Power Glove

NES-Power-Glove

Power Glove is an accessory for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) that was released in 1989. It is a wearable device that allows players to control video games through hand gestures and movements. The Power Glove was an early example of motion control technology in video gaming, predating modern motion control systems like the Wii Remote.

Development

The Power Glove was developed by Mattel in collaboration with the team at VPL Research, a company known for pioneering virtual reality technologies. The concept behind the Power Glove was to create an interactive gaming experience that went beyond traditional button-pressing controllers. Despite its innovative design, the Power Glove faced numerous challenges during development, including issues with accuracy and responsiveness.

Design and Features

The Power Glove is made of a hard plastic material that covers the back of the hand and forearm. It is equipped with sensors that detect the movements and positions of the user's hand and fingers. These sensors include ultrasonic transmitters and a magnetic field sensor that work together to translate the wearer's gestures into game controls. The glove also features traditional buttons on the forearm section, allowing for more conventional game inputs.

Games

A few games were specifically designed for the Power Glove, including Super Glove Ball and Bad Street Brawler. However, the device could also be used with many standard NES games, albeit with varying degrees of success. The unique control scheme of the Power Glove required players to input specific hand gestures to mimic the actions of a standard controller, which was often seen as cumbersome and imprecise.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, the Power Glove was met with much anticipation and excitement. However, it ultimately failed to live up to expectations due to its lack of precision and the limited number of games that supported its advanced features. Despite its commercial failure, the Power Glove has since become a cult classic among video game enthusiasts and collectors. It is often cited as an early attempt at bringing virtual reality and motion control technologies to the consumer market.

The Power Glove's influence can be seen in later gaming technologies, such as the Wii Remote and the PlayStation Move, which successfully implemented motion control in gaming. Its iconic design and ambitious concept have also made it a popular subject in video game culture and nostalgia.

See Also

• Nintendo Entertainment System
• Virtual Reality
• Motion Control in Video Games