Project Natal: Xbox 360

Controller-free gaming? Microsoft has developed a new add on peripheral for the Xbox 360 named Project Natal. There is no longer the need to touch a controller, with motion capture, facial recognition and voice recognition. With a release date of late 2010, Microsoft is using this new add on feature to create a "new xbox 360" rather than developing an entirely new system. The motion analysis is so complex that Natal was able to track up to 4 users simultaneously, identifying even individual fingers. This new form of truly interactive entertainment, Microsoft believes is the first real step in the progression of next generation games. Users have the ability, to scan their own equipment for use in game, and are able to control the system entirely via voice command. Microsoft is hopeful that this new form of truly interactive entertainment will revolutionize the gaming marketplace and Xbox 360 will be way ahead of its competitors. Debates have begun to circulate regarding whether or not serious gamers want the removal of controllers, which they have become so accustomed to. With an unofficial retail price of roughly $80, Microsoft is hopeful the low cost will encourage gamers to at least try this new controller free entertainment. Microsoft has also recruited several major game publishers such as Activation and EA, which will begin to develop games that fully utilize the Natal system.