Since Microsoft revealed their new motion-control project, better known as Natal, much ado has been made about how this new device will usher in a new era of play control in gaming. Its sensor bar, which includes facial recognition and motion capture technology along with voice recognition software and a microphone, eliminates the need for a traditional controller, allowing gamers to use their entire body as an input device – an intriguing device, indeed.

Following the device's revelation, some forum-goers went as far to declare the console war over, predicting that Microsoft would overtake Nintendo simply because of Natal. They pointed out how the Wii's motion technology is inferior to Natal's, convinced that Microsoft can overcome a twenty-million-odd hardware deficit.



And even though most of these people are overlooking Wii MotionPlus, a new device that brings a true 1:1 control ratio to the Wii, they do have a valid argument regarding the potential of Natal. As Kombo has already explored, the possibilities of Natal are simply stunning – allowing one to either control the game with their body or use Natal to augment what their existing controller does. It's very exciting to consider what kind of experiences are now possible thanks to Natal, but these same gamers make the mistake of thinking that it will help Microsoft somehow usurp Nintendo's throne as the current hardware leader. No matter how innovative Natal is, it is incapable of making a dent in Nintendo's market share.

The reason? Unlike the Wii Remote, Natal is not its console's primary input device. The remote is packaged with every Wii console that is sold, and every game is designed around using its functionality in some capacity. The remote is an indispensable part of the Wii experience.



Natal, on the other hand, will only work with relatively few games that are designed specifically for it, and it will not be packaged in with the 360 (TBD). It will likely be very expensive and won't be available for another year. While many gamers will purchase Natal, almost all of these will be existing 360 owners; in other words, it will do little to attract the blue ocean crowd that has made the Wii such a success.

So while Natal is very important to the advancement of gaming, it is ultimately a non-factor in the console war. It'll follow the footsteps of devices such as the Eye-Toy, introducing new technology that will help expand what gaming is capable of down the line, but it won't shift console sales one way or the other.

That's okay, though; the console war ultimately isn't important. The future of gaming is.