Namco Bandai Patent Wii Remote Drumstick Shells

A patent filed by Namco Bandai outlines a new type of drumming game that uses Wii remote drumstick shells instead of physical drums.

Whilst the patent doesn't specifically mention the Wii, it uses a "remote with accelerometers" inside a plastic shell, and you're banging into a flat surface to simulate drumming. Can that really work? The patent suggests the shells can absorb the shock to prevent damage to the Wii Remotes inside.

There's more to the Wii Remotes than sending signals to the Wii - the accelerometers can be used to detect the angle you're hitting the table. Straight down for a tom tom sound, tilt left for a snare and so on - there are various motions for different sounds and effects.

More information and examples over at Siliconera.