You might recall wearable gaming accessories a-la NES Powerglove. There were even virtual fighting rings where you stepped in and jump and kick your way through a game.

For the most part, they all sort of fell flat. Powerglove was cool (“it’s so bad, it’s cool”?) and worked with a few games, but overall the controller added more complexity to a game that didn’t really need it.

ForceTek’s XIO (“zee-o”) Virtual Gaming System is not one of those. Consider the description which starts “…advanced exoskeleton technology…” and you know you’re in for something awesome and unique.

First off, it’s exactly what ForceTek says it is. XIO is basically a controller you wear. It looks heavier than it really is. I tried one on and went through a few games at ForceTek’s booth during E3. Throughout the demo, I never really felt the weight of the unit. It’s there because you know there’s something strapped on your arms, but not much beyond that.

The articulated arms allow for some sweet movement. Multiple axis control from wrist twists and bends to arm and elbows. It’s all there in a super cool cyber suit sort of way. You can program certain movements like a macro, but I didn’t get too much into it.

I had this fear that XIO controls would be too loose, but really it wasn’t. There’s a subtle resistance to the articulated movements and that does lend itself to some precise controls in boxing games and shooters. The precision was really evident in a flight combat game that was part of another demo. I wasn’t really sure, but it looked like Ace Combat.

There are buttons on a bar that you grip/slip your hand into. These buttons allow for primary fire and other functions. In our shooter demo, it was like pulling a trigger with an expected rumble/feedback. Nothing more satisfying than chucking a grenade though.

The gaming applications for XIO are pretty freakin’ exciting. I’m totally jazzed up to see it coming soon. Expect pricing to be up there along the likes of premium controllers (Rockband/Guitar Hero, arcade fighting sticks, etc), but you should find the investment worthy if not just plain freakin’ fun.

Unlike other gimmick controllers, I really think that XIO can improve your performance overall. There’s a solid mix of precision and fun here to pull it off.

There’s a lot of room for future upgrades too and the ForceTek guys we spoke with brainstormed about possible improvements like more feedback and maybe even pressure feedback in your arms and such.

Besides, what’s cooler than feeling like this:

Correct answer: Nothing.

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