PlayStation Move Motion Controller

$50, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move

Teaches: a perhipheral for PS3 consoles

CTR Rating: 94%

CTR Review

The distinctive look of the Sony Move controller is something that sticks in your mind. It looks more like a microphone or an ice cream cone than a game controller, with a bulb that glows brightly, even in rooms like classrooms. The controller is an essential part of the PlayStation Move system, designed to offer "a motion-based, high-definition gaming experience unlike anything on the market" according to Sony PR. The system consists of a motion controller and an optional motion navigator (comparable to the Wii Nunchuk) that you hold in your second hand, and the $40 PlayStation Eye camera, which is required for the system to work. The system "detects the precise movement, angle, and absolute position in 3D space of the PlayStation Move motion controller." Each controller has a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, a terrestrial magnetic field sensor and a color-changing sphere that is tracked by PlayStation Eye camera. As a result, either fast or subtle motions can be detected, such as for tennis racket swings, painting or throwing a disk. Other features include a very accurate feeling analog trigger and rumble functionality. The PlayStation Eye camera can capture the player's voice or image, enabling augmented reality experiences; giving you some of the features claimed by the Microsoft Xbox Kinect which arrives on store shelves on November 4th.The controllers are powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that lasts about 9 hours, according to Sony. It uses Bluetooth technology, working in concert with the camera's view of the glowing globes, for cable-free play. Prices details are as follows: the PlayStation Move Motion Controller is $50; the PlayStation Eye Camera is $40, and the PlayStation Move navigation controller (the Nunchuk-like device) is $30. You can charge the Move either through a USB cable attached to the PS3, or with a $30 charging station. And most Move enabled or Move enhanced games cost $50 and up. If you want to start from scratch, you can buy an entire sports bundle, with one set of controllers, for $400. Compare that with the $200 price for the Wii, and $300 for the Microsoft Kinect, and you have the makings for a pretty interesting battle for your living room screen. Stay tuned!