The E3 video game expo has stirred the entire game community this past week.  It seems that Nintendo’s Wii is going to have some competition soon.  Both Sony and Microsoft previewed their motion control systems.

Microsoft going controller-less.

Microsoft presented first, putting its revolutionary no-controller-needed system to the test.  That’s what I said…NO controller.  The videos are a bit unbelievable, but Project Natal is going to be impressive for sure if they can pull it off.  My first thought when I watched the video trailer of Project Natal was, “Amazing, finally a game where you can actually do some martial arts!”  My next thought was, “Wow, someone is going to kick their TV.  I wonder what kind of warnings to expect on this system?”  Project Natal tracks full body motions using a camera scanner, IR sensor, and several microphones.  A sensor bar sits under your TV, similar to the Wii sensor bar, but this Xbox prototype form is much more advanced.

Sony stays closer to Wii home.

The rumor two years ago that Sony was making a motion controller for the PS2 turned out to be nothing but rumor.  However, they didn’t say anything about not making one for the PS3.  Exclusive for the PS3, Sony’s new motion wand system uses the Playstation Eye camera with a motion controller similar to the Wiimote.  Sony got to present after Microsoft, giving them a slight advantage and a chance to pull the some-games-require-an-actual-controller card.  The Sony wand contains a sensor with a glowing sphere that is picked up by the Playstation Eye camera.  Press a button and the sphere changes color to reveal a new virtual tool in hand.  Throw a fire ball, slash your opponent with a sword, and shoot an arrow, all with one controller.  Unlike Microsoft’s presentation, Sony’s demonstration was live, not just a video.  Congrats to Sony for taking it to the next step.

Who will reign?

So what does this mean for the Wii?  Is it obsolete once Microsoft and Sony enter the market?  Or will Wii’s track record of great fitness and interactive products help it reign supreme?