Understanding The Xbox Kinect Console

What we’re hearing in gaming these days is that the Xbox Kinect console is the new revolution in gaming control. This may or may not be the case. What really counts is the games. Virtual reality was supposed to be the next big thing, but as we saw with the Virtual Boy: No games, no revolution. But what exactly is the Kinect? Let’s find out.

What Is This Thing?

The Xbox Kinect is a new controller concept that allows a more seamless integration of player and game than ever before. The idea is essentially controllerless control. In other words, you just stand in the middle of your living room and respond to the game, and the game does what you do. If the games deliver on the promise of the Kinect concept, then this may well be the biggest thing to hit gaming since Super Mario Bros. In the mid eighties. It’s really a step up above the Wii, which only tracks the movement of the Wiimotes, not the entire human body.

How Did This Start?

It’s safe to say that Project Natal (the working title of the concept) was developed as a direct response to the Nintendo Wiimote. When this controller was unveiled to the public, both Sony and Microsoft knew they had to respond. Sony’s quick fix solution was to stuff a motion sensor into their existing controller and offer the poor man’s Wiimote, except that, since these sensors were poorly integrated, very few developers bothered making use of them. Microsoft was smarter. They took their time, knowing that, upon release, and providing that the developers of the games took advantage, that the Kinect would not only compete with, but surpass the Wiimote.

How it Works

The Kinect uses sensors, much like the Wiimote, to track your movements. But rather than having you hold a couple of plastic wands, you just move your body. It tracks forty eight points of skeletal articulation, meaning that your whole body is your controller, and that you’ll get responsive control. If you raise your hand, so does the guy onscreen, turn your head, and he turns his head, etc. This is the idea, anyways. It depends on the developers from this point on.

So will the games be any good? Because in the end, that’s what counts. It’s probably safe to say that the games will deliver. You see, Microsoft is already planning on LOSING money with every sale of the Kinect, they’re producing them at a cost. So the only way to make that money back? Great games.

Learn more about the Xbox Kinect Console. Stop by John Globe’s site where you can find out all about Microsoft’s newest console and how it can revolutionize your gaming experience.