Microsoft has revealed a "revolutionary" motion-control system for Xbox 360

Project Natal is Microsoft's attempt to beat Nintendo at its own game, with a device that not only brings motion control to 360, but also removes the need for a controller altogether.

The technology revolves around a motion- and voice-sensing-enabled camera that tracks your entire body movements, and recognises voice commands.

During its press conference, Microsoft showed-off the device with a game called Ricochet, which lets you use your entire body to bat balls at a brick wall – think Breakout, but you'll look ten times more ridiculous playing it.

Microsoft also did a demo of Paint Party, which enables you to use your body movements to throw paint at a canvas like a hi-tech Jackson Pollack.

But more impressive was Project Natal's ability to eliminate the need for a controller in more mundane activities. The camera can recognise your face and instantly log you into your XBL profile, without the need to press a single button.

You can also turn the console on and off with voice recognition, and navigate menus by waving your hands about. Pretty impressive stuff.

Oddly enough, Microsoft managed to bring legendary Hollywood director Steven Spielberg to the conference to voice his enthusiasm for Project Natal.

"Vast numbers of people are too intimidated by picking up a game controller," said Spielberg. "The only way to bring interactive entertainment to everybody is to make the tech invisible."

"Two months ago Don [Mattrick] shared with me the Natal experience, and the gamer in me went out of my mind. I thought I was present for a historic movement. As a creator I could visualise a new way to personalise the game-playing experience."

Project Natal then. Spielberg's excited. So are we.