In the run-up to Half-Life: Alyx, TG0 is announcing a brand new VR controller concept that looks to offer more natural input methods without all the extra bulk that comes with the Valve Index controllers. TG0 is launching the etee funding campaign on Kickstarter, beginning April 1, but we'll have to wait until the campaign launches to find out pricing and a scheduled delivery date.

While the Valve Index was the first commercial VR controller to offer full-finger touch inputs, TG0 is hoping its new smaller, lighter and more ergonomic button-free design will present a viable alternative to Valve's own controllers. TG0 is setting etee apart from the pack by capitalizing on natural input, which means the only "traditional" input on the controller is the trackpad on the top. The rest of the controller is filled with capacitive sensors that sense every movement of your hand, from the minor nuances of grip to the individual joints in your fingers, etee sense it all.

"VR games need a controller that moves beyond the stale, TV remote-like devices that are prevalent today. etee takes us away from binary button commands into a new world of gesture, grip and touch-based controls. It delivers richer, more mesmerising interactions: the experience gamers deserve." etee designer Mick Lin

While early VR games relied on more traditional ABXY-type button inputs for interaction, modern VR games like Half-Life: Alyx feature far more natural and intuitive controls that are designed to be pick-up-and-play friendly, even for first-timers of VR. Removing the complications of buttons and joysticks drops the dexterity requirement that some people find challenging (or even physically impossible) and, instead, replaces them with inputs that humans use every single day: their hands. Similarly to the Valve Index controllers, etee has a brace that wraps around the back of your hands so you can let go of the controller without worrying about it flying across the room.