The way people interact with games and toys is a simple enough process (push button = reaction), but there is no process on or above this planet that someone won't sit down and declare that they have a better way of doing things. In games, developers have tried a variety of motion controls, ranging from some successes to shoulder bruising agony. For those who declare this little piece of modern science fiction to be too mainstream, there is always another option. Mental domination!
In what could be described as a bizarre mixture of high tech and hipster, various companies have taken it upon themselves to unleash the inner jedi in everyone, usually through a headband that can read brain activity. To say this is a gimmick would be an understatement, since the technology is in that awkward middle stage of technological puberty where it works, but it has a truckload of issues and few people understand it. This means that if a person wants the bragging rights of owning some tech before it becomes public knowledge, now is the time to earn those future conversation points.
From the standpoint of video games, the nia Game Controller is fairly standard. Place the headband upon the noble brow, install any assorted software, and marvel as it sort of does what you want. The main drawback from a video game perspective is that many people enjoy relaxing and zoning out, whereas this controller requires the user to enter a battle of wills with a strip of plastic. Suffice to say, an amusing if odd gimmick, but it has potential. After all, touch screens were merely a fancy idea once upon a time.
For fun and games, the company NeruSky has taken it upon themselves to throw ideas at the wall and see what sticks. Mental exercised, quick gimmicks, controllers of various types are products many people could think of, but the item which will likely make their reputation, for good or ill, would be the Necomimi Brainwave cat ears. The unholy lovechild of a polygraph and cosplay, this item is guaranteed to look rather silly if you walk down the street wearing it, this being a positive to some people. Just don't wear it when a significant other wants a truthful opinion from you.
Finally, the people at Puzzlebox finished up a kickstarter that will bring this technology to the physical world. Being the equivalent of mental training wheels, the people behind this project realized that moving an object with your mind is easier if the object has propellers and a motor. A mind controlled hellicopter might sound like a cheep gimmick for the kids, and it certainly is that, but it can also be seen as the first step towards that cherished dream of controlling kill bots with the power of the mind. In the meantime, having the mental power to scare the cat is a nice start.
While these devices are not likely to move the world, they may be the first step to a future where the mental and the physical unite as one. Or it may lead to a future where those darn kids moan and complain how hard they have it, mowing the lawn while they relax indoors. Either way, it will be entertaining to watch.
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