Kinect, if you haven’t already heard, is a new peripheral for your Xbox 360. It’s Microsoft’s answer to the Nintendo Wii, and it turns you into a flailing XBOX 360 controller. Sure, its 4 years too late, but its distinctly different from it’s low-def competition in that absolutely no controllers, wands, guns or dance pads are needed.
Using multiple cameras and infrared technology, the Kinect sensor, maps your entire body into the game you are playing allowing you to swing at balls, jump over obstacles, or dance your tush off. Kinect, a truly unique experience, is currently being pushed as an entire family gaming destination.
Kinect’s ability to break down the barrier between confusing and fun has opened the Xbox 360 to a whole new audience.
What Makes It A Great Gift?
Many families already have an Xbox 360. Whether its plugged up in Juniors’ room or connected to the big screen in the family room, with the 360 being a solid 5 years old the market has successfully been penetrated. Kinect gives the rest of the family an opportunity to use the often testosterone heavy Xbox 360. At $150 Kinect costs less than a new console, and comes with a great starter game, Kinect Adventures. Other titles like Kinect Sports, Kinectimals, Kinect Joyride and Dance Central give the consumer a nice diverse line up of games to choose from.
For families that don’t have an Xbox 360 already Microsoft has put together a killer bundle to meet all of your holiday present needs. For a low $300, Kinect can be purchased with a brand new redesigned Xbox 360. I’ll save you the trouble and do the math for you. That’s a $50 discount when you buy the 360 with Kinect bundled and it still comes with Kinect Adventures. Sure other options are available for purchase, but if you don’t already have a 360 and are looking to dive into a new console the Kinect bundle is clearly a great way to go.
Conclusion
As for the future of Kinect, no one knows where it will go. Microsoft is claiming it’s a hit, by announcing sales numbers that exceed 2.5 million already. Worst case scenario, it flops early next year, and no more games are developed for the hardware. With the launch line up of titles, and the games that have been announces there’s already years of entertainment on the market. Best case scenario, your loved one opens Kinect on Christmas day and the entire family has an unforgettable night of Kinect gaming.
