PlayStation Motion Controller launching 2010
by Majed Athab 
{ Jun 2nd 2009 at 3:50PM } 
The PlayStation Controller will work in conjunction with the PlayStation Eye, which will capture movements of the motion controller for "true one-to-one tracking." Sony showed off a variety of tech demos for use of the motion controller, including sword swinging fantasy, tank-based third-person shooting, archery, tennis and drawing -- all of which are meant only to demonstrate what is possible with the motion controller and is not the final software for the new peripheral (Those looking for a PS Sports title, sorry).
The developers made it quite clear that the controller itself is still a prototype, though the final product should be ready by 2010. Check out our on-going Sony E3 Liveblog for even more details.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Caveman @ Jun 2nd 2009 3:57PM
I must say I'm really impressed with this motion control system. MS and Sony have really stepped the game up. MS service looks more advanced, but the Sony service with the wands looks really really fun. I loved the archary part. I miss light gun games and this looks like it's going to bring it back.
Sony's tech demo seemed a little sketchy at first because the two guys seemed really nervous. But they pulled it off at the end there.
I'd still have to say MS had the best conference. They didn't show graphs and sales charts, they just showed the games.
Wii60 @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:00PM
If natal works as seen here, then yes they will win out. I just remember getting a Wii on launch day and the controls just didn't match up well enough. There's too much lag and inaccuracy.
This motion demo impressed me the most. It was clean, it interfaced well, and was responsive as all get out. It works, and we know it will work. That's what I want MS and Nintendo to prove to me.
APHughes @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:03PM
Archery is in Wii Sports Resort...
iluvmyzune @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:10PM
I second that. I think that if you didn't need a controller with the sony camera, they would be equal. Now i want my sex games!
Alex Sohn @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:12PM
Concurred, I'm just glad that we're getting some competition, and this can prove that "motion" based controllers, are not just gimmicks. But they really are one of the next steps in gaming tech in general. For years the controller has evolved slowly over time, and now we have to hi-def powerful systems using some amazing tech to power their motion based input devices.
Although one question remains, with the PS3 conference, there was no price cut? I wonder what this means, overall for PS3. When do they do it, if ever at this point?
Still exciting though, to see both PS3 and 360's take on these new interfaces.
iluvmyzune @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:12PM
wii60: the xbox is a trillion times more powerful. It's only the slightest more powerful than the 360 (after you include development woes on ps3, they're about equal). The xbox is easily 1 to 1.
iluvmyzune @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:20PM
i meant a trillion times more powerful than the wii. WTF wuz i downvoted for????
B0E0S @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:22PM
I would honestly prefer a controller or two in my hands rather than be empty handed. It just wouldn't feel right. Sony had the best conference in my opinion. It gave me an excited feeling unlike the other two.
Cody @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:56PM
I love how everyone on Joystiq is now singing a totally different tune in accordance to motion based gaming.
Hypocrites!
Once again, Nintendo started it all.
Maverick Saturn @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:02PM
Eyetoy says hello ¬_¬
sc00by_y00 @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:04PM
If you looked at the NATAL demo, you would have noticed that it lags. He lifts his feet to try and show the sole and the avatar was doing some funky leg motions before it settled down..
This is why sony was impressing on the point of 1 to 1 motion..
They throw buckets of paint on a canvas, because the cameras accuracy is shit.. Sony on the other hand wrote a few feet away and made the controller into a pencil, to the mm accuracy.
NATAL is basically the playstation EYE with 2 cameras and some really great NXE integration.
They made it look very impressive, they marketed it well hinting at Artificial intelligence, with MILO, but Milo is and was just smoke and mirrors. If they really had perfected AI, we would already know about it, it was all just scripted bollocks and they even merged aqua vita into it.. Makes the Natal look very impressive, but actually had very little to do with the NATAL. it recognised a piece of paper, wonderful could do that with the eye already..
Sonys conference did bore me in places, but im happy I chose a PS3 over a 360. Look at the game line up dude the PS3 wins sorry..
sc00by_y00 @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:06PM
Actually the ps2 eye toy came before nintendo wii.. So sony says hello :)
Jon Acheson @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:12PM
It looks like it works well, and like they got it right the first time, unlike the Wii.
On the other hand, I am also happy that the PS3 has a normal controller as its default, because for most games, motion control is not better.
Maverick Saturn @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:13PM
It is a prototype, so hopefully it takes the final form of the breakapart sixxaxis dual shock 3 :D
mr nimblewick @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:24PM
"It looks like it works well, and like they got it right the first time, unlike the Wii."
Sixaxis says hello.
Caveman @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:43PM
Natel is definitely the most innovative tech displayed at this years E3. I mean, STEVEN SPIELBERG was giving his praise for the tech!!
Most Joystiq readers must not be able to relate with what Steven Spielberg was talking about. 60% of households don't have consoles. And biggest thing holding people back from getting into games is the controller. There's a huge learning curve for a lot of people.
The great thing about Natel is that there is NO CONTROLLER. If you can manipulate things in the real world, then you'll be able to manipulate things in a virtual world. There's nothing holding people back from trying these games we all enjoy. This is going to be a win for everybody.
Maverick Saturn @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:48PM
Weren't you just slamming someone else for being a Sony PR Caveman, cos this last comment looks like you're a Natal PR.
So Steven says its great? So go out and buy it? Celebrities say that all the time Caveman, Nicole Kidman loves her DS and praised it too, should I unconvince myself that I'm not interested in it and buy it because she said so?
Both are superb, Natal has the edge, granted, but its not something that Sony can't implement and upgrade the existing PSeye to do, 'impossible' is none existant, the proof is not what was done at the E3 conference, its what happens afterwards and how it is used.
Caveman @ Jun 2nd 2009 6:05PM
@ Maverick Saturn
True, celebrity endorsements usually don't mean squat, but we're not talking about any movie actor or sports athlete that gets paid to shill. Tell me how many things you've ever seen Spielberg endorse.
The tech is awesome and Milo is amazing. What Sony showed as well was really impressive too. And I look forward to playing it. You must have grown up playing games, like many who read this site. My point is that the Natel tech was most impressive because it requires no controller and the controller is a hurdle that hold people back from trying these games.
I think all this motion control stuff is wonderful. Big props to Nintendo for going out on a limb like it did. I'm really happy to see what the Wii has done for my parents. They're in their 60's, but they love to play the thing. I'd much rather them interact with the Wii than just sitting on the couch being passive watching television. My parents don't want a PS3 or Xbox because the games don't appeal to them. Most people parents can't play games.
Bring this stuff on, this is great for everyone.
Maverick Saturn @ Jun 2nd 2009 6:28PM
But Milo only develops upon what the Eyetoy already achieved, so while it has increased dramatically based on the tech, its neither innovative or groundbreaking....wait for it....YET! So far, both tech demos could be praised by Jesus himself and still mean jack shit to me, its how they are used, I couldn't care less if Steven endorsed it, and I for one adore Steven more then most people (wanting to be a movie producer myself one day and follow in his footsteps), but his endorsement means nothing to me, Sony could have gotten Micheal Jackson to come in, play the PSMC and say its the next step towards world peace, but I still wouldn't jump at it, thats what fools do, but while I say that, I have to backtrack, because if it stands out like the wii did, it could be superb, and that will be the selling point, not the celebs playing it (they've been doing that for games for years, steven is nothing new), not Jesus playing it, not my dog playing it (although that would be interesting), but the games, the games that are made to go with it.
For all we know, Micro and Sony could both release these new gadgets and STILL not be able to compete with Wii's wiimote, simply because people might have grown bored of the whole stand infront of the tv and wave thing, after showing my granny wii, will she really be interested in playing Xbox and PS3 versions too?
Both have potential like you said, but so have many ideas, and not all of them have succeeded, innovation starts somewhere, and neither PSMC or Natal are that new, they are simply upgraded upon.
ill trooper @ Jun 2nd 2009 6:34PM
Cody: It's a different tune because what MS and Sony have shown are motion-control gaming models that seem to WORK FAR BETTER than the Wii.
No denying that the Wii was a 'revolution' (get it?) but it hasn't delivered on the ability to do 1-to-1 interactions that everyone imagined when we all saw that first intro video.
So if the Wii excited you, you should LOVE how these systems work. Unless you just want to bitch about how "Nintendo did it first," in which case, I can't help you understand.
Maverick Saturn @ Jun 2nd 2009 6:57PM
Oops, said 'Milo', meant to say 'Natal'
Caveman @ Jun 2nd 2009 7:11PM
@ Maverick Saturn
As you've stated you don't respect opinions, however many people do. Spielberg is a pioneer and visionary of technology and his involvement in Natel and motion control in general is great for everyone not just Microsoft or Xbox fans. Just like Spielberg pushed the boundaries of film, hopefully his creativeness and involvement will push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
You're really going to try to compare a vapid celebrity like Nicole Kidman playing a DS to Spielberg's involvement in creating something? Really? And you claim to want to follow in the man's foot steps?
And you're still not thinking outside the box because your granny is already a sold customer. What Spielberg, Sony, MS, and Nintendo realize is that there are millions of unsold customers. What's it going to take to get them interested in this experience?
If Natel or Sony's motion control gets my parents into something interactive, more power to them. I remember when my parents first got their Wii my aunt and uncle were coming over a lot more often. We'd come over on a Sunday and visit with our family and have a great time. There's nothing wrong with that, it's a beautiful thing. Usually holidays are the things that get people together. But this gave us another reason to spend time with each other.
CGamble20 @ Jun 2nd 2009 7:12PM
I may be wrong but isn't Steven S. more of a movie guy and thus would know about as much as a joystiq blogger sitting on his cheap office chair?
LameDuck @ Jun 2nd 2009 7:29PM
Why do you people insist on acting like you know how this tech works? Really... Natal isn't just two cameras and a microphone. I wouldn't care to bet they fit a 3D scanning system into that little package. It is not just two cameras and a mic. Also, you're forgetting the software that is going along with it.
That aside, and getting back to what the conversation was originally about, this looked a little rushed to me. I think that Sony had it on a back burner and decided to pull it out after what MS did. I'm not saying this is crap, but I would guess they were nervous it wouldn't work correctly in this environment. It is depressing that Sony didn't try something new, as compared to what the Wii does, and pull out all the stops like Natal did. But, in comparison to the Wii, this thing is more able. The glowy-ball-o-color isn't a new ideal, either, so I don't know why Nintendo didn't just do this in the first place... (I'm not talking about the 1-1 tracking, just how it is tracked in general.)
The only problem I see is that it uses the PlaystationEye. How many people have the money for that plus this acid-trip on a stick? Either way, the next-gen of consoles should do full body tracking out of the box and, tech willing, give us wireless visors.
That would be so cash.
sc00by_y00 @ Jun 2nd 2009 7:31PM
The words of a true MS fanboy, because Steven Spielberg a guy that knows less than me and you about video games says that the NATAL is innovative and is the must have gadget we must go out and buy a 360 and get the NATAL.
Dude its the eyetoy integrated into NXE, nothing new move along..
Olicon @ Jun 2nd 2009 7:45PM
It will flop..just like the Eye. And so will Natal.
These things are just too expensive for most people.
And besides, pressing o versus doing a roundhouse kick--you can see which one people will end up adopting--roundhouse kick is NOT an easy thing to do.
sc00by_y00 @ Jun 2nd 2009 8:34PM
This is from wikipedia, I dont know how accurate this actually is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natal_(Video_Game_controller)
Sensor device
An approximately nine-inch (23 cm) wide horizontal bar[4] connected to a small circular base with a ball joint pivot, the Project Natal sensor is designed to be positioned lengthwise above or below the video display. The device features a "RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone, and custom processor running proprietary software," which provide full-body 3D motion capture, facial recognition, and voice recognition capabilities. The Project Natal sensor's microphone array enables the Xbox 360 to conduct acoustic source localization and ambient noise suppression, allowing for things such as headset-free party chat over Xbox Live.
The depth sensor consists of an infrared projector combined with a monochrome CMOS sensor, and allows the Project Natal sensor to see in 3D under any lighting conditions.[1] Project Natal is reportedly based on technology developed internally by Microsoft and intellectual property acquired by time-of-flight camera developer 3DV Systems.[5][6] Before agreeing to sell all its assets in March 2009,[7] 3DV had been preparing a similar device, known as the ZCam.[8]
----
Ok its a lot more than I gave it credit for. It also means that it should work under any light condition..
PARANOID365 @ Jun 2nd 2009 8:36PM
@ Cody,
Hey asshat maybe you should get off Nintendo's dick long enough to realize the truth !!
If you did a little research you would quickly discover that the big heads at Nintendo never revolutionized shit; now who is the true copier !!
http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/people/awilson/wand/default.htm
http://www.igniq.com/2005/11/microsofts-prototype-xwand.html
BananaBoat @ Jun 2nd 2009 8:36PM
Natal is more like the original implementation of the Playstation Eye, with the difference being that unlike the original Eye, Natal seems like it actually works. Whether or not it will sell is entirely up to the software developers, but then again, the same could be said for the Playstation Motion Controller which requires the Playstation Eye.
An argument over which tech is "better" would be pointless, considering none of us have actually played a single game with either tech, but I'll say that Natal impressed me more than the Playstation Motion Controller did. That could have had more to do with the amateurish presentation given by the engineers though, or possibly with my general disdain for waggle wands at this point in the current gen. Sony didn't show off anything with the Motion Controller that seemed as if it weren't possible with the Wii Motion Plus, and Microsoft did.
I definitely wouldn't purchase either piece of tech without a good, core game that uses the technology. The same goes for Motion Plus. The first tech to include a lightsaber duel game is the one that gets my money.
Kenny Powers Fastball (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Jun 2nd 2009 9:12PM
The problem with Natal and Milo is they didn't show any of the complex stuff in real time. Sony showed their tech in real time and it was truly a 1:1 translation with motion tracking. Something the Wii is still trying to do with Motion+.
LameDuck @ Jun 2nd 2009 10:46PM
@sc00by_y00:
Wait... Did you just accuse someone of being a fanboy then compare an unreleased product that you've never seen or used in person with the Eyetoy that, clearly, is nothing like Natal?
This is why I hate E3 week at Joystiq. Everyone becomes an expert and an "insider".
sc00by_y00 @ Jun 3rd 2009 7:26AM
yes the same fanboy that openly puts the specs of the natal on here for you to look at..
you truly are a lameduck :)
bulletsmakepeace @ Jun 3rd 2009 9:35AM
I’m not really not on either side, I have both consoles (even a dusty Wii) and love them both for different reason.
Sony 1 to 1 tracking is the most impressive to me, and the demo was 100% true with no real questions.
The Xbox motion, ok I still have a problem with the motion capture issue which I think Sony “actually” thought ahead on. Problem with Natal concept is what are the true effects of backgrounds and movement while playing? If your playing a game and someone s weaving their hands behind you what happens? Also I do not fully buy the AI setup.
A dog walks by, someone walks by in the background, lighting conditions effect and beams of sunlight entering a room? Something is going to affect it and it’s not by any means true 1 to 1 which really is impressive.
Both systems seem pretty neat but I’m still not a huge motion guy. The SoCom elements on the PS3 are awesome but I do not want full games based on motion, I like my controllers!
Just give me an old light gun and I would be ecstatic! =)
LameDuck @ Jun 5th 2009 3:00AM
Yea... So... Posting the specs of an unreleased product from a Wikipedia page makes it ok? We only know the few things MS has told us. Until some uber geek gets it and takes it apart, like they did the Wiimote, we won't know shit.
I might be a lameduck but at least I don't ride to short bus to school. :3
sc00by_y00 @ Jun 7th 2009 7:44PM
First off, sorry lameduck taking the piss using your name was below the belt. Sorry for that, not good. .
I called him a fanboy, because he based his whole argument on the fact that Spielberg endorsed the Natal, which is very very lame..
The Natal is actually currently worse than the current ps eye (look at the eye pet demo to see what I mean )
In case you missed Salzimans comment on the last page of the comments of this article, I have attached his gifs for your viewing pleasure:
http://i40.tinypic.com/zvzcxi.gif
http://i44.tinypic.com/2ylljrs.gif
and to finish all I need to say is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEdJdylSfQE&feature=related
AND BAM THERE IT IS... Brilliant motion capture absolutely brilliant, its blown my mind, this tech is light years ahead of the ps eye I can definitely see what you mean, im sorry yes im wrong for labelling it as nothing more than the ps eye.. I am doing a disservice to the eye-toy :)
ELUNO @ Jun 2nd 2009 3:58PM
If Microsoft hadn't announced Natal, Sony wouldn't have rushed to show this early prototype of something they were working on.
My guees is that this is just something they "had on their basement" and they felt obligated to show something new motion related. (Hence the "really" early prototype they had.)
Also, this is just the equivalent to Wii Motion Plus
with the advantage of it being able to know exactly where in space it is.
rohan @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:10PM
but u have to admit the tracking was smooth, thankful they will change the shape of the controller (hopefully)
Moris @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:13PM
I saw no lag in this live presentation, and it is wayyy more accurate then the wii it seems. I look forward to this.
ELUNO @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:13PM
Oh yeah, I'm not dissing on it, but it seems like a quick, "me too" solution...
If anything, it will just be something like the Wii remote (with motion plus) but it will most probably be less than the very primising Natal.
squeevi @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:38PM
I was thinking this same thing. It really felt like a last minute choice to throw this into the press conference as a response to Microsoft's announcement. The two showing it off really seemed unprepared and just flying by the seat of their pants. Where Microsoft's felt like a polished unveiling.
Maverick Saturn @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:43PM
Yeah, natal looks and operates better, but it isn't far off from what Sony can achieve, remember that, Sony wouldn't need to use the help of a former third party company become first in order to replicate natal, pseye is damn close, so don't disregard it yet.
Saying that, Natal has lots of potential, I only wander how far that potential will be taken, will it storm off like the wii, or will it just be a passing craze like the eyetoy, that goes for PSMC as well.
ELUNO @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:45PM
It will all really come down to the games...
Maverick Saturn @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:50PM
Killzone 2 PSMC integration maybe?
ELUNO @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:52PM
Well, we would need a nunchuck like accessory in order to move efficiently!
Make it happen Clony!
Maverick Saturn @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:09PM
from the looks of it, it comes with one, he was moving around in space
moo083 @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:28PM
I will say this. I was in a Game AI programming class in college about when the PS3 was coming out and had the honor of hearing a talk by Sony's R&D department in San Jose. He actually talked about 3D tracking technology then and how it was going to play a huge part in a few years, but it was restrictively expensive then.
Fast forward to now, and that last part is no longer true, hence the Sony announcement. Basically, I'm telling you that I know for a fact that Sony has been working on this since at least 2005.
Extinction @ Jun 2nd 2009 6:55PM
I'd bet a million dollars Sony planned to show it from the start. It looks very far along. And looks many times faster and more accurate than natal
Hedgeson @ Jun 2nd 2009 8:27PM
Sony has been working on this since the Eyetoy.
The Eyetoy disc had a "beta" section with a game using a brightly colored ball as a magic wand. And here Sony unveils a motion-control device using the PSEye and remotes with colored balls...
Sony has been working on motion control by camera since before they commercialized the Eyetoy.
So there!
mr nimblewick @ Jun 2nd 2009 3:59PM
So the camera has to see the little controller bobby at all times?
And again, another peripheral. Save it for the next system. It's not going to go anywhere like this.
Both companies playing catch-up to Nintendo.
CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Jun 2nd 2009 4:06PM
How can you complain about another perhipheral from Sony when Nintendo is releasing a FUCKING PULSE MONITOR.