As the video game industry’s annual trade show, E3, gains momentum, hardware heavyweights Nintendo and Sony’s computer entertainment division are rolling out technologies aimed at pushing the boundaries of 3D gaming and motion-sensitive gaming experiences. Nintendo announced a list of upcoming games for Nintendo 3DS, a portable console Nintendo claimed lets users view games in 3D, without the need for special glasses, while Sony announced it would release the PlayStation Move motion controller for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) console on September 19 in the United States.
The Nintendo 3DS comes with a 3.53-inch top screen and a 3.02-inch bottom touch screen and has three cameras – one inner and two outer – to deliver the 3D effect and take 3D pictures. It also includes a motion sensor, a gyro sensor and a Slide Pad that allows 360-degree analog input. The company demonstrated a range of games at the conference, including Paper Mario and a slew of third-party games, which Nintendo said was the strongest third-party support system of any console in the company’s history. Support included 3D games from software giants Electronic Arts (The Sims), Capcom (Resident Evil) and Activision (DJ Hero).
The company noted multiple 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to let users communicate or engage in competitive game play. Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the Internet and allow users to play games with others, and 3DS hardware is designed so that even when not in use, it can automatically exchange data with other Nintendo 3DS systems or receive data via the Internet while in sleep mode. Another feature is the 3D Depth Slider, which can be used to adjust level of 3D effect, such as being scaled back or turned off completely depending on the preference of the user.
Sony’s Move navigation controller, a one-handed controller to be used along with the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects, will retail for $29.99. The company will also release a bundle comprised of a Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye camera, Sports Champions Blu-ray disc game and Move demo disc for $99.99. The Eye camera will also be sold separately for $39.99.
Sony also announced the release of two Move controller peripherals, the Charging Station and Move shooting attachment. By utilizing the charging station ($29.99), users will be able to charge up to two PlayStation Move controllers, motion controller or the navigation controller, at once without having to connect them to the PS3 system. The shooting attachment ($19.99), designed to place the Move motion controller horizontally, will allow players to hold the motion controller as if they are holding a gun. The trigger on the attachment is interlocked with the motion controller T button and enables users to intuitively play the game, not only limited to shooting games but also on games that may require precise button input and control, Sony said.
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