XBOX 360 is Microsoft’s current gaming console that has had many transformations since its 2005 debut. From the Core model up to today’s Arcade and Elite consoles Microsoft has continually morphed the XBOX 360 to keep up with their competitor’s new technologies.
Project Natal will compete with Nintendo’s WII and Sony’s PS3 by eliminating the motion controller altogether making it even more user friendly possibly capturing some of the world’s most unanticipated audiences -- The baby boomer generation. Check out Project Natal here.
Just watching this video makes you want to get up and play now. Look out couch potatoes I think Project Natal is just what the doctor ordered. It will get us all up and moving. You don’t even have to know all the moves because it will know yours. How exciting!
Will Nintendo follow suit? Looking at market share they seem to have all audiences covered so I expect them to embrace controller free gaming quickly. My mother, who is 71 years old by the way, and her friends are now avid WII Fit users these days. Taking away the controller and the WII Fit board would go a long way in making some of the more difficult games and features easier for these users. Another example of how this technology will improve the Nintendo WII is that players will no longer need the analog controller that is used with the boxing game and other dual controller dependent favorites. Users find that having to use two controllers makes current game play especially cumbersome. The added freedom of not needing any hand held, tethered or foot stomping devices will also reduce the risk of injury from a fall which is a huge concern for these users not to mention saving endangered TV’s and windows from an unexpected controller escape. Check out the Nintendo WII here.
Sony PlayStation seems to have the most ground to make up in the controller free gaming world that is emerging. Yes the graphics are number one in many gamer’s opinions and wireless controllers are fine when playing Call of Duty but they seem to be limiting themselves to the 17 to 30 year old male audience with their most recent game releases. Yes they beat Microsoft’s console sales by over 50,000 units last year but I think the controller free revolution is just beginning and Sony will have to catch up to stay in the game (Sorry!). Check out PS3 here.
Let’s not forget Microsoft’s XBOX 720 (unofficial name). Microsoft’s next generation gaming system is one of the most anticipated product releases in the gaming world today. Many gamers are asking what new features will be included and also speculate that the games be in 3D. Will it be the product that propels Microsoft to the front of the pack or will Project Natal breathe life back into XBOX 360 making it competitive once again pushing the release of Microsoft’s XBOX 720 out well past 2012? We shall see!
I think this is going to beat out the Wii! best part about…remote free!