Sony believes they will be able to convert Wii users into PlayStation 3 users with their new PS3 motion controller, now officially called the "PlayStation Move." A huddle of SCEA reps took the stage at GDC in San Francisco and made their case for the device this afternoon, which was previously believed to be called the Arc or Gem.
The Move consists of a previously seen orb-topped wand and an optional nunchuck-like subcontroller that will be sold by themselves, with the PlayStation Eye or bundled with the PS3 when it comes out this fall, according to a report on Kotaku. Paired with the Eye, the controller will launch at under $100.
Several games, including "Move Party," "LittleBigPlanet," a fighter title and casual sports releases appeared at the unveiling. Sony said the new peripheral would offer true 3-D rotation, buttons and an analog trigger, which it believes will usher in a new era of motion control gaming.
We're definitely entering a new era alright. And Sony stepped up to Microsoft's flurry of pre-announced titles with its own lineup today. Precision, real 3-D movement and augmented reality gaming when it parters with the Eye are going to be the key elements that make or break the Move -- especially against the Wii.
We already knew Sony had the hardware to support superior graphics. Now we'll get to see if they can pull off a convincing controller alternative that outdoes Nintendo before going up against Microsoft's Project Natal. The great motion hardware arms race of 2010 is officially on!
Are you impressed thus far with what you've seen of the PlayStation Move? Did Sony make the right call naming it the Move over the Arc or Gem? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.