New mouse reacts to onscreen game action

By Ryan Nakashima

AP Business Writer

updated 9:40 p.m. ET Jan. 8, 2007

LAS VEGAS - A new mouse expands on technology found in some video game controllers: It reacts to game action on the screen.

The $189 Novint Falcon looks like a floating doorknob attached to a three-way axis that resembles a miniature alien space pod.

A demo at the International Consumer Electronics Show allows users to "feel" around a bumpy sphere or pick up a set of balls with a rubber band. Swinging around the balls creates a strange sensation of weight, before the rubber band snaps.

A first-person shooting game makes one feel the impact when the character whacks a crowbar against a wall, or the recoil from a shotgun when firing at an enemy. It's so real, it's hard not to feel a pang of guilt when splattering foes.

The presale version of the mouse, which costs $189 online, comes with a simple game pack. Shipments start June 18.

Novint Technologies Inc. aims to have standard PC games work with the controller in the future.

"The goal is to work with developers so you can make enablers for games that are on the market," said Novint spokeswoman Sabrina Cook.

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