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Nintendo “Turned Down” Project Natal Tech?
Nintendo was the first video game manufacturer to mass produce and distribute motion control-based gaming with the Wii. But what if the Wii remote had been replaced with alternative motion control later in the console’s lifespan? According to a recently surfaced rumor, Nintendo apparently “turned down” the same technology offered to Microsoft for Project Natal.
According to CVG, a higher-up at Nintendo’s Japan headquarters said that high-ranking company executives were shown the Natal tech at the end of 2007. Allegedly, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata was impressed with Israeli firm 3DV’s motion control technology but ultimately passed on it. Iwata is said to have expressed concern of the mass marketability of such expensive hardware.
"Iwata-San only ever invests in something he can guarantee will work for a Nintendo audience," said the trusted source.
"3DV showed off a camera that detected motion in 3D, and had voice recognition – but Iwata-San was unconvinced he could sell it at a Nintendo price point. He also had some worries around latency during gameplay."
Even though this is just a rumor, we want to take the opportunity to speculate. Do you think Microsoft or Nintendo is better suited to use Natal’s tech in the long run?
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