Abstract: A system and method for controlling a virtual world character utilizing a virtual world character having the same appearance as a handheld controller. The system comprises the handheld controller, a computing device, and a head-mount-display device. The handheld controller is operative to store identity information relating to the appearance of the controller, measure any physical manipulations by a user to generate input information, and transmit this input and identity information to the computing device. The computing device is operative to receive this information from the handheld controller, generate a virtual environment in accordance with the information, and transmit the virtual environment to the head-mount display device. The head-mount display is configured to be worn on the user's head and is operative to determine the position and orientation of the user's head, receive and display the virtual environment.