Kinect for Xbox 360

Kinect for Xbox 360: Such a Big Leap  

Not just your average jump shot.

Just when we thought they've made big leaps in making game controllers and joysticks as ergonomic as possible, now come something even more revolutionary.  The human body--via our signature gestures, face, and voice--as the ultimate controller.

That's what Kinect(very nice-sounding and appropriate name, better than it's initial Project Natal moniker) is all about.  As such, the ad campaign for the Xbox's peripheral is "You are the controller."

You kick--the RGB camera senses your movement--and your game avatar kicks on screen simultaneously as well.  Don't you just wish there was Kinect in the days of Street Fighters?  With Kinect, you'll be needing lots of space to kick around though, and thrash about and gesticulate for optimal gaming experience.  

Another catch is this: Yes, Kinect for Xbox 360 requires lots of space, but stray too far from the camera's peripheral vision (for instance, when you get too carried away with the fight sequences), and you'll be told to step back into the frame.  Bummer, huh?

Understandably, Kinect is just version 1.0, and there's certainly much to be improved on of course.  

At its standalone price of $149 though ($299 when bundled with Xbox 360 4G), it's a good buy.  Heck, we've been dreaming of this a long time ago, and now it's here.

More thorough Kinect review?