The Nintendo Wii Vitality Sensor, first teased at E3 in June 2009, continues to be delayed. Although no firm date has been set for its launch, Nintendo chief Satoru Iwata insists that it will still come to market. The delays, he says, have been caused by the biological variations among people, creating problems for Nintendo in creating a consistent experience for most users.
“This is a totally new type of entertainment,” Iwata told investors, “and there are large individual differences in the biological information of humans. For example, if it was acceptable that only 80% of the users thought the result was natural, then we could propose this to consumers right now. However, we are aiming for a level of quality in which 99% percent of consumers feel comfortable, and that is why this project is taking time to complete.”
Nintendo has patented the device, which uses a light beam and a photodetector to read a person’s well-being based on the amount of hemoglobin it detects in the gamer’s blood. The game detailed in the patent describes an gaming experience where the user compares their relaxed state, versus one that has been heightened by inhaling deeply.
Although Nintendo remains committed to its development, Iwata told investors that, “I cannot clearly say when we will be ready to put this on the market.”
