Kinect with your 360!

Kinect, Microsoft's motion controller meant to compete with the Nintento Wii and the Playstation Move was released today after much anticipation and even more speculation about how well the camera based attachment for the Xbox 360 will function. The early reviews seem to indicate that despite some issues with required space the camera needs and some lackluster launch software, Kinect has the potential to be a literal game changer.

How does Kinect work, you ask? In simple terms, Kinect is an array of cameras and microphones that track your body movements, allowing your body to be the "controller" for Kinect games. You can also use voice and gestures to control most aspects of the Xbox 360 Dashboard - one of the early complaints, however, is that Netflix on the 360 has no Kinect controls at the moment. Hopefully this will be added sooner than later.

Kinect comes with 'Kinect Adventures" a collection of mini-games meant to showcase how Kinect can track full body movements. Reviewrs seem to think the software really showcases Kinect's ability well. Other notable launch software are "Dance Central" a dancing game made by the same people behind Rock Band; Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, which is similar to Wii Fit (without a balance board); Kinectimals, a virtual pet game; and Kinect Sports, which is similar to Wii Sports.

Even with a steep $150 price tag, Kinect seems to already be selling well. If game developers get on board, we could be seeing a massive shift in how games are made and played. I can't wait to pick up mine! Has anyone else picked up Kinect? Let me know what you think of it!