Summary
It seems thatDisneymay be working on a new and interesting gaming device. Just recently,Disneyfiled a patent that outlines its efforts to build a wearable gaming device with an emphasis on mobility and customization.
There are already popular options in the market for gamers who want a mobile device. For example, theNintento Switch has been hugely successful, offering users an easy solution for those seeking an on-the-go device. The Switch allows users to play a wide range of games in multiple ways. However, Disney seems to be taking a different approach to the idea of a mobile gaming device.
Disney filed a patent for a gaming device that can be worn on the user’s wrist. It’s much larger than something like a fitness watch, and contains a screen and a plethora of customization options. It seems that the device’s theme mainly focuses on Disney’s lineup of superheroes, and may be intended to be used exclusively at Disney’s theme parks.
The device is capable of storing multiple user profiles and is meant to automatically detect a user’s presence, after which it will retrieve the correct user profile. Each profile comes with a set of customization options, including a chosen superhero and its associated abilities, a visual style, a team, a difficulty level, an optional request for helpers in the virtual experience, audio parameters, a ride profile, and more. While a device like theNintendo Switch offers customization opportunitiesas well, Disney’s device seems to have more robust options in some ways.
If the device’s ability to automatically detect a user is true, then a Disney theme park visitor could go from one attraction to the next without needing to carry the device with them. Instead, they can be given a device in line or once they begin the attraction, where their personalized profile will be automatically applied as they attach the device to their wrist. It’s unclear whether this device is meant to be integrated into current Disney theme park attractions, or if it’s intended to be built into future attractions. This development is just one interesting idea inDisney’s long list of innovative creationsfor its theme parks.
Disney is no stranger to investing significant amounts of money to enhancethe experience surrounding its theme parks. With technology continuing to evolve and becoming more intertwined with the daily experience, this may be the natural next step for theme park interactivity. It’s possible that this device will also be sold as an at-home product, where users can take part in various Disney-themed games from the comfort of their homes. It’s also possible that the device will never materialize, as companies file patents all the time that are never actually used, so fans should keep that in mind.
Disney
Disney is a conglomerate and media company that owns a variety of television stations like ABC, Disney Channel, and Disney XD. They are also owners of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises and own the ever-popular Disney theme parks found all around the world.
