Mar 25, 2009 06:00 ET
PDP Unveils New Technology at Game Developers Conference
Motion Sensing Technology and Smart Styluses Provide Gamers a New
Dimension of Game Play
LOS ANGELES --(Business Wire)-- Mar 25, 2009
Performance Designed Products (“PDP”) unveiled its latest technology
that will change the face of gaming, introducing two new products at
this weeks Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.
Gametrak
Freedom is a proprietary and patent-pending ultrasonic 3D motion
sensing technology that delivers performance, increased control and
flexibility. The system is comprised of a base unit, which attaches to
the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft via USB,
and a hand-held controller. Unlike other motion sensing gaming systems,
Gametrak Freedom does not rely on the gamer pointing a controller at
the screen, nor does it restrict the gamer to limited movements. The
system accurately tracks the true 3D position and precise movements of
up to four players anywhere within a given environment. This technology
provides players with total control and unrivaled game play
opportunities.
PDP will launch the Gametrak Freedom exclusively for Xbox 360 in fall
2009. The system will be bundled with “Squeeballs,”
a game specifically developed to showcase the technology. PDP recently
received a worldwide product licensing agreement to publish games for
Xbox 360, and “Squeeballs” is their first Microsoft-approved title.
“Squeeballs” is a collection of over 150 unique challenges that
showcases the capabilities of the controller. In the game, Squeeballs
are toys that are manufactured on a secret island somewhere in the
Pacific. Before the Squeeballs can be sold to children across the world,
they must be fully tested by the players of the game. By using the
controller, players can blow up, cook, slice, bat, bowl, shoot and
bounce the Squeeballs with greater accuracy than is capable with any
other controller.
PDP also unveiled the new revolutionary wireless SmartStylus 1 and 2
devices for the Nintendo DS. The patent-pending SmartStylus 1 and 2
both feature a vibration feedback that players using the stylus will
feel based on movements and commands in the game. The SmartStylus 2 can
include a variety of added features, including LEDs, sound and motion
feedback. With the motion feedback capability, the stylus can now act as
a motion input device, allowing you, for example, to hit a home run by
swinging the stylus off the DS screen. The SmartStylus 1 will launch
this fall and is pending licensing by Nintendo.
“The technologies offered by both the Gametrak Freedom and the
SmartStylus tools are the first of their kind,” said John Moore, senior
vice president of marketing for the California-based PDP. “PDP is
excited to be introducing these new technologies. They will create a new
level of gaming that can be enjoyed by the whole family.”
PDP enjoyed a big year in 2008, with increased sales year over year
compared with 2007. The company will be introducing several new gaming
products in 2009.
About PDP
Performance Designed Products is an industry leader in designing and
manufacturing products for all major video game platforms, including the
Sony PS2, PS3, and PSP; Nintendo Wii, GameCube, and DS; and Microsoft
Xbox and Xbox 360. The company has been supplying video game accessories
to the U.S. market for more than a decade. PDP sells products under a
variety of brands, with sales in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and
throughout Europe. For more information on PDP and its products, visit www.pdp.com.
Patriarch Partners LLC, is a private equity investment firm with offices
in New York, Charlotte, North Carolina and Dallas, Texas. Funds
affiliated with Patriarch manage assets in excess of $6 billion and
include majority and minority ownership positions in more than 70
companies. Founded by Lynn Tilton in 2000, Patriarch provides innovative
financial solutions, strategic direction and operational expertise to
its portfolio companies.
© 2009 Performance Designed Products LLC. Gametrak Freedom, Gametrak,
Squeeballs, and SmartStylus are trademarks of Performance Designed
Products LLC and/or Performance Designed Products Ltd. All Rights
Reserved.
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Moses Anshell
Marina Renneke, 602-254-7312