The launch of what Sony describes as their new “virtual platform” continues to gain steam: The PlayStation Move. Since the announcement at GDC 2010, it’s clear Sony is placing itself squarely in the versus position against the motion rivals of Nintendo and Microsoft. Adding to the “It Only Does Everything” marketing slogan since the launch of the PS3 Slim, a whole new segment of users seeking a motion experience are now looking at the PS3 as a viable option. And the existing install base has yet another to reason to be happy about their PS3 investment.
With news updates, and changes always constant, this will be more of a follow up, hitting the high points, and defining what we know and what we don’t. If you are considering a motion gaming solution, or have questions about if the Move is for you, this should help. I will try to aggregate as many links as possible, to give our casual readers a high level overview of what this is all about.
In a Nutshell what is the PlayStation Move?
The Move is Sony’s entrance into what is being defined as the “motion gaming” category. This allows having a players actions made with the controller to be analyzed, and then translated into gameplay on screen. Interactive titles such as tennis, bowling and racquetball can now be carried out (as they are on the Wii) by performing movements similar to the actual action. As the underlying technology is much different than that of the Wii, it allows movements to be more accurately translated in the gaming space. To get an idea of Sony’s direction, I would suggest watching the Sony GDC 2010 press conference located here:
What additional hardware is required?
Initially, just The Move and the PlayStation Eye. The Move will connect via Bluetooth to your PS3 and the PlayStation Eye is connected to any available USB port. To take full advantage of the experience however, the additional Sub controller should be added, and it connects using Bluetooth as well.
What are those colored balls on top?
Inside the ball is a light that the PlayStation Eye camera uses to track the controller. The ball can emit any red, blue or green color, depending on design, but this is not yet clearly defined. From the demos shown thus far, it appears just a random color is being used.
Do I really need all the devices for this to work?
The Move has a ball on the end that lights up and is tracked in real time by the PlayStation Eye which is crucial for the system to position and track in 3d space. The Move also has a three-axis gyroscope and three-axis accelerometer which also work in conjunction to figure out your orientation and movement. From what we have seen thus far, the majority of games absolutely require at least 1 of these devices.
As the PlayStation Eye does the real time tracking and relaying dating back to the system for processing it’s an integral part of the system, and what sets it apart from it from other devices. Adding an Eye also gives you the ability to use it on the PS3 beyond just the move, for things such as video conferencing with friends and family who have internet access and also have an Eye. All in all a good utility and it’s set to be bundled with the starter kit.
PS3 Eye Camera
The Sub controller is slightly different. While it doesn’t have any of the same motion sensing hardware inside, it does allow for a subset of movements (hence the name) that can’t be done with the just the Move. For example, bow and arrow target shooting requires the action of holding the bow (using the Move), but also the action of creating tension to propel the arrow by pulling back (using the Sub.
How does the differ from the Wii?
From a technology standpoint, the implementation and design of the systems are completely different. Both systems offer motion gaming, but given the power of the PS3 in comparison to that of Wii, it allows for a more realistic experience to be created on the PS3 (especially in area of providing HD graphics). Further given the stronger online infrastructure of the PSN, users could feasibly play against each other online, as well as be able to purchase additional content or mini-games as they are created.
What games will be available at launch?
At this point, we aren’t entirely sure. A unnamed game is set to be part of the starter kit and it could be anyone of the following shown from the conference. Here is the assumed list based on what was displayed:
Move Party (working title)
Sports Champions (working title)
SOCOM 4
Slider
The Shoot
TV SuperStars
Motion Fighter (working title)
Brunswick Pro Bowling
Jack Tretton/President and CEO of SCEA stated that the move is being supported by over 36 titles, so be assured there will be more announcements before launch.
How much will it cost and when it is available?
A firm date hasn’t been provided beyond by the “holidays” which could really be anytime between now and December.
Sony did go on record stating the starter kit would be below $100 dollars and it would include the PlayStation Eye, The Move and an unstated game (which I imagine to be Sports Champions). No word has been given yet on the cost of additional controllers or if they will be bundled in any fashion (such as Move and Sub pack). There will also be a PS3 bundle including the Move, Eye, and a game bundle.
Any current issues or concerns with the hardware?
The lag of the device has been a topic of concern. Sony had stated the lag to be under one frame. In an attempt to verify this Digital Foundry did their own analysis of lag at GDC by making a fast on screen movement and then counting the frames between when the action is carried out after filming it on a Kodak Zi6. Admittedly not the most accurate test, but it put lag at 133ms.
Given the nature of the test and how it was performed, it’s hard to say what if any impact this will have on the device. Keeping in mind that some of what Sony showed were tech demos and or pre-alpha code, it’s hard to take the initial test and apply it to what will occur when the device finally ships. From what we have seen, even at this early stage, games appeared to be responsive, and for the most part fluid. Sony plans on having this become an integral part of their strategy moving forward, so I am sure any issues will be addressed prior to launch.
Hopefully if you weren’t familiar with the Move, you are now. As more and more details continue to surface, much like McFadden and Whitehead, we will continue to be on the Move.
