Is motion sensing the future of gaming?

There's a blitz of news surrounding Nintendo's latest Wii MotionPlus. And Microsoft is not far behind with its ambitious Project Natal in the pipeline. But are motion sensing and hand gesturing technologies really the future of gaming? Well, they're certainly not designed for game genres such as real-time strategy and car racing--think 720-degree steering and force feedback.

That said, I'm not completely dismissing the advantages of motion sensing, particularly when it comes to gameplay realism and added interactivity. But I personally feel this should be a "side dish" to complement brilliant graphics and engaging soundtracks. There're times when I just want to unwind and have fun without needing to work up a sweat and endure muscle aches, too.

So what's your take on this whole motion-sensing frenzy? Share with the CNET Asia community below.

Hands-on with the Summer 2009 Xbox 360 dashboard update

As first outlined at the E3 video game industry tradeshow in June, Microsoft is readying an update to the dashboard software that runs on Xbox 360 game consoles, as well as the Xbox Live online service.
Read more »

Microsoft dangles carrots to boost Xbox 360 console sales

To encourage Singapore gamers to hop onto the Xbox 360 bandwagon, Microsoft is bundling for free the Halo 3 (Platinum Hit) game together with its S$499 (US$360) 60GB Pro console. In Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea, the Redmond software giant is offering a different promotion that comes with its Play and Charge Kit. This accessory comprises a USB charging cable and NiMH rechargeable battery valued at S$33 (US$23.81) compared with S$39.90 (US$28.79) for the Halo.

If you're willing to wait just a little longer, the competition is going to heat up pretty soon with the rumored slim PlayStation 3 looming on the horizon. We're not expecting a fire sale from Sony, but there's a pretty good chance the "fat" PS3 may be priced lower to make way for the new model.

Wii Sports Resort has arrived in Asia

Last month, we got some hands-on time with Wii Sports Resort, the first-party Nintendo game that comes bundled with Wii MotionPlus. While most of the minigames are new, you'll recognize a few classics from the original title such as golf and bowling. That aside, there's a lot of new activities in Wii Sports Resort, all of which take advantage of Wii MotionPlus.

During our demo, we especially enjoyed our time with table tennis and archery. After playing with the final version for about a week now, table tennis remains among the highlights of the game. The capability to perform top spin and fades on the ball makes for a very satisfying experience.
Read more »

Konnet Power Pyramid charges PS3 and XBox controllers

Konnet makes a few versions of its Power Pyramid charging docks, including one that's designed to charge four wireless Xbox 360 controllers at one time and one that charges four PS3 controllers (which only come in a wireless version). However, the model we reviewed is the only one that charges both wireless Xbox 360 and PS3 controllers. That duality obviously has some appeal to gamers who own both systems and don't want to invest in two charging systems.

Wireless Xbox 360 and PS3 controllers can be charged via USB, but a dedicated charger such the Power Pyramid eliminates cable clutter (there's only a single AC adapter) and lets you charge controllers without having the respective game consoles turned on. Like many other charging stations, what's nice about the Power Pyramid is that it also doubles as a storage stand for your controllers.

Via CNET.com

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (2185)

» Digital Cameras (963)

» Notebooks (1222)

» PC & Peripherals (1293)

» Handhelds (581)

» Printers (79)

» Home AV (1127)

» Music & Play (883)

» Gadgets (1462)

» Future Tech (384)

» Green Tech (169)

» Lifestyle (148)

» Luxury (22)

» Home Appliances (57)

» Cars (98)

» Games and Gear (243)

» Software (89)

» Web (96)

Previously...

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Hot Topics

Subscribe to
Crave

What's Hot

apple apple inc. apple iphone apple ipod asia battery camera game google inc. iphone microsoft corp. microsoft windows mobile phone photograph singapore smart phone software sony corp. video

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads