Downsides: Xbox compatibility, Price

There is not much that’s not to like, provided Kinect works as Microsoft promises when it hits the street on November 4. There are, however, a few things you should know. Kinect is compatible with any Xbox 360, but it will need an extra power plug if you are using the “old” Xbox 360. It will directly plug into the new Xbox 360, without the need of an extra power source. We hear that Microsoft is planning more Xbox 360 versions down the road. The Arcade will drop to $149, while there will be a slim $199 version as well. So be patient.

And then, of course, there is the price. The technology of Kinect isn’t cheap. There has been lots of R&D and the hardware in it is fairly new. So don’t expect this thing to be especially affordable. Guessing that Kinect will cost $149 might be a bit optimistic. We have lately heard $189 and, given what we have seen today, this might be a more realistic price tag. It seems to be expensive, but remember that you don’t need any controllers anymore. Four (original) Sixaxis PS3 controllers will cost you $240 these days. Sony’s Move is expected to cost $99, but we have no idea how many controllers we will get for that price. Expect to pay $200 for a full set for the entire family as well.  The perception of Kinect’s price is relative.

What now, Sony? What about Nintendo?

Microsoft has put its cards on the table and they aren’t especially bad. Sony needs to counter the challenge effectively. It isn’t difficult to figure out what Sony needs to do: Sony needs an updated PS3, it needs a price drop, it needs an affordable Move, it needs to heavily promote 3D and it needs plenty of exclusive content. You can read my column over on Tom’s Hardware to get more detail on that.

Nintendo will be an interesting one this year. Right now, it seems that Nintendo will be drowned by Sony and Microsoft. It had a few successful years and the Wii’s prime time is over. Or is it? Nintendo’s always good for a surprise, so don’t count it out just yet.

I have every understanding that, if you love your PS3, you might be tempted to bash Kinect. Perhaps because you feel Sony should have done it and not Microsoft. Perhaps because Microsoft has secured lots of exclusive titles. Or perhaps you did not get a free Xbox 360.

But let’s be realistic. Microsoft has fully delivered on its promise of Project Natal and Kinect looks great. I have no doubt that this thing will be one of the most anticipated gadgets for this holiday season and play a major role in the final stretch of the current gen console race. Well done, Microsoft.

Now let’s see what Sony can do with Move. It looks like it’s going to be an exciting year for video gaming.

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