Before built-in accelerometers, console gaming used to be about how well you could use your thumbs.
I remember playing racing games with people who did not understand this. Trying to get a more precise turn, they would maneuver their virtual cars with their thumbs, entire arms, shoulders, neck, and an uncomfortable smile.
I used to wonder about these people and their inefficient use of their own bodies. It turns out, though, they were just getting ready for the Wii remote.
