Novint ships Falcon 3D controller, adds game pack

Novint today at last began shipping the Falcon, its anticipated 3D controller for PC gamers. Allowing for full 3D movement, the desktop device adds a unique tactile element that often has to go overlooked in gamepads, the company claims: textures, weight, and even the individual shapes of objects can be felt in a game to provide immediate feedback. The shipping version will also for some time include several games including sport titles such as basketball and table tennis that include code specially designed to take advantage of the Falcon's touch response.

Listed at $189, the controller currently requires a Windows XP or Vista system with hardware 3D acceleration and a free USB 2.0 port. Game support is currently limited to multiple bundled games as well as a special port of Half-Life 2 that includes drivers for the Falcon's 3D motion abilities, but is expected to grow in the near future.