Aug 4, 2010
A recent survey conducted could spell trouble for Microsoft’s new motion-sensing hardware, Kinect. With the release of Sony’s equivalent device PlayStation Move only six weeks away, things aren’t looking especially promising for Microsoft. Although neither peripheral’s software line-up is anything to get particularly excited about, Move’s comparative affordability could well see it triumph over Kinect in the Battle of the Gimmicks.
Digital Spy yesterday revealed the results of the survey.
Over 2,301 people were asked for their thoughts on both motion-sensing peripherals by Groupola.com.
Around 64% of PlayStation 3 owners said that they intended to buy Move on release, compared to 23% of Xbox 360 users who want Kinect.
Some 77% said that the £129.99 price point of Kinect was too expensive, with 19% saying that they were impressed by its launch lineup.
However, 63% of respondents agreed that both peripherals are unlikely to impact the dominance of the Nintendo Wii in the motion-control space.
Speaking to Digital Spy afterwards, Groupola.com’s managing director Mark Pearson said
“I genuinely believe that the main issue with the Kinect is that it’s been too highly priced. The cost may be its downfall, and unless the system launches to huge consumer acclaim, I think they’ll be dropping that price dramatically when the Move launches in order to compete.”
PlayStation Move is released in Europe on September 15th. Titles set to incorporate Move capability include Heavy Rain, SOCOM 4 and Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition.
Xbox 360 Kinect is prepped for launch in November.
I know I won’t be picking up the Kinect, and I doubt I would get Move if I had a PS3. I never really liked the Eyetoy and to me the Kinect just seems like an upgraded version of that, even though I know it does have some different features going for it. Anyway, I have the Wii to provide me with gimmicky controls this gen anyway!
This type of hardware doesn’t really appeal to me at all. The Wii only ever caught my attention for Manhunt 2, but that was bitterly disappointing. I think Sony have pulled a binder putting this hardware out at the same sort of price as their Dualshock controllers, the Kinect is definitely over priced considering it’s a glorified Eye Toy.
I’d be tempted to give the Move a go, but I won’t be buying one. If a friend bags one I’ll have a go.