Sharp Introduces Prototype VR Controller with Haptic Gloves and Traditional Buttons

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So, Sharp, right? They’re diving into the VR pond over in Japan with this new thing—a prototype VR haptic controller. It’s all about letting you feel stuff in VR, like, actually feel it, even while your thumbs are spazzing out on a button layout that feels pretty normal. Or at least they’re trying to.

Imagine this: you’ve got these multi-segmented tactile whatsits? Things dancing around your fingertips! They’re supposed to make you think you’re touching something smooth, or rough, because ya know, vibrations. But let’s be real—they admit it’s not exactly like you’re petting a dog or running your fingers over sandpaper.

Now, the fun part is, Sharp is saying something like—they’re not gonna just hide in a lab tweaking it until it’s perfect. Nah, they’re dragging us regular folks in early for feedback. Kind of refreshing, maybe a gamble? Anyway—wait, I lost my train of thought—right, they’re actually listening to people. Imagine that in the tech world.

Oh, and the controller—it’s not like those glove-type things where you can wiggle each finger. Not a chance. No force feedback either. Can’t feel hot or cold. It’s a tad basic, but they want it to double as a usual controller with your clicky sticks and buttons.

The track… or wait, the way they track these guys, that’s still a bit of a mystery. Maybe they slap on some mounts for popular trackers? Not crystal clear on that front.

And before I forget, they’re letting a few folks—lucky ducks—get their hands on this thing as part of a test run, but only in Japan right now. Fingers crossed it goes commercial, though who knows. Price tag was like, ¥100,000? Around $680 give or take for you and me. Expensive toy, right? Don’t get your heart set too fast though—development ambivalence is a vibe here. They could pull the plug.

I mean, Sharp’s been around the XR block, more than you’d guess. They were Meta Quest 2’s top display buddy back in the day. Oh! And last year, they teamed up with NTT Docomo on some AR glasses deal called MiRZA. So yeah, they’ve been busy.