A Virtual Reality Controller Based on the NES Power Glove

Back in 1989, Nintendo launched the Power Glove with hopes of introducing a new and exciting way to play games. Unfortunately, the wearable device never lived up to the hype. As Alessio Cosenza explains, “It was very imprecise, it required ultrasonic sensors fixed to the TV in order to work and it was wired.”

Fast forward 27 years and Cosenza has reimagined the controller for VR with the ability to send 360-degree arm position data, to track finger movements, and to support modern platforms (Windows, Mac OS X, Commodore 64 and Vectrex systems) without the need of wires or extra hardware.

The aptly named “Power Glove Ultra” is equipped with an Adafruit Metro Mini, an Adafruit Bluefruit EZ-Link breakout, and a PowerBoost 500 Charger, all housed inside a 3D-printed plastic attachment. In addition to that, the unit features five flex sensors with 256 possible positions, a Bosch BNO055, a custom upper palm board, and boasts a battery life of about 20 hours.

But that’s not all. Cosenza also hacked a Wiimote Nunchuck — held together by a tennis band on the wrist — to provide complimentary functionality for games that require an analog joystick. It communicates over Bluetooth and can even be used as a standalone gadget.

Ready to spark some NES nostalgia? Head over to the Power Glove Ultra’s page, where you can find more information on the project.