The Nintendo Wii set the standard for interactive gaming. The console was a huge hit when released despite the lack of features such as HD support and online play. Wii Sports, despite cartoon looking graphics is very fun to play because of the ability to actually be part of the games whether it is baseball, bowling or boxing.
Sony got into the game as well with their own solution called the ‘Move’ and now Microsoft is itching to get a taste of the action:
Xbox is jumping into the game, following in the footsteps of Sony and their ‘Move’ device, has just released the ‘Kinect.’
Microsoft is taking a big chance with their device in that there are no controllers with the Kinect. It is entirely motion based. Check out the video:
Reviews have generally been positive with some reviews cautioning that some issues may be a roadblock for serious games, but I don’t see this kind of technology targeting serious games. This is being directed at the casual gamer who otherwise doesn’t play video games.
What do you think? Have you used it?
James Brooks says
I haven’t used it, but im super cautious of it, I have the feeling that it isn’t going to be very good.
I hope I am wrong
JayCaruso says
It is hard to determine if it is worth purchasing. $150 is a lot of cheese.
Jon Greenhill says
I agree with James. It seems like a cool concept but the reviews I’ve read say that it sometimes doesn’t recognize you sitting down. I love playing video games but I also like sitting down. The wii you can still play most games sitting. I’m not sure about the move though. We’ll see I guess.
JayCaruso says
Sitting down is cool but at the same time, it seems a good many of these games require you to be standing regardless. The thing I have heard complaints about is the 6-8 feet of distance needed for it to work right. That could cause problems in apartments or homes with small living rooms.
Sam says
It just occurred to me that maybe the marketing departments at Microsoft and Sony did a poor job of naming. A more accurate name for the PS3 “Move” may be the PS3 “Sit” and XBox “Kinect” should be the XBox “Stand”. Not quite as flashy though 🙂
Regardless, we’re considering a purchase of one or the other and I’m leaning towards the PS3 (we only have a Wii currently). The Kinect is radical but I think Sony’s position as a media technology manufacturer and (rumored) alignment with Apple make them a stronger choice (not to mention other concerns already raised about the Kinect). Besides, what if Sony introduced a software upgrade that enabled certain Kinect-like features on the PS3? The gap would narrow quickly.
The other concern I have (as a parent) is the selection of family-friendly titles. Hands-down the Wii has a better selection of such games, but their platform is already aging relative to the others.
JayCaruso says
The reason Xbox gets the edge is the online gaming experience. It’s easy and works very well. It’s one of the benefits of the Xbox being built by Microsoft. It’s just a good thing they didn’t integrate IE into the thing.
Phillip Gibb says
me, no. But if I was going to consider a console then this would be it – looks so much more intuitive (the actions) without external controllers.
I just keep thinking, hmmm imagine editing videos and photos with that interface. ok getting ahead of myself here – interfacing with holographic elements.
JayCaruso says
Ha. You’re looking for ‘Minority Report’ technology!