Sony PlayStation 3 to Get Motion-Sensing Controller in 2010

Sony PlayStation 3 video game console will get a motion sensing game controller next year, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. revealed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, California. Sony claims that its motion-sensing device is more progressive compared to Nintendo’s Wiimote.

Sony’s motion sensing controller features a special light located on top and works in collaboration with Sony’s updated Toy camera. Even though the original EyeToy has been criticized for its limitations, when the device is used with the controller, the accuracy of the controls is rather high, according to Sony, which demonstrated the functionality of the solution at E3.

Sony claims that since there are still a lot of games that need to provide some kind of tactile feeling, it decided to proceed with a controller and not choose the “controller-less” path, like Microsoft did with its Natal project.

It should be noted that virtually all the video games designed for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game consoles rely on traditional controllers, it is unlikely that the new motion-sensing controller from Microsoft and Sony will become necessary to play new video-games. Moreover, the vast majority of titles aimed at hardcore gamers are unlikely to take advantage of the new controllers at all.

The controller itself will emerge in the first half of 2010 and it is logical to assume that video-games that take advantage of the device are projected to become available at around the same time.

Motion-sensing game controller would allow PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 to offer experience similar to Nintendo Wii. However, the current price of the PS3 – $399 – is too high for casual gamers and Sony will have to slash it rather sooner than later. Meanwhile, Microsoft may indeed take advantage of its motion sensor and $199 price-tag when Natal is available sometimes in 2010.