PlayStation Move launch day: All you need to know

by Justin McElroy on Sep 17th 2010 11:50AM

It's launch day for the PlayStation Move, which could prove to be ... tricky for gamers.

Listen, we know how it is. Day one of any new technobauble brings a sort of gravitational force pulling you towards your nearest retailer, urging you to succumb to the sweet, sweet siren song of "I have it and you don't." If you think we're not fighting its dulcet tones as we write this, you're sadly mistaken.

But there's every chance you don't need the Move right now and can stave off the inevitable a few more weeks or months. Of course, there's an equal chance you need it right now -- and you had no idea. We don't know you, and we can't make this decision on your behalf.

Luckily, you know you, so we're making it our mission to equip you with all the knowledge you need to either fend off the call of the Move or convince yourself buying it was your idea all along. Once you've digested the info past the jump, hop down to the comments and let us know if you'll be picking one up, or share your first impressions if you've already pulled the trigger.

Reviews:

The Bundles and Hardware:

PlayStation Move ($50): This is the ice cream cone with the flashy round part. You need it.

PlayStation Eye ($40): This is the camera. You need it too. Unless you already have it.

Navigation Controller ($30): This part is optional, but come on. It's $30. Don't get cheap on us now.

PlayStation Move Starter Bundle ($100): Sports Champions game, PlayStation Move, PlayStation Eye

Console Bundle ($400): 320GB PS3, Sports Champions game, PlayStation Move, PlayStation Eye, Move demo disc

The Move in Action (Videos):

The Future:

Tags: bundles, guide, move, playstation, playstation-move, ps3

Reader Comments (131)

i'll probably wait until 2011 to get it.

@AuN1

Yeah, I only ordered it b/c I was sent some sort of U-verse cashback card worth $200 yesterday...that expires in December. So I thought..."eh, what the hell, I might as well burn this before I forget and my $200 expires"

@AuN1
My plan is to wait until it either goes down in price or it has enough games out that look interesting to me and make $100 feel worth the price of admission.

@AuN1 Same. I like Move but I'm not going to buy it simply to own it - show me some killer games and I'm in. I can wait.

@AuN1
Yeah, I'm going to wait and see how this plays out before jumping into it. The tech may be solid, but that doesn't matter if the games aren't. I'm hoping in the future they'll not only drop the price, but give us a "complete" bundle that doesn't gimp on the experience. 2 move controllers, 1 subcontroller, ps eye and a game all for $100 would be nice.

@AuN1

yea i'm going to hold out too until there is more support for it in big name games. Killzone 3 and the inevitably Resistance 3 support will probably get me. i already have a PSEye, so really i only need the Move controller itself.

Got a SC bundle, about to walk into work for 11hrs.
3 day weekend on the othersde of the day though!!!
Have fun guys

Didn't even know this came out today, and I consider myself a pretty hardcore gamer -_-

@jynxycat

Don't feel bad, for awhile I thought it was coming out on the 16th, then I thought the 19th, then I completely forgot about it, then I read (just yesterday) it was getting a midnight launch last night!

Not only was I wrong, twice, but even when I knew the general time frame I still forgot about it.

@sonicspike41

Despite Sony's heavy marketing on this, we all forgot about it. Wonder how they'll reach the average consumer.

@jynxycat

Bad news, no one. I, too, forgot about it. I thought it was releasing in November for some reason.

@Prboi

I think this will be a slow release really, Sony even stated they expected very limited release day sales. To the average consumer the games will sell this thing. And there really aren't a whole of games out for it yet, but there is a lot of stuff on the horizon.

Me, I already have the camera, but I'm probably gonna wait till Little Big Planet 2 comes out or when MAG support is operational, I'll buy 1 ice cream cone, if it's awesome I'll buy a 2nd, and possibly the navigation controllers later, although I feel they're only worth $20.

@jynxycat Hand your card this way.

Classy avatar btw.

@prboi

Marketing aside the thing works incredibly. I was skeptical but they sold mr on it. So pumped for dead space 2 and heroes on the move.

@Dizazter

Sony just wanted to get the Move out there before Kinect to get the jump in sales as much as they can because both of these peripherals won't see a spark until maybe next year when they'll have more titles announced for them.

@Prboi I'll pass. I didn't want a Wii HD so I could play motion control games in HD, I wanted it so I could play Zelda, Mario, and other Nintendo games in HD.

As a technology I had much more interest in Kinect, although sadly the software and tech behind that is looking like crap so far ( to put it lightly ).

@Prboi I doubt it .. They did 1 better they launched it same week as Halo Reach, I don't think they really care about Kinect, in fact I doubt many proper game players care about Kinect either..

They also have a decent collection of move enabled games already, so why delay further ?

I just remembered if you have the move controller try out the Ruse demo in the playstation store...

@jynxycat

i wasn't even planning on picking it up at launch (maybe in the near future), but I DID know it was today! i guess that's more useless knowledge filling my head and pushing out stuff that I actually need to know. wait, what's my name again?

@jynxycat
That's because Move is not for the hardcore ;)

@ShadowAsura

I totally agree there actually, on the part about the Kinect that is. It would have been entertaining if it worked. It is a fresher idea overall than the move, but when you go into PAX, a few weeks before your planned release date, and you start dropping features like they're hot and telling people that your device is still running it's E3 software build... that's a little disconcerting. Microsoft has a long history of releasing things that are no where near done just so that they can say they are releasing things. It looks like no one but Harmonix, with Dance Central, was prepared for MS to push it out the door.

As for Move, I just got mine today... but only because my 60GB PS3 got dropped down a flight of stairs and I'm looking to replace it. If it weren't for that then I wouldn't have gotten the bundle.

@jynxycat

I knew it was out today, but then again I work in retail and have been excited for Move since it was announced (and I knew about it before then... muahaha).

Also: Your picture is quite charming. Consider me charmed.

uhhh i need this now i get paid today but its my moms birthday tomorrow and have to buy her a gift uhhhh and nest wekk im buying a new tv so i have to wait till the week after to buy the 320 bundle cause my 80 gb died on me =(

yeah

I plan on getting Move, just very very lacking in money right now

My problem is that I have had an eye toy since before Burnout Paradise which I managed to acquire for less than $5. No bundle action for me :(

@Lucky48

Anything is more important than 3D. But what they really need to do is create more core titles built specifically with Move in mind because just adding it on to current & future titles such as MAG or Killzone 3 won't really persuade people to buy it. They probably just try it at a friends house or something.

I don't think until they release some better software for this one that I will be picking it up...MAG 2.0 maybe, KZ3 maybe, but they better get some better titles going if they want a decent attach rate.

There's actually a lot of people who had absolutely no idea it was coming out today. I think it kind of goes to show that Sony needs to can their marketing people and get some better ones. Seriously, this thing is supposed to bring the next generation of PS3 gaming to their console, but if you think about it, how many commercials have you seen for it? And even in the ones I did see on it, they didn't even post the bloody release date.

And on a side note, they don't include the navigation controller in either the starter bundle OR the $400 package? Seriously?

@Controlled Chaos

The NavCon isn't needed so why would they include it?

@MLC
Well, it's only $30 extra, I guess I figured maybe they'd be a little magnanimous in their offer, but even realizing I was thinking that makes me want to laugh at myself for my naivety.

@Controlled Chaos Ive just returned from Central London, walked into Game. 2 massive Sony TVs at the front Sony Move "reps" at the front and a good section of the store dedicated to Move, quite impressive. They also had a whole line of move enabled games on the shelf .. Stuff like RE5 gold edition has been rebranded already with move support..

Walked into HMV, pretty much the same thing.. They might not be advertising it on tv, but if you go down to any games store they are not only showing it but most importantly demoing it.

Its actually crazy every time I walk into HMV and walk into the PS3 section its completely packed with people browsing through the ps3 isles. A year ago there would be hardly any people around it, 2 years ago you could hear crickets while walking through the ps3 section i kid you not lol.

Play.com top selling game / accessory for the ps3 is currently the move controller, its beating out the games even. I think this controller is getting a better launch reception than expected seriously.

I already have my controllers got 1 move and 1 nav controller and already had the eye (infact got another move, nav controller and sports champions, but they are all going to my bro late birthday present).. Might get a second move but this 2nd one will be the bundle I have dropped my eye a few too many times, it still works but I think its on its last legs.

@MLC

"The NavCon isn't needed so why would they include it?"

I'm wondering why everyone is taking this stance? Clearly you have yet to play Move yet.

Give it 30 minutes with a dualshock 3 in your left hand instead of the Sub Controller and you'll see how "isn't needed" it is.

@Controlled Chaos

There's been tons of ads, but all on the PSN, so it's a "chicken before the egg" problem...the ads are being seen by ppl who already own a ps3 but nobody else.

@Co

The only game I know of that needs it right now is lord of the rings aragorns quest. You don't need it and can't even use it in eye pet, sports champions, start the party, Kung Fu rider and racquet sports. This, from someone who has actually played. Oh and just as an FYI using the DS3 really isn't that big a deal. I tried LotR AQ both ways. Just depends what games u r playing.

I already have the Eye so I'll be buying 2 Move controllers and I'll borrow my friends copy of Sports Champions. I can't wait for The Fight and Time Crisis next month.

@Prboi 3D looks really good when you see it in motion. It's just that people are just now catching up with the whole HDTV thing :P It'll be years before people then switch to 3D. They're pushing too hard too soon.

well, i knew this was coming out, i just... kinda didn't care. i love my PS3, i love Sony, it's just... i like sitting comfortably with my arms rested.

@cylet
You should try meditation.

@cylet

If you've played a Wii then you would know it is possible to sit there comfortable with your arms rested, just rest them on your legs and aim the controller at the screen.

@jynxycat

Exactly. I still blame Avatar for making everyone jump the gun on 3D. -_-

Sign me up. My friend just ditched our dinner plans. Eyepet will still love me unconditionally.

Picked up a controller at lunch-time here (already have PsEye), downloaded Tumble which is fantastic, and been playing a couple of the demos. Very impressive tech.

@Prboi Oh how wrong you might be?.. Current implementation in the MAG beta sucks, I dont like how it controls currently (they are still tweaking it, it is a beta after all).. There is a BIG but here though.. If They get the control scheme right for killzone 3 or Socom 4 and Move works better than dual shock, what do you think would be the out come ?

Get whooped by move users on your dualshock 3 or rush out and buy a move controller ?

I def have the money and desire for the Sports Champions bundle, I just want to see the support follow through as I've been burnt before...I'm looking at you e-reader...

Already picked one up last night. I bought two move controllers, one navcon, sports champions and eyepet. I played sports champions until about 2 am and it was awesome. The only sport that I didn't like was the fighting one ... Played really sloppy. The bow and arrow is amazing, ping pong blew me
away , volleyball and frisbee golf are also really fun but I can say with 100% certainty that I'm absoltely addicted to bochee (spelling?) ball. Didn't mess around with eye pet yet nor have I downloaded tumble yet. I'd like to try out that LotR Aragons quest game but I didn't pull the trigger ... Yet.

I played in really low light (only light was from the tv and a lamp) and never had issues with tracking the sphere. This thing is so precise and accurate it's scary. I did have to move my coffee table over a few feet so I'd have room to do the motions. In bochee ball the game would recognize my subtle wrist rolls and turns for spin as well as the arc of my toss. I could roll it like a bowling ball or lob it like a softball. The tweaking I had to do was for the camera position. I've decided it works best on top of the so I'll be mounting it there today. It's also really cool shooting the bow and arrows with two moves. You can really feel the tension of the string because of the amount of rumble.

I have to give Sony props for making a true 1:1 motion controller. I mean this is the same company that brought us six axis ds3's. It really does blow the wii mote out of the water ... And it should considering it came 4 years later. It would of been unforgivable if it hadn't. The reason I didn't like the battle arena game is because I felt like I couldve done better with a regular controller.

I'd say it's a must have for anyone with a ps3. Once we start to see more games it'll be truly unique. I'd get it just for sports champions though. It's that good.

Kinect is really up against it because I don't see it coming close to this level of precision and control.

I'm really anxious to try MAG with the move. That'll tell me whether it's better for fps's. I think it will be, especially with a shell to hold the reticule in place.

Move Controller: 5/5
Accuracy: 5/5
Sensitivity: 5/5
Rumble: 5/5

Sports Champions as a whole: 4/5
Bochee ball 5/5
Gladiator duel: 0/5
Volleyball: 5/5
Ping pong: 5/5
Bow and arrow: 5/5
Frisbee Golf 4/5

@Johnnynumber5 is powered by cell
I just picked up the move bundle, nav con and an extra move controller. Does each come with a USB cable to charge them?

@ccc

To be fair, Sony has only started advertising the Move today. Unlike PS, PS2, PS3 and PSP, there was no prior advertising other than to the hard cord gamers who follow sites like this (which 99% of gamers don't).

I think this will not only pick up with advertising, but also when SOCOM and KillZone 3 come out.

@Johnnynumber5 is powered by cell

Download the MAG beta its in the store.. The new beta supports Move already.. The beta controls are not that good I wasnt impressed try it see if you like it.. I fiddled around with the boxes for a while, they provide a lot of control tweaks though, but its not finished properly.

http://iwaggle.blogspot.com/2010/09/video-iwatch-mag-beta-online-play.html

http://iwaggle.blogspot.com/2010/09/video-iwatch-mag-beta-online-play.html

Has more info about the earlier beta build (its been updated again I think)

@cne84

I got the Sports bundle, and extra Move controller, charging base (Sony brand), and 2 NavCons. There were no cables to connect to the PS3 in ANY of the packages. Luckily I already had a few laying around.

@ccc

"Overall peoples interest in this and kenect 1/5"

I'm glad that you're the voice of the people. You know exactly what everyone is interested in.

It's spelled Kinect, with an "i", by the way.

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Sports Champions

PlayStation Move launch day: All you need to know

Reader Comments (131)

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 11:57AM AuN1 said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 2:56PM kentuckyfried said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 3:19PM Duke said

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Posted: Sep 17th 2010 3:40PM hsol said

Posted: Sep 19th 2010 6:07AM SoCoolCurt said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 11:57AM Barkley610 said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 11:59AM jynxycat said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:04PM sonicspike41 said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:10PM Prboi said

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Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:25PM Dizazter said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:28PM MrGreen said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:30PM Johnnynumber5 is powered by cell said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:33PM Prboi said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 1:44PM ShadowAsura said

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Posted: Sep 17th 2010 2:08PM ravissimo said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 5:00PM Soiden said

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Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:05PM sammo21 said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:07PM Prboi said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:11PM glazzkak said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:11PM Controlled Chaos said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:14PM MLC said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:21PM Controlled Chaos said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:39PM McDuckScrooged said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 2:57PM Co said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 3:44PM kentuckyfried said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 4:22PM Johnnynumber5 is powered by cell said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:13PM MLC said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:14PM jynxycat said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:14PM cylet said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:16PM sigma8 said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 7:06PM den69 said

Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:16PM Prboi said

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Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:17PM NotorietyH said

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Posted: Sep 17th 2010 12:53PM cne84 said

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Posted: Sep 17th 2010 1:07PM TraceurRyuk Prepping for LBP2 said

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