From Natal to Kinect: Controller-Free Gaming Finally Unveiled

As expected, Microsoft chose to unveil its latest motion-sensing gaming system at the E3 Expo, or rather at a pre-E3 event. The controller-free gaming project we'd all come to know as Natal is now a reality, confirming many of the rumours we reported back in May. So it's out with the name Natal, and in with the brand new Kinect. The concept is similar to the interactive gaming system already seen in the Nintendo Wii, except that no controller is required as the sensor simply tracks the movement of your body. Plus, the games showcased during the Kinect's presentation echo Nintendo's big Wii hits, with Kinect Sports (Wii Sports/Wii Fit), Kinectimals (Nintendogs), Dance Central (Just Dance) and Joy Ride, an arcade-style racing game.

So after the Sony Move, it's now the Microsoft Kinect that's hot on the heels of Nintendo ... although at least Microsoft has gone a little further than just reworking the design of the controllers.

The Kinect is due for release in November 2010, although there's still no word on price. However, we'd be surprised to see it launch at a higher price than the Wii if Microsoft is hoping to steal some of Nintendo's thunder and boost sales of the Xbox 360.


> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products