
360's Project Natal vs. PS3's "Wand" Motion Controller
October 29, 2009 | 3:41 PM PST

With E3 far in our rear view it's time for the post-trauma to begin! What's the most controversial topic on everyone's mind? The new motion control systems for the 360 and the PS3. I'll tell you what I liked about both control systems, and I invite you to do the same in the comments. Let's keep this (mostly) civil, guys!
360's Project Natal Advantages:
- Uses motion capture techniques to map the player's entire body in 3D space as a controller.
- No button interface required; this makes it more accessible to casual gamers.
- Follows multiple people with no additional hardware required; this has much potential for party gaming.
- Face recognition, voice recognition, and control system integrated into the 360's dashboard.
Disadvantages:
- Slight delay in response time (at least in the live Ricochet stage demo, so it may be faster by release). This delay seemed very minor, similar to the Wii-mote's slight delay.
- Not quite as precise as the PS3 Motion Controller, a drawback for hardcore game genres. This may not be an issue since the device is targeted at a more casual audience.
- Not having a controller can have its drawbacks, for example, how would someone turn the camera to look in a different direction? This could be done with gestures or voice commands, but it seems like it could be an issue. Once again, may not be a problem for casual games.
PS3's "Wand" Motion Controller Advantages:
- Uses PS3 EyeToy to track the wand's movement in 3D space.
- Has buttons on the controller to allow for "clicks".
- Exact precision helps to provide a more immersive experience.
- Holding the wand in your hand makes it easier to imagine yourself wielding the digital object on the screen.
Disadvantages:
- Requires the purchase of a PS3 EyeToy as well as a Motion Controller. Additional wand controllers are also required for multiplayer.
- Only tracks the movement of one limb without the purchase of an additional wand. Project Natal tracks the entire body out of the box.
- Its intense precision could be a turn-off for casual gamers. In the stage demo even a developer of the Motion Controller had a difficult time getting the objects to perform the way he wanted them. This problem could be circumvented with adequate programming to assist with aim.
So what do you guys think? Will one of these new control systems dominate the other, or are they different enough to be able to live in harmony? Do you think the Wii is in trouble with both the PS3 and the 360 entering the ultra-interactive realm?
















