It’s only a matter of hours before Microsoft is set to hold its E3 press conference (where a Wii Remote-alike controller for the Xbox 360 is much rumoured), but Nintendo has jumped in ahead with the announcement of an exciting add-on that improves the functionality of the Wii Remote to allow 1:1 action - say hello to the Wii MotionPlus.

Nintendo’s official press announcement reads:

Nintendo’s upcoming Wii MotionPlus accessory for the revolutionary Wii Remote controller again redefines game control, by more quickly and accurately reflecting motions in a 3-D space.

The Wii MotionPlus accessory attaches to the end of the Wii Remote and, combined with the accelerometer and the sensor bar, allows for more comprehensive tracking of a player’s arm position and orientation, providing players with an unmatched level of precision and immersion.

Every slight movement players make with their wrist or arm is rendered identically in real time on the screen, providing a true 1:1 response in their game play. The Wii MotionPlus accessory reconfirms Nintendo’s commitment to making games intuitive and accessible for everyone.

Nintendo will reveal more details about the Wii MotionPlus accessory and other topics Tuesday morning at its E3 media briefing.

The announcement means that real 1:1 motion-controlled gameplay (swinging a Light Saber in Star Wars, or a sword in Final Fantasy etc.), previously thought to be beyond the realms of impossibility on the Nintendo Wii, may now very much be possible.