Every now and then a company decides that a piece of software just isn't enough. No sir, they have to go that extra mile and release some sort of tangible, manipulatable doohickey to let gamers really get into the game. Sometimes the results are spectacular, with Guitar Hero and Rock Band being extremely successful. Other times almost no one notices, a notable example being the amazing but overlooked twin stick controller for Virtua On.

And then there's Steel Battalion. Capcom gets their own shorter-than-grade-school-standards paragraph for that one. Go them.

Now Activision is diving into the deep end of the pool with Tony Hawk: RIDE, which will feature an all new skateboard controller. Yes, it's a skateboard with buttons and motion sensing controls, and it's coming to your PS3. Or Xbox. Or Wii. Whatever, see if we care which version you buy. No wait, we lied! Come back! It's been a long day, I swear we'll behave. Keep reading.

"Tony Hawk: RIDE is a massive step forward for the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing, global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc. "The skateboard controller will redefine sports games by offering players a true skateboarding experience, hands-free, playing with friends and family at home or online in a variety of different locations."

I'm sure you're all asking, "Gee golly Mr. Writer Men, that all sounds great, but how does the thing work?" Well faithful readers, we just don't know. A flashy video with pretty colors was released, but it doesn't contain any footage of the controller actually being used. But don't worry, because whether this thing takes off or goes the way of the Sega Activator, it'll be interesting to watch.

RIDE is set to be released sometime this fall. To check out the promotional video, visit www.thride.com.