It was only a short time ago that we bought you the news that Sony’s Motion Controller was to be call Arc, and not Wand, Gem or anything else. This news was turned on its head only a day later when Sony appeared to be calling it the rather descriptive name of Motion Controller. Further evidence has now surfaced that the controller is to be named Arc after all, a little big of digging around behind the scenes of the Internet showing that none-other than Sony Computer Entertainment themselves have registered the domain ‘playstationarc.com’

Further to this TheSixthAxis have been told by one developer that Arc is almost certainly the final name of the motion controllers, but shhh thats secret squirrel territory.
parker | 23/01/2010 12:46
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Seems like I’m the only one who doesn’t like this name.
Oh well, it’s only a name, eh? I’m just hoping there is enough software to support the hardware, that makes a purchase worth it.
cc_star | 23/01/2010 12:57
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Personally I’m not fussed, as long as its something that brand-able and not simply Motion Controller
Michael | 23/01/2010 13:33
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Yeah, I agree with you there, CC. I prefer the name ‘Wand’, but ‘Arc’ is fine.
parker | 23/01/2010 15:20
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I understand that the controller needs something brand-able, but Arc just sounds really tacky and generic to me.
I was thinking more along the lines of something that could have an identity? “Dualshock” “Sixaxis” are two obvious examples. If I mentioned those two things, you know what I’m talking about.
If I said “Arc” you may think I’m talking about.. Noah’s Ark, or an Arch..
bunimomike | 23/01/2010 17:30
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You mention “dualshock” or “sixaxis” to anyone who doesn’t have a PS3 and there’s a massive chance they’ll think you’re speaking in tongues and throw holy water in your face. The only reason you feel comfortable with those words is that you’re used to them and how Sony have promoted said hardware. Arc will be synonymous with waving your arms around whilst gaming with the PS3 in the near-future. Or at least, that’s my opinion of things.
theshockwave | 23/01/2010 12:58
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I think it’s a good name. Better than all the others, that’s for sure.
cam the man | 23/01/2010 13:46
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Yes, I prefer arc to wand.
Not that I will be buying it.
Dexter17 | 23/01/2010 15:19
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I thought the wand name was pretty good at first, but the arc certainly blows wand out of the water.
skibadee | 23/01/2010 19:32
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me too I like Arc but not fussed about name that much just hope it is a good product.
jskiddy | 23/01/2010 13:05
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I hate the name if you have some one around you cant say do you want to have a go on my arc it sounds stupid.
Michael | 23/01/2010 13:34
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Wand would be even worse in that situation!
DrFreeman | 23/01/2010 13:51
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But since when did people ever say ‘do you want to have a go on my Wiimote’?
codeman- | 24/01/2010 00:46
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ha ha ha, maybe they should call it knob then…
codeman- | 24/01/2010 00:44
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I don’t like it either. Wand is a lot better imho. Well it’s just a name, let’s hope for a soon release and good games for it. Can’t wait…
ShovellyJoe | 23/01/2010 13:03
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I don’t understand what arc has to do with motion whatsoever? Is it meant to be the line your arm traces when you swing it around or something?
cc_star | 23/01/2010 13:25
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The adverts are going to be like the Bright Dancing TalkTalk ads during last years X Factor aren’t they… that fits in with the glowing spere, and the arc tracing movement quite well
Just as well Sony hardly advertise then
Cjdamon042 | 23/01/2010 14:06
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I imagine that’s something they’ll do, which to be honest I think will work.
However, the advert will also have the usual “Start…Start waving your arms around. Start interacting with games like never before. Start hitting your friends in the face as you swing the controller. The all new PlayStation Arc Motion Controller on PlayStation 3. The game is just the start” crap that all the PS3 adverts have here <_<
BruceyB | 23/01/2010 13:56
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ARC, not a bad name..
They were probably around the premise of Augmented Reality Control… hence arc.
ShovellyJoe | 23/01/2010 14:35
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That makes far more sense than what I said.
endlesscupsoftea | 23/01/2010 14:23
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that screen looks like the computer screens from the terminals in Fallout 3, so that’s how armageddon starts huh ?
looking forward to when the whatever they will call it actually comes out!
hazelam | 23/01/2010 14:47
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so i might get my royalties for my ad idea after all
Rob92 | 23/01/2010 14:59
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Cool, I like the name. Now we need to see some good games and the actual thing in action!
SIR-DARK-HAZE | 23/01/2010 16:01
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i like my name for it, PS Syno controller, do you
bunimomike | 23/01/2010 17:32
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Nope. Can’t say I do. What’s the “Syno” bit mean?
SIR-DARK-HAZE | 23/01/2010 19:04
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its just a anagram of Sony.
bunimomike | 23/01/2010 19:17
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Ah, right. In that case… it’s still pants!
Sorry. When it comes down to it, it really needs to mean something to the potential punter. That’s why I think Nintendo’s “Wii” was a terrible name. GameCube – great name. PlayStation – great name. This is all about them convincing the public that this controller is the dog’s danglies! Arc is a strong enough word to carry that off… and brutally simple to remember. Also, it’s not really used in everyday chat for most people but is a legit word that can be recalled without effort.
SIR-DARK-HAZE | 24/01/2010 00:32
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well thank you
Flash | 23/01/2010 17:33
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To everyone who thinks the name ‘Arc’ is stupid:
There’s nothing worse than someone coming around and you saying, “do you want to have a go on my Wii?”
LOL
seedaripper1973 | 23/01/2010 17:34
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why not the ‘Playstation 1:1′™
jacklum | 23/01/2010 17:34
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Don’t really see why it matters that much what it’s called. Can’t remember the names of controllers ever being a big deal before.
bunimomike | 23/01/2010 17:56
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If you think about it, they are NOT in the same situation as Nintendo. They were pushing the Wii furiously so people understood such a simple word and what Nintendo were on about. Sony have a PS3 already and this is just about the controller. With that in mind, Sony are going to have to double their efforts to even let people know such a controller exists (as oppose to it being bundled since the launch of the PS3 which Nintendo did with theirs). With that in mind, it has to be catchy, punchy, short, and mean something. Ultimately, all of that can be summed up in one word – “marketable”. This is the very reason why it needs to have such a title.
minerwilly | 23/01/2010 19:35
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I just bought EyePet with the camera in anticipation of this . I must remember to hide the game when mates come around ! Havent tried it yet but it looks fun (need more daylight )
stingraz | 23/01/2010 21:43
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Arc sounds childish. Oooh look at me! Ladedah..
. Ok princess, you go buy that arc”
“Where you going?” “oh dude you’ll never guess..Sony just released the arc!” “The arc??!
kevatron400 | 24/01/2010 11:54
Don't call him Kevatron400.
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And playing with your wii doesn’t sound childish?
Rob92 | 24/01/2010 12:18
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Does anyone know if Project Natal is simply gonna be released as Natal? Cause if so, that name is hardly onto a winner.
Aitrus | 25/01/2010 09:55
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Arc is nice, but I still like Tuffcubb’s ifdea with the ‘Swordaxis’ better.
Apnomis | 25/01/2010 15:36
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Interesting evidence in favour of the name, although I still think Microsoft having a mouse called Arc is a strong argument against Sony giving their input device the same name…