Sharp is developing a new haptic controller, aiming for user collaboration to enhance content quality. The company plans to release early versions of the device to consumers in Japan, wiht pre-registrations already closed. The controller is priced at ¥100,000 (approximately $680), though Sharp cautions that advancement or release could be canceled.
The controller, which will be available as a left and right pair, does not support delicate finger tracking like glove-type controllers and lacks force or temperature feedback. Sharp states the prototype will also function as a standard controller,featuring sticks and buttons. The method for tracking the gloves is not yet specified, though sharp indicates it could incorporate mounts for widely adopted tracking standards.
Currently, the device is undergoing presentation experiments, and its commercialization is uncertain, as only renders have been released.Sharp has a history in the XR market, having served as a primary OEM supplier for high-end VR displays and previously being the top display supplier for the Meta Quest 2. In late 2024, Sharp collaborated with NTT Docomo to launch AR glasses named MiRZA.
