Sony Introduces PlayStation Move Motion Control System For PS3

Nintendo has their Wii remote, Microsoft will soon have their Project Natal, and now, Sony has their PlayStation Move. At the GDC '10 conference in San Francisco, the maker of the PS3 decided to cut loose and unveil the "next generation" in console control, though it's really just a sophisticated improvement upon the PlayStation Eye that has been out for a few years now.


The Move motion controller will be compatible only with the PS3 console, offering a motion-based, high-definition gaming experience that is said to be "unlike anything on the market." We kind of doubt it's "unlike" the Wiimote and Project Natal, but we'll let Sony think that they have an all new thing going. Alongside the Move system will be the Move sub-controller, which is meant to be used in conjunction with the standard motion controller and the PS Eye camera. Here's the gist of this thing according to Sony:

"The combination of the PS3 system and PlayStation Eye camera detects the precise movement, angle, and absolute position in 3D space of PlayStation Move motion controller, allowing users to intuitively play the game as if they themselves are within the game. PlayStation Move motion controller delivers unmatched accuracy through its advanced motion sensors, including a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and a terrestrial magnetic field sensor, as well as a color-changing sphere that is tracked by PlayStation Eye camera.  Through PlayStation Move system, both fast and subtle motion can be detected, whether the user is swinging a tennis racket, or painting with a brush. With PlayStation Move motion controller, users can provide direct input through action buttons and an analog trigger, while receiving physical feedback from rumble functionality and visual feedback from the sphere's ability to display a variety of different colors.  Furthermore, PlayStation Eye camera can capture the player's voice or image, enabling augmented reality experiences."

The Move sub-controller (which looks a lot like Nintendo's Nunchuk) is a one-handed controller that is designed to extend the functionality of the Move system, and as with all other wireless PS3 controllers, this one also ships with a built-in lithium-ion battery and Bluetooth. To date, 36 publishers have said that they will support the Move system, with over 20 games that are Move-enabled on the docket for fiscal year 2010. Exact pricing has yet to be determined, but early reports are suggesting a sub-$100 price tag and a near-holiday 2010 release. Sounds about right if we had to guess!