Sony's Motion Controller vs. Project Natal

This fall 2 new players will enter the casual gaming sector, Microsoft and Sony. This market, already dominated by the Nintendo Wii, presents an opportunity to broaden their customer profile and a chance to take a share of the multi-billion dollar profits Nintendo have been dominating.

So what approach are Microsoft and Sony taking? This article will provide an overview of the very different hardware both companies are developing and provide a verdict on who I tip to be the most likely to succeed in this lucrative market.

Sony Motion Controller

So here is Sony's choice. A Wii-inspired approach using a 'wand' to translate movement to the console. But the appearance of the controller is where similarity between the 2 sets of hardware mostly ends, as Sony have a different method for tracking users movements. Whereas the Wii remote uses an accelerometer to detect movement (think tipping your iPhone on the side so the screen auto-rotates) and a sensor for pointing, Sony's 'wand' will utilise the PlayStation Eye camera for tracking.

The 'orb' at the end (which is capable of changing colour) is tracked in real time 3D by the camera to determine where the person moves the 'wand'. This highly accurate technique allows for a more accurate field of movement than the Wii equivalent and if the device is blocked behind an object the in-built accelerometer can briefly step-in to ensure the experience is not interrupted.

Recent tech demo's have shown the 'wand' being used as a sword and DualShock 3 as a shield, although it is expected that a Wii Nunchuk-like add-on will be released nearer the time. Although the tracking of the 'wand' is different to the Wii Remote approach, the motion experience is unlikely to be that different to the Wii. Because of this it remains to be seen if Wii owners are likely to migrate over to Sony's console. Having said that, people looking to have the best of both the casual and hardcore gaming market will find the choice hard to ignore (something that the Wii hardware simply does not offer).

Hardware aside, the success of Sony's venture into the causal market will ultimately be determined by the choice of games available. In 2009 the Wii found itself ranked #6 in terms of Metacritic average score for games that year, with the PlayStation 3 #1. This helps to illustrate that perhaps whilst hardware aimed towards casual gaming is very popular amongst consumers, ultimately the software quality is essential to maintain a competitive edge.

Summary:

+ Tech should allow for an accurate translation of movement
+ Low risk option that will offer at least the same level of experience as the Wii
+ Camera will help to immerse players through mixing both visual and movement interaction
+ Playing God of War with a motion controller

- Expensive for people who do not own the camera component already
- Unlikely to attract Wii owners/offer a unique experience

Project Natal

Project Natal was announced June 2009 at E3 and showcased a unique approach to the casual gaming market. By using a sensor that can be positioned either above or under the users TV, the console can map and render a 3D image of them. The player can then interact with a game using there whole body, from head to toe, and even by opening their mouth.

The technology uses an RGB camera and depth sensor, mostly using infrared to read the player even in low light conditions. The peripheral also includes a microphone for voice control of the console and is capable of facial recognition. Uses of this have ranged from speaking "Facebook" to launch the application, to the console signing-in players to there own profile when they step into the room.

Whilst the device sounds like a real life example of the technology used in Minority Report, one specific concern has been raised by journalists lucky enough to try the hardware out regarding lag between player movement and its translation to in-game character. Recent reports have however indicated that rather than having a dedicated processor Microsoft have changed the design to use a portion of the Xbox 360's inbuilt power reducing any induced lag. This will of course restrict the amount of processing power available for each game to use.

Applications of the device at E3 included painting a virtual piece of art, playing sports and practicing Karate. Most impressive however was the interaction with a computer AI called Milo which has been in development since 2001, offering unparalleled experiences between the character and user.

Summary:

+ Unique experience compared to Nintendo's Wii, likely to appeal as an alternative
+ First true controller-less gaming experience
+ No need to purchase several pieces of hardware for multiplayer
+ Playing Street Fighter using your whole body

- Physical presence of a controller hard to replace in some games such as first-person shooters
- Remains to be seen how accurate the device is compared to Sony's motion wand

Final Verdict

If I personally had to bet on one product succeeding this Christmas it would be Sony's Motion Controller. Sony have chosen a similar approach to Nintendo in terms of hardware and therefore will offer both a causal and hardcore gaming experience in one box. I do believe that if Natal works fluidly, and has an affordable price tag, then it perhaps could challenge the Wii to the casual gaming top-spot. Despite this neither will succeed unless they have a decent line-up of games available at launch, and do not become complacent with Wii-like third party games that are sub-par.

To see the 2 devices in action check out the vids below... enjoy!