Kinect is launched and makes a good start

KINECT, the next step in video game technology was launched across Europe at midnight on Wednesday.  The device, which has been launched by Microsoft and will consequently work for the Xbox 360 is set to compete with the Playstation Move for the PS3 and its main rival in this department, the Nintendo Wii. 

MACHINERY: Can the Kinect change video games forever?

The Kinect system allows gamers to take part in computer games without the need for any wires or controllers.  It overtakes the Wii in this form, as you are likely to require some form of extra device to play games, such as dance mats and steering wheels.  Kinect can detect various gestures and body movements that are made by players and with a camera installed inside the device, upto 48 points on the body of an individual can be picked up.  Whilst this is a fantastic idea, it will be interesting to see what happens when a player needs to make a unnecessary movements – such as stroking your hair or scratching your rear end!

The Xbox 360 menu has also been changed for Kinect users, as the console can be controlled via means of speech instead of touching buttons and using a degree of different battery manufacturers.  This is a major move by Microsoft, who has usurped Sony in recent years for gaming supremacy.  Whilst Xbox Live has been a major success, as have exclusive titles such as Halo and Forza Motorsport, Microsoft have struggled to attack the Nintendo Wii’s dominance of the family, party atmospheric game.

If Kinect does turn out to be a huge success and personally, I think it will be – the longetivity of the Xbox 360 could be increased by at least another three years.  19 titles have been launched with the Kinect and most focus on the fitness and party games that are familiar with the Wii.  Further developments however will be required in this area by the publishers and creators if they are going to outsell the Wii on its strongest area.

Initially, the early signs are good with consoles selling out in various stores across London in its early hours and Microsoft has upped its sales expectations to 5million units between now and the New Year.  Kinect costs £130 to begin with, though it will be more if gamers don’t have the updated version on the Xbox 360 machinery.  It’s a good start, let’s see if it continues.