Consoles & Accessories

[Kyle-BBY Retired: Senior Social Media Specialist]

Motion gaming is starting to come of age.  The three big companies in gaming, Nintendo, PlayStation, and Microsoft, are now all at the table, each with their own motion based products.  Nintendo was first to innovate in this space with the Nintendo Wii.  Then came PlayStation with PlayStation Move, and shortly thereafter, Microsoft joined up with Kinect.  All of them aim to get you off the couch and physically involved in your games but each of them differ in how they accomplish that. 

So which one is right for you?  Let's find out.

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Nintendo Wii

How it works: The Nintendo Wii is all about the remote control.  Through built-in accelerometers and infrared technology the WIi detects every movement you make with the "Wii Remote".  A sensor bar is placed near your TV to detect that infrared signal.

Who might be interested:  This console is great for families and playing with a group of friends.  Many of the games are designed for younger audiences which provides a good selection for families with children.  Many of them allow up to 4 people multi-player fun!

What else?:  Offers an excellent interactive fitness tool with Wii Fit and exclusive Nintendo titles you won't find on other consoles such as Mario and Zelda games. 

Shop Wii on BestBuy.com

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PlayStation Move

How it works:  PlayStation Move, like the Nintendo Wii, utilizes a controller with motion-sensing technology as well as a camera, called the PlayStation Eye, mounted near your TV to track the glowing orb on the controller with precision accuracy.

Who might be interested:  The PlayStation Move has a little something for everyone.  Games range from sports to family/party to shooters.  As with the Wii and Kinect, the Move could be the life of a party, with great multi-person gameplay.

What else?:  With highly accurate detection of the remote, the Move offers a precise level of control that set it apart from the rest.  Also, the PlayStation Eye accessory opens up new possibilities with games such as EyePet & Friends, which puts you right on the screen with your very own pet.

Shop PlayStation Move on BestBuy.com

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Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect

How it works: Kinect makes you the controller.  The Kinect will detect full body movement in a 3D space for multiple people without the need of any controller.  Not only that but Kinect also integrates sound as an input method and will recognize voice commands.

Who might be interested:  As with the Move and Wii, Kinect has something for every type of gamer from casual to hardcore players.  Without the need to hold a controller, Kinect offers some of the best dance gaming experiences with games like Dance Central 2 and Just Dance 3.  The elimination of the controller also offers an easy learning curve for younger audiences. 

What else?:  Kinect isn't just for games but also facilitates navigation of the entire Xbox 360 menu system.  You can swipe your hand in the air to move through pages or search for anything you want by just saying it, which makes searching for your entertainment, well, entertaining.

Shop Kinect on BestBuy.com

[zztoluca]

In my experience the wii remote just does't deliver what its suppose to do, its worse than the sixaxis in accuracy imo

The move and kinect both great products for what they offer. To bad they both need big spaces to work properly

[gpete13]

I agree the Wii does feel limited and not as responsive, even with the wii motion plus. I see the attempt at getting people more active as a nice idea, but I'm not too sold on all the moving needed to get a response of the controller. I wish there was an option to turn this off.

[zztoluca]

use wii clasic controller or gamecube controller(Wavebird FTW) but only works on some games

[Jimmienomam]

The big difference is the wii ONLY uses that tech. PS3 and M$ try to appeal to the controller audience more than the move/kinect audience.

Hard to make a blockbuster rely on kinect and not leave out 70%+ of the market. Wii making a game relies on that motion sensing.

Each have their own venue and I don't see move and kinect being really used because of the above.

That being said I have had a great time with my kinect with games like gunslinger, Dancing games, kinect ninja and some other simple gimmicky games.

[Kyle-BBY Retired: Senior Social Media Specialist]

I've played around with all of them and genuinely think they all have something a little different to offer.  I do think you're right though, Jimi; aside from the Wii which is primarily a motion gaming console, the Move and Kinect have yet to have a title really break that mainstream threshold.

[Bumcats]

Kyle-BBY wrote:

I've played around with all of them and genuinely think they all have something a little different to offer.  I do think you're right though, Jimi; aside from the Wii which is primarily a motion gaming console, the Move and Kinect have yet to have a title really break that mainstream threshold.

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Well there's Dance Central for Kinect. I really think that's the only game in mind when it comes to mainstream and not a tacked on game.

I also wish I could play the Kinect. It doesn't pick up my body at all. It hates me.

[Kyle-BBY Retired: Senior Social Media Specialist]

Really?  Are you using it in a small room?  Maybe you could try the Nyko Zoom accessory:

Nyko - Zoom for Kinect

Model: ZOOM | SKU: 3000047

Feeling a little cramped when trying to play your favorite Kinect games? Not enough space in your dorm room to really get into the action? Now, you can play closer to your TV than ever before with the Zoom for Kinect. Specially designed optical lenses reduce the amount of space needed to play your Kinect games (not included) by up to 40%, letting you get closer to action. Featuring a wide-angle lens, the Zoom allows two people to play comfortably in a small space, making it great for small apartments, dorm rooms and other confined areas. The Zoom easily clips into place over the Kinect sensor (not included), and the plug-and-play design doesn't require additional cables, software or tuning. The Zoom's sleek appearance complements the cool look of your Kinect sensor. The Zoom is compatible with all Kinect software, so snap it in place and get closer to the action.

 2.5 Read reviews (47)

Sale: $19.99

[Bumcats]

I'm actually not using it in a small room. I don't own one, but my friend does. I only wanted to use it to try out Child of Eden's Kinect mode. It reads my friend's body always since she uses it a lot with Dance Central. I hear Kinect has problems reading dark people and girlish body. Sadly I kinda fall into both catagory.

[Jimmienomam]

Oooo... Forgot about CoE. Although its not directly made ONLY for kinect, I thought it was awesome with kinect. With a controller it is kinda lackluster