, 2:14 AM

    Finally KNIGHTMARE tv show at our fingertips!

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