UDraw GameTablet
UDraw GameTablet
Main page
885290

UDraw GameTablet

logo
Community Hub0 subscribers
What are your thoughts?
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
UDraw GameTablet

The uDraw GameTablet is a gaming graphics tablet released by THQ for the Wii in 2010, and for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2011. It has a pressure-sensitive stylus which allows users to draw and view their creations on screen. The tablet is motion-sensitive through either the Wii Remote or internal accelerometers, which lets users tilt and roll the tablet for various changes in gameplay.

The initial white version of the device was introduced exclusively for the Wii on November 14, 2010. Subsequently, black-colored versions for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii were released a year later on November 15, 2011. The Wii uDraw GameTablet is bundled with an art-based video game, uDraw Studio, while the uDraw GameTablet for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 comes with uDraw Studio: Instant Artist. Additional titles include uDraw Pictionary, Disney Princess: Enchanting Storybooks, Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat, The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns – Again!, SpongeBob SquigglePants and Dood's Big Adventure.

The initial release of the device for the Wii met with some success, but THQ's expanded release of the uDraw for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 has been described as a "disaster". THQ's Chief Financial Officer described 1.4 million unsold units as the primary reason for a revenue shortfall of around $100 million.

THQ discontinued production of the tablet in early February 2012. "THQ has no future commitments or plans to manufacture uDraw hardware," the company told investors. "THQ's strategy is to focus on its premium core and fighting franchises and to expand its digital revenues." Following the eventual collapse of THQ in December 2012, former company president Jason Rubin described the uDraw as one of the "massive mistakes" which had led to the company's demise.

The uDraw GameTablet was developed by THQ as a gaming accessory for the Wii. It was the first drawing device for the seventh generation consoles.[citation needed] After the release of Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for the Nintendo Wii, THQ began development on the uDraw, then called the "Drawn To Life Pal" in reference to the Drawn to Life series. Original plans were to use the tablet for a licensed Drawn to Life game in the same vein as Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition, though no other licensed Drawn to Life games were ever released and the uDraw was never made compatible with any game in the series.

The original uDraw GameTablet has a 4 by 6-inch drawing surface on which users can create free-form drawings and artwork, as well as play games designed specifically for the uDraw GameTablet, using an attached pressure-sensitive stylus pen. The stylus also has a dualfunction seesaw button that emulates the C and Z buttons on the Wii Nunchuk. The Wii Remote docks in the Wii's uDraw GameTablet, which draws power directly from the Wii Remote’s battery. The uDraw GameTablet also takes advantage of the Wii Remote’s motion sensors and tilt movement options, allowing users to control their characters by moving and directing them throughout levels of the game.

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions have a different design in comparison to the original Wii version, including horizontal stylus holders instead of the original's vertical holder, and buttons and directional pads similar to the ones found on the DualShock 3 and Xbox 360 Controllers. Likewise, the PlayStation and Xbox versions use internal accelerometers, although PlayStation-makers Sony have previously released its own motion-sensitive controller, the PlayStation Move, which is not used alongside the uDraw GameTablet. Additionally, the uDraw GameTablet for these consoles feature high definition input, with pinch-and-stretch and rotation features.

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were only produced for 4 months. THQ abandoned uDraw completely during February 2012 to focus on its core adult gaming audience and to regain a profit.

See all
User Avatar
No comments yet.