Hasta La Gadget!

Among the various new toys exhibited at Tokyo’s 2011 Toy Show, on Happinet’s display stood a virtual ping pong game called High Tension Table Tennis, which operates based on sound and motion sensor technology. Offered in two grip types, shakehand and penhold style, this paddle-shaped cordless novelty toy gives users a realistic virtual experience of playing table tennis wherever they desire.

Using an ultra thin speaker built into the rubber of the paddle, it emits a rhythmic array of sounds that the player uses to play the game. Players rely on this along with their creativity to rally with their invisible opponent and the more they swing with the beat (which is played in three steps), the more the rally builds up. The toy uses motion sensor technology to determine the strength and force of the swing, changing the speed and power of the hit accordingly. This feature enables players to hit smashes which would generate an applause and cheering from a virtual crowd and if carried out successfully, would win them the point.

This game comes in two different modes: Rally Mode and Rhythm Mode, both of which have different levels ranging in difficulty from a short but fun exercise to whose who are determined to sweat as if in a real competition.

Priced at 2,000 yen (equivalent to US $25), this form of exercise is currently limited to only one player. We see this as unfortunate given that an updated version with an added feature where two players are able to link their paddles together and have a virtual match, would perhaps be much more exciting and attract a wider audience.

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