Kinect with your gaming console

Microsoft has pulled the wrappings off their controller-less gaming system called Kinect (formerly known as Project Natal). This slender Xbox 360 add-on contains a camera, audio sensors as well as motion-sensing technology to track your movements and also sports the ability to recognise faces and voices.

According to CNN, Kinect will go on sale in the US on 4 November and will be available globally in time for the December holiday period.

Nintendo 3DS officially unveiled

Nintendo has unveiled its next generation portable gaming system, the 3DS, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) this week.

The 3DS has two displays, one (3.5") screen showcasing the 3D gaming content and another smaller one featuring a touch interface which controls the action in the games.

Nintendo has included two cameras at the back of the device which will allow users to capture pictures in 3D and another camera above the top display, enabling users to take self portraits while they are using the device.

Also new to the DS range is the inclusion of a gyroscope and a motion sensor, allowing for motion-based game controls.

Xbox 360 refurbished

Microsoft also revealed, during its keynote speech at E3 in Los Angeles this week, that it will be releasing a revamped version of the Xbox 360 console. 

The new unit features a new cooling system which incorporates a larger fan and a 45 nm architecture, which should facilitate more energy efficient operation.

In addition it will also feature a removable 250 GB hard drive, 802.11n wireless support, an internal power supply. five USB ports and a Kinect port for compatibility with the upcoming motion control hardware for the console. 

PlayStation Move detailed

During E3 this week Sony gave further insight into its own motion control hardware known as PlayStation Move. 

The company confirmed that the Move controller, also referred to as the Wand, will be available for $49.99 (R380) and the secondary navigation device for $29.99 (R225) upon release. The pair will also be available in a bundle which will include a number of motion control capable games for $99 (R750).

It will be released internationally in September.

Konami announces Neverdead

Konami on Wednesday announced a fantasy horror title game for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 called NeverDead. According to the gaming blog Kotaku, you take the roll of a legendary hero who has to combat various demonic creatures that try to tear you apart.

Unlike other games of this genre though, getting ripped apart will not mean the end of the game, as the hero can pull himself back together again. Rebellion who are the team behind Aliens vs. Predator, are developing the game. NeverDead currently doesn’t have a set release date.

The King of Pop to take to the (virtual) stage again

Ubisoft has announced that they are developing of an interactive game based around the performances of the legendary Michael Jackson.

The game will feature all the famous Michael Jackson songs including Beat It and Billie Jean, as well as a selection of his signature dance moves that players will have to emulate in the game.

Players will also be able to sing along when it is released later in the year for the Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, Nintendo Wii and DS systems. In addition will support the Xbox 360’s Kinect motion-based add-on, as well as the PS3’s PlayStation Move motion-based controller.