Nissan Car Controlled by Games Console

If you spent most of your childhood gaming, head buried in a screen, a new campaign for Nissan will speak to you.

Nissan has partnered with Playstation and JLB Design Ltd. to give players a chance to enjoy the game beyond the screen, by unveiling a gaming controller that operates a real life Nissan GT-R.

Fronted by professional racing driver Jann Mardenborough, who incidentally rose to fame after winning the annual GT Academy competition in 2011 – a contest that challenges gamers to transfer their virtual skills to reality – he seemed like the ideal candidate for the campaign.

The spot promotes the launch of Gran Turismo Sport – out Wednesday – and sees Mardenborough visit the Silverstone National Circuit track, where he is handed a standard-looking games console. Only this console controls the Nissan GT-R and allows Mardenborough to reach a top speed of 130mph.

Four robots were fitted inside the car to navigate its steering, transmission, brakes and throttle functions, via the joy stick and console buttons.

“Steering, acceleration and braking were all intelligently configured, allowing for controlled application so I could really get a feel through the corners and hold it steady down the fast straights,” says Mardenborough. “Driving a full-size, remote-control GT-R to 131mph at Silverstone whilst chasing it down in a helicopter was an unforgettable experience. Now that’s innovation that excites!”

And Nissan proves that gaming can be used for good, as this console will be introduced to schools as of next year to encourage primary and secondary students into STEM careers by showcasing the latest that technology has to offer.