Sony's new PS3 motion controller, whether it's called the "Gem," "Arc," "Wand" or something else entirely, has been officially delayed until well after its original Spring 2010 launch date. Sony had hoped to get their ice cream cone-like peripheral out ahead of Microsoft's Project Natal hardware, and they still may by a few weeks, but it looks like the two products will effectively be going head to head for the 2010 holiday season.
"We have decided to release the Motion Controller in fall 2010 when we will be able to offer an exciting and varied line-up of software titles that will deliver the new entertainment experience to PS3 users," Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. president and group CEO Kazuo Hirai said in a press release. "We will continue to work to have a comprehensive portfolio of attractive and innovative games for the Motion Controller, not only from SCE Worldwide Studios but also from the third party developers and publishers, whom we have been working closely with. We look forward to soon unveiling the exciting software line-up that further expands and defines the PS3 platform as the ultimate entertainment system for the home."
It's always difficult to see through the capitalizations and weird marketing format standards in press releases, but it looks like Sony is sticking with the proper name "Motion Controller" for the time being. That title doesn't come with the ominous-yet-enticing "Matrix" implications of Project Natal. Nor does it run the risk of juvenilizing their product with something like "The Sony Sno Cone," which was the first name that came to mind when I saw it. It probably does leave their options open, however, while their branding teams work overtime trying to finalize their decision -- maybe in time for E3?
Are you disappointed about the Sony motion controller delay? What do you think they should call it? Share your suggestions in the comment section below.