subject: Motion Gaming - The Kinect X-box Game Controller And How It Compares To Other Systems [print this page] Gaming consoles and computers have rigidly stuck to their methods of control for decades now. Personal computers have their mice and keyboards, consoles have generally always had the two-pronged game pad, directional pad on the left, buttons on the right. These are tried and tested and feature little in the way of ingenuity, likely from the motto, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." As such, when something new comes out, it truly does make a stir in the gaming community and perhaps beyond. Motion control first became viable in 2006, when the Wii was released to critical acclaim and massive popularity. Coming next is the Kinect X-Box game controller and Playstation Move.
Nintendo based their entire console, the Wii, around motion control and it boomed in popularity, selling millions upon millions and often resulted in shortages around the world. While the games may not be brilliant, the method of taking part has really sold. More intuitive than a heap of buttons, waving the Wiimote and Nunchuk around to carry out actions on the screen is a much simpler task for the less technologically inclined.
Sony is trying to repeat this evolution of game play with their own motion control; the Playstation Move. For all intents and purposes, it's very similar to the Wii's own motion control, though with the enhanced power of the Playstation 3, it's likely the games will be at a much higher definition, allowing developers more freedom. Additionally, the customer base expands from the somewhat casual gamers on the Wii to the core gamers on the PS3.
Microsoft is the true star for this particular array of motion control. They've evolved the system rather than copying it. Removing all handheld peripherals and controllers, Kinect requires nothing much than a camera and the player's body to work.
Microsoft's Kinect
Requiring nothing more than a camera which is placed on top or in front of the player's television, Kinect uses complex calculations to determine the movements of the player. It can differentiate between adults and children, as well as a host of different body parts, such as bones and joints, varying from the limbs to the every digit on their hands. This allows for very complex motion control. The player simply has to perform an action they wish to do ingame; such as pretending to stroke an animal would result in their avatar stroking the virtual animal. The pricing has varied between $100 and $150.
While the price is roughly between $100 and $150, Kinect is somewhat more of a bargain than the other motion control systems. It supports up to four players with a single camera, whereas for the Wii and Playstation Move, it's necessary to buy additional controllers, as well as supply them all with batteries. Kinect requires more power than the USB port can supply it and as such, Microsoft has created a new XBox 360 line called the "Slim". It incorporates a high-powered USB port for Kinect to draw the additional power from. This means owners of the original XBox 360 will need to use another power cable between Kinect and a power socket in order for it to work.
Kinect has shown itself as a step forward in motion control gaming and, with any luck, it will likely pave the way for more new technologies.
