The Free PlayStation Move
Despite being new technology, the PlayStation Move is already available for free from various websites and stores, either as a standalone unit or bundled with the console and games. We take a look at the various packages on offer as well as a look at the history of the device.
The Sony PlayStation Move is a motion-sensing game controller system for use with the PlayStation 3 (PS3) games console. Obviously taking inspiration from Nintendo’s Wii Remote, the PS Move is a wire free handheld controller. The controller contains internal motion sensors and works in conjunction with the PlayStation Eye camera which tracks the controllers’ position in the room.
The Move system will also complete with Microsoft’s upcoming Kinect (formally Project Natal) wireless control system.
The controller is black (to match the PS3 console) and a little longer than the Wii Remote. It also has a white sphere on the top which sort of resembles a golf ball.
PlayStation Move Packages
The PlayStation Move system is split into three separate items. In addition to the main motion controller an additional PlayStation Move navigation controller will be available as well as an optional charging station. In addition to the individual items, there will be several packages that bundle the PS3 console along with the Move controllers and compatible games.
PlayStation Move Bundle Deals
Games so far available that are compatible with the Move control system include Sports Champions, EyePet, Biohazard 5 Alternative Edition and Big 3 Gun Shooting.
Launch Date
The wire free PlayStation Move went on sale week commencing 13 September 2010 in North America, Europe and the majority of Asian markets.
PlayStation Move Shooting Attachment
The shooting attachment transforms the motion controller into a handgun. This addition will commonly be offered with games that require it, although it will be offered for sale as a standalone accessory.
History
The PlayStation originates from the EyeToy which was an early form of user interaction device developed for the PS2 that experimented with the tracking of controllers using different colored spheres. The motion controller made its public debut at Sony’s press conference during the 2009 E3 technology show in June 2009 where a live demonstration using prototype controllers was given.
During the Tokyo Game Show in September 2009 Sony showed a demonstration using a SixAxis controller in conjunction with the navigation controller along with the game Biohazard 5: Alternative Edition. Although well received, the one handed use of a standard controller was felt to be a little difficult and as a result Sony began work on the navigation controller.
The Game Developers Conference in March 2010 was used to show final design of both the motion controller and navigation controller (although it was called the PS Move sub-controller at the time). The final name of PlayStation Move was also announced at this conference, replacing the original name of PlayStation Arc that was reportedly dropped by Sony at the last minute due to potential trademark issues from Microsoft.
PlayStation Move Game Development
In addition to Sony’s in house games development company, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide, so far 36 third-party development companies have confirmed they will be developing games for use with the PlayStation Move system. These companies are 505 Games, Activision, AQ Interactive, Arc System Works, Atlus, BigBen Interactive, Capcom, CCP, Crave Entertainment, Cyberfront Corporation, Disney, EA, From Software, Game Republic, Gust, Hudson Soft, Irem, Koei, Konami, Majesco Entertainment, Marvelous Entertainment, Namco Bandai, Ongakukan, Oxygen Games, Paon, Q Entertainment, Q-Games, Sega, Sony Online Entertainment, Spike, Square Enix, Tecmo, THQ, Ubisoft, Warner Bros and Zoo Entertainment.
Look out for our other article that deals with the new control systems technical details and specification.