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Before specifics of Nintendo's Wii were finally clarified before its original launch, the console's motion sensing would be a subject of debate and anticipation.  The Wiimote offered the possibility of realtime tracking of player's motions, in addition to expected "pointing" and "shaking" (gesture reading).  As it turned out, only the final two features would be fully realized in the Wiimote, though it was believed that developers could incorporate something close to 1:1 motion sensing if they tried really hard.  In any case, this will soon change with a very intriguing new solution.

Nintendo itself announces the "Wii MotionPlus", a peripheral which attaches to the bottom of the Wiimote.  The Wii MotionPlus theoretically allows for "true 1:1 response" in motion sensing, assuming the software is designed to take advantage of the feature in the first place.  Combined with the Wiimote's built-in accelerometer and the console's sensor bar, the attachment supposedly brings us closer to motion sensing in a 3D space; the Wiimote will better interpret realtime movements of the player's arms and hands, instead of relying only on gestures.

In other words, the Wiimote might be on its way to being more than a glorified air mouse for consoles.  Admittedly, it's hard to envision an add-on suddenly opening the doors to "true" 1:1 motion sensing on the Wii, or any games console at the moment.  The MSRP (not yet announced at time of writing) could give us a better idea of what level of tech is being offered.  It remains to be seen if developers are up to the challenge of adapting 1:1 motion sensing for their Wii games, but there are additional challenges that this feature faces outside of the realm of games production as well.  Remember all the folks who injured themselves and/or incurred property damage with the Wiimote while playing Wii Sports because they were too closely mimicking the actions required of the actual sports during gameplay?

Aww, the Wii MotionPlus attachment even has its own jacket to match the Wiimote's.