Are they just messing with us now? The strangest Wii accessory yet

(Credit: Joystiq)

Just when you thought Nintendo Wii accessories couldn't get any more bizarre, along comes a patent filing that has left us speechless. According to the actual online patent page, the proposed inflatable air cushion will have room for a Wii remote and can be used to simulate riding on the back of an animal or being in the driver's seat of a vehicle.

Judging by the rest of the images in the set, the user would be able to plug in a Nunchuk attachment as well. The sample figure drawings also suggest the cushion itself wouldn't be flat but round, allowing the rider to lean in any direction and control onscreen action.

Since this is only news about the filing of a patent, it's tough to speculate when or even if we'll ever see this kind of device used with the Wii. That said, it certainly sparks the debate about whether these accessories are getting out of hand.

What do you think? Would you ever spin around on something like this?

Strangest Wii accessory yet -- photos

(Source: Joystiq)

[sanenazok]

Welcome to the free market. The Wii is such a success that third parties are catching on.

[zgreenwell]

This is a first party patent.

[Fil0403]

No doubt that the Wii is a success, but what exactly makes you mention "third parties"?

[FirstReflections]

Nah - I'd rather just squat and do the same physical motions WITHOUT any sort of cushion/pad to sit on. Thanks Natal!

/sarcasm

[Slick1of2]

Yeah, this is ridiculous.

[Lenman_99]

Just another controller. Good thing they priced the WII lest than a PS3. So you could spend twice as much on controllers over the life of the system. What a scam!!!

[viper396]

What scam? Nobody is holding a gun to your head and forcing you to by this stuff.

Either way, who's the bigger idiot... the people selling the stuff or the people actually buying it?

[PvtPockets]

ride em cowboy

[davinci21]

It's strange to be sure, but there is potential here. Imagine a motorcycle racing game, leaning into the corners and having the wiimote sense it. Then you have a nunchuck for an auxiliary controls. It could be pretty cool if some decent games can take advantage of it.

[jaroslaw_k]

Wow! It is epitome of laziness: control your game with your ass...

[power-user]

hehe!! =D First time I've laughed reading a comment! You just made my day!

[FirstReflections]

We actually already had ass control with the Wii Balance Board and Raving Rabbids TV Party!

[Firehazel]

that's true... lol

[michaelportent]

PvtPockets went exactly where I did when I saw this image: WiiRodeo. It'll be horribly awful and people will still buy it.

[TuesdaysDead]

We should be happy that the Wii is getting more horsepower.

[BlitzBoy1120]

I have a sad feeling this will be used for other purposes.

[Firehazel]

now that i thought about it.. me too... :( ogosh... i hope the homebrew community don't see this...

[InkyRed]

ridiculous or not...i'm willing try out this badboy!!

[KylieMale]

I wouldn't mind playing a "Link's Horseback Training" or even better yet: A wario ware game featuring this... but wait, ... couldn't you just sit on the balance board???

[sav1981]

I am getting tired of the Nintendo and all of its accessories. I already have the gun holder, the punchout gloves, the steering rods, the fishing pole, the tennis racket, the golf club, the lightsaber, and uh.. oh well you get my point. If it wasn't for my kids this system will be punted out the living room. $249 for a gamecube is the biggest ripoff in gaming history.

[Nighteye199]

Learn to say no to your kids. I can't believe anyone would buy all of that crap. All you need is the remote to play all of those games.

[Komidaki]

This is definitely NOT the strangest, does anyone remember the Wii strap-on for that urination simulation game?
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/superpiipii.html

[jaygle]

Does this mean that the Orgasmatron wont be produced ?

[jaygle]

Sorry Woody (no pun intended)

[bboldon]

For the average Wii user this does seem silly. However, there are some clinical applications where this could be useful. People recovering from strokes, TBI's, etc. that have balance issues could benefit from using such a device. I can see where devices such as this one can be very helpful in their PT/KT.

[amitmalik10]

I think its a very good idea. Imagine a GTA game in which you ride a bike and move it around just using your body and use the controller to shoot the opponents. this could really be fun guys.

[tenelkin]

couldn't you just use the wii balance board

[eletain]

I see echos of the 'Harry Potter vibrating broom' toy by Mattel.

http://feministing.com/imageStorage/hpbroomstick.JPG