December 4, 2012, Seoul – STMicroelectronics (ST), a global MEMS manufacturer, and PNI Sensor Corporation (PNI), a U.S. geomagnetic sensor manufacturer, announced that an advanced sensor solution incorporating ST and PNI sensors has been installed in the recently released Wii U (Wii UTM) by Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Nintendo). This solution enables intuitive motion sensing in game applications by incorporating a PNI 3-axis geomagnetic sensor and an ST 3-axis accelerometer, which are based on PNI's magnetic-induction technology and powered by ST's ASIC.

The Wii U enables gamers to enjoy stable and intuitive motion controls even amidst various changes in the surrounding environment. Magnetic sensors combine with other sensors to provide new gaming enjoyment, while accelerometers accommodate the user's diverse gaming movements.

Genyo Takeda, Head of Integrated Research and Development at Nintendo, said, “The combination of ST’s advanced sensing technology, which leads the MEMS market, extensive know-how in game motion control, and PNI’s outstanding magnetic sensing technology has successfully supported Nintendo’s goal of providing a new dimension of gaming and entertainment to consumers worldwide.”

Benedetto Vigna, General Manager and Senior Vice President of ST’s Analog, MEMS and Sensors business unit, said, “Since the launch of the Wii, the landscape of the gaming world has completely changed. ST has maintained a close relationship with Nintendo by expanding its expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and advanced MEMS technology for gaming sensors, while reliably providing advanced MEMS technology to the company.” “We are pleased that PNI and ST were able to play a significant role in the development of Nintendo’s latest game console, the Wii U, and we will continue to explore areas where the value of ST’s MEMS can be realized,” they stated.

Becky Oh, Chairman and CEO of PNI, stated, “We are pleased that Nintendo, a true pioneer of interactive entertainment, selected our magnetic sensor for the Wii U. Working closely with ST made this possible. Our goal is to supply our sensors to customers who require motion detection, algorithm perfection, and real-time response even in situations involving electromagnetic interference.”