PS3 Motion Controller Dubbed PlayStation Move; Starter Kit Under $100, Games Detailed

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Sony's upcoming wand-shaped PlayStation 3 motion controller, previously know as the "PlayStation Motion Controller," is now officially titled the "PlayStation Move."

The announcement came during Sony's Game Developers Conference event today, with the company also demonstrating various games.

The PlayStation Move will be available in various forms, including a "starter kit" that includes the device, the required PlayStation Eye camera, and a game. Exact pricing wasn't disclosed, though Sony hopes the "starter kit" will be under $100.


The PlayStation Move and its Sub-Controller

The device will also be available separately and bundled with the PlayStation 3 console itself. As previously reported, the PlayStation Move works in conjunction with the PlayStation Eye camera peripheral to deliver 1:1 motion-tracking.

Also revealed was a wireless "PlayStation Move Sub-Controller." Similar to the Wii's Nunchuk, it features an analog stick to enable Move support in more traditional games. For example, SOCOM 4 will be fully playable with the PlayStation Move and its Sub-Controller, allowing gamers to move via Sub-Controller and aim with the Move.

Among the demonstrated titles was a mini-game compilation called "Sports Champion," which includes a gladiator game where players dual-wield two PlayStation Moves--one representing their shield, the other their swords--and table-tennis.

Another game, "Move Party," combined the PlayStation Eye's video feed with the PlayStation Move to actually players and their surrounding environment into the game. For example, a mini-game in which players must smash the virtual bugs in their real-life playing area. Other "Move Party" mini-games shown during the event included shape-tracing, hair cutting, and one where players bounce falling baby chicks into a nest.


Sports Champions and Move Party!

A Move-enhanced version of LittleBigPlanet was shown, with one player using the Move to manipulate environmental objects--removing obstacles, placing and moving objects to assist jumps--while the other controlled LBP's Sackboy with a regular controller.

Another on-stage demonstration showed a fighting game, "Motion Fighters," in which players dual-wield two Moves to punch, put opponents in headlocks, and so forth.

Various publishers, including Capcom (Resident Evil 5) and Electronic Arts (Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11), have already vowed to support the device when it arrives this fall--the same timeframe Microsoft's motion-sensitive Xbox 360 add-on Project Natal is due.

Chris Faylor was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    March 10, 2010 4:10 PM

    And it still looks like a masturbation aid.

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      March 10, 2010 4:17 PM

      Playstation Move: It moves you in ALL the right places.

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        March 11, 2010 5:08 AM

        *screams* Well, at least I wasn't the only person to think it looked dodgy.

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      March 10, 2010 4:22 PM

      What was that one PS2 game called? "Rez" or something?

      You know what I'm talking about...

      • reply
        March 10, 2010 4:30 PM

        Yeah, the infamous Rez vibrator for a 2nd player to enjoy the game. I don't think that thing was ever released in the US.

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      March 10, 2010 4:22 PM

      something to keep in mind for Heavy Rain 2.

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        March 10, 2010 4:58 PM

        If that is the case, ill buy it for sure.

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      March 10, 2010 5:22 PM

      Do you look at your game controller when you game?

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        March 10, 2010 5:48 PM

        Is this a euphemism?

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          March 10, 2010 6:00 PM

          I cannot remember the name of it, but there's that famous study on human sexuality that asks the question if you "look at your penis while masturbating." If you answer yes, the theory of the study is that you are homosexual, or show inclinations towards homosexuality? I think? I haven't read it, I just know enough to make the lame joke.

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            March 10, 2010 7:29 PM

            So if you look at your controller while gaming, you are a gaymer.

            (My jokes are lamer)

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              March 11, 2010 5:09 AM

              Man, I should of seen that coming... but I didn't. Awesome!

    • reply
      March 10, 2010 5:53 PM

      You're gonna want to grip the shaft of blackness firmly and make sure you move the head in all the right places.

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