E3 2009: Sony enters motion-sensing war with PS3 wand
The Wii has MotionPlus, and the Xbox is getting Project Natal. So it was only a matter of time before Sony made it a three-way battle for motion-sensing supremacy by unveiling its own PS3 device. Which is exactly what it did today during its E3 2009 presentation. Meet the PS3 motion-sensing wand.
The Wii has succeeded almost entirely due to its Wii Remote motion-sensing controllers. Sony and Microsoft must have spent the last couple of years feeling sick to the stomach at how Nintendo has dominated due to the simple idea of doing away with a traditional controller and instead using body movements to operate games.
OK, so the original Wii Remote is a bit crap but MotionPlus is set to improve its accuracy when its released later this month. Which meant Sony and Microsoft had to improve on what the Wii is currently offering. Microsoft decided to do this by getting rid of the controller altogether and instead making the player’s body the peripheral.
Sony has taken a different tact. The company unveiled its as-yet unnamed motion-sensing controller at E3 2009 yesterday. The controller is referred to as a wand and it does indeed resemble a magic wand, albeit a little more phallic. It kind-of resembles a microphone crossed with an ice cream cone. Luckily this is just an early prototype which I suspect will change before it’s released in the Spring of 2010.
Unlike Microsoft, Sony demoed the system live on stage rather than relying on video footage. Which would imply it’s more confident the technology is reliable and is further along in development than Project Natal. There was a range of different uses for the EyeToy peripheral demonstrated, many of which you can see in the video below.
It all looks very nice, and the 1:1 accuracy is most impressive. However, it’s wholly underwhelming after Project Natal. Microsoft is pushing the boundaries more by ridding gamers of the need for any controller apart from their limbs while Sony is doing nothing more than developing a slightly enhanced version of the Wii Remote.
There is, however, one thing in Sony’s advantage, and that is the fact this prototype actually works. No matter how many people tell me that Project Natal does all its meant to, I won’t believe it until I see it with my own eyes. If that happens then I think Microsoft has the winner on its hands. Even if it doesn’t actually get released until the Xbox 720 is a reality.
Let the war of the motion-sensing controllers commence.
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June 3rd, 2009
“Unlike Microsoft, Sony demoed the system live on stage rather than relying on video footage.”
Actually Dave, they did demo it live on stage:
youtube.com/watch?v=09-yAnwiIRU
June 3rd, 2009
Here is the entire demo, vice just ricochet. Yes, live on stage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH_gDreIdcM
June 3rd, 2009
Here is the entire demo, vice just ricochet. Yes, live on stage at E3:
youtube.com/watch?v=GH_gDreIdcM
June 3rd, 2009
Dave Parrack:
I agree with you PS3 so far is ruling this.
Not like i care i hate motion controller crap the only thing i like is the sixaxis.
Microsoft is dreaming like always.
I do hope Microsoft makes Project Natal work someday. Since i ahte my Xbox controller this might just be a little better for some games.
I cannot wait to download all those games for Xbox 360 PS2 and PSP gotta love free stuff.
I want a PS4 already… This generation is not about games but just about pride.
Wii’s E3 was so laughable that old lady looks retarded.
And the guy that was talking on E3 for Microsoft was wrong with him. He looked like he has a body problem.
Hideo Kojima was when we saw him at the Xbox conference.
Playing UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves beta in a couple hours OMG i love SCEA.
June 3rd, 2009
SAD MAD FRUSTRATED UNHAPPY
Final Fantasy XIV has me happy too happy and Gran Turismo 5 with NASCAR genius idea.
I wanna see AGENT since Rockstar Games makes only awesome games.
June 3rd, 2009
Dave, what were you smoking? Microsoft did demo it live!
June 3rd, 2009
Good thing FF XIV is on PC. I don’t have to contaminate my living room with a PS3.
June 3rd, 2009
“Anton’s” face at the beginning and end of this demo says it all: “This is so lame compared to Natal, I can’t believe they are making us do this when it is not even close to being ready”. He couldn’t even hit the tennis ball with a tennis racket or a stop sign. Accurate indeed.
June 3rd, 2009
Gotta say Dave, You did get this one spot on regardless though:
“It’s wholly underwhelming after Project Natal. Microsoft is pushing the boundaries more by ridding gamers of the need for any controller apart from their limbs while Sony is doing nothing more than developing a slightly enhanced version of the Wii Remote.”
June 3rd, 2009
I am actually quite excited about this. The accuracy seemed spot on. Imagine playing your FPS like this or even Oblivion.
Project Natal looks pretty cool too, I expect it’s accuracy would be the same though. I think that I would prefer to have something in my hand though than having nothing like Natal. I would feel more realistic.
Going by this, it’s all follow on from Ninty……
June 3rd, 2009
I disagree Carl (personal opinion though) I would prefer to be actually holding something than flailing your empty hands around. I think it would feel more realistic.
I would say they are on par, the only real difference is one uses a tool, the other doesn’t.
But once again, that just personal opinion.
June 3rd, 2009
I imagine you could have an actual sword in your hand and Natal would still be able to read it if you wanted Spidey. You could even scan it into the game if you wanted.
June 3rd, 2009
True, but then your gonna have to go out and buy toy swords, guns, bows, chop sticks. Which means your lounge room becomes a cluttered toy box.
But your right, I did forget about the scanning part.
June 3rd, 2009
Yep, I agree CharlieB. The video showed the kid scanning his skateboard, so if you have any swords lying around the house i am sure you’d be able to do that. Unfortunately for me I only have nunchucks, throwing stars and grenades here.
June 3rd, 2009
No you wouldn’t have to, it would be an option. With these wands you would also have the option to get some type of steering wheel/shift attachment (which it seems you would almost have to get, plus it can’t read your feet as with natal, a regular attachment would work better anyway), sword, gun, bow, or chop stick attachment like already exists with the Wiimote. With Natal I could just take a baseball bat, mop, knife, or something I have already lying around the house if I wanted.
June 3rd, 2009
I would still like to a something a little more custom than finding some old busted bat, mop, knife (bit dangerous) laying around the house.
MS may offer “dummy” items though.
All will be revealed.
June 3rd, 2009
So does anyone know the est. cost of any of this crap yet?
And does anyone actually think its going to make a rats ass bit of difference this generation(serious question)?
I think we(if we buy it) are all going to be kind of testers for shovelware and EA sports games until the next generation when this stuff is packaged with the machines from day one.
My problem with this stuff is thats its so obviously aimed at the ‘casual crowd’ which is fine, but developers need to look at the wii and see what worked and what didn’t.
Peter molynuex(sp?) had a decent idea, but i didn’t like how he mismissed the controller. If they combined a typical controller (at least 8 buttons, a dpad and 2 sticks) with the camera for RPG’s and such they could make an awesome RPG that could tell if you were pissed off or maybe integrate your likeness into the character (facial structure and colours). Or a fable game where the dog would do tricks and the system would gauge if it made you smile/giggle/frown etc.
Just like the Wii and Mario Galaxy, its the little uses of the tech that make the differance, and i know they HAD to show off sports stuff because its the perfect demo of how accurate the thing is, and the painting thing was neat, but i really REALLY do not want to have to shout ‘RELOAD!!!!’ when i want to reload or something because that would just be retarded.
June 3rd, 2009
But that is what i was saying, both the ms and Sony versions could make a sh^it hot version of ie, Oblivion or something like that. Done in a way that even your “gamers” would enjoy playing it.
With this type of “controller” there will always be casual stuff, but it can also be adapted for use in the hard core area.
June 3rd, 2009
Spidey, like we already said, the custom items would be an option as well.
SW, I see it at about the same price as the balance board, about $89.99. The difference Natal brings to the table is the menu nav and outside applications in addition to games. From the demos it doesn’t seem like you would have to shout, and certainly a gesture like a shake of your hand up and down to reload a shotgun would do. I also seeing them making custom settings for the game according to your preferences or present situation. With these settings you could still use a regular controller if you desired for certain functions instead of or in addition to voice recognition or mocap/facial recognition.
June 3rd, 2009
And yes, if they get it out next year and it works as it did during the live stage demo’s and on hands demos after the show, this will make a huge difference this gen and set up the next. I would liken the effect to the way Live made a difference last gen for this one.
June 3rd, 2009
Well, in a year or so we’ll see if ms/sony can leverage the things to make alot of people buy it.
I think MS also has another barrier to get past – they are microsoft and thier image is not a friendly fun one like Nintendo’s. Now I agree that there are applications beyond casual stuffs that natal has, however i can’t say i am interested in navigation because a tool already exists for that and it is very efficient at it – the dpad. Now, if you throw in voice activated short cuts such as ‘play fable 2′ or ‘system memory’ and that would be sweet (not worth $80+ tho).
Anywhoos, congrats to ms for seeming to 1up the competition again, I guess they need to just hope no one manages to ‘clone’(within all the licensing/patents ms has of course) it in time for the next generation…
Oh and the no1. use for natal – if i am ever playing on live I want to be able to lob the virtual V’s. That would bring a tear to my eye.
June 3rd, 2009
I remember when it was only the joystick and a button, then d-pad was superior to the joystick, then analog nubs in addition, so I can see this as an addition or being used by itself. It depends on the game or application and how it is designed, but if it is simple and accurate enough, I can see this being totally superior to a d-pad in both navigation and control, let alone it’s scanning and voice recognition capabilities. Minority report.
June 3rd, 2009
“Spidey, like we already said, the custom items would be an option as well.”
You didn’t say that at all Carl. Your point was u could use household items with Natal, which I agreed with. I said they may release custom items.
June 3rd, 2009
““Anton’s†face at the beginning and end of this demo says it all: “This is so lame compared to Natal, I can’t believe they are making us do this when it is not even close to being readyâ€. He couldn’t even hit the tennis ball with a tennis racket or a stop sign. Accurate indeed.”
Oh yes, that is a true sign of it’s accuracy, as compared to the accuracy of the operator …. I sense a little bias here Carl ??
June 3rd, 2009
“Yep, I agree CharlieB. The video showed the kid scanning his skateboard, so if you have any swords lying around the house i am sure you’d be able to do that. Unfortunately for me I only have nunchucks, throwing stars and grenades here.”
Holy Shit!! I think I almost shit my self laughing.
June 3rd, 2009
“I think we(if we buy it) are all going to be kind of testers for shovelware and EA sports games until the next generation when this stuff is packaged with the machines from day one.”
Microsoft said that the motion control will work with every existing game and every new game coming out. And it’s coming fall 2009.
June 3rd, 2009
um guys… facial mapping was present with the Xbox Live Vision camera… did you people not know that? that is much more advanced than scanning the skateboard…
also keep in mind it is a commercial… why is it that people were skeptical of OnLive and they are head over heals over this camera…
You people piss me off…
June 3rd, 2009
Who has play the Uncharted 2 Multiplayer Beta yet? i was playing yesterday all night.
I have to say that the Uncharted 2 graphics are Amazin.
Kev:
“Producer Dan Greenawalt promised over 400 cars from 50 manufacturers,â€
as they just announce “The PSP GT will feature 800 cars and 35 tracks.â€
The PSP version is pissing all over FORZA 3
PS3 version will aslo feature Nascar, offroad, weather changing, day/night, car damage and more.
I think Natal is pretty awesome but Sony’s Wand I think will work better with most of the games. as one the Sony guys mentioned “Motion w/button works better”
June 3rd, 2009
Gotta say Dave, You did get this one spot on regardless though:
“It’s wholly underwhelming after Project Natal. Microsoft is pushing the boundaries more by ridding gamers of the need for any controller apart from their limbs while Sony is doing nothing more than developing a slightly enhanced version of the Wii Remote.â€
No offence guys, but you are aware that this technology has been around for years – the Eye Toy was released 6 years ago on a last-gen console.
Undoubtedly, the software and what it can do looks intriguing, but the hardware’s not innovative at all.
June 3rd, 2009
I already have the PS Eye. It’s an awesome piece of hardware, it just doesn’t get used as much as it could. Sony’s rough unfinished tech demo, looked better than anything to date on the Wii. I don’t think Sony’s Wiimotes are going to change the world… but if anyone can make a great game that utilizes motion it’s SCE.
June 3rd, 2009
You people are crazy!
The MS Anal thing was crap. Just like Nintendo’s MP. It did not work one to one. Watch the video of the gay sward game again. He swung many times and the screen didn’t follow.
I was way more impressed by Sony’s motion thing then MS. What Sony has is what I wanted the Wii to be but it isn’t.
June 3rd, 2009
I expect any game that needs a controller of some sort will allow the choice to use one (or the ultra nice idea of scanning your own stuff in…..that in itself was an outstanding idea).
Love the way the Sony fanboy club here dissed the Microsoft stuff but find the Sony lash-up the most wonderous thing ever.
Microsoft reveal a true progressive leap verses Sony’s small conservative incremental step.
(and in my view that also pretty much sums up the values of the 2 companies concerned)
True to type as always.
June 3rd, 2009
Happyhockum: Neither was a ‘progressive leap’ – both showed off old technology that had been seen before. The Wii’s application of motion-sensing to home consoles was progressive. Both Sony and MS are now just catching up.
And to be honest, when you say that you consider Sony to always progess with small conservative leaps, you seem to be forgetting that if nothing else, they pioneered Blu-Ray, including a new format in their latest console. The ‘progressive’ Microsoft did what? Brought out an additional drive so that it was HD-DVD compatible. Just in case that took off.
June 3rd, 2009
lol the PS Eye scans objects already. Welcome to the party in 2010, a bit late, but better late then never I suppose.
June 3rd, 2009
Addam
Naaaa, Blu-ray is not an examle of progression, just a conservative development of what was already there.
Sadly for Sony it is going to be bypassed by the true progressive article (digital distribution).
Which has always been what Microsoft favoured (and in many ways why they refused to go all in with HD DVD).
I don’t see Natal as a tarted up Ninty thing either (perhaps that better suits the Sony wand?).
Whole body sensing, facial recognition and voice recognition?
Scanning your own peripherals?
Nothing like what Ninty have been doing and Sony doesn’t come close either.
June 3rd, 2009
Barnabe Jones:
“lol the PS Eye scans objects already.”
Really?
So what games can you play with your own peripherals then Barnabe?
June 3rd, 2009
There are a whole bunch of games on the PSN that you can only play with the PS Eye using motion sensing
June 3rd, 2009
um guys… facial mapping was present with the Xbox Live Vision camera… did you people not know that? that is much more advanced than scanning the skateboard
Oh wow it took a picture of my face and put it in the game. of course I knew that. It aslo looked terrible.
June 3rd, 2009
That’s not what I asked Roca and you know it.
Go on, tell us if you think PS2 & 3 already had/has this, what stuff can you scan in and use as a peripheral in a game?
June 3rd, 2009
Ugh, stop with the blu ray vs’ hd-dvd!
So did MS say it could scan in objects? I tended to skip thru most of the conferences and saw the part where the kid scanned the skate board but I got the impression he was scanning in the pattern to place on his virtual skate board.
June 3rd, 2009
“Love the way the Sony fanboy club here dissed the Microsoft stuff but find the Sony lash-up the most wonderous thing ever.”
I never dissed the Microsoft stuff myself, but Happy you DID diss the Sony stuff while singing the praises of the Microsoft stuff.
I AM HOLIER THAN THOU!
-Arvis
June 3rd, 2009
In all honesty, BOTH motion ideas are complete and utter crap..
The plus on the Sony side is it’s true 1:1 motion sensing
The plus on the MS side is able to nav through menus.
But motions sensing this late into the game, which requires one to put more money into a system…..i think that both are horrible ideas, as im am NOT a fan of wailing neither my empty arms or a wand/wii mote around while playing games…
June 3rd, 2009
“I never dissed the Microsoft stuff myself, but Happy you DID diss the Sony stuff while singing the praises of the Microsoft stuff.”
Thats happyhokum for you, he just loves his MS “servings”…
June 3rd, 2009
“im am NOT a fan of wailing neither my empty arms or a wand/wii mote around while playing games…”
Yeah, this is pretty much my stance on the issue. I think both products are sweet, but I could I do without. I’ll be angry if this sort of thing becomes standard. But as long as it’s simply an alternative to traditional controllers, I’m cool.
-Arvis
June 3rd, 2009
“The plus on the Sony side is it’s true 1:1 motion sensing”
JoJo29
The 360 Motion control was pretty bang on as well. It is what I paid attention to in both 360 and PS3 Confrences. The Wii Motion Plus still did not do it justice.
June 3rd, 2009
Arvis & jojo29
I didn’t diss the Sony stuff.
I merely took Dave’s word for it (cos it seems to be in tune with everything else I’ve read).
“However, it’s wholly underwhelming after Project Natal.
Microsoft is pushing the boundaries more by ridding gamers of the need for any controller apart from their limbs
while Sony is doing nothing more than developing a slightly enhanced version of the Wii Remote.â€
June 3rd, 2009
It was “pretty” bang on, but when you watch the video, there is a noticeable lag when they are waving it…i think the sword part…its not severe but it is noticeable and when it comes to FPS…ANY lag will kill you…
Give credit where its due…you claim to be level headed…bottom line is this:
Sony’s motion sensing presentation was mediocre.
BUT, their saving grace was they did have a true 1:1 motion ratio as they demo’d it live, and the reason the guy kept “missing” was because he is a sorry shot….
MS motion sensing presentation was very good.
BUT, they CANNOT claim a 1:1 ratio<—because you can see its not…just pay attention and you will see a noticeable lag, but not a severe one…enough to make me wonder how well motion is going to be at..
BUT thats not MS fault. That is why the notion of motion controls sickens me. Until they can nail it to pin point accuracy, with great presentation, and implement as naturally as can be, i will NEVER be for motion controls…
So to be fair: Yes, both companies have good offerings, some are more ahead than others, but i think ALL motion controls are utter garbage EQUALLY
June 3rd, 2009
Well Jojo29 I’ll give you that the 360 Motion at times seems to have a very slight delay. But come on the dude was shooting the eye off the TV and for a moment he was targeted properly and shot a few time and it never hit the target until the second try. Even some of the other objects didn’t move when shot and sometimes they did. Also he had the hardest time trying to hit a ball. The 1:1 yes but the physics seem to be still not on point. But I’m sure it’s all a matter of tweaking.
June 3rd, 2009
So apparently the Gametrak Freedom is suppose to make it’s debut at E3 and it slated for release in October. But here is some news about it.
Xbox 360 motion controller dev not afraid of Project Natal
Imagine you work for a small peripheral development studio who’s been working on a motion controller for the Xbox 360 for ages. Now imagine that Microsoft announces their own revolutionary motion control peripheral — one that’s supported by a bazillion dollar technology juggernaut. “Crap in a hat,” you would likely proclaim. However, Performance Designed Products, creators of the long-in-development Game Trak Freedom controller, doesn’t seem daunted by Microsoft’s recently unveiled Project Natal tech.
During our tour of PDP’s E3 booth, we had a chance to ask Senior VP of Marketing John Moore about the manufacturer’s new impressive competition. According to Moore, “we met with Microsoft, and they gave us a heads-up about Natal, so we knew it was coming.” Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. Moore said he thinks “there is still a need and room in the market for interactive peripherals.” Moreover, he claimed “there’s a possibility of using our infrared controller technology and incorporating it into Microsoft’s new product.”
We’ll have our hands-on impressions of the Game Trak Freedom, as well as its bundled software counterpart Squeeballs, within the next couple of days.
June 3rd, 2009
Actually it’s going to sell for $70 on Oct 15. I’m so going to buy this.
June 3rd, 2009
Only fairies carry wands. Are you a fairy?
June 3rd, 2009
Spideydog,
See, “but then your gonna have to go out and buy toy swords, guns, bows, chop sticks.”
and I replied, “No you wouldn’t have to, it would be an option.” Then went on to talking about the wands having the option as well.
As for the accuracy, I totally agree after going back and analyzing the video. The racket was small, and it looked like he honestly did miss it (lack of practice?).
Both of these techs look pretty good and should have some interesting in game options if accepted by developers, and at the very least they would be one more step closer to the holodeck.
June 4th, 2009
Roger that. +10 CarlB
Wizards carry wands Harry, but I’ll be a fairy if you want !!!!
June 4th, 2009
I agree, both tech’s have the potential to delivery some very good motion sensing gaming. We will wait and see how they are delivered ??
Mmmm holodeck ……
June 4th, 2009
I prefer my wizards to have staffs. Long, hard, wooden staffs….
June 4th, 2009
ROFLMAO
June 4th, 2009
The holodeck would be okay, but the nanodeck (indistinguishable from reality nanotech based vice just holograms) is where it’s at. A lot more potential danger to be sure, but it would be for those looking for that extra realistic tactile feedback. I’m not talking about war sims either, if you know what I mean.
harry your sachz are leaking you’re getting so excited.
June 4th, 2009
Imagine if they built a complex, like the size of a football field or alike and made it into a VR area.
Imagine playing Gears, Fallout, Oblivion, UT3 or such in VR !!!?? That would be the shizz
June 4th, 2009
One day, I will invent the holodeck, and when that day comes I will sell licenses to develop at %75 off to porno companies.
Just need to make sure its jizz proof.
June 4th, 2009
The thing I noticed most about the MS demos is what they didn’t show.
They didn’t show the actual scan of the skateboard for selection, but one they’d prepared earlier. Otherwise, the one he scanned would have had his hand as part of the design. The same is true of the Milo video I’ve seen. We saw Milo accept the virtual piece of paper, but no one actually saw what the drawn picture came through like. To the guy wanting to know what games you can use eyetoy scanned in images on. You can scan your face into Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 and 2009 for a start.
The only live demoing I’ve seen of Natal was the Ricochet game with the slight lag. As with every other instance, they haven’t shown anything that let’s us see how motion forwards, backwards and sideways (more than a metre) can be accomplished. Everything was standing on the spot, including the football. Just ask yourself how you are going to cross a battlefield in Natal.
Otherwise, it’s impressive stuff.
June 4th, 2009
You’re all perverted.
-Arvis
June 4th, 2009
So ill be cancelling your order?
June 4th, 2009
>.> ………I never said that.
-Arvis
June 5th, 2009
I’ll take two.