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First Look: Razer Hydra PC Gaming Motion Sensing Controller
The Razer Hydra PC Gaming Motion Sensing Controller, much like the recent deluge of alternative input gadgets like Microsoft’s Kinect and Sony’s PlayStation Move, allow for immersive three-dimensional interaction in rich in-game virtual environments. We at the VR-Zone Enrichment Centre take a quick first look at this futuristic magnetic field powered contraption, and after intensive testing with expandable human test subjects of varying intelligence and dexterity in devious scenarios, present our findings later in a full review... for science!
Technical Specifications
(Per controller)
- Thumb-ergonomic analog stick for fluid control
- 4 Hyperesponse action buttons
- Rapid-fire trigger and bumper for faster in-game response
- Non-slip satin grip surface
- True six degree-of-freedom magnetic motion tracking
- Lightweight, anti-tangle braided cable
- Low-power magnetic field, low power consumption
- Ultra precise sensor for 1mm and 1 degree tracking
- No line of sight to controllers required
- Low latency feedback
System Requirements
PC with 35MB free disk space
USB Port
Windows XP/Vista/7
Package Bundle
Valve's award winning Portal 2 PC Game with Sixense MotionPack DLC that features 6 TrueMotion levels that were specifically created for use with the Razer Hydra.
Game Compatibility
Apart from Portal 2, Razer claims out of the box compatibility with 125 titles (see here for the full list).
More Test Subjects Wanted!
Leave a verbose comment below on why you think you will make a good test subject (we will then contact you and you will be videoed and made famous on youtube). And oh, there will be cake.
First Look
The Box
Two gamepad-like controllers tethered to the base station
Base station (on the left a proprietary USB connector to the PC, and on the right for the two controllers). This orb structure generates a magnetic field to map the exact location and orientation of the controllers in the user's hands
FCC approved (so it probably won't cause cancer), made in China and saps USB power (500mA)
Analog Stick and Four Action Buttons on the two controllers. A tad disappointed they were not wireless.
Razer Trademark Green Glow when powered on. SPAAAAACE!
(Credit to budding architect Mervyn Chng for the pretty pictures)
