NowGamer conducts an overview of the three new motion control technologies presented at this year's E3, and survey's the office to find out which of the Big Three came out on top

PS3 motion control

Sony’s as yet unnamed motion controller seems to be the more “core-focused” of the three new techs revealed at E3. This was underscored during Sony’s presentation, where its developers demonstrated the technology’s precision and application in a series of traditional game scenarios, covering FPS, RTS, and action genres.

But of course Sony’s main problem lies with the more headline-grabbing technology presented by Microsoft, which on the surface makes the PS3's dual Wii-mote solution look a tad old hat. This is a battle for the Wii’s market after all, and it’s hard to see how Sony can really attack it.

The other issue is Sony’s track record in supporting its other motion-based peripherals, i.e. the Eye Toy and PS Eye, both of which suffered greatly due to a lack of decent software.

However, the PS3 still has the Playstation brand as an asset, as well as a Blu-ray player, and by the time Sony’s motion tech is released the price of the console is likely to have dropped. This combination could make the PS3 a very attractive proposition to casual gamers looking to upgrade from the Wii, to something more feature-laden, that’s also able to match the Wii’s USP.

Project Natal

Project Natal has been called a “game changer” by many, and when it when was unvieled during E3 you could really feel the sense of surprise and excitement flowing through the conference hall.

In many respects Microsoft has completely leap-frogged the Wii in terms of making games more accessible. Although Nintendo's president Satoru Iwata says he wasn’t surprised by Natal's announcement, Microsoft has for the first time opened a possible avenue through which it can seriously challenge Nintendo’s dominance of the casual market.

If Natal works as promised, it could be huge. But as with any radical (and potentially disruptive) tech (take the Wii for example), it will be dogged with questions over its functionality while everyone waits for its release (already, rumours are circulating that Natal doesn’t work well with dark skinned users). During the highly controlled demos at E3, which took place in a barren white-walled room, most users reported positive experiences.

The other issue with Natal is its applicability to more established game genres.  Judging by the ball batting and paint tech demos Microsoft revealed during E3, it seems Natal will be more geared toward casual games, which has prompted some discontent amongst the hardcore.

But if you use your imagination there is also scope for Natal to be used as a complimentary technology that runs alongside the regular controller, so its hardcore implications can still be fulfilled. For instance, using voice commands to interact with NPCs in an RPG, or throwing a grenade in an FPS. Natal has the potential to be an incredibly versatile technology.

Wii Motion Control Plus

Nintendo’s Motion Control Plus attachment doesn’t offer anything quite as revolutionary as Project Natal, nor does it appear to match the precision of Sony’s tech. So on the face of it by releasing the add-on Nintendo is looking like your typical complacent incumbent. It’s no secret that Wii sales have been slowing over the last few months, as Nintendo struggles to grow the vast market it discovered back in 2006, and it’s unlikely that Motion Control Plus is able to reverse that trend.

When Nintendo unveiled its Vitality Sensor during its E3 press conference the mocking laughter was audible, but it’s probably this peripheral that will shift more Wii consoles than anything else. It’s perfectly pitched to the sorts of people who bought into self-improvement software such as Wii-Fit and Brain Training.

The winner is...

Yes we know that asking for a winner this early in the race is facetious, but for a bit of fun we put the question to some of the best game journos in the country. Here’s the results!

Jon Gordon, news editor, 360 Magazine

"In terms of what they showed and how exciting it was to watch then I’d say Project Natal is the winner. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the most successful of the three in the long run."

"Project Natal is potential more than anything, not just for casual games but for hardcore too. In combination with a control pad, Natal could bring more depth and embellishment to hardcore games, such as allowing you interact with NPCs in an RPG. You’re not going to get that kind of stuff from Sony, as its tech doesn’t seem able to integrate with its current output of games."

Gavin Mackenzie, games editor, Play

"Although it looks like a cross between a deep sea fish and some sort of sex toy, I’m leaning towards Sony’s motion control. Microsoft’s press conference seemed a bit fake, and I’m not entirely convinced Natal can deliver on the promises."

Nick Jones, editor in chief, Play

"It’s impossible to say who was the winner in terms of motion control tech at E3, as Sony and Microsoft’s offerings were all tech demos superficially dressed-up. Especially with Project Natal, we don’t know just how well this tech will work in your living room."

Ash Day, retro editor, games™

"Nintendo had the most impressive motion technology as they were the only company which had finished games running with it, so they win."

Luke Albiges, games editor, games™

"It’s a split decision between Sony and Microsoft. Both look brilliantly implemented in different ways. With Natal showing potential for integration into traditional games, and Sony’s tech showing incredible levels of precision."

Simon Miller, editor, X360

"Microsoft won definitely. Wii Motion Plus is good, but it should’ve been there from the beginning. Sony’s controller is just a next gen Wiimote. But Natal is a real technological jump."

Dave Shaw, staff writer, X360

"Microsoft won. I’m sceptical about Milo, but it has been so long since I saw something announced that actually excited me like when I was a kid. Though the technology’s potential is probably ten years off."

Winner: Project Natal
Runner up: PS3 motion controller