Logitech-owned 3Dconnexion has announced the SpacePilot 3D Pro, a controller many a gamer and 3D designer would love to see on his desk. On the other hand, we’re sure that they’d also like their hard-earned $500 sitting on the desk next to it as well, but they will have to make a choice.

This controller is as strange as they get, but it might prove to be quite popular with various 3D app users as it comes with an LCD screen and the 6DoF (6 Degrees of Freedom) sensor boasting detecting inputs as small as 4 micrometers. As the sensor’s name also suggests, the 3Dconnexion Cap allows for 6-way navigation (push, pull, twist and tilt) which comes in quite handy in 3D apps. It also packs second-gen QuickView Navigation, 5 dual-function Intelligent Function Keys and 21 programmable keys together with keyboard modifiers Ctrl, Alt, Shift and Escape.

The QVGA LCD screen measures 49.96mm x 37.72mm, whereas the device dimensions are 231mm x 150mm x 58mm (LxWxH). It weighs in at 880g and comes with “advanced wrist rest design”, which judging by the picture might be quite comfy (At $500, it better be. sub.ed.). It seems to be USB 1.1 powered and comes with Windows and Linux support, but strangely no Mac support and the 3 year warranty.

The device is already available priced at $499, but EU residents will quickly find that conversion rates are not solely responsible for such high pricing as with VAT included the device is priced at €593,81.