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Wii Vitality Sensor to launch "not too late" in 2010

Relaxation game in the works; however device could also work in horror game

Nintendo wants to deliver the Wii Vitality Sensor "not too late in the year next year", according to its president Satoru Iwata, marking the first time a release window for the product has been specified.

Iwata also went into further details about the new product, speaking during an investor Q&A.

"A human pulse not only contains information as to how many times a heart beats in a minute, but also various kinds of information such as the condition of automatic nerve," he said.

What Nintendo wants to create for the device first, he continued, is a game with a theme of relaxation; although the sensor also "has great potential for various applications, like measuring how horrified a player is in a horror title."

"What we are trying to propose first is a videogame with a theme of relaxation, which is completely opposite from traditional ones, to enrich the users' lives. Especially among those who are constantly busy.

"I am sure you have experienced not being able to go to bed even when you are so tired after a busy day at work.

"What if you were able to visualise how to unwind and relax, or check the condition of your automatic nerve by simply inserting your finger in the device once a day?"

Such a device could "make a large impact on society" said Iwata, before revealing Nintendo is hoping to make one game of its type once every year, "or every two years at best", which realises something "no one has ever done before".