WHAT IS KINECT?

You are the controller. That’s Microsoft’s ideology for Kinect (formerly known as Project Natal), a “controller-free gaming and entertainment experience” that will let you remove your Xbox gamepad from the equation entirely if you so choose. With all the motion-controlled madness that is flooding the gaming world following the Wii’s success, it’s no surprise that Microsoft and Sony (with their own PlayStation Move) are hopping on the bandwagon, each taking different approaches to this motion-controlled war.

Kinect is essentially a webcam-style peripheral for your Xbox. It’s a horizontal bar that can track your movements, read gestures you make and even recognise your face.

The most interesting thing to bear in mind with Kinect, however, is that while the Wii and PlayStation’s Move (the latter of which uses both a camera and a controller) both use controllers to augment their motion control in some way, Kinect does not and relies on its tech-filled sensor bar to differentiate itself.

Games for the Kinect

Kinect Adventures

Kinect Adventures Comes FREE with every Xbox 360 Kinect You, your friends and your family will jump, dodge and kick your way through 20 heart-pounding events set in exotic locales. That means powering through roaring rapids, climbing mountaintop obstacle courses and exploring a leaky underwater observatory.

Kinectimals

Transports you to a magical island where you can adopt any of five different adorable furry friends. Bond with your pet and build a friendship as you explore new places and make exciting discoveries. Teach your pal some new tricks, and then play together and complete fun challenges.

Joy Ride

Enjoy five different game modes as you race through three unique worlds with stunning landscapes. Navigate obstacles, power slide through corners and fly off jumps to wow your opponents with mid-air acrobatics.

Kinect Sports

Brings intuitive full body motion to a collection of sports, no matter the experience level. See a ball? Kick it. Is that a javelin? Throw it.

Dance Central

The first immersive dance video game that features and tracks full-body dance moves. Completely free from any controller, every routine has authentic choreography for beginners and experts alike to master, alongside a killer soundtrack that spans today’s current pop, hip-hop and R&B artists.

Your Shape Fitness Evolved

Burn calories while having fun, either with a personal trainer, taking classes or through family-friendly mini games. As you exercise, you’ll receive specific feedback on your every move, so you know you’re getting the most out of it.