Sony unveils its own motion controller, PlayStation Move

Sony has unveiled its entry in the game console motion controller battle, revealing its add-on will be called PlayStation Move and launch in fall this year.

The controller, which works on the PlayStation 3, looks like an adapted Wii remote and allows users to control their in-game movements with their real-life movements. It comes in a two-piece set, with one part acting like a Wii remote whilst the other controller is similar to the Wii's nunchuk. It offers "a motion-based, high-definition gaming experience unlike anything on the market," which "deliver(s) an innovative and highly immersive experience on the PS3 system," Sony said in a statement. Working in conjunction with the PlayStation Eye camera which monitors the movement, angle, and absolute position of players, the PlayStation Move motion controllers use an in-built motion controller to monitor the movement of the playing with the controller. Complex algorithms then convert these user movements and actions and move and activate game characters in a similar fashion. Games demonstrated so far using the device include a bunch of mini-games such as sword-fighting, and SOCOM 4, a third-person warfare game which will be one of the first to launch with support for Move. Players in SOCOM will be able to point and shoot using the Move controller, though those who have tried the controller suggest its more of a novelty than assistance, and that beginners are more likely to use the technology than hardcore gamers. PlayStation owners will be able to get the new motion controllers in three packages - one with just the standalone Move controller, another package with a PlayStation Eye camera, Move remote and a game, or thirdly, an entire console package with the camera and Move control included. Sony won't comment on individual package prices, only saying that prices will start from US$100.