The newly released XBox Kinect lets you play games without a controller. And two of its competitors are heading in the same direction. But which is right for the gamer on your list?
Motion-based video games are hot. They detect your movements, letting you be part of the action. Something friends Ethan and Jack really like.
"Sports games are like my favourite type of game," Ethan said.
"You really feel like you're in the game," Jack said.
The boys like using a Wii gaming console. Wii was the first to get into motion-based gaming.
Consumer Reports just checked out the updated, enhanced controller option.
"Nintendo has created the Wii Motion Plus, which is an accessory that attaches to the Wii remote, which basically helps the Nintendo Wii detect the motion of the Wii remote controller," Consumer Reports' Matt Ferretti said.
But you still need a remote to play Wii's games and a platform for activities like yoga. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports says Wii's graphics aren't great. But it costs about a hundred dollars less than the Sony PlayStation's Move and the Kinect from Xbox 360, making the Wii a good choice for entry-level gamers.
The Move and Kinect are more expensive if you are buying the whole system but testers note that the Playstation Move has great graphics, and you only need controllers -- no platform necessary.
A plus, the PlayStation system is also a Blu-ray player, an internet browser, and has the ability to play some games in 3-D.
The new Kinect is unique because you don't need to hold anything while you're playing.
"You stand in front of a camera and it basically picks up everything your body does," Ferretti said.
So whatever moves you make, your avatar will do the same thing on the screen. That's why you don't need a controller.
What you will need, though, is a lot of space - ideally two meters from the TV set, and plenty of elbow room for two players.
Consumer Reports says the Kinect is worth the money. Still, the advice from expert gamers like Victor Lucas at The Electric Playground is that you may want to wait a while before jumping in.
"If you really want some motion control fun and you don't have a Wii, I would say go for that first. The Wii has a great library and there are lots of older games and lots of excellent games from this year to enjoy. I would wait to see what Move and Kinect have to offer in the future because getting in right now is going to cost you about as much money as it would to buy a Wii and I think that's just money better spent," he said.
All three motion-based gaming systems come bundled with at least one game. Additional games will run you about $50 each.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
