PlayStation 3 with MOVE
PlayStation 3 320 GB System with MOVE Bundle
PlayStation MOVE Starter BundleThis includes the PlayStation Move components along with the Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye camera peripheral, and Sports Champions game
XBox 360 Kinect 4GBThe entry level XBox 360 Kinect systems includes everything you need including the XBox 360 console, Kinect sensor, and Kinect Adventures game
Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures
If you already own and XBox 360 system, then all you need is the Kinect Sensor. The sensor comes bundled with the great Kinect Adventures games pack
XBox 360 Kinect 250GB
The larger storage capacity of the XBox 360 Kinect 250GB system allows more storage of media such as downloaded movies and game. The systems includes everything you need to get started including the XBox 360 console, Kinect sensor, and Kinect Adventures game
Microsoft Kinect and Playstation MOVE represent the next generation of motion controlled gaming environments. But, which system is really the best choice right now based on functionality (how well does it work), the costs, and the games available?
Ever since the immense success of the Nintento Wii and its revolutionary motion controlled gaming environment, it was only a matter of time before Sony and Microsoft, makers of the Playstation 3 and the XBox 360, got into the game. With the holiday season here and many people looking for the perfect gift for the technologically enamored child or adult who has everything, inquiring minds want to know:
XBox Kinect vs Playstation Move: Which motion gaming system should I get?
First criteria: Price. Perhaps the most important piece of information in the Kinect vs Move debate for price conscious consumers in a volatile economy is the most basic question of cost. If you are like many people, you already owm one or both of these game systems; so you just need the motion controller. If this is the case, and you already have a PS3, the Playstation Move bundle will run you about $100. That is for one controller, the eye camera, and the Sports Champion video game. Buying the entire thing, Playstation included, is currently around $400. In either case, you will probably want to buy another controller, since motion gaming lends itself to parties and groups. You can get another controller for about $30.
The Kinect will run you about $150 if you already own an XBox 360 system, and the bundle without the new XBox system (in other words, just the Kinect sensor) includes the Kinect Adventures video game and the motion sensor. If you are looking at getting an XBox 360 Kinect bundle that includes the XBox game console plus the Kinect sensor, then the 4Gb system along with the sensor and the Kinect Adventures game is $299, and the 250 Gb XBox 360 Kinect is $399.
Bottom line: If you already own a Playstation and/or and XBox 360, the Move vs Kinect price war goes to the Playstation Move. If you are getting a bundled system that includes the game console, plus the Kinect or Move, then you can get the entry-level XBox 360 Kinect system cheaper ($299) than you can get the PS3 Move bundle ($399).
Second criteria: Playability. In the Kinect or Move battle, the Kinect has a leg up here. At least initially, it is impossible to play the Kinect sitting down; there is nothing to hold in your hands. Your body is literally the controller.
From our time with each system and from the reviews in many reputable magazines and online sites, the Playstation Move is more reliable because the hand held technology has long since been perfected (it has been 4 years since the Wii was introduced). That said, the XBox Kinect, is really remarkably good at detecting and translating body movements into the game control. It is certainly much better than we anticipated for a first generation system like this and there is little problem playing games as long as you are situated properly in front of the Kinect sensor (and the system ensures that you are, directing you to the best placement of your body).
There are a few instances of hiccups during gameplay. Nevertheless, the freedom that the Kinect gives the player by freeing the hands and the gameplay that requiring body movement forces almost guarantees a better experience for the player. And the new XBox bundle will certainly have patches to address any persistent glitches (although we have experienced no serious ones in many hours of play) Also, many reviewers have given a leg up to the Kinect for just this reason.
Bottom line: Kinect vs Playstation Move playability goes to the Kinect for the innovations that the new controller-less technology affords.
Third criteria: The games. Are Kinect or Move games better?
Many of the games for the Playstation Move and the XBox Kinect are licensed for both systems — Microsoft and Sony both have a little bit of pull in the video game industry. So really no difference here; the only real catch is that many of the games work better on one system than on the other, and neither has an advantage in this area. It depends totally on the game.
Bottom line: No clear advantage here. Play each game by ear.
Overall bottom line: The Kinect seems to have a slight advantage because of the technology advancements it makes real. Both systems provide an excellent gameplay experience, but Kinect seems to be a better value and built on forward-looking technology. Once you play a game with the Kinect you instinctively understand that this is the future of gaming.
