ST and PNI Sensors selected for Nintendo's Wii U

USA & SWITZERLAND: STMicroelectronics and PNI Sensor Corp. have announced that Nintendo Co., Ltd. has adopted an advanced sensor solution for Nintendo`s newly launched Wii UTM that includes sensors from ST and PNI.

PNI`s 3-axis geomagnetic sensor, based on proprietary magneto-inductive technology and driven by ST`s ASIC, together with an ST 3-axis accelerometer, enables intuitive motion sensing in gaming applications.

The Wii U supports the need of users to enjoy intuitive motion control that is stable under various environments. The geomagnetic sensor delivers new playability in combination with other sensors. Further, the accelerometer accommodates a wide variety of players` motions in gaming.

"The collaboration of advanced sensing technology and extensive know-how in gaming motion-control from ST, who is leading the MEMS market, and impressive geomagnetic-sensing technology from PNI, has strongly supported Nintendo`s challenge to deliver an entirely new kind of gaming and entertainment experience for consumers around the world," said Genyo Takeda, senior MD, Nintendo.

"Since its launch, the Wii has revolutionized the gaming world and ST has kept its close relationship with Nintendo by reliably delivering  advanced MEMS technology while expanding its expertise in sensors for gaming, its manufacturing capability and its advanced MEMS technologies," said Benedetto Vigna, executive VP and GM, Analog, MEMS & Sensors Group of STMicroelectronics.

"We`re pleased that PNI and ST can play an important role in the development of Nintendo`s latest game console, the Wii U, and will continue to explore avenues that allow ST to demonstrate the value of MEMS."

"We are pleased to have Nintendo, a true pioneer in interactive entertainment, select our geomagnetic sensor for use in the Wii U. And working closely with ST has made this possible," said Becky Oh, PNI Sensor president and CEO. "Our goals are to offer our sensors to customers who need to sense motion despite some magnetic interference, to complement their algorithms, and to react in real time."