“The first response is always a ‘wow’ and a double-take when they look at their hand,” said Markus Montandon, lead project developer for the new controller. “People are just so surprised at the difference between this and a simple vibration. Just that sense of connection to something virtual is, I think, what is most surprising.”
Unlike most video game controllers that employ a simple buzzing or “rumble” function similar to a cellphone on vibrate mode, the Reactive Grip controller is equipped with a series of vertical plates that slide up and down during game play. The effect is one that pulls and stretches the palm of the hand to mimic the bouncing suspension of a dune buggy, the kickback of a revolver, the swing of a ball and chain or the stretch of a slingshot…