Sharp Reveals VR Controller Prototype Merging Haptic Gloves and Traditional Buttons

So, get this, Sharp’s doing something cool, launching this VR haptic controller in Japan. What’s that, you ask? Basically, it’s like bringing touch into the digital world, sorta like feeling stuff that’s not even there. Sounds wild, right?

Alright, here’s the gist. This thing’s got these crazy “multi-segmented tactile elements” (whatever that means) stuck on your fingertips. They vibrate just enough to make you feel different textures. Think smooth, bumpy—those kinda sensations. Apparently, it’s not like touching the real thing, but, you know, close enough to trick your brain with some tweaking.

They’re not just keeping this under wraps until it’s perfect either. Sharp’s throwing it out there for people to mess around with. Maybe they’ll figure it out together? Who knows.

Anyway, there’s this picture of the controller—left and right set, just like your old-school game controllers. Just don’t expect it to track every little finger move like those glove setups. And, nope, no temperature or force feedback either. Oh, and it’s got buttons and sticks, so it’s not losing its gamer roots.

But wait, there’s a catch. How does the tracking work? Sharp’s talking about needing some fancy “high market share” tracking tools, which sounds like something you’d need a PhD to understand. They’re still experimenting with this whole thing—no real devices, just some slick renders on their site. And, oh, it’s up for grabs in Japan, if it ever comes out. They’re hinting it might not—classic tease.

They had pre-registrations open for a bit—sold at 100 grand yen, that’s like $680-ish to you and me. But, plot twist, they might pull the plug anytime. Classic corporate unpredictability.

And don’t sleep on Sharp. They’ve been doing the XR thing longer than you’d expect. Top display supplier for Meta Quest 2 once upon a time. Plus, they teamed up with NTT Docomo on some AR glasses last year. MiRZA or something. Sharp’s game is strong, no lie.