How Does Motion Control Work

In the current age of 7th generation systems, each of the 3 main gaming systems have motion controlled peripherals. Whether it is the Nintendo's built in motion control in the Wii-mote, the add-on accessories of the Kinect for the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation Move of the PS3, they all support a library of games built around this revolutionary way to play games. But how exactly does motion control work?

One thing I should point out is that each of the 3 mentioned above work in 3 different ways in which I will describe and contrast with the others.

The Nintendo Wii-mote

Wii-mote: Right
Nunchuck: Left

From the day that Nintendo let on that the Wii was going to be the next gaming console, motion control was the biggest anticipation from the system. The wii-mote basically uses two components to track movement: a sensor bar and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is a device that is affected by gravity and behaves somewhat like the bubble inside a level (the tool, not the gaming term). Depending on how the controller is pointed and its direction, the information is then broadcast and picked up by the sensor bar connected to the Wii. This allows players to point at the screen and whatnot. There is an accelerometer in both the Wii-mote and its supporting Nunchuck controller, but only the wii-mote broadcasts a signal.

Added on in the latter half of the console's life time was the "Wii-motion plus" which increased the accuracy and sensitivity of wii-mote movements allowing for more precise commands and leaning away from randomly swinging and shaking to get results.

PS Eye on top of PS3 system
Move and Nav. controller on bottom

PlayStation Move

The PlayStation Move for the PS3 was actually built upon a previous moderately successful add-on for the PS2 know as the EyeToy. The PS3 Eye however, took it to the next level. Utilizing an upgraded camera and specialized Move Controller which sports a light at the top the Eye uses the light given off by the orb to track movement. It does not, however, track the movement of the person. Similarly to the Wii’s Nunchuck controller, the PS3 offers a Navigation Controller to used support the Move controller (containing the D-pad and such). The Move supports more games than the PS2’s EyeToy and is a significant upgrade.

Xbox’s Kinect

Kinect in front of a Xbox 360

The Kinect add-on is closer to the PS Move than the Wii’s motion systems, but unlike either of the two, it requires no controllers to be used. The camera used for the Kinect has higher functionality than the Eye in that it can track the player(s) and any movements. It can also recognize specific gestures and specific moves. It can also sense depth and “3-D” motion which neither the Wii or PS3 have the ability to do. It also boasts the ability for voice commands and allows for online players to communicate without using a headset straight from the Kinect accessory.

So Which Is the Best?

Here’s how they all stack up. When it comes to supporting content, the Wii obviously outclasses the other two systems with games that have motion control because the Wii-mote is the standard controller. It also has more 1^st party and non-casual motion games than the other two do. The Kinect however does have a sizable library of games that require the Kinect despite being an add-on device. The PS Move however doesn’t seem to contend with specific games as more games utilize it as optional for certain content.

Similar? Yes. But only 1 can be the best!

When it comes to the battle of the controllers, the PS Move controllers were initially considerably more accurate than the Wii-mote (although this gap has been closed with the release of Wii-motion Plus). Because the Wii-mote uses an accelerometer, it measures relative position unlike the Move which focuses on actual position. This lets Wii users “cheat” by only moving the controllers -and allowing them to sit on the couch instead of actually moving around - but also forces Move users to make more precise movements - which require standing up. So depending on who you are might make your choice for you.

And of course the freedom of not having a controller makes the Kinect the most appealing in games heavily dependent on games such as the Just Dance Series. 

Although the most attractive when it comes to being handsfree, the down side of the Kinect is that it is also the most expensive method sold separate from the Xbox 360 with an original price of $150. PS Move will also set you back about $100. Both of them are separate add-ons rather than being part of the system itself.

I’m not going to voice my own opinion on this (since Nintendo rules all….oh wait), but I’d like to see some comments on what you guys think either on here or on the Facebook Page.

As always, stay tuned for more Video Gaming news and analysis

MC Hammer Bro.