Onimusha 3 unsheathes katana controller

Game-controller manufacturer Hori Japan is releasing an interesting official tie-in for Capcom's upcoming Onimusha 3. Modeled after a Japanese katana sword, the wireless "Soul Controller" measures three feet, two inches (96.5cm) in length, has gold accents, and even comes with a ceremonial stand. The controller also has a 17 foot (5 meter) range, and will last five hours on three AA batteries.

According to Capcom, the Soul Controller uses a motion-capture device to let players physically emulate the Onimusha series' hack-and-slash swordplay by swinging the sword to attack. (The weight-employing system is similar to one used in baseball-bat game peripherals) The sword will also have a full PS2 controller button array in its hilt, for when gamers get tired.

However, the Soul Controller won't just make gamers' arms sore--at $160 to $190 a pop, it will also likely hurt their pocketbooks.